A preliminary review of individual reports strongly suggest that high-dose vitamin D may be one of the most effective treatment yet discovered for irritable bowel syndrome
IBS, also known as spastic colon, is a common disease with no known cause or cure. The disease is characterized by alternating periods of remission and flareups. Symptom flareups tend to be dominated either by diarrhea or constipation, but they can include either, as well as abdominal discomfort, pain and bloating. Many patients manage IBS through a combination of pharmaceutical and alternative therapies, but no therapy is consistently effective for all people
Some of the strongest scientific evidence for the effectiveness of vitamin D treatments comes from a study conducted by researchers from the University of Sheffield, England, and published in the journal in December 2012
The paper begins by reporting the case of a 41-year-old woman who had suffered from "severe, diarrhea-predominant IBS" for 25 years, and who had received an official diagnosis approximately 20 years prior to the study. She had undergone treatments with anti-spasmodic drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, and anti-microbial drugs, but none had any significant effect on her symptoms
Dietary therapies, including avoiding lactose and gluten, had provided more reliable symptom relief, but had not stopped her from having regular flareups. Likewise, she gained only minimal relief from other alternative treatments including colonic irrigation, counseling, hypnotherapy and the use of other supplements including aloe vera, caprylic acid, garlic oil, peppermint tea and probiotics. Through social media, the woman learned that other sufferers head effectively used vitamin D3 as an IBS treatment
"The patient now takes 2000-4000 IU vitamin D3 daily," the researchers wrote. "Dosage varies according to season, 2000 IU in summer and 3-4000 IU in winter. Since commencing this supplementation regime, the subject experienced significant improvement in symptoms and now experiences near normal bowel habits. In 3 years of supplementation, relapses only occur if supplementation is ceased"
Vitamin D supplementation also produced an end to her ongoing depression and anxiety problems, the researchers reported
Based on these remarkable results, the researchers decided to investigate similar reports. They searched the Internet for websites and forums where IBS patients reported their use of vitamin D. The researchers identified 37 separate IBS patients who reported the use of vitamin D. In 70 percent of these cases, the patients reported that vitamin D supplementation had led to improvements in their condition
Because vitamin D is fat-soluble and might be hazardous at the extremely high doses used for IBS therapy, researchers recommend that patients refrain from self-treating, and instead consult their doctors to be issued a vitamin D megadose prescription
One patient said, "I... have had IBS for about 20 years... in August 2009...I began taking 3000 IU of Vitamin D... surely but slowly, I stopped having the crazy urgency to go, and began to have normal bowel movements... I then began taking 5000 IU of vitamin D a day... and since then ... I feel I have turned the tide"

Another said, "When my prescription [for vitamin D] ran out my doctor told me to take over the counter vitamins once a day again... The longer I was off the high dose vitamin D the sicker I got... the day after I started the high dose vitamin D, I felt better quickly"
According to IBS researcher Margherita T. Cantorna of Penn State University, IBS can actually cause vitamin D deficiency. As such, she recommends that all IBS patients have their vitamin D levels tested even if they are not considering vitamin D therapy

Sources
http://www.vitasearch.com/get-clp-summary/40529
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org

 

 

 

Walking through the supplement aisle can make you feel pretty confident. Promises like “fat loss,” “muscle gain,” and “reduced aging” plaster nearly every bottle and container. And with more than 29,000 dietary supplements to choose from, there’s no wonder you feel uncertain about which ones are more show than substance. Here are top supplements—sensational marketing claims sold separately.

1. Fish Oil

Fish oil is known for delivering omega-3’s, essential fats that our bodies can’t make on our own so must get them from our diet. Even if you eat fish one to two times per week, you won’t be taking in enough omega-3’s to meet your body’s needs. By taking a high quality fish oil, you can reduce triglycerides, lower your risk of heart disease, protect your brain health, and potentially lower your risk of diabetes. Omega-3’s may even help with losing body fat. When choosing a supplement, pay seeks brands that deliver a minimum of 2 g EPA and DHA (two of the three acids in omega-3s) daily.

2. Vitamin D

Plenty of data has suggested that the majority of Americans have less than optimal levels of Vitamin D. That’s not surprising – the nutrient is tough to get from food (though canned salmon, milk, and sardines are all good sources), and the only other method is sunlight. Some people live in areas with less sunlight, and cannot make sufficient amounts of this vitamin, and even when you are outside, most people are covered with clothing and/or suntan lotion. Most experts agree that supplementing with at least 1000 IU’s daily is a good start.

3. Whey Protein

Whey protein is not an essential supplement, but it is a good one to have on hand. Because whey is high in branched-chain amino acids, it can aid recovery from exercise. More importantly, whey protein is a quick, convenient source of quality calories.

4. Greens Products

While not a replacement for fruits and vegetables, Greens products (fruit and vegetable concentrates) are a good “insurance” policy if your produce consumption is lower than idea. Less than 6% of men and 9% of women aged 5 to 34 consume the recommended minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Greens can help fill this void. They’re especially handy when real produce is hard to come by, like during times of heavy travel.

5. Probiotics

Here’s the deal -- there are millions of different strains of bacteria in our guts. Some are good. Others, not so much. The bacteria in your gut can influence your overall health, digestion and immune system. Probiotics can help replenish and nourish your internal supply of good bacteria, sometimes leading to less gas, bloating, and abdominal pain. Aim for a product from a trusted brand that lists at least 3 billion organisms per serving. Keep it refrigerated after opening to protect those organisms.

6. Turmeric (Curcumin)

Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Indian dishes, and a key component in the spice is curcumin. Hundreds have studies have suggested that curcumin possesses a wide range of beneficial health properties, including anti cancer, anti viral, anti arthritic and anti inflammatory properties. The nutrient’s very strong anti inflammatory actions are seen as one of the primary drivers of these benefits.

7. Cinnamon

Another powerful spice, cinnamon has one of the highest antioxidant levels of any of the spices. Several studies have shown that cinnamon may improve insulin sensitivity, which improves utilization of carbohydrates and leads to better blood sugar control. Sprinkle it in shakes, on oats, yogurt, cottage cheese or wherever you’d enjoy the added flavor. Or if you want the assurance of getting a specific dose, you can choose a supplement. Studies have shown that 1g daily (about 1/2 teaspoons) is sufficient.

8. Psyillium

Psyillium is a soluble fiber that can help lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar in people who have diabetes. If you choose to supplement, start with small doses and build over time.

9. Creatine

Creatine is one of the most extensively studied nutritional supplements, both in clinical research and by real-life athletes, and to date most findings indicate one thing: Creatine works. The supplement may enhance muscle function during high-intensity exercise, and cause muscle hypertrophy, likely due to increased water retention by muscle cells, although some data suggest there may be gains in muscle fiber diameter as well. Vegetarians may have a greater response to supplementation because of their limited intake of dietary creatine. Creatine supplementation under supervision, 3-5g per day, can help improve strength or speed, or help you add on weight.

10. Beta Alanine

β-Alanine supplements have garnered interest over the last several years as several research investigations have linked its use to performance improvements. Some clinical research shows that taking beta-alanine improves some measures of physical performance, especially during high-intensity exercise and strength training. Beta-alanine is used, under supervision, for improving athletic performance and exercise capacity, building lean muscle mass, and improving physical functioning in the elderly.

11. Glucosamine

Glucosamine is found naturally in the body, particularly in the cartilage: it is one of the building blocks of cartilage and is also found in the fluid that lubricates the body's joints. Glucosamine's job in the body is to generate cartilage production and repair. It can also be manufactured and sold in supplement form -- this type of glucosamine often comes from animal cartilage.

12. Green Tea

Green tea contains high levels of polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that helps combat dangerous free radicals, which can damage cells and DNA. Polyphenols may also be able to prevent inflammation and swelling. The antioxidants in green tea supplements may help protect the heart and blood vessels.

 

 

 

References

1- Journal of the American College of Nutrition: Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases

2- Journal of the American Medical Association: Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Cancer Risk

3- SpringerLink: Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Psychiatry: A Review

4- "International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism"; Effect of Creatine Supplementation and Resistance-Exercise Training on Muscle Insulin-like Growth Factor in Young Adults; D.G. Burke et al.; August 2008

5- "European Journal of Applied Physiology"; The Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Muscular Performance and Body Composition Responses to Short-Term Resistance Training Overeaching; J.S. Volek et al.; May 2004

6- "International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism"; Effect of Creatine Supplementation on Body Composition and Performance: A Meta-Analysis; J.D. Branch; June 2003

7- "Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry"; Long-Term Creatine Supplementation Does Not Significantly Affect Clinical Markers of Health in Athletes; R.B. Kreider et al.; February 2003

8- MayoClinic.com; Is it Important to Include Probiotics in a Healthy Diet?; Katherine Zeratsky; April 2010

9- "The Probiotics Revolution: The Definitive Guide to Safe, Natural Health Solutions Using Probiotic and Prebiotic Foods and Supplements"; Gary B. Huffnagle and Sarah Wernick; June 2008

10- Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium

11- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D

12- MayoClinic.com; What Are Prebiotics? How Are They Different From Probiotics, and What Health Benefits do They Offer?; Katherine Zeratsky; October 2009

13- Harvard Health Publications: Fish and Fish Oil: Good For Most Folks but Not For ALL

This fact sheet provides basic information about aloe vera—common names, what the science says, potential side effects and cautions, and resources for more information.

Aloe vera’s use can be traced back 6,000 years to early Egypt, where the plant was depicted on stone carvings. Known as the “plant of immortality,” aloe was presented as a burial gift to deceased pharaohs.

Historically, aloe was used topically to heal wounds and for various skin conditions, and orally as a laxative. Today, in addition to these uses, aloe is used as a folk or traditional remedy for a variety of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis. It is also used topically for osteoarthritis, burns, sunburns, and psoriasis. Aloe vera gel can be found in hundreds of skin products, including lotions and sunblocks. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved aloe vera as a natural food flavoring.

Aloe leaves contain a clear gel that is often used as a topical ointment. The green part of the leaf that surrounds the gel can be used to produce a juice or a dried substance (called latex) that is taken by mouth.


What the Science Says

    Aloe latex contains strong laxative compounds. Products made with various components of aloe (aloin, aloe-emodin, and barbaloin) were at one time regulated by the FDA as oral over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives. In 2002, the FDA required that all OTC aloe laxative products be removed from the U.S. market or reformulated because the companies that manufactured them did not provide the necessary safety data.
    Early studies show that topical aloe gel may help heal burns and abrasions. One study, however, showed that aloe gel inhibits healing of deep surgical wounds. Aloe gel has not been shown to prevent burns from radiation therapy.
    There is not enough scientific evidence to support aloe vera for any of its other uses.


Side Effects and Cautions

    Use of topical aloe vera is not associated with significant side effects.
    A 2-year National Toxicology Program (NTP) study on oral consumption of non-decolorized whole leaf extract of aloe vera found clear evidence of carcinogenic activity in male and female rats, based on tumors of the large intestine. According to the NTP, from what is known right now there is nothing that would lead them to believe that these findings are not relevant to humans. However, more information, including how individuals use different types of aloe vera products, is needed to determine the potential risks to humans.
    Abdominal cramps and diarrhea have been reported with oral use of aloe vera.
    Diarrhea, caused by the laxative effect of oral aloe vera, can decrease the absorption of many drugs.
    People with diabetes who use glucose-lowering medication should be cautious if also taking aloe by mouth because preliminary studies suggest aloe may lower blood glucose levels.
    There have been a few case reports of acute hepatitis from aloe vera taken orally. However, the evidence is not definitive.
    Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about complementary and alternative medicine, see NCCAM's Time to Talk campaign.




Sources

    Aloe. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturaldatabase.com on May 4, 2009.
    Aloe (Aloe vera). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturalstandard.com on May 4, 2009.

Arginine, or L-arginine, is an amino acid that is made in the body. As a supplement, it seems to help with several conditions, from migraines to inflammation.

Why do people take arginine?

Because it relaxes blood vessels, arginine might have cardiovascular benefits for some people. Studies show that it might ease the symptoms of angina and peripheral arterial disease. It seems to boost the health of people with heart failure. It might also help with erectile dysfunction, but mostly when combined with other supplements such as yohimbine. Some studies have shown an immune-boosting effect.

Arginine combats the symptoms of wasting caused by HIV. It seems to improve the symptoms of kidney inflammation and assists kidney function after a transplant. Studies show arginine might ease migraines, improve blood pressure, lessen recovery time after surgery, and speed up wound healing.

Not all studies have been positive. Arginine does not seem to help with heart attack recovery, preeclampsia, or exercise tolerance in people with heart failure. It seems to worsen asthma.

Arginine has been studied as a treatment for many more conditions. They include dementia, hypertension, cancer, male infertility, diabetes, and obesity. But the results have been inconclusive. More research needs to be done.

Arginine has become a popular supplement in the U.S. However, most people seem to have enough arginine in their bodies already. They might not get much benefit from supplements.

How much arginine should you take?

There is no standard dose of arginine. Studies have used different amounts for different conditions. One common dosage is 2 to 3 grams three times a day. The safety of long-term arginine supplement use is not clear. Ask your doctor for advice.

In some cases, doctors recommend supplemental arginine. People with protein malnutrition, burns, infections, rapid growth, and other conditions might need supplemental arginine.

Can you get arginine naturally from foods?

Many foods are natural sources of arginine. They include nuts (like walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, peanuts, almonds, cashews, and Brazil nuts), seeds (like sesame and sunflower), oats, corn, cereals, buckwheat, brown rice, dairy products, meat, chicken, and chocolate.

What are the risks of taking arginine?

Side effects. Most people taking arginine have few side effects. It can cause nausea, cramps, diarrhea, allergic reactions, and asthma symptoms. It could also cause low blood pressure and changes to glucose and blood chemical levels. There is some thought that the ratio of lysine to arginine in the diet (or with supplements) can affect whether or not latent herpes viruses appear. Some doctors recommend increasing lysine and decreasing arginine to help prevent the recurrence of symptoms associated with herpes simplex virus.

Risks. If you have any medical conditions -- like cancer, asthma, allergies, liver or kidney problems, low blood pressure, sickle cell disease, or a bleeding disorder -- or have had a heart attack, don't take arginine without talking to a doctor first.

Interactions. If you take any medicines or supplements regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using arginine. They could interact with birth control medicines, hormone therapy drugs, blood thinners, some painkillers, and medicines for erectile dysfunction, heartburn, high blood pressure and diabetes. Arginine could also interact with supplements like ginkgo biloba, garlic, and potassium.

Given the uncertain risks, arginine should not be used by children or by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding without a doctor's approval.

A Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine study in the November 22 issue of Journal of Biological Chemistry, explains how vitamin A is generated from beta carotene, its dietary precursors. The discovery sheds new light into how beta carotene’s enzymes are utilized differently contributing to the vitamin’s production. This insight will help guide solutions for vitamin A deficiency, a global public health problem affecting more than half of all countries, according to the World Health Organization.

The study, named a Paper of the Week, led by Johannes von Lintig, PhD, associate professor of pharmacology, demonstrates that beta-carotene is converted to Vitamin A and not other metabolites, which some theorized were toxic compounds.

Vitamin A deficiency is especially prevalent in developing countries of Asia, due to largely rice-based diets which lack beta-carotene, a member of the micronutrient carotenoid family. The deficiency mainly affects pregnant women and children and leads to blindness and increases morbidity.

Understanding how vitamin A is produced in the body is essential to effective public health interventions. Efforts are underway by humanitarian groups to supplement young children and fortify foods, for example in the form of “golden rice,” rice genetically modified to contain beta-carotene. The von Lintig Laboratory’s discovery validates the benefits of fortifying foods to combat the worldwide deficiency problem. Some reports indicate the problem exists in areas of the U.S. where access to fresh fruits and vegetables is scarce.



The research team provided evidence that BCO1 directly converts beta-carotene to vitamin A. However, they discovered the second enzyme, BCO2, is also significant. It helps prepare carotenoids, other than beta-carotene, for vitamin A production. Specifically, BCO2 removes the part of the carotenoid that cannot be utilized for vitamin A production. The remaining portion of the carotenoid is then further processed by BCO1 to generate vitamin A.

“Our study shows that beta-carotene’s second enzyme does not produce a toxic compound, as had been proposed by some researchers. Rather, the enzyme aids in the metabolizing of carotenoids, aside from beta-carotene, to become vitamin A,” said von Lintig and concluded “that beta-carotene is an important and safe precursor for vitamin A in our diet. Our findings also suggest that golden rice plants are likely very safe for consumption.”