Vitamins & Supplements

The Downside of Probiotics: Bloating and Brain Fog

By Kristen Schepker, Assistant Editor

Probiotics can promote gut health and improve the symptoms of a range of different diseases. But emerging evidence suggests that use of “friendly bugs” can sometimes have decidedly unfriendly consequences, from gas and bloating to brain fog and even grave infections.

Is Galectin-3 Inhibition a Key to Reducing Heart Failure?

By Isaac Eliaz, MD, LAc, Contributing Writer

A fast-growing body of data points to galectin-3 (Gal-3) — an adhesive cell surface protein—as a potential therapeutic target for reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Modified Citrus Pectin, a natural substance derived from citrus fruit peels, is the only known natural compound that can bind Gal-3, potentially reducing CVD risk.

Vitamin D Research Roundup

By Becky Wright, Contributing Writer

Findings from the massive VITAL study may have dashed the hope that vitamin D supplementation can prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer. But there are many other reasons to consider using this important vitamin. Here’s a roundup of recent findings.

Two Landmark Studies Shed New Light–and Shadow– on Omega-3s for CVD

By William H. Harris, PhD, Contributing Writer

Two pivotal studies on omega-3s —the long awaited REDUCE-IT and VITAL trials, attempt to clarify the clinical roles of omega-3s for cardiovascular risk reduction. While many of the mainstream headlines took a negative view of the findings, the data actually show some meaningful benefits from omega-3s. Dr. Bill Harris, developer of the Omega-3 Index test, weighs in on the negative and positive messags of these important studies.

Holistic Practitioners Voice Ambivalence on Dietary Supplement Regulations

By Erik Goldman

How do Holistic Primary Care’s practitioner-readers feel about the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA)? Over half don’t even know what it is. Among those who do recognize DSHEA as the main federal statute regulating dietary supplements, there’s considerable ambivalence about the efficacy and the intent of the law.

Formulation Innovation: How New Science Shapes Supplement Product Development

By Erik Goldman, Editor

Research on the impact of various vitamins, minerals, fats, and other nutraceutical substances is progressing at a rapid pace, despite a regulatory system that prohibits supplement companies from using clinical data to make prevention or treatment claims.  None the less, inovative companies are translating new discoveries into a new wave of science-backed supplements.