glutamine


See also
Introduction
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid (protein building block) in the body and is involved in more metabolic processes than any other amino acid. Glutamine is converted to glucose when more glucose is required by the body as an energy source. It serves as a source of fuel for cells lining the intestines. Without it, these cells waste away. It is also used by white blood cells and is important for immune function.Where is it found?Glutamine is found in many foods high in protein, such as fish, meat, beans, and dairy products.
Glutamine has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):Science Ratings - Health Concerns*** - Pre- and post-surgery health
** - Athletic performance (for prevention of post exercise infection in performance athletes)
** - Diarrhea
** - HIV support (in combination with arginine and HMB)
** - Immune function (for post-exercise infection prevention in endurance athletes)
** - Infection (for prevention of post exercise infection in performance athletes)
* - Alcohol withdrawal support
* - Gastritis
* - HIV support
* - Peptic ulcer
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Who is likely to be deficient?
Few healthy people are glutamine deficient, in part because the body makes its own. During fasting, starvation, cirrhosis, critical illnesses in general, and weight loss associated with AIDS and cancer, however, deficiencies often develop.
How much is usually taken?
Healthy people do not need to supplement with glutamine. A physician should be consulted for the supplemental use of glutamine for the support of serious health conditions.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
No significant side effects have been reported in glutamine studies.

Drug Interactions
Certain medicines interact with glutamine: Some interactions may increase the need for glutamine (+), other interactions may be negative (-) and indicate glutamine should not be taken without first speaking with your physician or pharmacist, others may require further explanation (?). Refer to the individual drug article for specific details about an interaction.
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines index.Chemotherapy (+)Cisplatin (+)Cyclophosphamide (+)Docetaxel (+)Fluorouracil (+)Methotrexate (+)Paclitaxel (+)

l-tyrosine


See also
L-tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid (protein building block) that the body synthesizes from phenylalanine, another amino acid. Tyrosine is important to the structure of almost all proteins in the body. It is also the precursor of several neurotransmitters, including L-dopa, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.
Where is it found?Dairy products, meats, fish, wheat, oats, and most other protein-containing foods contain tyrosine.
L-tyrosine has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):Science Ratings - Health Concerns*** - Stress
** - Depression
** - Phenylketonuria (for deficiency)
* - Alcohol withdrawal support
* - Parkinson’s disease
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Who is likely to be deficient?
Some people affected by PKU are deficient in tyrosine. Tyrosine levels are occasionally low in depressed people.1 Any person losing large amounts of protein, such as those with some kidney diseases, may be deficient in several amino acids, including tyrosine.2
How much is usually taken?
Most people should not supplement with L-tyrosine. Some human research with people suffering from a variety of conditions used 100 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight, equivalent to about 7 grams per day for an average-sized person. The appropriate amount to use in people with PKU is not known, therefore, the monitoring of blood levels by a physician is recommended.
Are there any side effects or interactions?L-tyrosine has not been reported to cause any serious side effects. However, it is not known whether long-term use of L-tyrosine, particularly in large amounts (such as more than 1,000 mg per day) is safe. For that reason, long-term use of L-tyrosine should be monitored by a doctor.Vitamin B6, folic acid, and copper are necessary for conversion of L-tyrosine into neurotransmitters.

Drug Interactions
Certain medicines interact with L-tyrosine: Some interactions may increase the need for L-tyrosine (+), other interactions may be negative (-) and indicate L-tyrosine should not be taken without first speaking with your physician or pharmacist, others may require further explanation (?). Refer to the individual drug article for specific details about an interaction.
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines index.Mixed Amphetamines (+)

GABA - gamma-amino butyric acid


Introduction
GABA is a natural calming and anti-epileptic agent in the brain that is manufactured from the amino acid glutamine and glucose.
Where is it found?
GABA is found as a nutritional supplement, primarily in capsules and tablets.
Who is likely to be deficient?
Some people with anxiety, panic disorders, and depression may not manufacture sufficient levels of GABA.
How much is usually taken?
Some doctors recommend GABA in the amount of 200 mg four times daily.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
The safety of GABA supplementation has not been demonstrated in human trials.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with GABA.

turmeric

Also indexed as
Curcumin
Botanical name
Curcuma longa
Parts used and where grownThe vast majority of turmeric comes from India. Turmeric is one of the key ingredients in many curries, giving them color and flavor. The root and rhizome (underground stem) are used medicinally.

Turmeric has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns** - Indigestion
** - Rheumatoid arthritis
* - Anterior uveitis (chronic)* - Atherosclerosis
* - Bursitis
* - Crohn's disease
* - Genital herpes (topical)* - HIV support
* - Inflammation* - Low back pain
* - Osteoarthritis (in combination with boswellia, ashwagandha, and zinc)* - Pre- and post-surgery health
* - Ulcerative colitis
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric was prescribed for treatment of many conditions, including poor vision, rheumatic pains, and coughs, and to increase milk production. Native peoples of the Pacific sprinkled the dust on their shoulders during ceremonial dances and used it for numerous medical problems ranging from constipation to skin diseases. Turmeric was used for numerous intestinal infections and ailments in Southeast Asia.
Active constituents
The active constituent is known as curcumin. It has been shown to have a wide range of therapeutic actions. First, it protects against free radical damage because it is a strong antioxidant.1 2 Second, it reduces inflammation by lowering histamine levels and possibly by increasing production of natural cortisone by the adrenal glands.3 Third, it protects the liver from a number of toxic compounds.4 Fourth, it has been shown to reduce platelets from clumping together, which in turn improves circulation and may help protect against atherosclerosis.5 There are also test-tube and animal studies showing a cancer-preventing action of curcumin. In one of these studies, curcumin effectively inhibited metastasis (uncontrolled spread) of melanoma (skin cancer) cells.6 This may be due to its antioxidant activity in the body. Curcumin inhibits HIV in test tubes, though human trials are needed to determine if it has any usefulness for treating humans with this condition.7
A preliminary trial in people with rheumatoid arthritis found curcumin to be somewhat useful for reducing inflammation and symptoms such as pain and stiffness.8 A separate double-blind trial found that curcumin was superior to placebo or phenylbutazone (an NSAID) for alleviating post-surgical inflammation.9
While a double-blind trial has found turmeric helpful for people with indigestion,10 results in people with stomach or intestinal ulcers have not shown it to be superior to a placebo and have demonstrated it to be less effective than antacids.11 12
Preliminary research indicates a possible benefit of oral curcumin supplementation (375 mg of turmeric extract with 95% curcuminoids three times daily for 12 weeks) for chronic anterior uveitis (inflammation of the iris and middle coat of the eyeball).13
How much is usually taken?
Turmeric extracts standardized at 90 to 95% curcumin can be taken in the amount of 250 to 500 mg three times per day.14 Tincture, 0.5–1.5 ml three times per day, is sometimes recommended.
Are there any side effects or interactions?Used in the recommended amounts, turmeric is generally safe. It has been used in large quantities as a condiment with no adverse reactions. Some herbal books recommend not taking high amounts of turmeric during pregnancy as it may cause uterine contractions and people with gallstones or obstruction of bile passages should consult their healthcare practitioner before using turmeric.15 16
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with turmeric.

vitamin A


Also indexed as
Retinol (A)
See also
Beta-carotene
Introduction
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin with four major functions in the body: (1) It helps cells reproduce normally—a process called differentiation (cells that have not properly differentiated are more likely to undergo pre-cancerous changes). (2) It is required for vision; vitamin A maintains healthy cells in various structures of the eye and is required for the transduction of light into nerve signals in the retina. (3) It is required for normal growth and development of the embryo and fetus, influencing genes that determine the sequential development of organs in embryonic development. (4) It may be required for normal reproductive function, with influences on the function and development of sperm, ovaries and placenta.
Where is it found?Liver, dairy products, and cod liver oil are good sources of vitamin A. Vitamin A is also available in supplement form.
Vitamin A has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):Science Ratings - Health Concerns*** - Anemia (for deficiency)
*** - Childhood diseases
*** - Cystic fibrosis
*** - Infection
*** - Leukoplakia
*** - Measles (for deficiency)
*** - Night blindness
** - Bronchitis
** - Celiac disease (for deficiency only)
** - Heart attack
** - Immune function
** - Iron-deficiency anemia (as an adjunct to supplemental iron)
** - Measles (for severe cases)
** - Menorrhagia (heavy menstruation)
** - Peptic ulcer
** - Retinitis pigmentosa
** - Sprains and strains (for deficiency only)
** - Wound healing
* - Acne
* - Alcohol withdrawal support
* - Conjunctivitis/blepharitis
* - Crohn’s disease
* - Diarrhea
* - Gastritis
* - Goiter
* - HIV support
* - Hypothyroidism
* - Lung cancer
* - Pap smear (abnormal)
* - Pre- and post-surgery health
* - Premenstrual syndrome (see dosage warnings)
* - Retinopathy (in combination with selenium, vitamin C and vitamin E)
* - Sickle cell anemia
* - Urinary tract infection
* - Vaginitis
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Who is likely to be deficient?
People who limit their consumption of liver, dairy foods, and beta-carotene-containing vegetables can develop a vitamin A deficiency. Extremely low birth weight babies (2.2 pounds or less) are at high risk of being born with a deficiency, and vitamin A shots given to these infants have been reported in double-blind research to reduce the risk of lung disease.1 The earliest deficiency sign is poor night vision. Deficiency symptoms can also include dry skin, increased risk of infections, and metaplasia (a precancerous condition). Severe deficiencies causing blindness are extremely rare in Western societies.
Less severe deficiencies are more likely to occur with a variety of conditions causing malabsorption. A high incidence of vitamin A deficiency in people infected with HIV has also been reported. People with hypothyroidism have an impaired ability to convert beta-carotene to vitamin A.2 3 For this reason, some doctors suggest taking supplemental vitamin A (perhaps 5,000–10,000 IU per day) if they are not consuming adequate amounts in their diet.
Very old people with type 2 diabetes have shown a significant age-related decline in blood levels of vitamin A, irrespective of their dietary intake.4
How much is usually taken?
For most people, up to 25,000 IU (7,500 mcg) of vitamin A per day is considered safe. However, people over age 65 and those with liver disease should probably not supplement with more than 15,000 IU per day, unless supervised by a doctor. In women who could become pregnant, the maximum safe intake is being re-evaluated. However, less than 10,000 IU (3,000 mcg) per day is generally accepted as safe. There is concern that larger intakes could cause birth defects. Whether the average person would benefit from vitamin A supplementation remains unclear.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Since a 1995 report from the New England Journal of Medicine,5 women who are or could become pregnant have been told by doctors to take less than 10,000 IU (3,000 mcg) per day of vitamin A to avoid the risk of birth defect. A recent report studied several hundred women exposed to 10,000–300,000 IU (median exposure of 50,000 IU) per day.6 Three major malformations occurred in this study, but all could have happened in the absence of vitamin A supplementation. Surprisingly, no congenital malformations happened in any of the 120 infants exposed to maternal intakes of vitamin A that exceeded 50,000 IU per day. In fact, the high-exposure group had a 50% decreased risk for malformations compared with infants not exposed to vitamin A. The authors noted that some previous studies found no link between vitamin A and birth defects, and argued the studies that did find such a link suffered from various weaknesses. A closer look at the recent study reveals a 32% higher than expected risk of birth defects in infants exposed to 10,000–40,000 IU of vitamin A per day, but paradoxically a 37% decreased risk for those exposed to even higher levels. This suggests that both “higher” and “lower” risks may have been due to chance.
Excessive dietary intake of vitamin A has been associated with birth defects in humans in fewer than 20 reported cases over the past 30 years.7 8 Presently, the level at which vitamin A supplementation may cause birth defects is not known, though combined human and animal data suggest that 30,000 IU per day should be considered safe.9 Women who are or who could become pregnant should consult with a doctor before supplementing with more than 10,000 IU per day.
Vitamin A supplements can both help and hurt children. Many people have heard that vitamin A supplements support immune function and prevent infections. This is true under some circumstances. However, vitamin A can also increase the risk of infections, according to the findings of a double-blind trial.10 In a study of African children between six months and five years old, a 44% reduction in the risk of severe diarrhea was seen in those children given four 100,000–200,000 IU applications of vitamin A (the lower amount for those less than a year old) during an eight-month period. On further investigation, the researchers discovered that the reduction in diarrhea occurred only in children who were very malnourished. For children who were not starving, vitamin A supplementation actually increased the risk of diarrhea compared with the placebo group. The vitamin A-supplemented children also had a 67% increased risk of coughing and rapid breathing, signs of further lung infection, although this problem did not appear in children infected with AIDS. These findings should be of concern to American parents, whose children are not usually infected with AIDS or severely malnourished. Such relatively healthy children fared poorly in the African trial in terms of both the risk of diarrhea and the risk of continued lung problems. Vitamin A provided no benefit to the well-nourished kids. Therefore, it makes sense to not give vitamin A supplements to children unless there is a special reason to do so, such as the presence of a condition causing malabsorption (e.g., celiac disease).
In a study of people with retinitis pigmentosa (a degenerative condition of the eye), participants received 15,000 IU of vitamin A per day for 12 years with no signs of adverse effects or toxicity.11 For other adults, intake above 25,000 IU (7,500 mcg) per day can—in rare cases—cause headaches, dry skin, hair loss, fatigue, bone problems, and liver damage.12 At higher levels (for example 100,000 IU per day) these problems become more common.
A controlled clinical trial showed that people who took 25,000 IU of vitamin A per day for a median of 3.8 years had an 11% increase in triglycerides, a 3% increase in total cholesterol and a 1% decrease in HDL cholesterol compared to those who did not take vitamin A.13 Although the significance of these findings is not clear, people at risk for cardiovascular disease should use caution when considering long-term vitamin A supplementation.
One study found that increasing the intake of vitamin A in the diet was associated with bone loss and risk of hip fracture, possibly due to a vitamin A-induced stimulation of cells that break down bone.14 In this study, a vitamin A intake greater than 5,000 IU per day, when compared to a lower intake, was associated with a reduction in bone mineral density that approximately doubles the risk of hip fracture. Beta-carotene (which can be used by the body to make vitamin A) has not been linked to reduced bone mass. Until more is known, people concerned about osteoporosis may consider taking beta-carotene supplements rather than supplementing with vitamin A.
Data from test tube, animal, and human studies show that excessive vitamin A intake can accelerate bone loss and inhibit formation of new bone, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.15 In humans, small studies have found these effects at about 85,000–125,000 IU per day. 16 17
Taking vitamin A and iron together helps overcome iron deficiency more effectively than iron supplementation alone.18 Supplementation with zinc, iron, or the combination has been found to improve vitamin A status among children at high risk for deficiency of the three nutrients.19
Drug Interactions
Certain medicines interact with vitamin A: Some interactions may increase the need for vitamin A (+), other interactions may be negative (-) and indicate vitamin A should not be taken without first speaking with your physician or pharmacist, others may require further explanation (?). Refer to the individual drug article for specific details about an interaction.
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines index.Anticonvulsants (+)Atorvastatin (-)Bile Acid Sequestrants (+)Chemotherapy (?)Cisplatin (?)Colestipol (+)Cyclophosphamide (+) (?)Docetaxel (?)Fluorouracil (?)Fluvastatin (-)Gabapentin (+)Isotretinoin (-)Lovastatin (?)Medroxyprogesterone (?)Methotrexate (+)Methyltestosterone (+)Mineral Oil (+)Minocycline (-)Neomycin (+)Oral Contraceptives (?)Oral Corticosteroids (+) (?)Orlistat (+)Paclitaxel (?)Phenobarbital (+)Pravastatin (?)Simvastatin (-)Thioridazine (+)Tretinoin (-)Valproic Acid (+)

zinc


See also
Introduction
Zinc is an essential mineral that is a component of more than 300 enzymes needed to repair wounds, maintain fertility in adults and growth in children, synthesize protein, help cells reproduce, preserve vision, boost immunity, and protect against free radicals, among other functions.
Where is it found?
Good sources of zinc include oysters, meat, eggs, seafood, black-eyed peas, tofu, and wheat germ.
Zinc has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):Science Ratings - Health Concerns*** - Acne
*** - Acrodermatitis enteropathica
*** - Childhood intelligence (for deficiency)
*** - Common cold/sore throat (as lozenges)
*** - Down’s syndrome
*** - Infertility (male) (for deficiency)
*** - Night blindness (for deficiency)
*** - Wilson’s disease
*** - Wound healing (oral and topical)
** - Anemia (for thalassemia if deficient)
** - Anorexia nervosa
** - Attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder
** - Birth defects prevention
** - Canker sores (for deficiency only)
** - Celiac disease (for deficiency)
** - Cold sores (topical)
** - Common cold (as nasal spray)
** - Crohn’s disease
** - Genital herpes
** - Gingivitis (zinc plus bloodroot toothpaste)
** - Halitosis (zinc chloride rinse or toothpaste)
** - Hepatitis C (zinc-L-carnosine)
** - HIV support
** - Immune function (for elderly people)
** - Infection
** - Liver cirrhosis (for deficiency)
** - Macular degeneration
** - Peptic ulcer
** - Pregnancy support
** - Rheumatoid arthritis
** - Sickle cell anemia
** - Skin ulcers (oral and topical zinc)
** - Sprains and strains (if deficient)
** - Tinnitus (for deficiency only)
** - Type 1 diabetes
** - Type 2 diabetes (preferably for those with a documented deficiency)
** - Warts
* - Amenorrhea
* - Athletic performance
* - Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
* - Contact dermatitis
* - Cystic fibrosis
* - Dermatitis herpetiformis (for deficiency)
* - Diarrhea
* - Ear infections (recurrent)
* - Gastritis
* - Gestational hypertension
* - Goiter
* - Hypoglycemia
* - Hypothyroidism
* - Immune function (for non-elderly people)
* - Insulin resistance syndrome (Syndrome X)
* - Osgood-Schlatter Disease
* - Osteoarthritis (in combination with boswellia, ashwagandha, and turmeric)
* - Osteoporosis
* - Pre- and post-surgery health
* - Preeclampsia
* - Prostatitis (CBP, NBP)
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Who is likely to be deficient?
Zinc deficiencies are quite common in people living in poor countries. Phytate, a substance found in unleavened bread (pita, matzos, and some crackers) significantly reduces absorption of zinc, increasing the chance of zinc deficiency. However, phytate-induced deficiency of zinc appears to be a significant problem only for people already consuming marginally low amounts of zinc.
Even in developed countries, low-income pregnant women and pregnant teenagers are at risk for marginal zinc deficiencies. Supplementing with 25–30 mg per day improves pregnancy outcome in these groups.1 2
People with liver cirrhosis appear to be commonly deficient in zinc.3 This deficiency may be due to cirrhosis-related zinc malabsorption.4
People with Down’s syndrome are also commonly deficient in zinc.5 Giving zinc supplements to children with Down’s syndrome has been reported to improve impaired immunity6 and thyroid function,7 though optimal intake of zinc for people with Down’s syndrome remains unclear.
Children with alopecia areata (patchy areas of hair loss) have been reported to be deficient in zinc.8 9
The average diet frequently provides less than the Recommended Dietary Allowance for zinc, particularly in vegetarians. To what extent (if any) these small deficits in zinc intake create clinical problems remains unclear. Nonetheless, a low-potency supplement (15 mg per day) can fill in dietary gaps. Zinc deficiencies are more common in alcoholics and people with sickle cell anemia, malabsorption problems, and chronic kidney disease.10
How much is usually taken?
Moderate intake of zinc, approximately 15 mg daily, is adequate to prevent deficiencies. Higher levels (up to 50 mg taken three times per day) are reserved for people with certain health conditions, under the supervision of a doctor. For the alleviation of cold symptoms, lozenges providing 13–25 mg of zinc in the form zinc gluconate, zinc gluconate-glycine, or zinc acetate are generally used frequently but only for several days.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Zinc intake in excess of 300 mg per day has been reported to impair immune function.11 Some people report that zinc lozenges lead to stomach ache, nausea, mouth irritation, and a bad taste. One source reports that gastrointestinal upset, metallic taste in the mouth, blood in the urine, and lethargy can occur from chronic oral zinc supplementation over 150 mg per day,12 but those claims are unsubstantiated. In topical form, zinc has no known side effects when used as recommended. However, using zinc nasal spray has been reported to cause severe or complete loss of smell function in at least ten people. In some of those cases, the loss of smell was long-lasting or permanent.13
Preliminary research had suggested that people with Alzheimer’s disease should avoid zinc supplements.14 More recently, preliminary evidence in four patients actually showed improved mental function with zinc supplementation.15 In a convincing review of zinc/Alzheimer’s disease research, perhaps the most respected zinc researcher in the world concluded that zinc does not cause or exacerbate Alzheimer’s disease symptoms.16
Zinc inhibits copper absorption. Copper deficiency can result in anemia, lower levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol, or cardiac arrhythmias.17 18 19 Copper intake should be increased if zinc supplementation continues for more than a few days (except for people with Wilson’s disease).20 Some sources recommend a 10:1 ratio of zinc to copper. Evidence suggests that no more that 2 mg of copper per day is needed to prevent zinc-induced copper deficiency. Many zinc supplements include copper in the formulation to prevent zinc-induced copper deficiency. Zinc-induced copper deficiency has been reported to cause reversible anemia and suppression of bone marrow.21
Marginal zinc deficiency may be a contributing factor in some cases of anemia. In a study of women with normocytic anemia (i.e., their red blood cells were of normal size) and low total iron-binding capacity (a blood test often used to assess the cause of anemia), combined iron and zinc supplementation significantly improved the anemia, whereas iron or zinc supplemented alone had only slight effects.22 Supplementation with zinc, or zinc and iron together, has been found to improve vitamin A status among children at high risk for deficiency of the three nutrients.23
Zinc competes for absorption with copper, iron,24 25 calcium,26 and magnesium.27 A multimineral supplement will help prevent mineral imbalances that can result from taking high amounts of zinc for extended periods of time.N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) may increase urinary excretion of zinc.28 Long-term users of NAC may consider adding supplements of zinc and copper.

Drug InteractionsCertain medicines interact with zinc: Some interactions may increase the need for zinc (+), other interactions may be negative (-) and indicate zinc should not be taken without first speaking with your physician or pharmacist, others may require further explanation (?). Refer to the individual drug article for specific details about an interaction.
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines index.Aspirin (+)AZT (+)Benazepril (+)Benzamycin (+)Bile Acid Sequestrants (+)Calcium Acetate (+)Captopril (+)Chemotherapy (+)Chlorhexidine (?)Ciprofloxacin (-)Cisplatin (+)Clindamycin Topical (+)Colestipol (+)Cyclophosphamide (+)Docetaxel (+)Doxycycline (-)Estrogens (Combined) (?)Folic Acid (+)Lisinopril (+)Lotrel (+)Medroxyprogesterone (?)Methotrexate (+)Methyltestosterone (-)Metronidazole (Vaginal) (+)Minocycline (+) (-)Ofloxacin (-)Oral Contraceptives (+)Oral Corticosteroids (?)Penicillamine (-)Quinapril (+)Ramipril (+)Risedronate (-)Sodium Fluoride (+)Tetracycline (-)Tetracyclines (-)Thiazide Diuretics (+)Topical Corticosteroids (+)Valproic Acid (?)Warfarin (-)

selenium


Introduction
Selenium is an essential trace mineral.
Where is it found?
Brazil nuts are the best source of selenium. Yeast, whole grains, and seafood are also good sources. Animal studies have found that selenium from yeast is better absorbed than selenium in the form of selenite.1
Selenium has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):Science Ratings - Health Concerns** - Asthma
** - Atherosclerosis
** - Colon cancer (reduces risk)
** - Depression
** - Dermatitis herpetiformis
** - Heart attack
** - HIV support
** - Immune function (for elderly people)
** - Infections (to prevent hospital-acquired infections in very low birth weight infants)
** - Infertility (male)
** - Lung cancer (reduces risk)
** - Lymphedema
** - Osgood-Schlatter disease
** - Pancreatic insufficiency
** - Phenylketonuria (if deficient)
** - Prostate cancer (reduces risk)
** - Rheumatoid arthritis
** - Thyroiditis (autoimmune)
* - Cardiac arrhythmia
* - Cardiomyopathy (only for Keshan’s cardiomyopathy)
* - Childhood diseases
* - Down’s syndrome
* - Halitosis (if gum disease)
* - Hepatitis
* - Hypothyroidism (if deficient)
* - Liver cirrhosis
* - Macular degeneration
* - Pap smear (abnormal)
* - Pre- and post-surgery health
* - Retinopathy (combined with vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E)
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Who is likely to be deficient?
While most people probably don’t take in enough selenium, gross deficiencies are rare in Western countries. Soils in some areas are selenium-deficient and people who eat foods grown primarily on selenium-poor soils are at risk for deficiency. People with AIDS have been reported to be depleted in selenium.2 Similarly, limited research has reported an association between heart disease and depleted levels of selenium.3 People who are deficient in selenium have an increased risk of developing certain types of rheumatoid arthritis.4
How much is usually taken?
While the Recommended Dietary Allowance for most adults is 55 mcg per day, an adult intake of 100–200 mcg of selenium per day is recommended by many doctors.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Selenium is safe at the level people typically supplement (100–200 mcg); however, taking more than 900 mcg of selenium per day has been reported to cause adverse effects in some people.5 Selenium toxicity can result in loss of fingernails, skin rash, and changes in the nervous system. In the presence of iodine-deficiency-induced goiter, selenium supplementation has been reported to exacerbate low thyroid function.6 Although most research suggests that selenium prevents cancer, one study found an increased risk of a type of skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) in people taking selenium supplements.7 The National Academy of Sciences recommends that selenium intake not exceed 400 mcg per day, unless the higher intake is monitored by a healthcare professional.8
Selenium enhances the antioxidant effect of vitamin E.

Drug Interactions
Certain medicines interact with selenium: Some interactions may increase the need for selenium (+), other interactions may be negative (-) and indicate selenium should not be taken without first speaking with your physician or pharmacist, others may require further explanation (?). Refer to the individual drug article for specific details about an interaction.
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines index.Cisplatin (+)Clozapine (+)Cyclophosphamide (+)Oral Corticosteroids (+)Valproic Acid (?)
Source: www.cncahealth.com
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