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Category: Senior Health

  • Hay Fever – Natural Remedies for Pollen and Seasonal Allergies

    Hay Fever – (Seasonal Allergies, Allergic Rhinitis)

    Natural Remedies for Pollen and Seasonal Allergies

    By Dr. Dana Myatt

    Hay Fever (also known as seasonal allergy) is caused by an over-reaction of the immune system to harmless airborne particles such as pollen.Symptoms of Hay fever can include any of the following:

    • stuffy or runny nose and nasal congestion
    • itchy, watery eyes
    • sneezing
    • coughing
    • post nasal drip
    • sinus pain or pressure
    • fatigue

    Hay fever is common in the Spring and Fall when airborne pollen counts are highest.Although hay fever effects some 40 million people annually, not everyone is susceptible to airborne pollens and particulates. So what makes a person vulnerable to seasonal allergies?

    Studies have shown that people with inhalant allergies are more likely to have food allergies. A hypo allergenic diet has has shown to help some people with asthma and allergic rhinitis. (1,2,3) Remember that avoidance of a food allergen, even if it does not improve hay fever, would be expected to improve over-all health.

    Pharmaceutical anti-allergy drugs often have undesirable side effects. So what can a person do to decrease hay fever symptoms without using drugs? Here are some of the best-proven natural remedies for alleviating seasonal allergies:

    1. Butterbur (Petasites hybridus): Butterbur has been shown in studies to be as effective as drugs at relieving symptoms of hay fever but without adverse side effects (4-8)One study compared Butterbur to the drug cetirizine (Zyrtec) and found that both relieved symptoms equally well. However, the drug was associated with a higher rate of adverse side effects including drowsiness.(4)

      A second study compared butterbur extract with fexofenadine (Allegra). Butterbur was just as effective as fexofenadine at relieving symptoms.(5)

      Because butterbur may contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can cause liver damage, use only extracts which have the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed. This will be stated on the label.

      Symptom improvement is related to dosage, with higher doses producing more symptom relief. Suggested dose for best effect: 1-2 capsule, 3 times per day of an extract standardized to contain 7.5 mg of petasine per capsule. Look for formulas which state that they are pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free.(6)
       

    2. Grape seed extract — “nature’s anti-histamine.”Histamine is an irritating substance released from certain white blood cells (mast cells) in response to allergens. Anti-histamines block the histamine receptor and can improve symptoms of sneezing, itchy eyes and nose. Older antihistamines cause drowsiness, newer antihistamines are associated with heart complications. They are also expensive.

      Grape seed extract functions as an anti-histamine by stabilizing the mast cell, making it less ‘touchy” about releasing histamine. Grape seed extract has been shown to performs as a natural anti-histamine. (9-11)

      The “side effects” of grape seed extract are actually additional benefits, not unwanted side effects. Grape seed has been shown to improve chronic venous insufficiency (12-17), strengthen collagen and blood vessels(18-22),and help prevent cancer and heart disease through multiple mechanisms. (23-41) Grape seed extract is also a potent antioxidant. (27,33-34,42-47)

      Many people find grape seed extract effective for hayfever when taken 50-100mg, 3 times per day.
       

    3. Quercetin nasal spray. Quercetin is one of the most biologically active flavonoids, widely distributed in the plant kingdom in such species as oak trees (Quercus spp.), onions (Allium cepa) and tea (Camellia sinensis).Like grape seed extract, quercetin prevents acts as a natural anti-histamine by preventing the release of histamine from mast cells. (48) In fact, quercetin performs this function so well that it is used in medical experiments as a control substance for such activity (49-51). Quercetin is not well-absorbed orally, so higher doses must be taken, especially at the beginning of allergy treatment.

      A water-soluble form of quercetin, available as a nasal spray, is a safe and effective alternative to drug nasal sprays. The effects of quercetin nasal spray are felt within several minutes and last up to two hours. Pharmaceutical nasal sprays work by constricting blood vessels. They can have “addictive” effects on the nasal passages, and congestion becomes worse when they are discontinued. Quercetin does not create dependence or have rebound effects upon discontinuation. (52)

    References
    1. Speer F. Multiple food allergy. Ann Allerg 1975;34:71–6.
    2. Buczylko K, Kowalczyk J, Zeman K, et al. Allergy to food in children with pollinosis. Rocz Akad Med Bialymst 1995;40:568–72.
    3. Ogle KA, Bullock JD. Children with allergic rhinitis and/or bronchial asthma treated with elimination diet. Ann Allergy 1977;39:8–11.
    4.) Schapowal A, Petasites Study Group. Randomised controlled trial of butterbur and cetirizine for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis. BMJ 2002;324:144–6.
    5.) Lee DK, Gray RD, Robb FM, et al. A placebo-controlled evaluation of butterbur and fexofenadine on objective and subjective outcomes in perennial allergic rhinitis. Clin Exp Allergy 2004;34:646–9.
    6.) Schapowal A; Petasites Study Group. Butterbur Ze339 for the treatment of intermittent allergic rhinitis: dose-dependent efficacy in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2004 Dec;130(12):1381-6.
    7.) Lee DK, Carstairs IJ, Haggart K, Jackson CM, Currie GP, Lipworth BJ. Butterbur, a herbal remedy, attenuates adenosine monophosphate induced nasal responsiveness in seasonal allergic rhinitis. Clin Exp Allergy. 2003 Jul;33(7):882-6.
    8.) Käufeler R, Polasek W, Brattström A, Koetter U. Efficacy and safety of butterbur herbal extract Ze 339 in seasonal allergic rhinitis: postmarketing surveillance study.Adv Ther. 2006 Mar-Apr;23(2):373-84.
    9.) Iwasaki Y, Matsui T, Arakawa Y. The protective and hormonal effects of proanthocyanidin against gastric mucosal injury in Wistar rats. J Gastroenterol. 2004 Sep;39(9):831-7.
    10.) Kawai M, Hirano T, Higa S, Arimitsu J, Maruta M, Kuwahara Y, Ohkawara T, Hagihara K, Yamadori T, Shima Y, Ogata A, Kawase I, Tanaka T. Flavonoids and related compounds as anti-allergic substances. Allergol Int. 2007 Jun;56(2):113-23. Epub 2007 Mar 1.
    11.) Sharma SC, Sharma S, Gulati OP. Pycnogenol inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells. Phytother Res. 2003 Jan;17(1):66-9.
    12.) Dartenuc JY, Marache P, Choussat H. Resistance Capillaire en Geriatrie Etude d’un Microangioprotecteur. Bordeax Médical 1980;13:903–7 [in French].
    13.) Delacroix P. Etude en Double Avengle de l’Endotelon dans l’Insuffisance Veineuse Chronique. Therapeutique, la Revue de Medicine 1981;Sept 27–28:1793–1802 [in French].
    14.) Thebaut JF, Thebaut P, Vin F. Study of Endotelon in functional manifestations of peripheral venous insufficiency. Gazette Medicale 1985;92:96–100 [in French].
    15.) Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Rohdewald P, Pellegrini L, Ledda A, Vinciguerra G, Ricci A, Gizzi G, Ippolito E, Fano F, Dugall M, Acerbi G, Cacchio M, Di Renzo A, Hosoi M, Stuard S, Corsi M. Rapid relief of signs/symptoms in chronic venous microangiopathy with pycnogenol: a prospective, controlled study. Angiology. 2006 Oct-Nov;57(5):569-76.
    16.) Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Rohdewald P, Pellegrini L, Ledda A, Vinciguerra G, Ricci A, Gizzi G, Ippolito E, Fano F, Dugall M, Acerbi G, Cacchio M, Di Renzo A, Hosoi M, Stuard S, Corsi M.Comparison of Pycnogenol and Daflon in treating chronic venous insufficiency: a prospective, controlled study. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost. 2006 Apr;12(2):205-12.
    17.) Koch R. Comparative study of Venostasin and Pycnogenol in chronic venous insufficiency. Phytother Res. 2002 Mar;16 Suppl 1:S1-5.
    18.) Schlebusch H, Kern D. Stabilization of collagen by polyphenols. Angiologica 1972;9:248–56 [in German].
    19.) Monboisse J, Braquet P, Randoux A, Borel J. Non-enzymatic degradation of acid-soluble calf skin collagen by superoxide ion: protective effect of flavonoids. Biochem Pharmacol 1983;32:53–8.
    20.) Lagrue G, Olivier-Martin F, Grillot A. A study of the effects of procyanidol oligomers on capillary resistance in hypertension and in certain nephropathies. Sem Hop 1981;57:1399–401 [in French].
    21.) Galley P, Thiollet M. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a new veno-active flavonoid fraction (S 5682) in the treatment of symptomatic capillary fragility. Int Angiol 1993;12:69–72.
    22.) Cho HS, Lee MH, Lee JW, No KO, Park SK, Lee HS, Kang S, Cho WG, Park HJ, Oh KW, Hong JT.Anti-wrinkling effects of the mixture of vitamin C, vitamin E, pycnogenol and evening primrose oil, and molecular mechanisms on hairless mouse skin caused by chronic ultraviolet B irradiation. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2007 Oct;23(5):155-62.
    23.) Buz’Zard AR, Lau BH.Pycnogenol reduces talc-induced neoplastic transformation in human ovarian cell cultures. Phytother Res. 2007 Jun;21(6):579-86.
    24.) Engelbrecht AM, Mattheyse M, Ellis B, Loos B, Thomas M, Smith R, Peters S, Smith C, Myburgh K. Proanthocyanidin from grape seeds inactivates the PI3-kinase/PKB pathway and induces apoptosis in a colon cancer cell line. Cancer Lett. 2007 Dec 8;258(1):144-53. Epub 2007 Oct 17.
    25.) Sharma G, Tyagi AK, Singh RP, Chan DC, Agarwal R.Synergistic anti-cancer effects of grape seed extract and conventional cytotoxic agent doxorubicin against human breast carcinoma cells.Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2004 May;85(1):1-12.
    26.) Bagchi D, Bagchi M, Stohs S, Ray SD, Sen CK, Preuss HG. Cellular protection with proanthocyanidins derived from grape seeds. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2002 May;957:260-70.
    27.) Zhao J, Wang J, Chen Y, Agarwal R. Anti-tumor-promoting activity of a polyphenolic fraction isolated from grape seeds in the mouse skin two-stage initiation-promotion protocol and identification of procyanidin B5-3′-gallate as the most effective antioxidant constituent. Carcinogenesis. 1999 Sep;20(9):1737-45.
    28.) Hu H, Qin YM. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract induced mitochondria-associated apoptosis in human acute myeloid leukaemia 14.3D10 cells. Chin Med J (Engl). 2006 Mar 5;119(5):417-21.
    29.) Zhang XY, Li WG, Wu YJ, Bai DC, Liu NF. Proanthocyanidin from grape seeds enhances doxorubicin-induced antitumor effect and reverses drug resistance in doxorubicin-resistant K562/DOX cells. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2005 Mar;83(3):309-18.
    30.) Zhang XY, Li WG, Wu YJ, Zheng TZ, Li W, Qu SY, Liu NF.Proanthocyanidin from grape seeds potentiates anti-tumor activity of doxorubicin via immunomodulatory mechanism.Int Immunopharmacol. 2005 Jul;5(7-8):1247-57. Epub 2005 Apr 7.
    31.) Agarwal C, Singh RP, Agarwal R. Grape seed extract induces apoptotic death of human prostate carcinoma DU145 cells via caspases activation accompanied by dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c release.Carcinogenesis. 2002 Nov;23(11):1869-76.
    32.) Kaur M, Agarwal R, Agarwal C. Grape seed extract induces anoikis and caspase-mediated apoptosis in human prostate carcinoma LNCaP cells: possible role of ataxia telangiectasia mutated-p53 activation. Mol Cancer Ther. 2006 May;5(5):1265-74.
    33.) Packer L, Rimbach G, Virgili F.Antioxidant activity and biologic properties of a procyanidin-rich extract from pine (Pinus maritima) bark, pycnogenol.Free Radic Biol Med. 1999 Sep;27(5-6):704-24.
    34.) Yang HM, Liao MF, Zhu SY, Liao MN, Rohdewald P. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on the effect of Pycnogenol on the climacteric syndrome in peri-menopausal women. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2007;86(8):978-85.
    36.) Mendes A, Desgranges C, Chèze C, Vercauteren J, Freslon JL. Vasorelaxant effects of grape polyphenols in rat isolated aorta. Possible involvement of a purinergic pathway. Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2003 Dec;17(6):673-81.
    37.) Polagruto JA, Gross HB, Kamangar F, Kosuna K, Sun B, Fujii H, Keen CL, Hackman RM.Platelet reactivity in male smokers following the acute consumption of a flavanol-rich grapeseed extract.Platelet reactivity in male smokers following the acute consumption of a flavanol-rich grapeseed extract.
    38.) Holt RR, Actis-Goretta L, Momma TY, Keen CL. Dietary flavanols and platelet reactivity.J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2006;47 Suppl 2:S187-96; discussion S206-9.
    39.) Zhang FL, Gao HQ, Shen L. Inhibitory effect of GSPE on RAGE expression induced by advanced glycation end products in endothelial cells. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2007 Oct;50(4):434-40.
    40.) Edirisinghe I, Burton-Freeman B, Tissa Kappagoda C. Mechanism of the endothelium-dependent relaxation evoked by a grape seed extract. Clin Sci (Lond). 2008 Feb;114(4):331-7.
    41.) Ray SD, Patel D, Wong V, Bagchi D. In vivo protection of dna damage associated apoptotic and necrotic cell deaths during acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity, amiodarone-induced lung toxicity and doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by a novel IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin extract.
    42.) Hosseini S, Pishnamazi S, Sadrzadeh SM, Farid F, Farid R, Watson RR. Pycnogenol((R)) in the Management of Asthma.J Med Food. 2001 Winter;4(4):201-209.
    43.) Carini M, Aldini G, Bombardelli E, Morazzoni P, Maffei Facino R.UVB-induced hemolysis of rat erythrocytes: protective effect of procyanidins from grape seeds. Life Sci. 2000 Sep 1;67(15):1799-814.
    44.) Lorenz P, Roychowdhury S, Engelmann M, Wolf G, Horn TF.Oxyresveratrol and resveratrol are potent antioxidants and free radical scavengers: effect on nitrosative and oxidative stress derived from microglial cells.Nitric Oxide. 2003 Sep;9(2):64-76.
    45.) Enginar H, Cemek M, Karaca T, Unak P.Effect of grape seed extract on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant activity and peripheral blood lymphocytes in rats exposed to x-radiation. Phytother Res. 2007 Nov;21(11):1029-35.
    46.) Dulundu E, Ozel Y, Topaloglu U, Toklu H, Ercan F, Gedik N, Sener G. Grape seed extract reduces oxidative stress and fibrosis in experimental biliary obstruction.J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2007 Jun;22(6):885-92.
    47.) Du Y, Guo H, Lou H. Grape seed polyphenols protect cardiac cells from apoptosis via induction of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Mar 7;55(5):1695-701. Epub 2007 Feb 13.
    48.) Leung, K.B., et.al. Differential effects of anti-allergic compounds on peritoneal mast cells of the rat, mouse and hamster. Agents Actions, 1984;14(3-4): 461-467.
    49.) Otsuka, H. et.al. Histochemical and functional characteristics of metachromatic cells in the nasal epithelium in allergic rhinitis: studies of nasal scrapings and their dispersed cells. J. Allergy Clin Immunol, 1995; 96(4):528-536.
    50.) Szabo, A. et.al. Mucosal permeability changes during intestinal reperfusion injury. The role of mast cells. Acta Chir Hung, 1997; 36(1-4):334-336.
    51.) Barrett, K.E. and D.D. Metcalfe. The histologic and functional characterization of enzymatically dispersed intestinal mast cells of nonhuman primates: effects of secretagogues and anti-allergic drugs on histamine secretion. J Immunol, 1985; 135(3): 2020-2026.
    52.) Remberg P, Björk L, Hedner T, Sterner O. Characteristics, clinical effect profile and tolerability of a nasal spray preparation of Artemisia abrotanum L. for allergic rhinitis.Phytomedicine. 2004 Jan;11(1):36-42.
     

  • The REAL Reason “They” are Trying to Outlaw Over-the-Counter DHEA and Other Supplements

    I’m working on another article titled “Turning Supplements into Drugs,” but from the title of this article, I think you’ll get the “drift.” Anything that proves beneficial (about 80% of all non-prescription supplements and hormones, I would guess), will be OUTLAWED as common over-the counter supplements. Why? BECAUSE THEY WORK.And what does that mean? The FDA — the “lap dog” of Big Pharma — will be sure to make anything illegal that Big Pharma can’t make a buck on. It’s in their own financial interest to do so.

    Example. If DHEA proves to be beneficial (it has, see next paragraph), “we’ll” make it illegal to sell over-the counter and that way, “we’ll” protect Big Pharma’s interests. Big Pharma can then “license” the “drug” (with big money paid to the FDA for “licensing fees”). Are you starting to understand how this works?

    Here’s the latest news on DHEA, taken from the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology. Higher DHEA levels are associated with less cognitive decline in females. But that’s not the only thing we know about DHEA.

    Youthful levels are also associated with less risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures, better use of glucose (better blood sugar regulation) and improved immune function, to name just a few benefits.

    Translation: higher DHEA levels correspond to better mental and physical function in older years.

    So why all the recent bru-ha-ha about outlawing DHEA? Has it harmed any one? Not that I can find in the medical literature. Nay, NO ONE appears to have been harmed by OTC DHEA.

    What DHEA does is keep the adrenal and various other hormonal functions at more youthful levels. This recent study adds to the growing body of evidence that generous DHEA levels help preserve youthful function, including memory.

    SO… expect DHEA to become outlawed as an over-the-counter supplement, and fully expect it to become a prescription-only “drug”  at a cost of 10-20 times more than you pay for it now (with no improvement in safety or benefit).

    Anything that works — again, about 80% of supplements, in my estimation — will soon be “prescription only.” You can thank the FDA, who are protecting nothing but their own financial interests by protecting Big Pharma, for this travesty.

    That’s how it looks from here…

    Dr. Myatt

    References

    1.) Davis SR, Shah SM, McKenzie DP, Kulkarni J, Davison SL, Bell RJ. Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Levels Are Associated with More Favorable Cognitive Function in Women.  J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Mar;93(3):801-808. Epub 2007 Dec 11.2.) Bischoff-Ferrari HA, Orav EJ, Dawson-Hughes B. Additive benefit of higher testosterone levels and vitamin D plus calcium supplementation in regard to fall risk reduction among older men and women. Osteoporos Int. 2008 Mar 20 [Epub ahead of print].

    3.) Sato K, Iemitsu M, Aizawa K, Ajisaka R. Testosterone and DHEA activates the glucose metabolism-related signalling pathway in skeletal muscle. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Mar 18 [Epub ahead of print].

    4.) Santos CD, Toldo MP, Santello FH, Filipin MD, Brazão V, do Prado Júnior JC. Dehydroepiandrosterone increases resistance to experimental infection by Trypanosoma cruzi. Vet Parasitol. 2008 Feb 6 [Epub ahead of print].
     

  • The Bisphosphonate Scandal Continues To Generate Outrage

    The Bisphosphonate scandal that Dr. Myatt wrote about in a recent article The Ugly Truth About “Bone Building” Drugs For Osteoporosis continues to generate comments from those outraged that the FDA and Big Pharma continue to push these poisons, putting profits before health or safety. Recently, Doctor Jeffrey Dach sent us the following succinct note:

    Bisphosphonates Increase the Fracture Rates for Osteopenia

    The fracture rates for women with osteopenia (T greater than -2.5) actually increases on bisphosphonates. JAMA.1998;280:2077-2082.Cummings

    The following quote from John Abramson’s book, Overdosed America, Chapter 13.

    “What about using these drugs to prevent osteoporosis? The study of Fosamax published in JAMA in 1998 also included women with osteopenia. Did Fosamax reduce their risk of fracture? The results show that the risk of hip fractures actually went up 84 percent with Fosamax treatment. The risk of wrist fractures increased by about 50 percent.” JAMA.1998;280:2077-2082.Cummings. Quote attributed to John Abramson MD.

    For more see:

    Bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis, A Closer Look at the Data by Jeffrey Dach MD

    Jeffrey Dach MD

  • Could A Vitamin B-12 Deficiency Be Causing Your Symptoms?

    Note: The following article is the result of research done by Dr. Myatt, sponsored by the good people at ProHealth – www.ProHealth.com – they have a large body of CFS information available on their website.

    An excellent product containing all 4 forms of B-12 can be found here: http://www.drmyattswellnessclub.com/BExtreme.htm

    Could This Common Vitamin Deficiency Be Causing Your Symptoms?

    Less than 20 years ago, patients complaining of fatigue were often given a “tonic shot” by their doctor. Many people claimed this worked like magic to improve their energy levels. What was this miracle tonic? A simple injection of vitamin B-12. Although the practice of administering vitamin B-12 injections has fallen out of favor, modern medical science now understands why vitamin B-12 supplementation makes people feel better, and the reasons extend far beyond just the “placebo effect” of receiving a shot.

    The Vitamin 12 / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Connection

    The symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency bear a disturbing resemblance to many CFS symptoms. In fact, the symptoms of B-12 deficiency and CFS overlap to such a great extent that many respected CFS researchers and physicians — including Drs. Paul Cheney, Charles Lapp, Dale Guyer, Kenny De Meirleir, Jay Goldstein, Michael E. Rosenbaum, Jacob Teitelbaum, and Martin Pall — consider vitamin B-12 a mainstay of CFS treatment. (1-6)

    Symptoms of B-12 deficiency include fatigue, weakness, confusion and other memory problems, and bowel disorders. (7,8,9) Symptoms of CFS also include fatigue, weakness, memory and/or concentration problems and bowel disorders. (10) Is it any wonder that specialists place so much importance on the vitamin B-12 status of their CFS patients?

    But the problems associated with vitamin B-12 deficiency, and the potential benefits of correcting B-12 deficiencies, extend far beyond its use in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

    The Far-Reaching Effects of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency

    Vitamin B-12, called “cobalamin” because it contains the mineral cobalt, is required for a staggering number of physical functions and chemical reactions.

    Best known for its participation in the manufacture of red blood cells, B-12 is also needed for production and maintenance of the myelin sheath that surrounds nerves and for production of DNA, the genetic material of all cells (7,8,11,12). And that’s just the beginning.

    The serious health consequences vitamin B-12 deficiency can adversely affect nearly every system in the body.

    • Energy. Even minor deficiencies of vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause anemia, fatigue, shortness of breath and weakness. (7,8,9)
    • The Nervous System. Deficiencies of B-12 can cause neurological changes including numbness and tingling in the hands and feet (13,14), balance problems, depression, confusion, poor memory and Alzheimer’s-like symptoms. (15) Long-term deficiencies of B-12 can result in permanent impairment of the nervous system. (16, 70,71)
    • The Gastro-Intestinal System. B-12 deficiency can cause decreased appetite, constipation, diarrhea or alternating constipation / diarrhea, weight loss and abdominal pain. (7,8,9)
    • The Immune System. Vitamin B-12 is necessary for normal functioning of white blood cells. (17) Studies show that B-12 helps regulate Natural-Killer T-cells (18) and prevents chromosome damage. (19)
    • The Cardiovascular System. Vitamin B-12 participates in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Elevated homocysteine levels are a known independent risk factor for heart attack, stroke and thrombosis. Without adequate B-12 levels, homocysteine levels typically rise. (20-32)
    • Special Senses: degenerative changes in the central nervous system caused by B-12 deficiency can also affect the optic nerve, resulting in blue-yellow color blindness. (33)
    • Other symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency include sore mouth or tongue (34)
    • In Infants and Children, signs of vitamin B-12 deficiency include failure to thrive, movement disorders, delayed development, and megaloblastic anemia. (35)

    With so many physical functions at risk, it is easy to understand why knowledgeable clinicians and researchers consider B-12 supplementation a mainstay of therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, neurological disorders, cardiovascular health and more.Are You At Risk for a Vitamin B-12 Deficiency?Medical science once believed that few people were vitamin B-12 deficient. This false assumption may stem from the fact that vitamin B-12 is produced in the body by a normal, healthy population of bowel bacterial.

    Secondly, unlike other water-soluble vitamins, B-12 is stored in the liver, kidneys and other tissues. Deficiencies of B-12 often appear so slowly and subtly as to go unnoticed, and blood tests for vitamin B-12 levels miss early deficiency states at least 50% of the time. (36, 37)

    So, who is at risk for vitamin B-12 deficiency? Recent research shows that a much larger segment of the population is likely deficient than previously thought.

    Because assimilation of vitamin B-12 from food requires adequate stomach acid and intrinsic factor, and because stomach acid typically declines with age, people over 50 were once thought to be the biggest “at risk” population for B-12 deficiency. Previous studies showed 3-39% of seniors to be vitamin B-12 deficient (36,37,38), but newer studies suggest that number may be as high as 72%-78%. (39,78)

    Vegetarians and vegans are another population believed to be at high risk for B-12 deficiency, in part because of low animal food intake of vitamin B-12 and also because many vegetable sources such as seaweed must be consumed in large amounts in order to provide adequate vitamin B-12. (38,40)

    Other high -risk groups for B-12 deficiency include those who use acid-blocking or neutralizing drugs (such as Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium and others) (41-44), drugs which impair intestinal absorption (such as Metformin, Questron and Chloromycetin) (45), and people who have had gastric surgery (46,47). Bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine, which occurs frequently in people with low stomach acid, is a predisposing factor for B-12 deficiency because the bacteria themselves use vitamin B-12. (48,49)

    The most recent and disturbing studies suggest that vitamin B-12 deficiency is more prevalent in young adults than previously thought. (50,75). One study found that vitamin B-12 deficiency was similar in three age groups (26-49 years, 50-64 years, and 65 years and older), but that early symptoms were simply less apparent in the young. This study also found that those who did not take a vitamin B-12- containing supplement were twice as likely to be deficient as supplement users, regardless of age. (50)

    Four Forms of B-12 — Which One is Best?

    Cobalamin is a collective term for four closely related forms of B-12 — cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin, hydroxycobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin (dibencozide).

    Cyanocobalamin, the most common form of B-12 found in nutritional supplements, has the lowest biological activity and must be converted in the liver to methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin before it can be utilized.

    Because it can be converted to other forms of B-12, cyanocobalamin can be considered the “mother form” of B-12. However, this conversion is inefficient and some people may not benefit cyanocobalamin due to lack of assimilation or conversion. (51,52)

    Methylcobalamin is considered by many researchers to be the most active form of vitamin B-12. (53) It protects the nervous system by regulating glutamate- induced neuronal damage (common in aging) (54,55) and promoting nerve cell regeneration. (56)

    Methylcobalamin is the only form of vitamin B-12 that participates in regulating circadian rhythms (sleep/wake cycles). It has been shown to improve sleep quality and refreshment from sleep, as well as increasing feelings of well-being, concentration and alertness.(57)

    Adenosylcobalamin (dibencozide), the second highly active form of vitamin B-12, is essential for energy metabolism.(58) It is required for normal myelin sheath formation and nucleoprotein synthesis. Deficiencies are associated with nerve and spinal cord degeneration. (59,60)

    Hydroxocobalamin is a unique form of B-12 that participates in detoxification, especially cyanide detoxification. Cyanide levels are often elevated in smokers, people who eat cyanide-containing food (like cassava) and those with certain metabolic defects.

    Excess cyanide in the tissues blocks conversion of cyanocobalamin to methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin. In such instances, hydroxocobalamin may be the vitamin B-12 of choice. (61,62) Hydroxycobalamin is FDA- approved as a treatment for cyanide poisoning. (63)

    Given the subtle yet important differences between these forms of B-12, an ideal formula might be one which contains all four forms.Oral Vs. Injectable: Which Delivery System is Preferred?Although many people including some physicians still believe that injectable vitamin B-12 is the preferred route of administration, it is well-known and widely accepted that oral vitamin B-12 is equally as effective as injection in treating pernicious anemia and other B-12 deficient states. (63-67, 77)

    Conclusions and Recommendations

    Vitamin B-12 deficiency is far more widespread than previously thought, with up to 30% of young people affected and possibly as many as 78% of the over 50 population suffering from deficiency (36,37,38,39, 78). Those at special risk include seniors, vegetarians and vegans, people taking acid-neutralizing drugs or various other drugs (36,37,38,39) and patients with cognitive impairment (68). The US Institute of Medicine recommends that adults over 50 obtain their vitamin B-12 from supplements. (69)

    Because symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency often manifest months or years before B-12 blood tests become abnormal, early deficiencies are often missed. (36,37)

    Symptoms and side effects of B-12 deficiency are many and varied, can mimic other diseases such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and can produce irreversible changes of the nervous system if not corrected early. (70,71,76)

    Oral vitamin B-12 supplementation is extremely safe (72,76), as effective as injections, (67,73-74) comparatively inexpensive and more convenient than injections (67). Those at risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency or with symptoms suggestive of B-12 deficiency should consider adding this important nutrient to their supplement protocol.

    References

    1.) http://www.ncf-net.org/conference/CheneyLecture.htm
    2.) http://www.ncf-net.org/forum/lapp97.htm
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  • A Dozen Proven Reasons to take a Good Multiple Vitamin

    A Dozen Proven Reasons to take a Good Multiple Vitamin

    By Dr. Dana Myatt

    While conventional medicine and newspaper headlines continue to tell us that nutritional supplementation isn’t important, the results of medical research shows just the opposite. Here are twelve recent medical findings that should convince you to keep taking a high-quality, optimal potency multiple vitamin/mineral supplement. If you’re not sure what an “optimal potency” formula consists of or what you should be taking for your age and sex, refer to The Wellness Club web site’s nutritional supplements page for an up-to-date ingredient list and optimal dose recommendations.

    1. Harvard researchers have found that sub-optimal levels of folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12 are a risk factor for heart disease and colon and breast cancers. (Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) June 19, 2002)
    2. A six-month study showing that folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 helped prevent recurrence of blocked arteries in patients who have undergone coronary angioplasty. (Journal of the American Medical Association, August 28, 2002).
    3. Vitamin K is a critical nutrient for skeletal integrity, with evidence of vitamin K1 supplementation reducing bone loss in healthy postmenopausal women and a significant positive relationship between vitamin K status and indices of bone health in men. (24th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research, September 20 – 24, 2002, San Antonio, Texas)
    4. Alzheimer’s disease: Association with zinc deficiency and cerebral vitamin B12 deficiency. (Journal of Orthol. Psychiatry (CANADA), 1984, 13/2 (97-104))
      Supplementation of the elderly with       vitamin E has been shown to enhance immune response, delay onset of Alzheimer’s disease, and increase resistance to oxidative injury associated with exercise. (Proc Nutr Soc. 2002;61:165-171)
      Vitamin E intake      , from foods or supplements, is associated with less cognitive decline with age. Arch Neurol. 2002;59:1125-1132
    5. Researchers at Cambridge University in England looked at serum vitamin C and how long people lived. People who had the lowest levels of vitamin C were twice as likely to die compared to those with the highest serum vitamin C levels. This study was based on the findings from over 19,000 people. (Lancet 2001; 357:657-63)
    6. 26.4% of esophageal and gastric cancers are attributable to low selenium levels. (Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Mark et al., 2000)
    7. Calcium supplementation is associated with a significant – though moderate – reduction in the risk of recurrent colorectal adenomas. The effect of calcium was independent of initial dietary fat and calcium intake. (N Engl J Med (United States) Jan 14 1999, 340 (2) p101-7.)
    8. Data from the Nurses’ Health Study conducted at the Harvard Medical School showed that long-term supplementation with folic acid reduces the risk of colon cancer by 75% in women! 90,000 women participated in the Nurses’ Health Study, making this and especially significant finding. The authors of this study explained that folic acid obtained from supplements had a stronger protective effect against colon cancer than folic acid consumed in the diet. (Annals of Internal Medicine (1998; 129:517-524)
    9. Regarding asthma, the lowest intakes of vitamin C and manganese (a trace mineral not to be confused with magnesium) were associated with more than five-fold increased risks of bronchial reactivity. Decreasing intakes of magnesium were also significantly associated with an increased risk of hyper-reactivity. (Thorax (United Kingdom), 1997, 52/2 (166-170)).
    10. Antioxidant supplements reduce the risk of cataract. One study in the evaluated 410 men for 3 years to ascertain the association between serum vitamin E and the development of cortical lens opacities (cataracts). The men with the lowest level of serum vitamin E had a 3.7 times greater risk of this form of cataract compared to men with the highest serum level of vitamin E. (American Journal of Epidemiology Sept. 1996)
    11. Encouraging moderate exercise and dietary supplementation with calcium and vitamin D… are the major nonpharmacological management measures used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. (Drugs and Aging (New Zealand), 1996, 9/6 (472-477)
    12. Nutrient intake of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is deficient in pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), zinc, copper, and magnesium. (Journal of Rheumatology (Canada), 1996, 23/6 (990-994))

    More Research Supporting Benefits of Antioxidants

    By Allen S. Josephs, M.D.
    President, Vitacost.com

    “    Recent studies further support the need for antioxidants and other nutrients to protect against cell damage, and in some cases even reduce risks of certain forms of cancer. One medical study had very promising results when participants were given a daily dose of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene and selenium. Most multivitamins on the market do not qualify as good because they lack so many important antioxidants and/or use inadequate levels and forms.”