Natural Standard Blog

FDA: Iron Supplement Recall

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a consumer warning for Rugby Natural Ferrous Sulfate Iron Supplement, manufactured by Advance Pharmaceutical Inc.

Iron is an essential mineral and an important component of proteins involved in oxygen transport and metabolism. The World Health Organization considers iron deficiency to be the largest international nutritional disorder. A vegan diet in particular leads to a strongly increased risk of deficiencies of minerals, such as calcium, iron, and zinc.

Recently, a pharmacist found 25 milligram Meclizine Hydrochloride tablets in one of the iron supplement bottles. Meclizine Hydrochloride may lead to adverse side effects when taken with alcohol or other sedatives, and also in individuals with nervous system diseases, the elderly and nursing infants. Meclizine Hydrochloride may cause drowsiness, confusion, coma, drop in blood pressure, and difficulty breathing.

Advance Pharmaceutical Inc. recalled one lot of the iron supplements.

Any consumer in possession of lot number 12G468 of the Rugby Natural Ferrous Sulfate Iron Supplement should discard the product immediately. Any negative side effects should be reported to a healthcare provider and the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

For more information about iron supplementation, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements database.

Whey Protein May Increase Fat Loss in the Elderly

A new study suggests that whey protein supplementation may aid fat loss in the elderly.

Whey protein is a highly digestible source of protein. It is also a popular dietary protein supplement for purposes such as immune modulation, improved muscle strength and body composition, and prevention of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. There is evidence to suggest that whey protein may act as an appetite suppressant and is a good source of protein.

The new study included 12 elderly obese participants, randomly assigned to either a whey protein and essential amino acid diet or a control diet. Both diets were about 1200 calories daily and designed for weight loss. Researchers assessed body weight, body composition and skeletal muscle protein weekly.

After eight weeks, both the whey protein group and the control group lost a similar proportion of body weight and lean muscle tissue. However, the whey protein group lost 30 percent more fat, which was significantly more than the control group.

The researchers noted that more research with a larger number of participants is warranted to confirm these results.

For more information about integrative therapies for weight loss, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness database.

Aerobic Exercise May Benefit Weight Loss More Than Resistance Training

A recent study suggests that aerobic exercise may be more beneficial for weight loss than resistance training.

Aerobic exercise is physical activity that depends on oxygen to meet energy requirements during exercise through aerobic metabolism. Also called cardio, aerobic exercise can typically be maintained for an extended time period. Resistance training refers to any physical activity that uses different muscle groups to develop and maintain muscular strength, endurance, power and muscle mass. There are many different types of resistance training, some of which may use resistance bands or tubes, free weights such as dumbbells, or machines.

In a recent study, researchers randomly assigned 119 inactive overweight or obese adults to one of three groups. The first group participated in resistance training, the second group participated in aerobic training and the third group participated in a combination of aerobic and resistance training. Fat mass, lean body mass and total body mass were evaluated as the main outcome measures.

The researchers found that total body mass and fat mass reduced significantly more in the aerobic training and combination aerobic/resistance training groups when compared to the resistance training group alone. However, the combination training required twice the amount of time than just aerobic training alone. Furthermore, body mass and fat mass reductions were not significantly more in the combination group than they were in the just the aerobic training group. Lean body mass increased significantly more in the resistance training and combination training group when compared to the aerobic training group.

The authors concluded that when considering the required time commitment and effectiveness in body and fat mass reductions, aerobic training may be more beneficial for weight loss than resistance training or a combination of resistance and aerobic training. Resistance training may be more effective in increasing lean body mass. Further research is warranted.

In addition to aerobic and resistance training, many other therapies have been studied for their potential to expedite weight loss. The role of whey protein in appetite and body weight control has been studied. Whey protein may aid in weight loss; however, further study is required to confirm study findings. Additionally, studies suggest that 5-HTP may reduce eating behaviors, lessen caloric intake and promote weight loss in obese individuals.

For more information about integrative therapies for weight loss, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

Natural Standard Attending Reverse Career Fair

Natural Standard will be attending the upcoming Reverse Career Fair at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 5-8pm.

The fair will take place in the Indoor Quad of the Curry Student Center. Unlike a traditional career fair, this forum will allow Natural Standard representatives to visit various student groups and educate attendees about the opportunities available at the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

For more information, please visit www.northeastern.experience.com.

New Healthcare Documentaries: "Money and Medicine" and "Escape the Fire"

Natural Standard would like to share two new healthcare documentaries.

Money and Medicine: This documentary aired just last month on PBS. The documentary focuses on reducing healthcare expenditures and improving health outcomes through better coordination of patient care, shared patient decision-making, and through the practice of evidence-based medicine.

Escape the Fire: This documentary received a limited release last week and is being advertised as An Inconvenient Truth for healthcare. The documentary promotes prevention and wellness as effective alternatives to disease management.

Roger Ebert's review of Escape the Fire is available here.

Please share your thoughts.

 

NEW Natural Standard Therapy Finder

Natural Standard recently launched a new Therapy Finder, an easy-to-use tool for consumers seeking personalized information about therapies to meet their specific healthcare needs.

This new tool opens communication between providers and patients by empowering consumers with evidence-based information about integrative therapy options.

Users enter details about their background, including age, height and weight, as well as medical history, diet, lifestyle, current therapies and health interests. The tool then generates a personal profile and calculates which integrative therapies may meet their healthcare needs. Users may then review the available evidence for each potential therapy to discuss with their healthcare provider. Healthcare providers may refer to Natural Standard Professional monographs for in-depth research.

Natural Standard does not recommend specific therapies or practitioners. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning a new therapy.

To try this new tool, please visit Natural Standard's new Therapy Finder.

Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy Discount

For generations of pharmacists, Remington has been the single reliable source of reference for guidance to eager students and mature professionals. For over a century, Remington has featured in the careers of pharmacists across the globe, introducing them to the fundamentals of practice, examining the discipline in its social context, mapping developments in pharmaceutical science and relating it to the practicalities of patient care.

Now, in a new and fully revised edition, Remington has an even more international outlook and an array of new content, including a chapter on Complementary and Alternative Medical Healthcare written by the team from Natural Standard, led by founder Dr. Catherine Ulbricht, that makes it an indispensible companion throughout a pharmacist's lifetime.

By special arrangement with Pharmaceutical Press, Natural Standard members are being offered unprecedented savings on the cost of the upcoming new edition of this core resource.

Place an order no later than August 31 to receive an additional 25% discount off the publisher's special pre-publication price. At only $112.50, this member-only price represents a more than $37 savings, with the added bonus of free shipping.

To take advantage of this offer, please visit www.pharmpress.com.

NEW Google Search Interface

Natural Standard recently launched a new Google search interface allowing users to quickly search all Natural Standard databases and view the most relevant results fast.

This new technology allows clinicians, researchers and manufacturers to search for foods, herbs, supplements, alternative modalities and medical conditions separately or together. Search results provide finely tuned results at the top and Google's traditional search algorithm below.

In addition to the new Google search technology, Natural Standard also offers an Advanced Search feature. This feature allows users to filter their search by the following:

Reading level: Professional, Bottom line, Flashcard

Language: English, Spanish

Limit: Title, Text

Database: Food, Herbs & Supplements; Health & Wellness; Medical Conditions; Comparative Effectiveness; News & Events; Brand Names; Dictionary; References; Interactions; Charts & Tables; Depletions: Herbs & Supplements; Depletions: Drugs & OTCs

Natural Standard Research Collaboration Award

The Natural Standard Research Collaboration is offering an award for subscribing academic institutions to present to an exemplary 2012 graduating class member for perpetuating multidisciplinary, evidence-based research practices, healthcare communications or information. Each healthcare discipline and journalism school within a university is eligible for one award per department.

Natural Standard would like to congratulate all of the recent award recipients, including Candice Carbaugh from University of Hawaii; Jamie Wagner from Midwestern University; Aileen Chu from University of Southern California; Milanka Petrovic from LECOM School of Pharmacy; Adrian Hui from St. John Fisher College; Michael Perry from Nova Southeastern University; Chelsie Brooke Heesch from University of Wisconsin; Tracy Jones from Minnesota College of Pharmacy; Calista Jones from University of Charleston; Benjamin Woo from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and Corey McEwen from University of Mississippi.

Each award recipient will be granted the following:

Natural Standard Award Certificate

Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Guide Book

Natural Standard Medical Condition Reference Book: An Integrative Approach

Natural Standard Herbal Pharmacotherapy Book: An Evidence-Based Approach

Natural Standard Professional Database: one-year personal subscription

Natural Standard Mobile Version: one-year personal subscription

Journal of Dietary Supplements: one-year personal subscription

To offer this award at your institution, please email memberservices@naturalstandard.com.

Integrative Therapies for Healthy Summer Sports

Natural Standard celebrates the start of summer by highlighting several integrative therapies for the season of sun and sports.

With summer sports comes increased sun exposure and the need for sun protection. Sunburn may occur when the amount of sun or ultraviolet (UV) light exposure exceeds the ability of the body's pigment called melanin to protect the skin. Many integrative therapies have been studied for their potential to protect the skin against such exposure.

Lycopene in combination with other carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, selenium and proanthocyanidins, may help in reducing sunburn. Carotenoids are highly pigmented (red, orange, yellow), fat-soluble compounds naturally present in many fruits, grains, oils and vegetables (green plants, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, etc). Selected protective effects from UV rays have been observed in small, short-term studies. There is also evidence that taking pomegranate extract by mouth may reduce damage to the skin caused by exposure to UV rays. Additional studies in this area are warranted.

Along with increased sun exposure, sports injuries, such as strains and sprains, are common during the summer season. The musculoskeletal system includes bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons and bursae (fluid-filled sacs). Any of these components can be injured by trauma or affected by a number of diseases causing joint, tendon and muscle problems.

Athletes may be more susceptible to injuries as they continuously apply pressure on body parts and use forceful movements. Nutritional changes along with the addition of supplements (vitamins, minerals and herbs) may be effective in reducing joint, tendon and muscle pain. Foods high in calcium, such as spinach, kale, figs and dairy products, are recommended by healthcare professionals.

Early study suggests that cherry juice may prevent damage to muscles caused by exercise. Additionally, Pycnogenol®, the registered trade name for a patented water extract of the bark of the French maritime pine, may effectively prevent cramps, muscular pain at rest and pain after/during exercise in athletes prone to cramps. Further research is needed before any firm conclusions can be made.

For more information about integrative therapies for common sports injuries, please visit Natural Standard's Sports Medicine Database.

For more information about integrative therapies for sun exposure, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

Natural Standard LIVE Presentations at SupplySide MarketPlace

Individuals interested in learning more about evidence-based integrative medicine are invited to visit Natural Standard at the upcoming SupplySide MarketPlace May 8-10, 2012 at the Javits Center in New York, New York.

Please stop Natural Standard's booth, #262, on May 9th and May 10th at 11AM, 1PM or 3PM EST to view a LIVE database overview presentation.

To make an appointment to meet with one of Natural Standard's representatives at an upcoming conference, please email sales@naturalstandard.com.

For more information about the SupplySide MartketPlace, please visit www.supplysideshow.com.

Making Natural Standard Part of Daily Workflow

Sign up for a complimentary webinar to learn how institutions can leverage Natural Standard's unique Clinical Decision Support (CDS) and Comparative Efficacy Databases to improve healthcare outcomes.

The patient care platform, now available to Natural Standard members, will also be reviewed.

To attend, register by clicking one of the enrollment links below.

Wed, May 9, 2012 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM (EST)

Wed, May 16, 2012 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM (EST)

Wed, May 23, 2012 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM (EST)

Wed, May 30, 2012 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM (EST)

We have also added a late training session to accommodate for our members in other time zones.

Wed, May 2, 2012 7:30 PM - 8:15 PM (EST)

After registration, attendees will receive e-mail confirmation with information on how to join the webinar.

System Requirements: PC-based attendees: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server. Macintosh®-based attendees: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

Natural Standard Research Collaboration Award

The Natural Standard Research Collaboration is offering an award for subscribing academic institutions to present to an exemplary 2012 graduating class member for perpetuating multidisciplinary, evidence-based research practices, healthcare communications or information. Each healthcare discipline and journalism school within a university is eligible for one award per department.

Natural Standard would like to congratulate recent award recipient Shaina McFaddin of Appalachian College of Pharmacy. Shaina will be granted the following:

Natural Standard Award Certificate

Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Guide Book

Natural Standard Medical Condition Reference Book: An Integrative Approach

Natural Standard Herbal Pharmacotherapy Book: An Evidence-Based Approach

Natural Standard Professional Database: one-year personal subscription

Natural Standard Mobile Version: one-year personal subscription

Journal of Dietary Supplements: one-year personal subscription

To offer this award at your institution, please email memberservices@naturalstandard.com.

Natural Standard Training

Sign up for a free online training session to learn more about Natural Standard's decision-support tools.

Natural Standard provides high-quality, evidence-based information about integrative therapies to help healthcare professionals and consumers make safer, more educated decisions about health.

Natural Standard is an international multidisciplinary collaboration that includes contributors from more than 100 eminent academic institutions. Research teams systematically gather scientific data and expert opinions to develop comprehensive monographs that are designed to facilitate clinical decision making. For each therapy, the available scientific evidence of effectiveness is evaluated using the Natural Standard Evidence-Based Validated Grading Rationale™. All monographs undergo blinded peer review prior to inclusion in Natural Standard databases.

These guided tours will demonstrate how to navigate the various databases and cross reference medical conditions and therapies.

Tue, Mar 13, 2012 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Thu, Mar 15, 2012 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Tue, Mar 20, 2012 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Thu, Mar 22, 2012 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Thu, Mar 29, 2012 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Tue, Apr 3, 2012 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

After registration, attendees will receive e-mail confirmation with information on how to join the webinar.

System Requirements: PC-based attendees: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server. Macintosh®-based attendees: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

Natural Standard Exhibits

Individuals interested in learning more about evidence-based integrative medicine are invited to visit Natural Standard at several upcoming events. Natural Standard will be exhibiting its latest products and services, including the new Continuing Education Modules.

To make an appointment to meet with one of Natural Standard's representatives at an upcoming conference, please email sales@naturalstandard.com.

American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Annual Meeting & Exposition: The event will take place March 9-March 12, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Natural Standard will be exhibiting at booth #234. For more information, please visit www.aphameeting.org.

2012 Spring Health Connect Partners Hospital Pharmacy Conference: The event will take place May 7-9, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Miami, Florida. For more information, please visit www.hlthcp.com.

SupplySide MarketPlace 2012: The event will take place May 8-10, 2012 at the Javits Center in New York, New York. Natural Standard will be exhibiting at booth #262. For more information, please visit www.supplysideshow.com.

Medical Library Association (MLA) Annual Meeting and Exhibition: The event will take place May 18-23, 2012 at the Washington Convention Center in Seattle, Washington. Natural Standard will be exhibiting at booth #511. For more information, please visit www.mlanet.org.

Natural Standard on the Radio

Health Action, a noncommercial program on WBAI/Pacifica Radio, 99.5 FM in New York City, interviews Dr. Catherine Ulbricht, Founder and CEO of Natural Standard, Monday, February 20, 2012 7-9PM.

Health Action is a weekly program exploring grassroots perspectives on physical, mental and spiritual health. The show challenges corporate threats to health, discusses new research and exposes inequities in medical access.

Show hosts Bob Lederer, Mark Hannay and Kathy Davis interview Dr. Ulbricht and discuss the evidence-based research Natural Standard provides in this special edition of the Health Action program.

To listen to an archive of the show's audio, please visit www.archive.wbai.org.

Natural Standard Training

Sign up for a free online training session to learn more about Natural Standard's decision-support tools.

Natural Standard provides high-quality, evidence-based information about integrative therapies to help healthcare professionals and consumers make safer, more educated decisions about health.

Natural Standard is an international multidisciplinary collaboration that includes contributors from more than 100 eminent academic institutions. Research teams systematically gather scientific data and expert opinions to develop comprehensive monographs that are designed to facilitate clinical decision making. For each therapy, the available scientific evidence of effectiveness is evaluated using the Natural Standard Evidence-Based Validated Grading Rationale™. All monographs undergo blinded peer review prior to inclusion in Natural Standard databases.

These guided tours will demonstrate how to navigate the various databases and cross reference medical conditions and therapies.

Thu, Jan 19, 2012 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Tue, Jan 24, 2012 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Thu, Jan 26, 2012 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Tue, Jan 31, 2012 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Thu, Feb 2, 2012 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Tue, Feb 7, 2012 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Thu, Feb 9, 2012 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

A special *LATE* training session will be held at 7:00PM - 8:00PM EST on Tue, Jan 31, 2012 to accommodate for other time zones.

After registration, attendees will receive e-mail confirmation with information on how to join the webinar.

System Requirements: PC-based attendees: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server. Macintosh®-based attendees: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

Complimentary Webinars

Natural Standard is offering a series of complimentary webinars on integrative medicine. Natural Standard offers these impartial webinars as an informational public service. All webinars are recorded and archived at www.naturalstandard.com/webinars.

Arthritis: Management of Pain, Inflammation & Immunomodulation with Botanical Medicines: Dr. Eugene R. Zampieron, ND, MH(AHG) is a medical herbalist and a Registered and certified Professional Member of the American Herbalist Guild (MH, AHG). Dr Zampieron helped firmly establish the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine as the first accredited naturopathic medical college on the Eastern seaboard. Dr Zampieron is currently the senior-most faculty member at the institution, has taught many courses including botanical medicine, pharmacognosy, botanical pharmacy, urology, geriatrics, practice management, rheumatology and history of natural medicine courses. Natural Standard would like to thank Dr. Zampieron for providing this educational webinar. Complimentary access is available February 1-29, 2012.

Congestive Heart Failure: An Integrative Approach: Bijan Bandani, PharmDc, presents an overview of the signs, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of congestive heart failure. He discusses several patient cases detailing the safety and effectiveness of integrative therapies for this condition. He also reviews the scientific evidence, dosing, safety and interactions related to various therapies. Complimentary access is available February 1-29, 2012.

Integrative Therapies for Weight Loss

Many integrative therapies have been studied for their potential effects on weight loss. Among the foods, herbs, supplements and modalities that may aid in weight reduction are chitosan, konjac glucomannan, whey protein, psychotherapy and hydroxycitric acid.

Chitosan: Chitosan comes from chitin, which is part of the outer shell-like structure of insects, spiders, and crustaceans. Chitosan is sold in the United States and other countries as a form of dietary fiber that reduces fat absorption. However, scientific evidence suggests only a small effect of chitosan on fat absorption. While some studies suggest that chitosan is an effective weight loss therapy, others have found it is ineffective. More evidence is needed.

Konjac glucomannan: Glucomannan is a soluble and highly viscous dietary fiber. Although glucomannan is a term for a sugar derived from various sources, the most common meaning for glucomannan is for the soluble fiber derived from the root of Amorphophallus konjac (elephant yam or konjac plant). When consumed, it absorbs water in the digestive tract, reducing absorption of carbohydrates and cholesterol. It is this property that makes glucomannan a product of interest with respect to weight loss, blood sugar lowering, and cholesterol reduction. There is good evidence to support the use of glucomannan for cholesterol reduction, constipation, diabetes and weight loss.

Whey protein: Whey protein is one of the two major groups of proteins found in milk. It is a highly digestible source of protein. Whey protein has been found to reduce short-term food intake and may aid in reducing appetite. The role of whey protein in body weight control has also been studied. Whey protein may aid in weight loss, however, further research is necessary.

Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy is an interactive process between a person and a qualified mental health professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical social worker, licensed counselor, or other trained practitioner). Its purpose is the exploration of thoughts, feelings, and behavior for the purpose problem solving or achieving higher levels of functioning. Several studies indicate that people who are overweight or obese may benefit from behavioral and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy in combination with diet and exercise.

Hydroxycitric acid: (-)-Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is a main component of the dried fruit rind of Garcinia cambogia, a native Southeast Asian plant commonly known as brindleberry or Malabar tamarind. HCA is present in high concentrations in Garcinia cambogia and is also found in the tropical plant Hibiscus sabdariffa. HCA is currently used in a number of over-the-counter weight loss products. HCA may also enhance exercise performance, but different studies have produced conflicting results. More high-quality clinical trials are needed.

For more information on integrative therapies studied for weight loss, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

Q & A with Dr. Holly Lucille

Natural Standard is offering a series of upcoming complimentary webinars on integrative medicine. Natural Standard offers these impartial webinars as an informational public service. All webinars are recorded and archived at www.naturalstandard.com/webinars.

Dr. Catherine Ulbricht, Founder and CEO of Natural Standard, interviews Holly Lucille, ND, RN, a well-known licensed naturopathic physician, author and educator. Dr. Lucille is the former president of the California Naturopathic Doctor's Association where she spearheaded the effort to license naturopathic doctors in the state of California. Dr. Lucille is not only a naturopathic physician and registered nurse, but she is also a personal trainer, certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Complimentary access January 1-31, 2012 (Requires Windows Media Player).

The transcript of this webinar is also available as a PDF.