Maca is a traditional plant common to the Andes Mountains and has been used for centuries to enhance fertility, improve sexual function, improve energy and more. Maca (aka Lepidium Peruvianum and Lepidium meyenii) belongs to the mustard family and is considered an adaptogen—helping us to adapt to a variety of stressors.
A systematic review was done to assess the clinical evidence for or against the efficacy of maca for sexual dysfunction. The review included only randomized clinical trials comparing maca to a placebo in men or women with sexual dysfunction. Four randomized controlled trials (RCT) met the inclusion criteria. Two of these trials suggested a positive effect of maca on sexual dysfunction or libido in menopausal women or adult. One other RCT did not show effect of maca in cyclists. The fourth study assessed the effects of maca in men with erectile dysfunction and did show significant effects.
While the evidence is limited, there does appear to be some effectiveness of maca in improving sexual function.
For more blogs by Dr Hudson go to http://drtorihudson.com
In addition for more information on maca, men and sexual function go to http://www.naturalhi.com/Products/Macalibrium.aspx
Reference
Shin B, Soo Lee M, Jin Yang E, Lim H, Ernst E. Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2010;10:44
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Japan, Radiation and iodine
While we do not think this will be an issue a number of our customers have been ring up and asking about Original Himalayan Crystal Salt's benefit in relation to minerals and iodine due to the threat of possible radiation.
A lot of interest has been focused on iodine and iodine supplementation to prevent harm to thyroid glands and other systemic problems.
To give you a bit more information: Iodine 131 is released with radiation. Where ever a receptor for iodine is needed, there is susceptibility for Iodine 131 to attach and prevent "regular" iodine from binding.
It is important to note that Iodine supplements do not stop other effects of radiation. It only keeps iodine 131 from binding and causing the loss of function (mostly at the thyroid). Also certain people cannot or should not take iodine supplements. The following is from the Food and Drug Administration.
According to the FDA:
Adults – including women who are breastfeeding – should take 130 milligrams of stable iodine. Children aged 3 to 18 should take 65 milligrams. Children who weigh more than 150 pounds should take the adult dose, regardless of age. Nursing and non-nursing infants between 1 month and 3 years of age should take 32 milligrams. Nursing and non-nursing newborns should take 16 milligrams.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU TAKE IODINE TABLETS?
Most often a single dose of iodine – which protects the thyroid gland for 24 hours – is all that is needed. Officials may request that the public take a dose of stable iodine every 24 hours for a few days if radioactive iodine will remain in the environment for a prolonged period of time. Pregnant and breastfeeding women and newborns should avoid taking multiple doses.
RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS
When officials advise the public to take iodine pills following a nuclear event, the benefits outweigh the risks. Taking a higher dose than is recommended will not provide more protection and can cause severe illness or death. People with thyroid disease should take iodine pills only under a doctor’s supervision. General side effects include intestinal upset, rashes and inflammation of the salivary glands.
And that’s where the FDA stops.
Yes Original Himalayan Crystal Salt will be of benefit in relation to iodine but if it does become an issue you would want to look at an iodine supplement like Tri Iodine. Please note you only absorb about 10% of the iodine in iodized salt therefore do not look to that for your source.
But, iodine isn’t the whole story. Toxic metabolic products are generated under conditions of exposure to radiation (whole body reacting to radiation stress). PH Quintessence holds unique properties to purify blood from these unwanted toxins. With a blend of chlorophyll, beta carotene, and xanthophyll and 2.5% total potassium, pH Quintessence purifies the blood and aids in biotransformation or detoxification. http://www.naturalhi.com/Products/Quintessence.aspx
Hydration is also of paramount importance when it comes to radiation. Therefore, many customers have turned to Original Himalayan Crystal Salts for its ability to improve absorption of water into cells especially using Sole http://www.himalayancrystalsalt.com
One of the major side effects of therapeutic radiation is dehydration. Hydrating patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation has a lot of empirical evidence behind it. Patients, doctors and nurses all stress hydration and fluids during treatment. Patients ALWAYS know when they haven't had enough.
Radiation will cause free radical damage, some of which is dealt with at the cellular level, but the creation of toxic metabolites, involving the liver require hydration due to the detoxification pathways are mostly hydrolytic (use up water).
To further the detoxification concept, the kidneys, need adequate hydration to excrete toxic metabolites created by radiation or otherwise. N.B. Therapeutic radiation and nuclear radiation are very different, but beyond proximity to epicenter, hydration and general health status will be best predictors of an individual's outcome.
By Dr Corey Schuler DC, MS, LN
A lot of interest has been focused on iodine and iodine supplementation to prevent harm to thyroid glands and other systemic problems.
To give you a bit more information: Iodine 131 is released with radiation. Where ever a receptor for iodine is needed, there is susceptibility for Iodine 131 to attach and prevent "regular" iodine from binding.
It is important to note that Iodine supplements do not stop other effects of radiation. It only keeps iodine 131 from binding and causing the loss of function (mostly at the thyroid). Also certain people cannot or should not take iodine supplements. The following is from the Food and Drug Administration.
According to the FDA:
Adults – including women who are breastfeeding – should take 130 milligrams of stable iodine. Children aged 3 to 18 should take 65 milligrams. Children who weigh more than 150 pounds should take the adult dose, regardless of age. Nursing and non-nursing infants between 1 month and 3 years of age should take 32 milligrams. Nursing and non-nursing newborns should take 16 milligrams.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU TAKE IODINE TABLETS?
Most often a single dose of iodine – which protects the thyroid gland for 24 hours – is all that is needed. Officials may request that the public take a dose of stable iodine every 24 hours for a few days if radioactive iodine will remain in the environment for a prolonged period of time. Pregnant and breastfeeding women and newborns should avoid taking multiple doses.
RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS
When officials advise the public to take iodine pills following a nuclear event, the benefits outweigh the risks. Taking a higher dose than is recommended will not provide more protection and can cause severe illness or death. People with thyroid disease should take iodine pills only under a doctor’s supervision. General side effects include intestinal upset, rashes and inflammation of the salivary glands.
And that’s where the FDA stops.
Yes Original Himalayan Crystal Salt will be of benefit in relation to iodine but if it does become an issue you would want to look at an iodine supplement like Tri Iodine. Please note you only absorb about 10% of the iodine in iodized salt therefore do not look to that for your source.
But, iodine isn’t the whole story. Toxic metabolic products are generated under conditions of exposure to radiation (whole body reacting to radiation stress). PH Quintessence holds unique properties to purify blood from these unwanted toxins. With a blend of chlorophyll, beta carotene, and xanthophyll and 2.5% total potassium, pH Quintessence purifies the blood and aids in biotransformation or detoxification. http://www.naturalhi.com/Products/Quintessence.aspx
Hydration is also of paramount importance when it comes to radiation. Therefore, many customers have turned to Original Himalayan Crystal Salts for its ability to improve absorption of water into cells especially using Sole http://www.himalayancrystalsalt.com
One of the major side effects of therapeutic radiation is dehydration. Hydrating patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation has a lot of empirical evidence behind it. Patients, doctors and nurses all stress hydration and fluids during treatment. Patients ALWAYS know when they haven't had enough.
Radiation will cause free radical damage, some of which is dealt with at the cellular level, but the creation of toxic metabolites, involving the liver require hydration due to the detoxification pathways are mostly hydrolytic (use up water).
To further the detoxification concept, the kidneys, need adequate hydration to excrete toxic metabolites created by radiation or otherwise. N.B. Therapeutic radiation and nuclear radiation are very different, but beyond proximity to epicenter, hydration and general health status will be best predictors of an individual's outcome.
By Dr Corey Schuler DC, MS, LN
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
St. John's Wort and Menopause
St. John’s wort products and extracts have been used for a wide range of medical conditions, the most common being depressive disorders. The most robust research is in the area of mild to moderate depression, with some additional research in anxiety, severe depression, seasonal affective disorder, premenstrual syndrome, and perimenopause/menopause. St. John’s wort is the most thoroughly researched natural antidepressant, but the majority of these studies have not been conducted on menopausal women.
A study of St John’s wort liquid extract showed a statistically decline in hot flashes severity, duration and frequency in the SJW group compared to placebo at week 8.[1]
Another double blind randomized clinical trial demonstrated that after 3 months of treatment, women in the St. John’s wort group reported significantly better quality of life scores, and significantly fewer sleep problems compared to placebo. [2]
About ten years ago, a non placebo controlled, drug monitoring study was conducted in women with menopause symptoms using 900 mg of St. Johns wort for 12 weeks. About three quarters of the women experienced improvement in both the self-rating scale and the physician rating, and significantly improved in psychological and psychosomatic symptoms as well as a feeling of sexual well-being.[3]
The first of three studies using St. John’s wort and black cohosh was published in 1999. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial used St. John’s wort and black cohosh made by the makers of Remifemin.[4] The Kupperman index for the combination product decreased from 31.4 to 18.7 compared with a decrease in the placebo group from 30.3 to 22.3. Psychological symptoms also improved significantly in the black cohosh/St. John’s wort combination group.
A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study was done using a combination trial of black cohosh and St. John’s wort. The mean Menopause Rating Scale score decreased 50% in the treatment group and 19.6% in the placebo group.[5] The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score decreased 41.8% in the treatment group and 12.7% in the placebo group. In both testing measures the St. John’s wort + black cohosh group was significantly superior to the placebo group.
Another black cohosh/St. John’s wort trial was carried out in peri or postmenopausal Korean women, and was published in 2007.[6] Mean Kupperman index scores at 4 and 12 weeks were significantly lower in the treatment group (P < 0.002). At the end of the study, the average decrease in the Kupperman Index was 20 points in the treatment group and only 8.2 points in the placebo group (P < 0.001). Vaginal dryness and low libido were two symptoms that did not improve, but the average hot flash scores were significantly lower in the black cohosh/St. Johns wort group.
Finally, a study was done in which a combination of black cohosh with or without St. John’s wort was used in 6141 women at 1287 outpatient gynecologists in Germany in a prospective, controlled open-label observational study.[7] The greatest changes occurred with the combination therapy for nervousness/irritability and mood swings, but in the area of depression, there was a reduction in both treatment groups.
St. John’s wort is emerging as an important clinical tool in treating perimenopausal/menopausal women—for hot flashes and/or depression and/or mood swings, as a single agent, or in combination with other therapies.
For more blogs and information from Dr Hudson go to http://www.drtorihudson.com
References
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1] Abdali K, Khajehei M, Tabatabaee R. Effect of St. John’s wort on severity, frequency, and duration of hot flashes in premenopausal, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Menopause 2010;17(2): 326-331.
[2] Al-Akoum M, Maunsell E, Verreault R, Provencher L, Otis H, Dodin S. Effects of Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort) on hot flashes and quality of life in perimenopausal women: a randomized pilot trial. Menopause. 2009 Mar-Apr;16(2):307-14.
[3] Grube B, Walper A, Whatley D. St. John’s wort extract: Efficacy for menopasual symptoms of psychological origin. Adv Ther 1999;16:177.
[4] Boblitz N, Schrader E, Henneicke-Von Zepelin H, et al. Benefit of a fixed drug combination containing St. John’s wort and black cohosh for climacteric patients-results of a randomised clinical trial )poster presentation from 6th Annual Symposium on Complementary Health Care, Exeter, England, December 2-4 1999). Focus Alt Comp Ther 2000;5(1):85-86.
[5] Uebelhack R, Jens-Uwe Blohmer, et al. Black cohosh and St. john’s wort for climacteric complaints. Obstet Gynecol 2006;107:247-255.
[6] Chung D, Kim H, Park K, et al. Black cohosh and St. John’s wort (GYNO-Plus) for climacteric symptoms. Yonsei Med J 2007;48(2):289-294.
[7] Briese V, Stammwitz U, Friede M, et al. Black cohosh with or without St. John’s wort for symptom-specific climacteric treatment- Results of a large-scale, controlled, observational study. Maturitas 2007;57:405-414.
A study of St John’s wort liquid extract showed a statistically decline in hot flashes severity, duration and frequency in the SJW group compared to placebo at week 8.[1]
Another double blind randomized clinical trial demonstrated that after 3 months of treatment, women in the St. John’s wort group reported significantly better quality of life scores, and significantly fewer sleep problems compared to placebo. [2]
About ten years ago, a non placebo controlled, drug monitoring study was conducted in women with menopause symptoms using 900 mg of St. Johns wort for 12 weeks. About three quarters of the women experienced improvement in both the self-rating scale and the physician rating, and significantly improved in psychological and psychosomatic symptoms as well as a feeling of sexual well-being.[3]
The first of three studies using St. John’s wort and black cohosh was published in 1999. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial used St. John’s wort and black cohosh made by the makers of Remifemin.[4] The Kupperman index for the combination product decreased from 31.4 to 18.7 compared with a decrease in the placebo group from 30.3 to 22.3. Psychological symptoms also improved significantly in the black cohosh/St. John’s wort combination group.
A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study was done using a combination trial of black cohosh and St. John’s wort. The mean Menopause Rating Scale score decreased 50% in the treatment group and 19.6% in the placebo group.[5] The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score decreased 41.8% in the treatment group and 12.7% in the placebo group. In both testing measures the St. John’s wort + black cohosh group was significantly superior to the placebo group.
Another black cohosh/St. John’s wort trial was carried out in peri or postmenopausal Korean women, and was published in 2007.[6] Mean Kupperman index scores at 4 and 12 weeks were significantly lower in the treatment group (P < 0.002). At the end of the study, the average decrease in the Kupperman Index was 20 points in the treatment group and only 8.2 points in the placebo group (P < 0.001). Vaginal dryness and low libido were two symptoms that did not improve, but the average hot flash scores were significantly lower in the black cohosh/St. Johns wort group.
Finally, a study was done in which a combination of black cohosh with or without St. John’s wort was used in 6141 women at 1287 outpatient gynecologists in Germany in a prospective, controlled open-label observational study.[7] The greatest changes occurred with the combination therapy for nervousness/irritability and mood swings, but in the area of depression, there was a reduction in both treatment groups.
St. John’s wort is emerging as an important clinical tool in treating perimenopausal/menopausal women—for hot flashes and/or depression and/or mood swings, as a single agent, or in combination with other therapies.
For more blogs and information from Dr Hudson go to http://www.drtorihudson.com
References
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1] Abdali K, Khajehei M, Tabatabaee R. Effect of St. John’s wort on severity, frequency, and duration of hot flashes in premenopausal, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Menopause 2010;17(2): 326-331.
[2] Al-Akoum M, Maunsell E, Verreault R, Provencher L, Otis H, Dodin S. Effects of Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort) on hot flashes and quality of life in perimenopausal women: a randomized pilot trial. Menopause. 2009 Mar-Apr;16(2):307-14.
[3] Grube B, Walper A, Whatley D. St. John’s wort extract: Efficacy for menopasual symptoms of psychological origin. Adv Ther 1999;16:177.
[4] Boblitz N, Schrader E, Henneicke-Von Zepelin H, et al. Benefit of a fixed drug combination containing St. John’s wort and black cohosh for climacteric patients-results of a randomised clinical trial )poster presentation from 6th Annual Symposium on Complementary Health Care, Exeter, England, December 2-4 1999). Focus Alt Comp Ther 2000;5(1):85-86.
[5] Uebelhack R, Jens-Uwe Blohmer, et al. Black cohosh and St. john’s wort for climacteric complaints. Obstet Gynecol 2006;107:247-255.
[6] Chung D, Kim H, Park K, et al. Black cohosh and St. John’s wort (GYNO-Plus) for climacteric symptoms. Yonsei Med J 2007;48(2):289-294.
[7] Briese V, Stammwitz U, Friede M, et al. Black cohosh with or without St. John’s wort for symptom-specific climacteric treatment- Results of a large-scale, controlled, observational study. Maturitas 2007;57:405-414.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Vitamin D and Ovarian Cancer Risk Reduction by Dr Tori Hudson
Women with ovarian cancer and control subjects were analyzed for their vitamin D status as measured by serum 25(OH)D3 level in 7,243 women from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES).
A high and low status of levels of serum vitamin D was defined as above or below 23 ng/mL (57.5 nmol/L). After adjusting for age, diet and body mass index, ovarian cancer cases were over three times as likely to have inadequate 25(OH)D3 levels compared with the controls.
Previous research has shown that vitamin D induces apoptosis in ovarian CA cell lines, ovarian cancer has been inhibited by vitamin D in animal studies and although studies are mixed–ovarian cancer rates appear to be higher in areas with less sun exposure.
Other research on vitamin D consistently observes that a long list of chronic diseases and cancers are associated with lower vitamin D status, with some showing risk reduction when levels are above 30 ng/mL, 40 ng/mL and even 50 ng/mL. Despite this large and growing body of evidence, the Institute of Medicine recently released its Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D based on a target level of 20 ng/mL and randomized controlled trials, rather than the cornucopia of observational studies. This resulted in recommended doses of 600-800 I.U. per day depending on age. As I stated in a January blog, it is too bad… that these observational studies were not considered, and once again, we may not have optimal prevention and risk reduction guidelines from our government agencies. Many if not most alternative minded practitioners are recommending a routine dosing of 2,000 I.U. of vitamin D per day, in individuals who do not have a history of kidney stones nor elevated serum calcium levels. However, most women will achieve a minimum serum level of 23 ng/mL (as stated in this current ovarian cancer prevention study) at doses of 600 I.U.-1,000 I.U. per day. A simple blood test will confirm. This would be a logical step in women with risk factors for ovarian cancer or a personal history of ovarian cancer.
For more posts by Dr Hudson go to https://www.drtorihudson.com
Reference: Bakhru A, Mallinger JB, Buckanovich RJ, Griggs JJ. Casting light on 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in ovarian cancer: a study from the NHANES. Gynecol Oncol 2010;119:314-8.
A high and low status of levels of serum vitamin D was defined as above or below 23 ng/mL (57.5 nmol/L). After adjusting for age, diet and body mass index, ovarian cancer cases were over three times as likely to have inadequate 25(OH)D3 levels compared with the controls.
Previous research has shown that vitamin D induces apoptosis in ovarian CA cell lines, ovarian cancer has been inhibited by vitamin D in animal studies and although studies are mixed–ovarian cancer rates appear to be higher in areas with less sun exposure.
Other research on vitamin D consistently observes that a long list of chronic diseases and cancers are associated with lower vitamin D status, with some showing risk reduction when levels are above 30 ng/mL, 40 ng/mL and even 50 ng/mL. Despite this large and growing body of evidence, the Institute of Medicine recently released its Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D based on a target level of 20 ng/mL and randomized controlled trials, rather than the cornucopia of observational studies. This resulted in recommended doses of 600-800 I.U. per day depending on age. As I stated in a January blog, it is too bad… that these observational studies were not considered, and once again, we may not have optimal prevention and risk reduction guidelines from our government agencies. Many if not most alternative minded practitioners are recommending a routine dosing of 2,000 I.U. of vitamin D per day, in individuals who do not have a history of kidney stones nor elevated serum calcium levels. However, most women will achieve a minimum serum level of 23 ng/mL (as stated in this current ovarian cancer prevention study) at doses of 600 I.U.-1,000 I.U. per day. A simple blood test will confirm. This would be a logical step in women with risk factors for ovarian cancer or a personal history of ovarian cancer.
For more posts by Dr Hudson go to https://www.drtorihudson.com
Reference: Bakhru A, Mallinger JB, Buckanovich RJ, Griggs JJ. Casting light on 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in ovarian cancer: a study from the NHANES. Gynecol Oncol 2010;119:314-8.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) in tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients by Dr Tori Hudson
A prospective observational study was carried out in 50 breast cancer patients on tamoxifen, an anti-estrogen therapy that can also induce or worsen menopausal symptoms. All 50 women were post surgery, 87% of them were post radiation treatment and approximately half of them had received chemotherapy as well. Each patient was treated with an isopropanolic extract of black cohosh (1-4 tablets, 2.5 mg) for 6 months. Symptoms were recorded before therapy and after 1, 3 and 6 months using the menopause rating scale (MRS II).
Results: The total MRS II score for women while on black cohosh treatment reduced from 17.6 to 13.6, a statistically significant reduction. Symptoms of hot flashes, sweating, sleep problems, and anxiety improved, but vaginal dryness and body aches/pains did not change. Twenty two patients reported adverse events, but none were linked with the black cohosh; 90% of the women reported the tolerability of the black cohosh extract as very good or good.
Commentary: This is one more positive study using black cohosh extract for menopausal symptoms and even more meaningful, women on tamoxifen can have more problematic menopause symptoms and so a significant benefit of black cohosh is especially needed. Readers will also want to be reminded that we do have safety data on black cohosh in breast cancer patients—there is no estrogen in black cohosh, no phytoestrogens in black cohosh, no ability to stimulate breast cancer cells and laboratory data showed that black cohosh inhibited proliferation of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells and augmented the anti-estrogen effect when using black cohosh with tamoxifen. Black cohosh is clearly the first choice herb for menopause symptoms in breast cancer patients, and in breast cancer patients on tamoxifen.
Reference:
Rostock M, Fischer J, Mumm A, et al. Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) in tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients with climacteric complaints – a prospective observational study. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2011 Jan 13;
For more information about Dr Hudson go to http://www.torihudson.com
Results: The total MRS II score for women while on black cohosh treatment reduced from 17.6 to 13.6, a statistically significant reduction. Symptoms of hot flashes, sweating, sleep problems, and anxiety improved, but vaginal dryness and body aches/pains did not change. Twenty two patients reported adverse events, but none were linked with the black cohosh; 90% of the women reported the tolerability of the black cohosh extract as very good or good.
Commentary: This is one more positive study using black cohosh extract for menopausal symptoms and even more meaningful, women on tamoxifen can have more problematic menopause symptoms and so a significant benefit of black cohosh is especially needed. Readers will also want to be reminded that we do have safety data on black cohosh in breast cancer patients—there is no estrogen in black cohosh, no phytoestrogens in black cohosh, no ability to stimulate breast cancer cells and laboratory data showed that black cohosh inhibited proliferation of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells and augmented the anti-estrogen effect when using black cohosh with tamoxifen. Black cohosh is clearly the first choice herb for menopause symptoms in breast cancer patients, and in breast cancer patients on tamoxifen.
Reference:
Rostock M, Fischer J, Mumm A, et al. Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) in tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients with climacteric complaints – a prospective observational study. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2011 Jan 13;
For more information about Dr Hudson go to http://www.torihudson.com
Monday, January 10, 2011
Calcium/Vitamin D, IOM guidelines by Dr Tori Hudson ND
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recently released their assessment of current data on health outcomes as they related to calcium and vitamin D after being commissioned by the U.S. and Canadian governments. The new reference values, expressed Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), are based on an abundance of information and higher quality published studies than were available for the 1997 government values.
A committee of experts evaluated more than one thousand studies and reports as well as listening to testimony from scientists and others. This committee considered that studies about the health benefits beyond bone health were most often from studies that provided mixed results, inconclusive results, or were not from randomized controlled trials. Thus, these were not considered reliable. Their focus then was on the bone growth and bone maintenance data.
Their new Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is now 600 IU per day for people ages 1 to 70 and 800 IU per day for those 71 and older. The old guidelines from 1997 were 200 IU per day through age 50, 400 IU per day for ages 51 to 70 and 600 IU per day for 71 and older. While I would consider these guidelines conservative to the extreme, (really a one year old and a 70 y.o. need the same amount????) they at least increased a new safe upper limit of 4,000 IU a day for those 9 years old and above, pregnant or not. The greatest concern I have with these guidelines is that they based their bone dosing guidelines on a target blood level of 20 ng/ml per day, rather than 30 ng/ml per day minimum published in most research about levels needed to suppress the parathyroid gland and avoid unnecessary bone loss.
Most practitioners and a studious group of consumers realize that there are scores of studies on other potential health benefits found in observational/epidemiological studies including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, select autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease and much more. It is too bad… that these were not considered, and once again, we may not have optimal prevention, risk reduction guidelines from our government agencies.
For a full list of the dosing guidelines by age group, gender, and pregnancy status, you can find these at www.iom.edu/vitamind
For more information on Dr Hudson go to www.torihudson.com
A committee of experts evaluated more than one thousand studies and reports as well as listening to testimony from scientists and others. This committee considered that studies about the health benefits beyond bone health were most often from studies that provided mixed results, inconclusive results, or were not from randomized controlled trials. Thus, these were not considered reliable. Their focus then was on the bone growth and bone maintenance data.
Their new Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is now 600 IU per day for people ages 1 to 70 and 800 IU per day for those 71 and older. The old guidelines from 1997 were 200 IU per day through age 50, 400 IU per day for ages 51 to 70 and 600 IU per day for 71 and older. While I would consider these guidelines conservative to the extreme, (really a one year old and a 70 y.o. need the same amount????) they at least increased a new safe upper limit of 4,000 IU a day for those 9 years old and above, pregnant or not. The greatest concern I have with these guidelines is that they based their bone dosing guidelines on a target blood level of 20 ng/ml per day, rather than 30 ng/ml per day minimum published in most research about levels needed to suppress the parathyroid gland and avoid unnecessary bone loss.
Most practitioners and a studious group of consumers realize that there are scores of studies on other potential health benefits found in observational/epidemiological studies including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, select autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease and much more. It is too bad… that these were not considered, and once again, we may not have optimal prevention, risk reduction guidelines from our government agencies.
For a full list of the dosing guidelines by age group, gender, and pregnancy status, you can find these at www.iom.edu/vitamind
For more information on Dr Hudson go to www.torihudson.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
