• STROKE and HEART DISEASE
• CANCER RESEARCH
• ANTI-AGING RESEARCH
• HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (Hypertension) RESEARCH
• ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE RESEARCH
• DIABETIC RESEARCH
• ARTHRITIS & OSTEOPOROSIS RESEARCH
• EYE DISEASE RESEARCH
• IMMUNITY RESEARCH
• MIGRAINE RESEARCH
• ASTHMA RESEARCH
• CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
• AUTISM
  
• LEARNING  & BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS IN CHILDREN
• DISCUSSION

2.  The incidence of having a second non-fatal heart attack was reduced by 77% in men who were taking 400 IU to 800 IU of vitamin E daily after one year of treatment.  500 IU of vitamin E significantly reduces LDL oxidation, a major cause of coronary heart disease.  Vitamin E supplements slowed progression of heart disease.    CHAOS Study, Lancet 1996 Mar 23;347(9004):781-6.   Altern Med Rev 1999 Dec;4(6):414-23  Can J Cardiol. 1995 Oct;11 Suppl G:97G-103G   Hodis, H.N., et al. (1995) JAMA 273(23): 1849-54

3. Middle-aged men with the highest blood serum folate (a B vitamin) levels were 69% less likely to suffer an acute coronary event than those with the lowest levels.  Supplementing folic acid and B vitamins would significantly decrease serum homocysteine levels and  increase quality and length of life.in both men and women.  Those in the lowest half of vitamin B6 (PLP) blood levels were nearly twice as likely to suffer coronary heart disease that those in the upper 50% of levels.  Voutilainen, et al. Eur J Clin Nutr 2000 May;54(5):424-8   Tice JA, et al; JAMA 2001 Aug 22-29;286(8):936-43   Friso, S., et al.  Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Jun;79(6):992-8.

4.  The use of niacin to prevent or treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is based on strong and consistent evidence from clinical trials. Guyton, Am J Cardiol 1998 Dec 17;82(12A):18U-23U; discussion 39U-41U

5.  It is now becoming clear that a lower than normal dietary intake of magnesium is a strong risk factor for hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, ischemic heart disease, atherogenesis and sudden cardiac death.  (In the U.S., 90% of the population does not get the RDA.)  The amino acid taurine has similar properties.   Magnes Trace Elem 1991-92;10(2-4):182-92   Med Hypotheses 1996 Feb;46(2):89-100    Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2004 Aug 1;61(15):1569-76.    Click Here for More Information on Magnesium

6.  Inadequate intake of the nutrients zinc, magnesium, selenium, copper, and manganese has been associated with ischemic heart disease, arthritis, stroke and cancer.  Indian J Exp Biol 1999 Feb;37(2):109-16

7.  Black and especially green tea improve the risk factors for heart disease by both hypolipemic and antioxidant mechanisms and possibly a fibrinolytic effect. FEBS Lett 1998 Aug 14;433(1-2):44-6

8.  Red wine extract as well as resveratrol (grape skins) and proanthocyanidins (grape seed extract) are equally effective in reducing heart damage from a heart attack, which suggests that these red wine antioxidants play a crucial role in cardioprotection. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1999;25(2-3):115-20

9.  It's possible that one in four newborn heart defects could be prevented if the mothers took multivitamins prior to and soon after conception.  Botto, et al. Am J Epidemiol 2000 May 1;151(9):878-84

10.  Of those with the highest serum carotenoid levels, smokers had a 36% lower incidence of heart disease and nonsmokers a 72% lower incidence, compared to those with the lowest levels.  Morris, et al. JAMA 1994 Nov 9;272(18):1439-41.

11.  Antioxidant vitamin intake reduces the progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis. Das et al.  Mol Cell Biochem 2006 Feb 14; 

12.  Patients who suffered from a heart attack who took 100 mg each of Coenzyme Q10 and l-selenomethionine daily drastically reduced their risk of dying during the first year afterwards.  CoQ10 signficantly increases the "good" HDL cholesterol, while decreasing the bad lipoprotein(a) concentrations. Kuklinski, et al. Mol Aspects Med 1994;15 Suppl:s143-7.  Singh RB, Niaz MA. Int J Cardiol 1999 Jan;68(1):23-9

13.  Patients who had definite or possible acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina were half as likely to have cardiac events or to die over a two year period if they took magnesium or potassium supplements daily, and this should be part of the care of these patients.  Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther., 34(5):219-25 1996 May

14.  Patients with congestive heart failure experienced extremely favorable functional and clinical benefits after supplementing Coenzyme Q10 for four months.  Other nutrients helpful for CHF include taurine and L-carnitine, as well as of the minerals magnesium, potassium, and chromium Sacher, et al., Am J Ther 1997 Feb 1;4(2/3):66-72  McCarty Med Hypotheses 1996 Apr;46(4):400-6

15.  900 mg of garlic powder each day reduces the relative risk of heart attack and stroke by 50% by lowering blood pressure, decreasing the bad LDL cholesterol (while increasing the "good" cholesterol), and increasing coronary circulation. Siegel, et al Wien Med Wochenschr  1999;149(8-10):217-24

16.  Niacin-bound chromium (200 mcg of polynicotinate) and grape seed extract (200mg/day) supplementation reduced total cholesterol by 16% when taken together.  Preuss HG, et al.  J Med 2000;31(5-6):227-46

17.  Policosanol, a mixture of alcohols from sugar cane wax, at 20 mg/day lowers the "bad" LDL cholesterol, while raising the "good" LDL cholesterol equally well or better than statin drugs, with a significantly better safety profile.  Policosanol also decreases several other risk factors of cardiovascular disease by decreasing LDL oxidation, platelet aggregation, endothelial damage, and smooth muscle cell proliferation. Furthermore, policosanol decreases progression and increases regression of cardiovascular disease assessed by thallium-labeled myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (TL-MPS) and Doppler-ultrasound, and decreases symptoms of cardiovascular disease assessed by the Specific Activity Scale.  Castano, G, et al. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 2001;21(1):43-57   McCarty MF.  Med Hypotheses 2002 Sep;59(3):268-79  Janikula M.  Altern Med Rev 2002 Jun;7(3):203-17  For More Information on Policosanol, Click HERE.

18.  Extracts of the resin from the guggul tree (guggulipids) and dandelion are effective in lowering LDL cholesterol in human and animal studies. Urizar NL, et al. Science 2002 May 31;296(5573):1703-6   Cho SY, et al. Clin Chim Acta 2002 Mar;317(1-2):109-17

19.  Red Yeast Rice was as effective as Mevacor in reducing cholesterol levels and increasing the "good" HDL cholesterol, with possibly fewer side effects, and at a much lower cost.  Article with References   (We recommend Choles Plus Product, which includes guggulipids, policosanol, garlic, phytosterols, and CoQ10, which all statin drugs deplete)

20.  S-methylmethionine sulfonium chloride and unesterified plant phytosterols (such as beta sitosterol) lower LDL cholesterol by up to 16% by inhibiting cholesterol absorption. Nakamura N, et al.  Arzneimittelforschung 1981;31(4):725-9  Vanstone CA, et al. Am J Clin Nutr 2002 Dec;76(6):1272-1278

4.  Many studies strongly suggest that a diet supplemented with vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene will reduce the risk of cancer in both smokers and nonsmokers by reducing oxidative damage to DNA. Duthie, et al., Cancer Res; Mar. 1997.

5.  Alpha-carotene, lycopene and lutein all showed significantly higher potency than beta-carotene in suppressing experimental carcinogenesis.  J Cell Biochem Suppl 1997;27:86-91

6.  Supplementing a combination of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione, vitamin E, vitamin C and carotenoids was found to be the most effective in protecting against ultraviolet induced skin damage which results in premature aging and skin cancer. J Photochem Photobiol B 1997 Nov;41(1-2):1-10

7.  Green Tea polyphenols known as catechins were shown to inhibit growth in a number of tumor cell lines, and also have been shown to increase the body's endogenous antioxidant levels. Chen, et al. Cancer Lett 1998 Jul 17;129(2):173-9  Am J Clin Nutr 2000 Jun;71(6 Suppl):1698S-1702S

8.  Many studies show that garlic consumption is associated with significantly lower risk of stomach, colon, breast and prostate cancers, as well as lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and brain aging.  Sumiyoshi. Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshi 1997 Oct;110 Suppl 1:93P-97P   Milner JA; J Nutr 2001 Mar;131(3s):1027S-31S

9.  Vitamin E (just 50 IU of alpha tocopherol each day) reduced prostate cancer risk by one-third (ed. note: mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols are even more effective), and selenomethionine reduced the risk by 63%. J Natl Cancer Inst 1998 Mar 18;90(6):416-7

10.  There is strong evidence for a protective effect of vitamin A in bladder cancer.  Superior protection has been reported with a combination of high doses of vitamins A, B6, C and E plus zinc.  For prostate cancer strong evidence exists for a preventive effect of reduced fat intake, vitamin E, selenium and soy proteins. A lesser benefit is also suggested with intake of vitamins D and C.  J Urol 1999 Jun;161(6):1748-60

11.  A combination of alpha tocopherol (vitamin E) and lycopene (a carotenoid found in tomatoes) inhibited prostate cancer cell proliferation by close to 90%.   Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1998 Sep 29;250(3):582-5

12.  Regular vitamin supplementation was associated with a 70% reduced risk of Basal Cell Carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. Wei, et al. J Clin Epidemiol 1994 Aug;47(8):829-36

13.  High doses (390mg/day) of CoQ10 were effective in completely eliminating tumors in five breast cancer patients, some of whom had metastasis to other organs.  Another study showed CoQ10, vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene and selenium in addition to their medical treatment  was 100% effective in stopping metastasis in breast cancer patients and 18% had apparent partial remission.  Lockwood, et al. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1995 Jul 6;212(1):172-7  Lockwood, K., et al. Mol Aspects Med. 1994;15 Suppl:s231-40

14.  Vitamin D3 with dietary antioxidants (e.g. vitamin E, beta carotene, and lipoic acid) may be useful in leukemia therapy. Sokoloski, et al. Leukemia 1997 Sep;11(9):1546-53.

15.  Risk of bladder cancer in smokers would be reduced by 70% by stopping smoking (and nonsmokers by 50%) and increasing fluid intake.  Altwein JE, Urologe A. 2007 Jun;46(6):616-621

16.  Resveratrol, a natural compound found in red wine and grape juice, induces death of human leukemia cells, controls breast cancer metastasis, and may be considered for use as a strong cancer chemopreventive agent in humans. It also has protective effects against heart disease.  Surh, et al., Cancer Lett 1999 Jun 1;140(1-2):1-10 and  Hsieh, et al, Int J Oncol 1999 Aug;15(2):245-52 and Chun, et al., Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1999 Aug 19;262(1):20-4

17.  Prostate cancer risk was reduced by 74% in men who initially had normal PSA levels who supplemented selenium over a 4.5 year study.  Low selenium levels have been associated with increased cancer risk.  Br J Urol, 276(24):730-4 1998 May  and Han, Prev Med 1993 Sep;22(5):712-22 

18.  Grape seed extract (proanthocyanidins, OPC's) inhibits human prostate cancer cell growth and induces cancer cell death both in culture and in vivo, while at the same time enhancing the growth of normal cells examined.  It also strongly inhibits VEGF, a major factor related to tumor growth.  Agarwal, et al.  Carcinogenesis. 2002 Nov;23(11):1869-76   Ye X, et al. Mol Cell Biochem 1999 Jun;196(1-2):99-108   Singh, RP, et al. Int J Cancer. 2004 Feb 20;108(5):733-40

19.  Folic acid is important in the development of human DNA and its deficiency may play a key role in the development of acute lymphocytic leukemia, the leading form of the disease in children, as well as Down's Syndrome and other birth defects. ABC News Article, Oct. 25, 1999

20.  Alpha Lipoic Acid and N-Acetyl Cysteine were both shown to improve several immune T-cell functions in cancer patients.  Mantovani G, et al. Int J Cancer 2000 Jun 15;86(6):842-7

21.  A cream containing glycoalkaloids was effective in treating basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin, as well as pre-cancerous lesions.  Cham BE and Meares HM  Cancer Lett 1987 Aug 36(2):111-8 

2.  Several indicators of aging, including high MDA levels (an indicator of lipid peroxidation), increased oxidative levels, lower glutathione and ascorbic acid (VITAMIN c) levels in hepatocytes, reduced ambulatory activity and damage in aging were reversed by supplementation with alpha lipoic acid.  FASEB J 1999 Feb;13(2):411-8

3.  Aging causes mitochondrial DNA mutations which may be slowed by consuming coenzyme Q10 and virgin olive oil (mono unsaturated fat).  Huertas JR, et al. Biofactors 1999;9(2-4):337-43

4.  Alpha lipoic acid  completely reversed loss of both glutathione and ascorbic acid levels in hepatocytes associated with aging. Hagen TM, et al.  FASEB J 1999 Feb;13(2):411-8 

5.  Antioxidants such as vitamin E appear to be promising for successful aging by improving immune function, and reducing the risk of several age-associated chronic diseases, such as heart disease.  Meydani, Mech Ageing Dev 1999 Nov;111(2-3):123-32

6.  Human Growth Hormone appears to reverse aging markers in the elderly back to levels of people 10-15 years younger.  (Read More, Click Here)

2.  A high intake of potassium and, possibly, magnesium along with sodium restriction seem to protect against the development of arterial hypertension and the rise of blood pressure with age. Ann Med 1991 Aug;23(3):299-305

3. High levels of the amino acid homocysteine were found to be related to threefold risk  of systolic hypertension in some individuals. (Homocysteine is effectively lowered in most cases with folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12 - ed.) Mendis S, et al J Int Med Res 1999 Jan-Feb;27(1):38-44 

4.  Garlic (900mg/day) reduces blood pressure by 7%, and also reduces atherosclerotic plaques.  Siegel, et al Wien Med Wochenschr  1999;149(8-10):217-24

2.  A level of vitamin E higher than currently recommended signficantly enhances immune function in healthy elderly persons with no observed adverse effects.  Meydani, Mech Ageing Dev 1999 Nov;111(2-3):123-32 and  Moriguchi S, Muraga M; Vitam Horm 2000;59:305-36

3.  An extract of mushrooms and rice bran (trade name MGN-3 (click for more information)) increased immune killer cell activity by 300%. http://www.i-care.net/mgn_2.htm

4.  Vitamin B6, vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) and riboflavin help maintain glutathione status, and maintain cell mediated immune response, especially in the elderly. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and vitamin E also have anti-inflammatory activity. Grimble, RF. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1997;67(5):312-20

5.  Probiotic bacteria work in the intestine to enhance immune response and reduce hypersensitivity reactions.  Isolauri E, et al.  Am J Clin Nutr 2001 Feb;73(2 Suppl):444S-450S   (Ed. - we recommend Ultra 7)

1.  Ginkgo Biloba Extract (240 mg/daily), approved in Germany for treatment of dementia, safely stabilized, and often improved, cognitive abilities in those with early dementia and Alzheimer's Disease over a 52 week period of time. LeBars, et al. JAMA; Oct 1997.

2.  Vitamin E (2000 IU/day) slows progression of Alzheimer's disease in those with moderately severe impairment. Sano, NEngl J Med; Apr 1997. Oxford Univ. Study 1998.

3.  Folic Acid, vitamin B6 and B12 have been shown to help reduce blood homocysteine levels, which were associated with a four times higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and faster progression of the disease.  Clarke, R. et al. Arch Neurol 1998 Nov;55(11):1449-55

4.  There is strong evidence for a role of increased oxidative damage in both normal aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ALS, and Huntington's disease.  A benefit for antioxidant vitamin therapies such as vitamin E and C has been shown in reducing the risk of develping Alzheimer's disease. Beal, Ann Neurol 1995 Sep;38(3):357-66.  Mecocci, P. et al. Free Radic Biol Med 1999 Feb;26(3-4):303-8.and  Fahn, S. (1992) Ann Neurol 32(Suppl): S128-32 and
Engelhart MJ, et al. JAMA 2002 Jun 26;287(24):3223-9

5.  Coenzyme Q10 levels are lower in Parkinson's patients and supplementing it may be a potentially protective against the disease. Shults, C. W., et al. Biofactors 1999;9(2-4):267-72 

6.  The trace mineral boron may play an important role in human brain function and cognitive performance. Penland JG,  Environ Health Perspect 1994 Nov;102 Suppl 7:65-72

7.  Aluminum absorption is increased and serum levels were 2-3 times higher in patients with dementia compared with healthy volunteers on the same diet.  Roberts NB, et al. J Inorg Biochem 1998 Feb 15;69(3):171-6

8.  Increased oxidative stress (from deficienties of antioxidants)  was associated with more than twice the risk of developing cognitive loss in elderly patients. Berr, et al. J Am Geriatr Soc 2000 Oct;48(10):1285-91

9.  Nutritional supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil, flaxseed oil) is useful in preventing onset and  and improving cognitive skills in Alzheimer's patients. Otsuka M. Nippon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi 2000 Dec;37(12):970-3

2.  Magnesium supplementation was found to decrease blood pressure in insulin-dependent diabetics, and 2,000 mg of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) supplementation improved blood sugar control as well as blood cholesterol and triglycerides in non-insulin dependent diabetics.  Dietary magnesium is protective against adult onset diabetes by up to 33%.  Eriksson J, Kohvakka A ; Ann Nutr Metab, 39(4): 217-23 1995 and Meyer, et al. Am J. Clin Nutr  2000 Apr;71(4):921-30

3.  Magnesium and taurine may improve insulin sensitivity and may also lessen risk for the vascular complications of diabetes.  Med Hypotheses, 29(5):89-100 1996 Feb; Diabetes Care, 15(7):835-41 1992 Jul

4.  Alpha lipoic acid suppresses advanced glycation end product (AGE) induced capillary endothelial changes, which plays a major role in diabetic vascular complications. Diabetes, 25(4):1481-90 1997 Sep

5.  Alpha lipoic acid is effective in improving glucose effectiveness in both lean and obese Type 2 diabetic patients in and improved insulin sensitivity in lean diabetics.  This effect is enhanced even further when combined with exercise.  Diabetes Care 1999 Feb;22(2):280-7 and Henriksen, EJ  Free Radic Biol Med. 2006 Jan 1;40(1):3-12

6.  The antioxidant thioctic acid (aka lipoic acid) significantly lowered the extent of NF-kappa B binding activity, a factor believed to be a major cause of diabetic complications in Type 1 diabetics.   Diabetes Care 1998 Aug;21(8):1310-6

7.  Peripheral insulin resistance (the MAIN cause of non-insulin dependent diabetes), which usually responds to a very-low-fat diet, aerobic exercise training, and appropriate weight loss, can also be treated with high-dose chromium picolinate, high-dose vitamin E, magnesium, soluble fiber, and possibly taurine; these measures appear likely to lessen the risks of diabetes-associated blood vessel disease, including blindness and amputation. Med Hypotheses 1997 Aug;49(2):143-52

8.  Exercise is frequently recommended in the management of type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus and can improve glucose uptake by increasing insulin sensitivity and lowering body adiposity, and can prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.   Peirce NS;  Br J Sports Med 1999 Jun;33(3):161-72; quiz 172-3, 222

9.  The use of a low-fat, vegetarian diet in patients with NIDDM was associated with significant reductions in fasting serum glucose concentration and body weight even in the absence of recommendations for exercise. Nicholson AS;  Prev Med 1999 Aug;29(2):87-91 

10.  Bilberry compounds known as anthocyanosides can significantly normalize blood vessel permeability and reduce fragility (a major cause of diabetic vascular disease and hypertensive disease), as well as reduce inflammation.  They also improved arteriolar vasomotion, the ability of the blood vessels to rythmically contract.  79% of patients with visible retinal abnormalities improved while taking bilberry extract, compared to none who took a placebo.  86% of those with abnormal angiography findings improved WITHIN ONE MONTH. Detre, Z., et al. Clin Physiol Biochem 1986;4(2):143-9  Lietti, A, et al. Arzneimittelforschung 1976;26(5):829-32.and Colantuoni A, et al. Arzneimittelforschung 1991 Sep;41(9):905-9 and Perossini, M, et al. Ann Ottalmol Clin Ocul 1987; 113:1173

11.  American ginseng was shown to reduce blood sugar spikes in Type II diabetics after they had consumed a sugar solution.  Vuksan V, et al., Arch Intern Med 2000 Apr 10;160(7):1009-13

12.  Vitamin E, in a double blind, placebo-controlled study significantly improved glucose tolerance in non-insulin-dependent diabetics and normal elderly patients and reduced glycosylated hemoglobin levels in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes.   Alpha and beta carotene, lutein and alpha and delta-tocopherol levels were also associated with better blood glucose control.   Paolisso G, et al.  Diabetes Care 1993 Nov;16(11):1433-7  Paolisso G, et al. Am J Clin Nutr 1994 Jun;59(6):1291-6   Facchini, et al Am J Clin Nutr 2000 Sep;72(3):776-9

13.  Taking 400 mg of standardized gymnema sylvestre extract, an ayurvedic herb, reduced drug requirements in almost all of the non-insulin and insulin dependent diabetics in two separate studies, and 23% of the  NIDDM group were able to discontinue them altogether.  Shanmugasundaram, et al. J Ethnopharmacol 1990 Oct;30(3):281-94  and Ibid:295-300  (Standardized Gymnema Sylvestre Extract is now available from Dr. Schmidt's HealthNet - Click To Order)
 

MORE STUDIES ON PREVENTING DIABETIC EYE DISEASE - CLICK HERE!

2. Those consuming the lowest levels of vitamin D were associated with 4X higher risk of progression of osteoarthritis and 200% faster loss of cartilage, compared to the highest levels. McAlindon, Felson, et al; Annals Intern Med; 125(5) 1996.  (Ed Note: We believe many aging changes are a result of lack of sun exposure!  Vitamin D can be obtained through sun exposure to bare skin, we recommend no more than 20-30 minutes/day)

3. Those with osteoarthritis taking high amounts of antioxidants (esp. vitamin C, and less consistently vitamin E and beta carotene) were about 3X less likely to develop knee pain and have progression of the disease. McAlindon, Jacques, et al; Arthr Rheum 39(4)1996.

4. Arthritis patients are at least marginally deficient in selected nutrients, some of which (vitamin E and zinc) might relate to immunologic events important in perpetuating the disease. Kowsari B, et al. J Am Diet Assoc 1983 Jun;82(6):657-9nbsp

5.  The NSAID Indomethacin, while an effective anti-inflammatory drug, may reduce the body's ability to repair joint destruction. Wang B, Chen MZ. Int J Tissue React 1998;20(3):91-4

6.  Nonvertebral bone fractures were reduced by 50% and bone loss actually decreased in women who took 500 mg of calcium along with 700 IU of vitamin D for three years. Dawson-Hughes, et al. N Engl J Med 1997 Sep 4;337(10):670-6 

7.  Daily oral magnesium and potassium supplementation may be beneficial in preventing and reducing osteoporosis.  When magnesium was added to calcium intake, bone density was increased by 11%, compared to 1% when it wasn't included, with less soft tissue calcium deposition.  J Dimai, et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1998 Aug;83(8):2742-8 ;  Tucker, et al. Am J Clin Nutr 1999 Apr;69(4):727-36   Abraham GE, Grewal H. J Reprod Med. 1990 May;35(5):503-7.

8.  Vitamin D intake plays an important role in the cause and treatment of osteoporosis. Gallagher, J Rheumatol. Suppl 1996; 45:15-8

9.  Glucosamine sulfate (1500mg/day) is as effective as ibuprofen in treating osteoarthritis is of the knee after two weeks or more, with far fewer adverse side effects.  Muller-Fassbender H, et al. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 1994 Mar;2(1):61-9

10.  S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM-e), selenium, fish oils and niacin all play important roles in treating and preventing osteoarthritis.  McCarty MF, Russell AL. Med Hypotheses 1999 Oct;53(4):350-60

• Foods That Can Trigger Arthritis Inflammation, Click Here
• For the results of a study on another promising natural treatment called cetyl myristoleate ("CMO", "CM" or "CMC"), click HERE.

2. Dietary intake of protein, vitamins A, C, E, and carotene, niacin, riboflavin and thiamine was associated with significantly decreased risk of all types of age-related cataracts and macular degeneration.  (Vitamin E blood levels were associated with up to 82% lower risk of advanced AMD.)    Cumming RG, et al. Ophthalmology 2000 Mar;107(3):450-6   Leske, et al. Arch Ophthalmol 1991.    Cheraskin. J Am Optm Assoc; Jan 1996.  Delcourt, et al. Arch Ophthalmol 1999 Oct;117(10):1384-90

3. Glaucoma patients treated with vitamin B12 for over 5 years showed better visual acuity and better overall control of their disease. Glacome; 1992. Those treated with magnesium twice daily showed improvement of visual fields. Ophthalmologica 1995;209(1):11-3

4. In a clinical trial 60% of the subjects with macular degeneration or diabetic macular edema receiving 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, 15,000 IU of beta carotene and selenium supplements showed either improvement or no further progression of the disease. South Med J; 1987. (Ed. Note: Since other studies have found that beta carotene and vitamin E have had no effect by themselves, a comprehensive approach is likely necessary)

5. Subnormal blood levels of zinc and vitamin E appear to be associated with higher risk of macular degeneration. Ishihara, et al., Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi 1997 Mar;101(3):248-51

5. In comparison with normal subjects, migraine patients had lower levels of serum and salivary magnesium, which were further reduced during attacks, hinting that magnesium may play an important role in migraine prevention.  Gallai V, et al. Headache 1992 Mar;32(3):132-5  Schweiz Med Wochenschr 1999 Jan 23;129(3):63-70

6.  Aspartame (aka "NutraSweet" and "Equal") and alcohol may be important dietary triggers for headache. Lipton, et al. Headache 1989 Feb;29(2):90-2

Which nutritional supplement is best for migraine prevention?  Click Here

Many common FOODS can trigger headaches!  Click Here to read which ones and to find out if they cause yours.
Do you drink more than 2.4 ounces of diet sodas per day?  Read This Article:  Click Here
Click on the following link for several more studies on magnesium and migraine: http://www.execpc.com/~magnesum/migraine.html.
 

2.  A Harvard study of over 77,000 women found that those who consumed the most vitamin E had about half the risk of developing asthma as those who consumed less.  Lung lining concentrations of vitamin C and E were low in patients with mild asthma.  Kelly, et al. Lancet 1999 Aug 7;354(9177):482-3 

3.  Low magnesium intake may be involved in the onset of asthma and chronic obstructive airways disease.  Britton, J, et al (1994) Lancet 344(8919): 357-62

4.  A diet low in vitamin C may be a risk factor for development of asthma Hatch, GE, Am J Clin Nutr 1995 Mar;61(3 Suppl):625S-630S

5.  A number of studies over the past two decades suggest that several nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids may improve asthma. Environmental Nutrition Oct. 1999 Vol 22, No. 10.  Trenga CA,et al. Arch Environ Health 2001 May-Jun;56(3):242-9

2.  A number of marginal nutritional deficiencies may contribute to CFS. These include deficiencies of various B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, sodium, zinc, L-tryptophan, L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, and essential fatty acids. Werbach MR. Altern Med Rev 2000 Apr;5(2):93-108

1.  Food supplement treatment with phytonutrients, B vitamins, probiotics, and omega 3 fish oils for ADHD was found to be of equal efficacy to Ritalin treatment.  B vitamins raised serotonin levels in the blood (unlike medication) and persisted for 3 weeks after administration.  Harding, KL et al. Altern Med Rev. 2003 Aug;8(3):319-30.    Coleman M, et al. Biol Psychiatry. 1979 Oct;14(5):741-51.

2.  Reading skills and IQ tests improved significantly in children who took daily multivitamins when compared to controls who did not.   Colgan M, Colgan L;   Nutr Health 1984;3(1-2):69-77

3.  Learning disabled children placed on vitamin/mineral supplements gained 3 to 5 years in reading comprehension within the first year of treatment; and all children in special education classes became mainstreamed, and their grades rose significantly.  Within two years of discontinuing therapy, their skills dropped off, while those continuing the therapy continued to improve.  Carlton, et al.; Altern Ther Health Med 2000 May;6(3):85-91

4.  Poor nutritional habits in children that lead to low concentrations of water-soluble vitamins in blood, impair brain function and subsequently cause violence and other serious antisocial behavior. Correction of nutrient intake, either through a well-balanced diet or low-dose vitamin-mineral supplementation, corrects the low concentrations of vitamins in blood, improves brain function and subsequently lowers institutional violence and antisocial behavior by almost half.  Schoenthaler SJ, Bier ID;  J Altern Complement Med 2000 Feb;6(1):7-17

5.  Nutrient deficiencies are common in ADHD; supplementation with minerals, the B vitamins, omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, flavonoids, and the essential phospholipid phosphatidylserine (PS) can ameliorate ADHD symptoms. Kidd PM; Altern Med Rev 2000 Oct;5(5):402-28

6.  Pycnogenol (at a dose of just 1mg/lb) reduces hyperactivity, improves attention and visual-motoric coordination and concentration of children with ADHD, and reduces oxidative damage to DNA. Trebatická et al. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2006 Sep;15(6):329-35. Epub 2006 May 13   Dvoráková M. et al. Redox Rep. 2006;11(4):163-72.

DISCUSSION:

While nutritional supplements are not cure-alls, there is ample evidence from the above studies and thousands more that they may prove to be beneficial in preventing and treating many devastating ailments.  Unlike the prescription-happy docs of yesterday, knowledgeable doctors now frequently recommend that their patients take nutritional supplements prior to starting medications.  With hundreds of thousands of people dying, and millions more hospitalized each year in the U.S. alone from correctly and incorrectly prescribed drugs (JAMA 4/98 and Ralph Nader report 1992), it would certainly seem prudent to take such an approach, don't you agree?   (For specific benefits, dosages, and side effects of dozens of various nutritional supplements, CLICK HERE)

Certainly, we should all incorporate positive lifestyle changes into our daily activities.  Get at least some exercise on a daily basis, something that will get your pulse up for at least 10-15 minutes, and that you can live with and enjoy for the rest of your life. Quit smoking, consume more fruits and vegetables (at least five and up to 9 servings a day), avoid excess saturated and so-called "hydrogenated" or trans-fats (margarine users, switch to Smart Balance), drink lots of filtered water each day (and carbonated beverages very sparingly), and avoid altogether food chemicals like aspartame (aka NutraSweet) and Splenda (see Sweet Deception: Why Splenda, NutraSweet, and the FDA May Be Hazardous to Your Health; ) and MSG (found in many canned soups).  Instead of sodas, substitute tea (either green or black) sweetened with honey or a super sweet non-caloric herb called stevia, available from HealthNet Nutritionals at  (800) 469-3022.

If you can't eat 5-9 servings of vegetables and fruits daily, you should seriously consider taking a comprehensive nutritional supplement to optimize your health and longevity.  For less than the cost of eating 2-3 extra servings of  fruits and vegetables each day, you can obtain optimal dosages of all the key nutrients, and probably add 10-15 vibrant, healthful years to your life.  Don't wait until it's too late, there's no better, easier or cheaper, health and life insurance available than nutritional supplementation!

It's clear that common "once-a-day" vitamins (which the Center For Disease Control studied in over ONE MILLION people and concluded provided no health benefits whatsoever!) just don't provide adequate protection.  One reason is that what few helpful ingredients they contain oftentimes never even make it out of the rock hard tablets they are compressed into, passing straight through the digestive tract ("Bedpan bullets," as some nurses call them!). Of course, the worst thing about this situation is the false sense of security the consumer gets when taking them. 

Below are links to information on three products I most frequently recommend to my patients as general preventative products which I'd urge you to compare to what you're taking now (or should be taking) and compare the total cost of those ingredients. A comprehensive nutritional program can easily cost $100 or more per month, but the products below are available at a fraction of that cost by calling HealthNet Nutritionals at (800) 469-3022 (9-5 EST), or just clicking on our online EZORDER FORM. 

• SYNERGY Multiple Vitamin - An Advanced Nutritional Supplement
• SYNERGY for WOMEN - Specially Formulated for Women's Needs
• Dr. Schmidt's Liquid Vitamins, Minerals, Aminos
  

ATTN: PHYSICIANS!
We're looking for doctors to list on a referral webpage to link to from this webpage so our visitors can locate a nutritionally knowledgeable physician in their locality.  If you'd like to be listed, let us know!  Just email us your name, office address, email address and phone number and we'll include you on the list as soon as it's published!