Nutrition Archives

Assessment of Commercial Laboratories Performing Hair Mineral Analysis
JAMA 2001 (Jan 3); 285 (1): 67–72
Theoretically, hair mineral analysis should be a great way to assess nutrient levels in a noninvasive manner. In an often-quoted 1985 study, the reliability of this procedure was so poor that the author recommended government agencies step in and protect the public. The authors of this current study felt that this diagnostic technique deserved another look after 15 years. One of the authors donated samples of her untreated brown hair, taken from several areas of the parietal and occipital regions of her head. The samples were then combined, mixed, weighed and sent to six major laboratories for analysis. Because the results from 6 different labs were so radically different, it is evident that this form of testing should not be relied upon until this testing industry is standardized and "normals" have been agreed upon.

A Brief Review of the Hair Mineral Analysis Article in JAMA
Dr. David L. Watts ~ Trace Elements, Inc.
TEI would like to make the point that a limited study such as this is, in the author's own terms, a "small evaluation of interlaboratory agreement", cannot and should not be represented as a final, rigorous and decisive condemnation of an entire industry. To the contrary, this study simply shows that there is some variation among the labs in measured results, as can be expected. The authors violated scientific standards when they compared test results and reference ranges for laboratories utilizing different methodologies. Another critical flaw with the authors study is that it does not reveal which labs are correct and which labs are wrong, since the authors did not utilize a specific standard or reference laboratory. Furthermore, scientific error is also quite evident in the handling and analysis of the data, which can only guarantee that the authors conclusions will be highly questionable.

Phytochemicals: The Ties That Bind
Nutrition Science News (Jul 2001)
Within the context of nutrition and natural health, phytochemical refers only to plant chemicals that humans eat and use medicinally. The bioactive phytochemicals in these plants have significant positive effects on human metabolism. They also stimulate the senses, and are responsible for the color of blueberries, the aroma of cloves, the texture of mushrooms, and the taste of peppermint.

Cancer's Sweet Tooth
Nutrition Science News (Apr 2000)
Of the 4 million cancer patients being treated in America today, hardly any are offered any scientifically guided nutrition therapy beyond being told to "just eat good foods." Most patients I work with arrive with a complete lack of nutritional advice. I believe many cancer patients would have a major improvement in their outcome if they controlled the supply of cancer's preferred fuel, glucose.

NIH Workshop on the Role of Dietary Supplements
for Physically Active People
Amer Jour of Clin Nutrition 2000; 72 (2) Aug 1 (suppl): 503S–674S
This is a collection of FULL TEXT articles from the NIH workshop – “The Role of Dietary Supplements for Physically Active People”.

Phytochemicals: Nutrients Whose Time Has Come
Nutrition Science News (Jul 2000)
Phytochemicals are a group of nutritive components found in herbs, fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and spices. Animal foods contain a similar group of disease-preventing nutrients--the term zoochemical has been suggested for them. Phytochemicals and zoochemicals--unlike carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals--are not considered essential for life and have therefore been assigned quasi-nutrient status. Several disease-preventive benefits have been proposed for phytochemicals and zoochemicals.

Hearts & Bones: Calcium's Many Applications
We all learned in grade school that calcium is a key nutrient. But our very familiarity with calcium may prevent us from fully appreciating how life depends upon this ion necessary for processes ranging from setting the body's biological cycle to movement. Calcium is the conduit for most cellular communication. Nerves and muscles depend on electrical impulses controlled by calcium switches. Perhaps because a steady supply of the element is so critical, the body has evolved a skeletal structure that stores extra calcium and doles it out when needed.

GNC Settles Allegations With Florida
General Nutrition Centers, a leading seller of vitamins and dietary supplements, will offer refunds and pay Florida $1 million to settle allegations that some vitamins it sold lacked potency because they were too old.

Natural Medicine and Nutritional Therapy as an Alternative
Treatment in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Alternative Medicine Review 2001 (Oct); 6 (5): 460–471 ~ FULL TEXT
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disorder without a known cure. Conventional medicine typically approaches the disease with a treatment plan that includes the use of corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), antimalarial drugs, and chemotherapeutic agents. The results vary and safety is questionable. Conservative treatment methods, such as the use of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, have been shown to have an impact on the activity of the disease.

Treatment of Migraine with Targeted Nutrition Focused on Improved
Assimilation and Elimination
Alternative Medicine Review 2001 (Oct); 6 (5): 488–499 ~ FULL TEXT
This study was undertaken to assess the impact of three months of targeted nutritional therapy for migraine on health-related quality of life. The study is also intended to lend support to a theory that migraine is caused by an underlying dysfunction involving assimilation or elimination mechanisms.

Understanding Premenstrual Syndrome
Nutrition Science News
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and related conditions have long been known to have a significant impact on the quality of life for many women. The symptoms resulting from hormonal alterations that occur during this time are universally known and have been discussed in medical writings since the time of Hippocrates.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:
Oxidative Stress and Dietary Modifications
Alternative Medicine Review 2001 (Oct); 6 (5): 450–459 ~ FULL TEXT
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is an illness characterized by persistent and relapsing fatigue, often accompanied by numerous symptoms involving various body systems. The etiology of CFS remains unclear; however, a number of recent studies have shown oxidative stress may be involved in its pathogenesis. The role of oxidative stress in CFS is an important area for current and future research as it suggests the use of antioxidants in the management of CFS.

Reversal of Osteoarthritis by Nutritional Intervention
ACA Journal of Chiropractic November 1990
Research from rheumatology and orthopedic clinics from Europe on the ability to reverse osteoarthritis has been accumulating for the last 25 years. Based on these results, this article will describe a nutritional program, that in conjunction with standard therapies used for osteoarthritis, can actually reverse the course of osteoarthritis.

Why Oral Calcium Supplements May Reduce Renal Stone Disease:
Report of a Clinical Pilot Study
J Clin Pathol 2001 (Jan); 54(1): 54–62
Regular calcium supplementation does not raise the product of calcium and oxalate in urine and the proportion of oxalate to calcium is reduced. Increased oral calcium, in association with a reduction of the relative proportion absorbed, may be pertinent to the prevention of calcium oxalate rich stones.

Effects of Multinutrient Supplementation on Antioxidant
Defense Systems in Healthy Human Beings
J Nutr Biochem 2001; 12 (7) Jul: 388–395
Oxidative damage involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetics. The antioxidant defense system plays an important role in protecting body from oxidative damage. Numerous studies have been shown that a single vitamin or mineral supplementation has the beneficial effect on the antioxidant defense system.

Chiropractic Use of Glucosamine Sulfate in the
Treatment of Osteoarthritis
J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1997; 20(6); 400–404
The rationales for using NSAIDs in the treatment of osteoarthritis is controversial and openly contested. Given the detrimental effects of NSAIDs on joints and other organs, their use should be discouraged and their classification as a first choice conservative treatment should be abolished. A truly effective and conservative approach to the treatment of osteoarthritis should include chiropractic manipulation, essential nutrient supplementation, exogenous administration of glucosamine sulfate and rehabilitative stretches and exercises to maintain joint function.

The Environmental Medicine Series
Chemical compounds ubiquitous in our food, air, and water are now found in every person's body. The bioaccumulation of these compounds can lead to a variety of metabolic and systemic dysfunctions, and in some cases outright disease states. I hope you will enjoy these 4 Full-Text articles from the Alternative Medicine Review.

Part I: The Human Burden of Environmental Toxins
and Their Common Health Effects
Alternative Medicine Review 2000 (Feb); 5 (1): 52–63 ~ FULL TEXT
Chemical compounds ubiquitous in our food, air, and water are now found in every person. The bioaccumulation of these compounds in some individuals can lead to a variety of metabolic and systemic dysfunctions, and in some cases outright disease states. The systems most affected by these xenobiotic compounds include the immune, neurological, and endocrine systems.

Part II: Health Effects of and Protection From
Ubiquitous Airborne Solvent Exposure
Alternative Medicine Review 2000 (Apr); 5 (2): 133–143 ~ FULL TEXT
Chemicals known as solvents are part of a broad class of chemicals called volatile organic compounds. These compounds are used in a variety of settings, are ubiquitous, and off-gas readily into the atmosphere. Asa result of their overuse, they can be found in detectable level virtually all samples of both indoor and outdoor air. Certain of these compounds are detectable in adipose samples of all U.S. residents

Part III: Long-Term Effects of Chronic
Low-Dose Mercury Exposure
Alternative Medicine Review 2000 (Jun); 5 (3): 209–223 ~ FULL TEXT
Mercury is ubiquitous in the environment, and in our mouths in the form of "silver" amalgams. Once introduced to the body through food or vapor, mercury is rapidly absorbed and accumulates in several tissues, leading to increased oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death. Mercury primarily affects neurological tissue, resulting in numerous neurological symptoms, and also affects the kidneys and the immune system.

Part IV: Pesticides - Biologically Persistent
and Ubiquitous Toxins
Alternative Medicine Review 2000 (Oct); 5 (5): 432–447 ~ FULL TEXT
Although the use of pesticides has doubled every ten years since 1945, pest damage to crops is more prevalent now than it was then. Many pests are now pesticide resistant due to the ubiquitous presence of pesticides in our environment. Chlorinated pesticide residues are present in the air, soil, and water, with a concomitant presence in humans. Organophosphate and carbamate pesticides - the compounds comprising the bulk of current pesticide use - are carried around the globe on air currents.

NutraSweet (TM): The Bitter Truth
It looks like sugar, tastes like sugar, even feels like sugar. But it has virtually no calories, doesn't rot your teeth, and, unlike saccharin, has not been proven to cause cancer. The advertisements say it's as natural as a glass of milk and a banana. I always say if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Effect of Antioxidants on the Occurrence of Pre-Eclampsia in Women
at Increased Risk: a Randomized Trial
Supplementation with vitamins C and E may be beneficial in the prevention of pre-eclampsia in women at increased risk of the disease.

Chromium Nicotinate vs. Chromium Picolinate
In order to evaluate scientific merit of chromium picolinate, we collaborated on a study with researchers at the University of Texas at Austin. Despite claims of fat burning and weight loss, it yielded none of these effects in overweight women. Additionally, in a direct comparison against chromium nicotinate, the picolinate source was less effective in supporting the action of insulin.

Vitamin C Lengthens Lifespan
Although vitamin C has long been considered the premier antioxidant, studies linking the vitamin to increased survival rates have been inconclusive. However, a major study conducted by researchers at Cambridge University School of Clinical Medicine in the U.K. and published in Lancet offers evidence that vitamin C saves lives.

Preventing Macular Degeneration
Nutrition Science News (Jan 1998)
As each of us gets older, the faculty that most notably deteriorates is our vision. One optical problem receiving increasing attention today is "macular degeneration," an eye disease affecting the central part of the retina. Recent research suggests that carotenoids, particularly Lutein and Zeaxanthin, seem to reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration. You might also enjoy a similar article (called Second Sight) which discusses the impact antioxidants and carotenoids have on preventing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Two New Studies Find Natural Vitamin E Better Absorbed,
Retained Than Synthetic
Researchers have long known that natural vitamin E, milligram for milligram, is about 36 percent more potent than the synthetic form of the vitamin. In fact, the "international unit," or IU, standard was developed to compensate for these differences. But two new studies using different groups of people – not laboratory animals – have found that natural vitamin E is utilized twice as efficiently as the synthetic form.

New UK Study Shows Decline in Fruit and Vegetable Mineral Content
New government statistics show fresh fruit and vegetables are not as good for us as they were 60 years ago

Becoming Supplement Savvy
Michael Janson, M.D.
For decades people have believed that eating a balanced diet provided all the nutrients they needed. It's simply not true. This erroneous belief is largely based on government pronouncements that the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) are the bottom line in nutrient requirements. Although a huge amount of work went into developing these dietary guidelines, they don't tell the whole story. The RDAs were developed with one thought in mind: Determine the lowest level of a nutrient that will prevent a specific deficiency disease.

New Developments in Autism, AIDS, and Alternative Paradigm Medicine
In this interview with Dr. Daniel Redwood, Dr. Candace Pert discusses the two areas of research about which she is now most passionate: the possible role of vaccines in causing autism, and her work on Peptide T, which she believes may herald a major breakthrough in AIDS treatment. She also articulates her vision for the Institute for New Medicine, which she founded in affiliation with the Georgetown University School of Medicine to fund further research on alternative paradigm medicine.

Our Food is Becoming Less Nutritious! Why?
New information offers some evidence that J.I. Rodale was right on when he began writing about the connection between healthy soil and healthy people more than 50 years ago. Government reports on the levels of vitamins and minerals in fresh food in the 1990s and from several decades ago reveal significant declines in calcium and iron in a variety of raw fruits and vegetables. Each comparison also noted declines in other nutrients as well, including vitamins A and C, and potassium.

The Physician's Role in Health Promotion Revisited:
A Survey of Primary Care Practitioners
New England Journal of Medicine 1996 (Apr 11); 334 (15)
In 1981, a study of the role of primary care physicians concluded that there was a lack of consensus about many of the surgeon general's recommendations for health promotion and that most primary care physicians felt unprepared for this role and unable to change patients' behavior. Since physicians are in a unique position to influence the behavior of patients, attaining national goals for health promotion requires their enthusiastic agreement and active participation. We sought to examine the extent to which primary care physicians practicing in Massachusetts in 1994 agreed with the recommendations of the surgeon general for the year 2000 and the extent to which they considered themselves prepared and able to change patients' health-related behavior. We compared the responses of the 1981 and 1994 samples in order to assess the extent to which the responses of today's primary care practitioners differed from those of their counterparts 13 years earlier.

Genetically Modified (GM) Food - A Head-to-Head Debate
Controversy over genetically-modified (GM) food is reaching ever-greater heights. We brought the two opposing sides of the GM argument together in a head-to-head confrontation. Dr Ian Taylor is the Scientific Political Adviser for Greenpeace, and Clive Rainbird is Biotechnology communications Manager for manufacturers AgrEvo.

Vitamin Supplements May Curb Disruptive Behavior in Kids
According to a new study published in the February 2000 issue of The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2000; 6:7–17) vitamins may be helpful in deterring violent and anti-social behavior among children with disruptive behaviors who may be suffering from nutritional deficiencies.

A Nutritional Approach to Immunity
Nutrition Science News (September 1999)
The human body is continually protecting itself from the outside world. To shield itself from harmful environmental stimuli, the body employs its cells, biochemicals, organs and tissues. The complex interaction of these physiological systems produces immunity. Some of these systems have dual roles: The digestive system, for example, not only extracts and absorbs nutrients from foods but also destroys pathogenic organisms that may be present in foods. Other immune system components are more focused: White blood cells are specifically designed to destroy invading organisms.

The Joy Of Soy: Worried about High Cholesterol? This Versatile Bean
May Be Just What the Doctor Ordered
Time Magazine 1999; (June 7) 153 (22): 68–69
Dolores Pilcher, 67, a retired nurse living in Mount Airy, N.C., knows her risk of heart disease only too well. Both her father and an aunt died of heart attacks when they were still pretty young, and her cholesterol level has soared over the past few years. So when she heard that scientists were trying to determine if drinking a soy-protein milk shake every day could lower cholesterol levels, she volunteered to take part in the experiment. To Pilcher's delight, the total amount of cholesterol in her blood fell from 245 mg/dl to 205 mg/dl and the level of LDL, or "bad cholesterol," fell from 170 mg/dl to 130 mg/dl. Now that the study is over, she still sprinkles soy powder on her cereal every morning, with the same salutary results.

Diets For Life: Yes, It's Better to Eat Less As You Age,
But Research Shows that You Can't Stint on Essential Nutrients
Time Magazine 1999; (June 7) 153 (22): 84
When the first food pyramid — an easy-to-digest graphical hierarchy of what we should be eating — was introduced in 1992, it seemed broad enough to cover everyone. Since then, however, variations have proliferated: pyramids just for children, for vegetarians, Southerners, Native Americans, Italians, Chinese, Indians, Mexicans and so on. Dietitians have created for us a virtual Nile Valley of nutrition.

"Customized Individual Supplements" May Be Fraudulent
Companies who claim to make nutrients for consumers, based upon their own individual requirements are often frauds. Many of these companies request a urine sample as the basis for determining what your patient's individual nutritional requirements are. The supplement for your patient is then "created", based on deficiencies found in the urine sample.

Blue-Green Algae Warning
Products containing blue-green algae may contain toxins harmful to the liver, because of microcystin levels which exceed those considered safe for daily consumption by both Health Canada and the World Health Organization.

Research perspectives in Asthma: A rationale for the therapeutic application
of magnesium, pyridoxine, Coleus forskholii and Ginkgo biloba in the
treatment of adult and pediatric asthma
Thanks to the American Chiropractic Association's Council On Family Practice for their permission to reprint this article exclusively at Chiro.Org! You can review many other articles on Chiropractic and Asthma in the Research Section.

Alternative Medicine -- The Risks of Untested and Unregulated Remedies:
A Medical Opinion
New England Journal of Medicine 1998 (Sep 17); 339 (2): 839–841
It's clear from the tone of this NEJM article that organized medicine is running scared...and is not reading the literature closely...this page is filled with the sort of studies that they claim haven't been done. But I agree that manufacturers should be regulated to assure the public that they are actually getting what the bottle claims it contains.
You may enjoy this article: St. John's Wort Fails Potency Tests

and you may also enjoy this Response to the NEJM article by Dr. Andrew Weil, Nutritionist

The Cornell/Harvard Vegetarian Alternative To the "Diet Pyramid"
The vegetarian food pyramid, an alternative to the US Food Guide Pyramid, emphasizes a well-balanced vegetarian daily diet based on grains and other plant foods but also includes egg whites and dairy products. Studies link this ovo-lacto diet with much lower rates of certain cancers, obesity, and in some cases, osteoporosis.