On Dietary Supplements

Herbal dietary supplements are traditionally used to alleviate or prevent certain medical conditions, including digestive problems and depression, or to improve an individual’s quality of life. While these supplements and other medicinal herbs fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 gives responsibility for testing and ensuring safety of products to the manufacturer. Recent reports indicate that some supplements may contain potentially harmful substances in addition to their active ingredients, but consumers are often not aware of these ingredients or of the way that supplements or vitamins may interact with other medications.

The FDA defines “dietary supplements” as products taken by mouth which contain vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and/or other substances such as enzymes or metabolites. A national survey found that 52 percent of American adults had used supplements within the last 30 days, and the popularity of supplements in the United States continues to increase. Among the most commonly reported products were multivitamins (35 percent), vitamins E and C (12-13 percent), calcium (10 percent), and B-complex vitamins (5 percent). Though research has shown that some dietary supplements, including folic acid and calcium, are effective in preventing or treating diseases, in the case of other supplements, additional research is needed to prove the efficacy of their use.

While some supplements have not yet been proven safe and effective, others have been linked to serious adverse events by clinical research or case reports. Consumer Reports has documented twelve supplements including colloidal silver, comfrey, and kava, which have been linked to serious health problems such as permanently turning the skin a bluish color and damage to the liver and other organs. A recent study of 40 herbal dietary supplements by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found trace amounts of at least one potentially hazardous contaminant in 37 of the products tested. Wide variation has also been seen in the amount of active compounds in supplements, and some, including St. John’s wort, have been found to negatively affect the efficacy of prescription medications.

Because of the potential for interactions with prescription medications, it is important that consumers consult their physician before taking any supplements. Consumers should also be aware that some claims made by manufacturers about the benefits of particular supplements may not have been verified. Though FDA regulations do not permit manufacturers or retailers to make claims that their products can treat, prevent, or cure specific conditions, these regulations are not always adhered to. Some individuals’ health may benefit from the use of certain supplements, but experts advise consumers to be aware of the potential risks of taking supplements and ask their doctor if there is the potential for any type of drug interaction.

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On Diabetes Worldwide

Diabetes mellitus affects more than 220 million globally, and is among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. While nearly eight percent of the population of the United States is affected by diabetes - a figure which is expected to rise to 50 percent by 2020 - reports show that almost 80 percent of deaths due to the condition occur in developing nations. Experts indicate that in recent years more people with diabetes, particularly those in the developed world, are aware of their condition, but it is important to ensure that information is made available regarding not only how to manage the condition, but how to prevent it.

A chronic disease stemming from the body’s ineffective production or handling of insulin, diabetes may affect people at different stages of life, particularly childhood, adulthood, or pregnancy. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and secreted into the bloodstream to lower the amount of sugar in the blood. Excess sugar in the blood can lead to serious health problems, and individuals with diabetes must control their condition, often through monitoring their blood sugar levels and the administration of insulin either through frequent injections or an insulin pump. Type 1 diabetes; also known as insulin-dependent, juvenile, or childhood-onset diabetes; is characterized by deficient production of insulin. Though individuals with Type 2 diabetes, also known as non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes, often experience the same symptoms as those with Type 1 diabetes including excessive excretion of urine, thirst, vision changes, and fatigue, Type 2 diabetes results from the body’s ineffective use of the insulin it produces. Women may also experience gestational diabetes, which occurs in pregnant women as the placenta produces hormones to sustain the pregnancy which make the body’s cells more resistant to insulin. Reports indicate that in 90 percent of women affected by gestational diabetes, the condition resolves after delivery.

While Gestational diabetes occurs only in pregnant women, and Type 1 diabetes occurs primarily in individuals with a family history of the condition, anyone can develop Type 2 diabetes. Though some factors that contribute to Type 2 diabetes such as age and race cannot be controlled, others, including inactivity, weight, and body-fat distribution can be. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 90 percent of individuals with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes, and a majority of these cases are the result of excess body weight and a lack of physical activity. Because these factors can also exacerbate the condition of individuals who have diabetes, experts recommend that precautions be taken, including maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and carefully monitoring blood sugar and insulin levels.

Individuals with diabetes who allow their blood sugar and insulin levels to fluctuate too widely may experience disabling and potentially life-threatening complications. The risk of developing cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, and kidney damage are all greatly increased in individuals with diabetes, as are the potential for damage to the blood vessels of the eyes, nerve damage in the feet, and skin and bone problems. Reports indicate that diabetes increases the chance of foot ulcers and eventual amputation, is among the leading causes of kidney failure, and is responsible for nearly five percent of the 37 million cases of blindness worldwide.

In addition to these potentially disabling complications, if left unchecked, diabetes can lead to death. WHO projections indicate that by 2030, deaths due to diabetes and its complications may reach 2.2 million per year with the most rapid growth occurring in developing nations. Though treatment options are somewhat limited - with frequent blood sugar testing, diet, and an exercise regimen that includes weight training and aerobic activity being most effective - by understanding diabetes it may be possible to better control it and minimize the number of new cases.

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Maternal Mortality Worldwide

Worldwide, a reported 1,500 women die each day as a result of pregnancy-related causes. According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) “Trends in Maternal Mortality” report, maternal mortality rates (MMR) worldwide have decreased, but remain a persistent public health concern. As noted in previous WHO reports on women’s health, medical staff and services, educational programs, and information pertaining to pregnancy and childbirth may be lacking in some areas. By ensuring that trained medical personnel are available, and that women are able to access pre- and postnatal care, MMR can be further reduced.

The number of women dying due to complications during pregnancy has decreased from 546,000 in 1990 to 358,000 in 2008 with an estimated 99 percent of these deaths occurring in developing nations. Reports indicate that women in developing nations are 36 times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than those in developed countries. Though rates vary within and between countries due to differences in income and between urban and rural populations, the average risk of maternal mortality in developing nations is one in 75, compared with one in 7,300 in developed areas. According to experts, most maternal deaths are avoidable, and are due to four major causes: severe bleeding after childbirth, infections, hypertensive disorders, and unsafe abortions. In addition, approximately 20 percent of maternal deaths are due to indirect causes, including diseases that complicate pregnancy or are aggravated by it such as malaria, anemia, and HIV/AIDS.

Many of these deaths are due, at least in part, to a lack of trained medical personnel available to care for pregnant women and new mothers. WHO data show that less than two-thirds of women in developing countries receive assistance from a healthcare worker during childbirth. In addition to care during delivery, antenatal care is often limited in developing regions. In low- and middle-income countries approximately two-thirds of women have at least one antenatal visit, while in high-income nations nearly all women have at least four antenatal visits, receive postnatal care, and are attended by a midwife or doctor during childbirth. According to the WHO’s Colin Mathers, reducing the MMR worldwide will require countries, international organizations, and charities to collaborate to educate and train additional medical personnel to attend to pregnant women. Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of the WHO, has also stated that “No woman should die due to inadequate access to family planning and to pregnancy and delivery care.”

In addition to ensuring that trained personnel are available locally, telemedicine initiatives such as the iConsult program may prove beneficial in lowering the MMR. By combining a software application and website, iConsult may enables healthcare providers in remote and medically underserved areas (Requestors) to receive free advice on difficult cases from medical specialists (Volunteers) including Obstetricians and other maternal and fetal health experts. This type of telemedicine program may be employed to improve health outcomes and lower maternal mortality rates in regions where the necessary personnel are not available.

Learn more about how you can participate in iConsult, the flagship program of iCons in Medicine

On Cholera Worldwide

Though the last major outbreak in the United States occurred in 1911, cholera remains a persistent health concern in many parts of the world, including Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and sub-Saharan Africa. Recent outbreaks have been seen in Nigeria, where cholera has killed more than 1,500 people this year, and in Haiti, where survivors of the massive January earthquake have been affected by an outbreak that has infected an estimated 2,300 people and killed at least 200. Due to cholera, there are an estimated three to five million new cases reported worldwide and between 100,000 and 120,000 deaths each year. Like other diarrheal illnesses, cholera is easily treatable and can be prevented through the provision of safe water, improved sanitation services, and education about the importance of hygiene.



Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Though three-quarters of individuals infected with V. cholerae do not exhibit any symptoms, they may shed the bacteria in their stool for seven to 14 days, potentially infecting others. While V. cholerae is the direct source of cholera infection, the deadly effects of the disease are caused by a toxin called CTX, that the bacteria produce in the small intestine of the host. CTX binds to the intestinal walls and interferes with the normal flow of sodium and chloride, causing the body to secrete large amounts of water and leading to diarrhea accompanied by dehydration. In individuals exhibiting the severe form of the disease, the rapid loss of fluids can lead to dehydration and shock, and without treatment death can occur within hours. Approximately one in 20 individuals infected with the bacteria develops symptoms associated with cholera, which include: severe, watery diarrhea; nausea and vomiting; muscle cramps; dehydration; and shock.

The rapid loss of fluids in a short period of time – often as much as a quart in an hour - associated with diarrhea due to cholera, makes the disease particularly deadly. In order to replenish the fluids and electrolytes that an individual with severe cholera has lost, Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) must be administered. If a pre-formulated solution is not available, experts suggest combining one-half teaspoon salt, one-half teaspoon baking soda, and three tablespoons sugar in one liter of safe drinking water. With the prompt delivery of ORS, up to 80 percent of people can be treated successfully, with a fatality rate below one percent. Antibiotics may be used in conjunction with ORS to shorten the course and lessen the severity of the illness, however their delivery is less critical to cholera patients than rehydration. To help control the spread of the disease, two types of oral cholera vaccines are also available, but according to experts they provide only a short-term effect and should be administered in areas where ongoing water and sanitation improvement programs are in place.

Despite the simplicity of the cure, thousands of people die each year in regions that lack effective sanitation and water purification systems. Following man-made or natural disasters, the risk of an initial outbreak of cholera growing into an epidemic is greatly increased. As seen recently following floods in Pakistan and Nigeria, the spread of cholera becomes a major public health concern when there is a lack of clean water. By providing treatment as well as information about the importance of boiling water before drinking and maintaining personal hygiene, it may be possible to slow or even stop the spread of cholera and other communicable diseases.

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On Food Allergies and Intolerances

Individuals may experience allergies to any number of substances, but reports indicate that a growing number of Americans suffer from allergies to particular foods. Food allergies affect approximately 12 million Americans, including three million children. ”Food intolerances,” though frequently discussed in conjunction with food allergies, are quite different. Individuals with “intolerance” to certain foods may experience adverse reactions and discomfort if they are consumed. It is important to have an understanding not only of the severity and potential risk of food allergies, but of the difference between true allergies and intolerances.

The majority of adverse reactions linked to particular foods are due food intolerances. Individuals can be intolerant to lactose, gluten, or other foods, and may experience nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping, and diarrhea. While these symptoms are surely unpleasant, they are markedly different from the immune response seen in individuals with food allergies. In addition to bowel discomfort, food allergies can cause an anaphylactic response, leading to tingling and swelling of the mouth and face, hives, trouble breathing, dizziness, or fainting. These symptoms are caused by an response in which the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies a particular food as a harmful substance. An allergic reaction involves two components of the immune system: an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE), and a mast cell. When an individual consumes - or in some cases is in close contact with - a food to which they have an allergy, the allergen stimulates specialized white blood cells called lymphocytes which produce the IgE antibody for that specific allergen. This IgE is then released and attaches to the surface of the mast cells in the tissues of the body, prompting the cells to release histamine.

Allergic reactions can range in severity, but reports indicate that they cause 30,000 cases of anaphylaxis, 2,000 hospitalizations, and 150 deaths each year in the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are eight foods which account for 90 percent for all food-allergy reactions: cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.), fish, shellfish, soybeans, and wheat. One of the most common food allergies in the United States is to peanuts, affecting an estimated 3.3 million Americans. The incidence of peanut allergies is increasing, and reports indicate that between 1997 and 2008, the rate of child peanut allergies has tripled. Rates of other food allergies have also increased in recent years, and according to the CDC, the number of children with food allergies increased by 18 percent, between 1997 and 2007. While the cause of the increase is not fully understood, it may be due in part to the risk factors associated with food allergies, which include a family history of asthma and allergies, and elevated IgE levels.

Though there is no proven treatment for food allergies other than the avoidance of the allergen, experts recommend that individuals with food allergies carry injectable epinephrine at all times, as it can help to mitigate severity of the allergic response. In addition to the physical health-related issues resulting from food allergies, reports indicate that more than 30 percent of children with food allergies have experienced teasing or bullying related to their allergy. By gaining an understanding of food allergies and sharing information about them with others, it may be possible ensure that individuals are better informed about how to help prevent allergic reactions, and lessen the stigma faced by children with food allergies.

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On Alzheimer's Disease

Dementia is not a specific disease, but rather a group of symptoms affecting intellectual and social functioning. The most common form is a progressive form of presenile dementia first identified in 1906 by Dr. Alois Alzheimer, known as Alzheimer’s disease. Experts indicate that the number of individuals with Alzheimer’s worldwide could increase from 35.6 million to 65.7 million by 2030, due in part to the growth in aging populations. Additional reports indicate that in the U.S. alone there are currently 5.3 million people living with the disease, and this figure is projected to increase to 16 million by 2050. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, through treatment and education, it may be possible to improve outcomes for those with the condition.

Accounting for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases, Alzheimer’s disease is marked by the loss of intellectual and social abilities severe enough to interfere with an individual’s daily functioning. As it progresses, Alzheimer’s disease may lead to mood swings, distrust of others, social withdrawal, and depression. Though it is not a “normal” part of the aging process, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease increases with age. Approximately five percent of people between the ages of 65 and 74, and nearly half of those over the age of 85 have Alzheimer’s disease. Although there is no known direct cause for the disease or means to ensure its prevention, research suggests that there may be a genetic link to the development of Alzheimer’s, and that lifestyle choices like maintaining a healthy weight and exercising one’s body and mind can at least delay the onset of the condition.

Alzheimer’s disease is most often diagnosed using a combination of blood or spinal fluid tests to rule out other possible causes of dementia, and brain scans to locate any visible abnormalities. Though doctors can accurately diagnose 90 percent of Alzheimer’s patients, the condition can only be diagnosed with complete accuracy during an autopsy. A post-mortem microscopic examination of the tissues of the brain of individuals with Alzheimer’s, reveals two abnormal structures called “Plaques” and “Tangles,” which are damaging to nerve cells. Plaques contain deposits of a protein fragment called beta-amyloid and build up between nerve cells, while twisted fibers of tau protein known as Tangles form inside dying cells. Though researchers do not yet have a full understanding of the role that Plaques and Tangles play in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, experts believe that they block the communication among nerve cells and disrupt cell activities. Recent research has shown that Tangles may offer some insight into how quickly Alzheimer’s disease will progress in an individual, leading to the development of potentially tau-lowering drug treatments.

New research suggests that large doses of vitamin B may halve the rate of brain shrinkage in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Though the mechanism by which B vitamins slow the progression of Alzheimer’s has not been identified, some B vitamins have been shown to control levels of homocystieine, an amino acid associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s. These new treatments, as well as the medications commonly used to help improve some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, which include cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine can help to improve the lives of individuals with Alzheimer’s. On average, these live half as long as a peer who does not have the disease – meaning that a 75-year-old diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can expect to live another six years, while a 75-year-old without the condition may live 12 years. However, because of the variance in the severity of cases and the speed with which symptoms progress, the life-expectancy of individuals with Alzheimer’s varies greatly.

Further research related to testing, diagnostic, and treatment procedures may lead to improved outcomes for individuals with Alzheimer’s. By gaining a better understanding of this condition and its causes, it may be possible to slow or halt its progression and improve the lives of millions of elderly individuals worldwide.

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