Thanks for posting that this is a good deep dive. One point is that the FDA really has no regulatory oversight of these things and most supplements are not even certified as to the product content.
Thanks for another great newsletter. There seems to be a huge spike in celebrity endorsements for everything imaginable. As you noted, the advertisers come on strong with a triple whammy to peddle products that they claim are rooted in ancient medicine, supported by modern science, and endorsed by someone who is attractive, successful, and/or rich.
Not only are many of these products ineffective, some are downright dangerous. People tend to think that supplements and over the counter medications are safe, but several violate the most important principle in the practice of healing: “First, do no harm.’
I avoid both prescription and over the counter medications and conduct exhaustive research on supplements before taking them. Since I eat very little meat, my hemoglobin levels tend to run low, so it’s often necessary for me to take iron supplements in addition to eating iron-rich foods for at least one week prior to donating blood or plasma.
Americans have access to a wealth of information that we can use to improve our health and vitality, and resorting to a pill is unnecessary more often than not. I’m reviewing several studies on the harmful effects that pharmaceuticals and some supplements (such as Vitamin A) pose to the liver, and also the links between Vitamin D deficiency and cancer. This is way off topic, and contrary to my cautionary tales regarding pharmacology, but I came across a study just last week regarding the use of viagra for the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. Apparently, this is nothing new. Ashwaganda! LOL
Thank you, Gloria! I wish that more people were, like you, taking advantage of the historically unprecedented wealth of information on health-supportive practices you mentioned. A big challenge is knowing who and what to trust, as the distinction between experts and hucksters isn't always clear. One of the reviewers on the paper featured in this newsletter, for instance, represents both categories. On the one hand, he has a PhD in biochemistry from Rutgers and an affiliation with Marietta College. On the other hand, he has run a small sample (N = 10), no-control-group study claiming to show that a mix of saffron and other kitchen spices dramatically reduces many symptoms of ADHD - and his company now sells this mix as a supplement for children. The company makes claims about scientific evidence for the effectiveness of the supplement that are so exaggerated, I suspect they're not fully compliant with FDA regulations on dietary supplement labeling. Meanwhile, parents may be duped by the company's sophisticated-looking website and references to "many scientific studies". Sadly, this too is nothing new!
Thanks for posting that this is a good deep dive. One point is that the FDA really has no regulatory oversight of these things and most supplements are not even certified as to the product content.
Good point! Even if ashwagandha were safe and effective, there's no guarantee that any particular product you buy would be either one.
I use this guideline and Consumerlab. https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/ashwagandha-supplements/ashwagandha/
Apparently only one link allowed in notes, the guideline. https://www.opss.org/opss-scorecard-check-your-dietary-supplement
Thanks for another great newsletter. There seems to be a huge spike in celebrity endorsements for everything imaginable. As you noted, the advertisers come on strong with a triple whammy to peddle products that they claim are rooted in ancient medicine, supported by modern science, and endorsed by someone who is attractive, successful, and/or rich.
Not only are many of these products ineffective, some are downright dangerous. People tend to think that supplements and over the counter medications are safe, but several violate the most important principle in the practice of healing: “First, do no harm.’
I avoid both prescription and over the counter medications and conduct exhaustive research on supplements before taking them. Since I eat very little meat, my hemoglobin levels tend to run low, so it’s often necessary for me to take iron supplements in addition to eating iron-rich foods for at least one week prior to donating blood or plasma.
Americans have access to a wealth of information that we can use to improve our health and vitality, and resorting to a pill is unnecessary more often than not. I’m reviewing several studies on the harmful effects that pharmaceuticals and some supplements (such as Vitamin A) pose to the liver, and also the links between Vitamin D deficiency and cancer. This is way off topic, and contrary to my cautionary tales regarding pharmacology, but I came across a study just last week regarding the use of viagra for the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. Apparently, this is nothing new. Ashwaganda! LOL
Thank you, Gloria! I wish that more people were, like you, taking advantage of the historically unprecedented wealth of information on health-supportive practices you mentioned. A big challenge is knowing who and what to trust, as the distinction between experts and hucksters isn't always clear. One of the reviewers on the paper featured in this newsletter, for instance, represents both categories. On the one hand, he has a PhD in biochemistry from Rutgers and an affiliation with Marietta College. On the other hand, he has run a small sample (N = 10), no-control-group study claiming to show that a mix of saffron and other kitchen spices dramatically reduces many symptoms of ADHD - and his company now sells this mix as a supplement for children. The company makes claims about scientific evidence for the effectiveness of the supplement that are so exaggerated, I suspect they're not fully compliant with FDA regulations on dietary supplement labeling. Meanwhile, parents may be duped by the company's sophisticated-looking website and references to "many scientific studies". Sadly, this too is nothing new!