Alternative Health Blog

In a review of studies involving a total of 24 studies (21 RCTs and 3 open-label, uncontrolled, observational studies), investigating 5 different herbal or nutritional monotherapies and 8 combination treatments, involving a total of 2,619 subjects, including subjects diagnosed with anxiety disorder or depression (n=1786) and healthy volunteers (n=877) who were undergoing surgery and whose anxiety levels were at the upper limit of the normal range, or who had PMS symptoms, were peri-menopausal, reported anxiety and insomnia, or had 1 or more months of elevated generalized anxiety, 71% of the RCTs (15 out of 21) found positive results of the nutritional and herbal supplementation intervention. Specific supplements tested which showed positive results included those containing extracts of passionflower, kava, combinations of L-lysine and L-arginine. Supplementation with magnesium showed promise, while monotherapy with St. John's worth was not found to be effective as an a nti-anxiety treatment. Given the prevalence of anxiety and anxiety-related disorders, these results suggest that further investigation into nutritional and herbal therapies for the treatment of these conditions is warranted, and existing evidence points to the effectiveness of several of these therapies, with minimal side effects reported.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study involving 33 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, supplementation with purple passion fruit peel extract (PFP, 150 mg/d) for a period of 2 months was found to be associated with significant improvements in total WOMAC score and WOMAC subscores of physical function after 30 days and pain after 60 days. After 60 days of supplementation, reductions in pain (18.6%) and stiffness (18.9%) and improvements in physical function (19.6%) and composite WOMAC score (19.2%) were found. On the contrary, patients in the placebo group were found to have increases in WOMAC scores in every category. The authors conclude, "The results of this study show that PFP substantially alleviated osteoarthritis symptoms. This beneficial effect of PFP may be due to its antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties."

In a prospective study involving 25,666 Japanese men and 33,622 Japanese women aged 45-75 years at recruitment, results indicate that greater intake of white rice may be associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in women. Food intake was assessed using a validated 147-item food-frequency questionnaire. During 5 years of follow-up, 1103 new cases of type 2 diabetes were reported. After adjusting for confounders, a significant inverse association was observed between white rice intake and risk of type 2 diabetes in women (65% increased risk between highest and lowest quartiles of rice intake). In men, the association was significant among those who did not engage in strenuous physical activity. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Elevated intake of white rice is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in Japanese women. The finding that is suggestive of a positive association of rice intake in physically inactive men deserves further investigation."

In a randomized, double-blind intervention study involving 26 women, results indicate that supplementation with flaxseed oil may reduce skin sensitivity and improve skin barrier function and overall condition. The subjects were randomized to supplementation with flaxseed oil or safflower seed oil for a period of 12 weeks. Flaxseed oil supplementation was associated with a significant decrease in skin sensitivity after nicotinate irritation. Additionally, flaxseed oil supplementation led to significant decreases in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin roughness and scaling, and increases in skin smoothness and hydration. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "The data provide evidence that daily intake of flaxseed oil modulates skin condition."

In a study involving 38 patients with myofascial pain syndrome as well as healthy controls, results indicate that serum zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B12 levels may be associated with pain severity. Serum levels of zinc were found to be significantly lower in patients with myofacial pain syndrome, as compared with controls. Total myalgic scores were independently associated with zinc, magnesium and vitamin B12 levels. Additionally, Beck Depression Inventory and Visual analogue scale scores were associated with serum zinc levels. These results suggest that trace elements and vitamins may play an important role in the pathophysiology of myofascial pain syndrome.

In a randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 17 untrained men (mean age = 23 years), results indicate that supplementation with whey protein may attenuate exercise-induced muscle damage. The subjects were randomized to supplementation with whey protein isolate (1.5 g/kg.bw/day supplement (approximately 30 g consumed immediately, and then once with breakfast, lunch, in the afternoon and after the evening meal) or carbohydrate for a period of 14 days, following a unilateral eccentric contraction-based resistance exercise session. Significantly higher isometric knee extension strength, stronger tendencies for higher isokinetic forces (extension and flexion), and lower plasma LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) were observed in the whey protein group, compared with the placebo group. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "The major finding of this investigation was that whey protein isolate supplementation attenuated the impairment in isometric and isokinetic muscle f orces during recovery from exercise-induced muscle injury."

In a study involving 32 patients with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and 59 controls, results suggest that supplementation with long-chain omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial. Serum samples were obtained from patients and controls. IBS patients showed decreased serum concentrations of arachidonic acid and long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid) and increased concentrations of unsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, compared with controls. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Although organic disease has been ruled out in patients with IBS, they presented signs of inadequate supply of long-chain fatty acids. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may be implicated."

In a population-based longitudinal study involving 559 women, results indicate that vitamin D insufficiency may be associated with a prospective increased risk of systolic hypertension. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was measured at baseline (vitamin D insufficiency: less than 80 nmol/L). During 14 years of follow up, blood pressure was measured annually (systolic hypertension: at least 140 mm Hg). After adjusting for potential confounders, baseline vitamin D insufficiency was associated with more than a 3-fold increased risk of 14-year systolic hypertension. Non-significant association was observed between vitamin D insufficiency and concurrent systolic hypertension. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Consistent with previous animal and human studies, we found a single-time measure of vitamin D among young adult women was associated with systolic hypertension 14 years later. These prospective results suggest the need for further study of the role vitamin D insufficiency in early adulthood as a risk factor in subsequent hypertension among women."

In a retrospective study involving 142 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis, results indicate that serum vitamin D levels may be inversely associated with erythropoietin responsiveness. After adjusting for potential confounders, serum 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol [25(OH)D3] concentration was independently associated with hemoglobin (Hb) and ESA (erythropoiesis-stimulating agents) / Hb index. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Serum 25(OH)D(3) concentration is independently associated with erythropoietin responsiveness in CKD patients on maintenance HD. If this association will be confirmed, treatment trials looking at the effect of vitamin D supplementation on anemia treatment in CKD patients may be warranted."

In a prospective study involving 87,256 women and 45,490 men (age 30-55 y for women and 40-75 y for men at baseline) without a history of cancer, results indicate that adherence to the DASH diet may be associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) involves higher intakes of whole grains, fruit, and vegetables, moderate intake of low-fat dairy, and low intake of red or processed meats, desserts, and sweetened beverages. Dietary information was gathered from the subjects (7 times, during at most 26 years of follow-up) and DASH diet and Mediterranean Diet scores were calculated. During follow-up, 1432 cases of incident colorectal cancer among women and 1032 cases in men were documented. After adjusting for confounders, subjects in the highest quintile of adherence to the DASH diet showed 20%, 19%, and 27% reduced risks for total colorectal cancer, colon cancer and rectal cancer, respectively, compared with subje cts in the lowest quintile of adherence to the DASH diet. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Adherence to the DASH diet (which involves higher intakes of whole grains, fruit, and vegetables; moderate amounts of low-fat dairy; and lower amounts of red or processed meats, desserts, and sweetened beverages) was associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer."

In a prospective study involving 479 schoolchildren aged 5 to 12 years, results indicate that poor vitamin D status may be associated with an increased risk of developing adiposity. Vitamin D status was assessed at baseline (deficient [25(OH)D concentrations <50 nmol/L], insufficient [25(OH)D concentrations >=50 and <75 nmol/L], or sufficient [25(OH)D concentrations <=75 nmol/L]). After adjusting for confounders, vitamin D deficient children showed a 0.1/year greater change in BMI, a 0.03/y greater change in subscapular-to-triceps skinfold-thickness ratio, and a 0.8 cm/y greater change in waist circumference, compared with vitamin D sufficient children. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Vitamin D serostatus was inversely associated with the development of adiposity in school-age children."

In a study involving 37 children with atopic dermatitis (AD), aged 8 months to 12 years of age, results indicate serum vitamin D levels may be inversely associated with AD severity. Mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels were significantly higher in patients with mild AD, as compared to patients with moderate or severe AD. Additionally, an association was observed between vitamin D deficiency and AD severity with increased sIgE to microbial antigens. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "These data suggest that vitamin D deficiency may be related to the severity of atopic dermatitis and advocate the need for studies evaluating the use of vitamin D as a potential treatment in patients with this disease."

In a prospective, population-based study involving 552 men and 584 women aged 53 to 73 years, who were free of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer at baseline, results suggest that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with increased risk of mortality. During an average follow-up of 9.1 years, 87 participants died, 35 from CVD. After adjusting for potential confounders, a significant inverse association was observed between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration and risk of all-cause death. Thus, the authors conclude, "Our study supports the accumulating evidence from epidemiological studies that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of death. Large-scale primary prevention trials with vitamin D supplementation are warranted."

In a free-living, single-blinded dietary intervention study involving 417 patients with the metabolic syndrome (MetS), in which patients were randomized to one of four isoenergetic diets distinct in fat quantity and quality for a period of 12 weeks: 1) high saturated fatty acids; 2) high monounsaturated fatty acids; 3) low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate diets supplemented with long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; 4) low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate diet supplemented with placebo, adherence to a low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate diet along with omega-3 PUFAs supplementation was found to be associated with reductions in plasma triglycerides and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations, particularly in male subjects, thus improving the metabolic syndrome risk profile in these subjects.

In a study involving 100 children aged 6 to 11 years, results indicate that iron and zinc deficiency may be associated with memory deficits which may improve with iron and zinc supplementation. The children were categorized as iron deficient, zinc deficient and iron and zinc deficient. Children in the deficient group received supplementation with iron (2 mg/kg body weight/day) and zinc (5 mg/day). Children aged 6-8 years and 9-11 years with iron and zinc deficiency showed memory deficits (verbal and non-verbal memory in the 9-11 age group, and only non-verbal memory in the 6-8 age group), which improved with iron and zinc supplementation. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Iron and zinc deficiency is associated with memory deficits in children. There is a marked improvement in memory after supplementation."

In a study involving 231 preterm infants weighing between 750 and 1499 grams at birth, infants receiving human milk supplemented with probiotics (Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium breve) was found to reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis stage 2 or greater (Bell's criterion). The authors conclude, "Oral supplementation of B. breve and L. casei reduced the occurrence of NEC (Bell's stage ?2). It was considered that an improvement in intestinal motility might have contributed to this result."

In a review of randomized, controlled studies and meta-analyses examining the effects of dietary fiber and a low glycemic index diet on glycemic risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus or type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, psyllium supplementation was found to benefit patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were on medication but who still experienced elevated postprandial plasma glucose supplementation. Supplementation with psyllium was found to improve glycemic risk factors - postprandial plasma glucose and A1C decreased by 10.2 g per day. Adherence to a low glycemic index diet was also associated with a reduction in A1C (average: 59), however the results for the low glyemic index diet trials were controversial due to confounding factors. These results suggest that psyllium supplementation may benefit patients with type 2 diabetes who are on medication but still experiencing elevations in postprandial plasma glucose levels.

In a single-arm, observational study involving 50 subjects (at least 35 years of age) with early breast cancer (at least 6 months post-active cancer treatment), receiving tamoxifen for at least 6 months and experiencing at least 4 hot flashes and night sweats per day for at least 3 months, treatment with acupuncture (8 treatments) was found to reduce the frequency of hot flashes and night sweats by an average of 50%, and a trend towards long-term effects was indicated by positive results maintained at 4 and 18 weeks after the end of the treatment period. At the end of the treatment period, significant improvements were found in: anxiety/fears; memory/concentration; menstrual problems; sexual behavior; sleep problems; somatic symptoms; and vasomotor symptoms. Moreover, the perception of hot flashes and night sweats as a problem reduced by 2.2 points. The authors state, "These results compare favorably with other studies using acupuncture to manage HF&NS, as well as research on nonhormonal pharmaceutical treatments. In addition to reduced HF&NS frequency, women enjoyed improved physical and emotional well-being, and few side-effects were reported." They conclude, "Further research is warranted into this approach, which offers breast cancer survivors choice in managing a chronic condition."

In a single-blinded, 12-week, observational study involving 53 patients with stable heart failure (61.3 years), out of which more than 75% were taking 3 or more medications for heart failure, significant improvements were found in various parameters among subjects receiving treatment with Pycnogenol plus coenzyme Q10. Reductions in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate and increases in heart ejection fraction were found (heart ejection fraction increased by 22.4% versus 4% among controls). In addition, walking distance on treadmill increased 3.3-fold in the treatment group as compared to only marginally in the control group. Furthermore, distal edema significantly improved in the treatment group, and not in the placebo group. Nine out of the 32 patients receiving the treatment improved NYHA class, while only 3 out of the 21 receiving the placebo improved NYHA class. The authors conclude, "The association of Pycnogenol an d CoQ10 may offer an important therapeutic option with a very good tolerability that improves heart failure management without side effects."

In a pilot, prospective, randomized, double-masked study involving 36 patients with dry eye, results indicate that fish oil supplementation may increase tear production and tear volume. The patients were randomized to daily supplementation with fish oil (450 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid, 300 mg of docosahexaenoic acid) or placebo, for a period of 90 days. At intervention end, Schirmer testing and fluorophotometry showed increased tear secretion in the fish oil group. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "the average tear production and tear volume was increased in the omega-3 group as indicated by both Schirmer testing and fluorophotometry."