February 26, 2007
By Harvey B. Simon, M.D.
Harvard Medical School
Studying What Supplements Can and Can’t Do
(Part #2)
Chromium
Although this mineral is heavily promoted for weight loss, it won’t help
you shed pounds. Chromium may help boost HDL ("good") cholesterol
levels, but the evidence is mixed and preliminary. It’s not recommended
for routine use.
Fiber
Most people think fiber supplements are just for treating constipation.
But a high fiber intake has many potential health benefits, ranging from
heart disease and obesity to hernias and varicose veins. The Institute
of Medicine recommends 38 grams of fiber a day for men younger than
age 50 and 30 grams a day for older men. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables,
nuts, and seeds are the best sources of fiber, but many people need fiber
supplements to meet these goals.
Fish Oil
For years, doctors have known that eating fish protects people from heart
disease and stroke. A major European randomized clinical trial showed
that fish oil supplements work, too. As a result of this research, the American
Heart Association now recommends 1,000 mg of fish oil a day for people
with coronary artery disease. People with major cardiac risk factors such as
high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and diabetes can also benefit
from taking fish oil supplements. People who eat fish regularly may not benefit
from extra fish oil. If you decide to take fish oil, don’t choose fish liver oil,
which has too much vitamin A.
Folic Acid
Although this B vitamin is clearly important for women who are pregnant
or planning to become pregnant, supplements have not lived up to the
hope that they might reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and memory
loss. A good diet can provide what you need, and a suitable multivitamin
offers insurance.
Glucosamine
It may reduce the pain of arthritis for some people, but it’s certainly
not an "arthritis cure." With or without condroitin sulfate, glucosamine
may be worth a try for some patients with arthritis pain.
——————————————————————
(Part #3 to follow)
By Harvey B. Simon, M.D.
Harvard Medical School
Studying What Supplements Can and Can’t Do
(Part #2)
Chromium
Although this mineral is heavily promoted for weight loss, it won’t help
you shed pounds. Chromium may help boost HDL ("good") cholesterol
levels, but the evidence is mixed and preliminary. It’s not recommended
for routine use.
Fiber
Most people think fiber supplements are just for treating constipation.
But a high fiber intake has many potential health benefits, ranging from
heart disease and obesity to hernias and varicose veins. The Institute
of Medicine recommends 38 grams of fiber a day for men younger than
age 50 and 30 grams a day for older men. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables,
nuts, and seeds are the best sources of fiber, but many people need fiber
supplements to meet these goals.
Fish Oil
For years, doctors have known that eating fish protects people from heart
disease and stroke. A major European randomized clinical trial showed
that fish oil supplements work, too. As a result of this research, the American
Heart Association now recommends 1,000 mg of fish oil a day for people
with coronary artery disease. People with major cardiac risk factors such as
high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and diabetes can also benefit
from taking fish oil supplements. People who eat fish regularly may not benefit
from extra fish oil. If you decide to take fish oil, don’t choose fish liver oil,
which has too much vitamin A.
Folic Acid
Although this B vitamin is clearly important for women who are pregnant
or planning to become pregnant, supplements have not lived up to the
hope that they might reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and memory
loss. A good diet can provide what you need, and a suitable multivitamin
offers insurance.
Glucosamine
It may reduce the pain of arthritis for some people, but it’s certainly
not an "arthritis cure." With or without condroitin sulfate, glucosamine
may be worth a try for some patients with arthritis pain.
——————————————————————
(Part #3 to follow)
