The New York Buyers’ Club is extremely pleased to announce that we have MOVED! The NYBC will now be sharing office space with IAPI - the International AIDS Prevention Project (successor to the NAMES Project New York City, which was largely responsibe for the renowned AIDS Memorial Quilt, which has toured the world in efforts to spread awareness of the AIDS pandemic). IAPI’s continuing mission is to raise global awareness about HIV/AIDS through prevention and education programs. IAPI’s founder, Jeff Bosacki, has been referred to in these pages in the past as “Our Man in Zimbabwe,” as he has personally delivered care packages for NYBC on his visits to developing areas.		NYBC’s swanky new address at One Hudson Square
The NYBC’s new digs alongside IAPI are located in the offices of District Council 1707 of AFSCME (the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees), where IAPI has been based for over fourteen years. DC 1707 is a group of seven local unions that represent over 23,000 workers at a variety of private, non-profit social service agencies (such as day care, home care, Head Start, etc.). Since its inception in 2004, the New York Buyers’ Club has operated out of a small loft/warehouse in Brooklyn. The new headquarters will give the organization new opportunities to grow and prosper in our efforts to spread the word about “health empowerment” through education and nutritional supplements.
The NewYork Buyers’ Club extends its warmest thanks to Jeff Bosacki, IAPI, DC 1707’s Executive Director Raglan George (and his assistant David Ocasio) for making all this possible, and looks forward to a long, happy partnership. Current NYBC customers should note that regular Friday evening pick-up service at GMHC will continue as usual. OUR HEROES: DC 1707’s Raglan George and IAPI’s Jeff Bosacki.

Dietary Supplements
Take on Depression!
Alternative Options Abound -
Talk to Your Doctor Today!

Treating Depression
with Supplements (chart)

Depression: Warning Signs

East Treats West:
Traditional
Chinese Medicine
in the U.S.

FIAR Announces
"Spring Break" Study

New Products on the NYBC
Members Store shelves

There’s been a lot of good scientific work in recent years about using supplements to treat depression. The supplements studied range from the herb St. John’s Wort, which has a long tradition of use, to molecules like SAMe, L-Tryptophan, and 5-HTP, which drew attention because of their role in the body’s production of serotonin, a “neurotransmitter” intimately connected with mood and cognitive function. Other developments in depression research involve the steroid DHEA and—surprise!–fish oil.

Take a look at the chart on the next page for a quick comparison of the positive effects, recommended dosages, and cautions for each of these supplements.

DHEA (DeHydroEpiAndrosterone) probably escaped being banned in the U.S. in 2005 partly because, unlike other steroids, it can’t be used for “doping”—it can’t be abused in the way that other steroids are notoriously misused as “performance enhancers.”

Now to recent investigations of DHEA as an anti-depressant. A pilot study a few years back found that after three weeks of treatment at 90mg/day of DHEA, people experienced significant improvement with many types of depressive symptoms, including “loss of energy, lack of motivation, emotional ‘numbness,’ sadness, inability to cope and worry.” A later, larger-scale study sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health found DHEA to be an effective therapy for mild-to-moderate midlife depression, on a par with some prescription drug treatments. Moreover, the NIMH data showed that taking DHEA resulted not only in a significant lifting of depression, but also a parallel improvement in sexual functioning. This is particularly welcome news for those who have tried certain prescription anti-depressants, only to find that the drugs have the unwanted side effect of inhibiting sexual function. Note that dosing recommendations vary for men versus women, and DHEA is not recommended for those diagnosed with prostate problems or cancers.

LEARN to RECOGNIZE THE WARNING SIGNS OF DEPRESSION If you or a loved one are exhibiting these symptoms, you may need to seek treatment for depression: • Sleeping more or less than usual. • Eating less or more than usual. • Feeling restless. • Having trouble concentrating and making decisions. • Easily hurt feelings, crying a lot • Abusing alcohol and other drugs • Losing interest in activities that used to bring pleasure.

SAMe (S-adenosyl-l-methionine): First studied by Italian researchers in the 1950s, SAMe is produced naturally in the body from the amino acid methionine. When taken as a supplement, it increases concentrations of the neurotransmitters serotonin and L-dopamine, which have to do with mood. Several studies done over the years show SAMe to have an anti-depressant effect comparable to prescription drugs. A dose of 400-800mg/day has been studied for mild to moderate depression, and 800-1600mg/day for the moderate to severe condition.

SAMe generally has fewer side effects than prescription anti-depressants. However, it should be avoided in people with bipolar disorder or Parkinson’s, and should be used cautiously with other antidepressants, because the combination may push serotonin levels too high. Taking a B-complex vitamin while using SAMe can counter its potential to build up the body’s levels of homocysteine, which is associated with heart disease. It’s best to take them seperately.

SAMe has also been investigated as an aid to joint health, and to counter pain related to osteoarthritis.

Fish Oil (listed under the brand name DHA Max in the NYBC catalog) You may be familiar with the use of fish oil to regulate levels of blood fats and thereby support cardiovascular health. Recently, however, there have been studies showing that fish oil can be beneficial in treating depression and bipolar disorder. It’s also of note that it can be taken with other anti-depressants. Doses found effective in treating depression are quite high, 3 to 9 grams per day.

St. John’s Wort is a common herb, whose naturally “active ingredient” is hypericin. The herb has clinically proven (multiple, well-controlled studies, mostly in Germany) antidepressant effects for mild to moderate depression – without the side effects the drugs can cause. While a recent U.S. study found no benefit from St. John’s Wort for severe depression, the same study found no benefit from the use of the drug Zoloft, either. High doses of the herb may cause a sensitivity to light (phototoxicity), so avoid direct sunlight or sunbathing while using. Do not take St. John’s Wort with 5-HTP, serotonin re-uptake inhbitors (like Prozac), or with protease inhibitors, as it my affect beneficial liver enzymes. St. John’s Wort may also have activity against Epstein-Barr and herpes infections. Another botanical, which many have used for dealing with anxiety, which may accompany depression, is Bacopa monniera.

L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP (5-hydroxy L-tryptophan): These closely-related supplements are converted in the body to serotonin and to melatonin. (Specifically, L-Tryptophan converts to 5-HTP, which then converts to serotonin or melatonin.) Their use as anti-depressants has been studied, and they have also been found to aid sleep and suppress appetite. (To minimize appetite suppression, try taking the supplement an hour before bedtime.) Mild gastrointestinal side effects have been reported with both. For best absorption, take separately from protein-containing foods and dietary supplements. (Take with water or juice instead.) Although L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP are close relatives, people may respond somewhat differently to them. Thus, if encountering unwanted side effects or lack of effect from one, you may want to try the other.

The suggested dosage for 5-HTP is wide, ranging from 50 and 500 mg daily. It can be used together with other anti-depressants, in which case an effective dose could be quite low. The best approach is to start at the low end of the range and increase as needed. Like 5-HTP, L-Tryptophan has been used in combination with other anti-depressants, and has also been employed with lithium for bipolar disorder. 5-HTP may also decrease symptoms of fibromyalgia and migraine headaches.

* Source: Robins LN, Regier DA (Eds) Psychiatric Disorders in America,
The Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study, 1990; New York: The Free Press.

TREATING DEPRESSION WITH SUPPLEMENTS
SUPPLEMENT	DOSAGE	EFFECT	CAUTIONS
DHEA	100mg/day	Anti-depressant (mild to moderate); improvement in sexual function	Dosage varies by sex; not recommended if you have prostate problems or cancer diagnosis
SAMe	400-800mg/day for mild to moderate depression; 800-1600mg/day for moderate to severe	Anti-depressant (mild to severe); supports joint health and may decrease pain related to osteoarthritis	Do not use if diagnosed with bipolar disorder or Parkinson’s; use with caution with other anti-depressants; take with B-complex to avoid homocysteine buildup
St. John's Wort	900mg/day	Anti-depressant (mild to moderate)	Interacts with pharmaceuticals; do not take with other anti-depressants, protease inhibitors, or many other drugs
5-HTP	50 - 500mg/day	Anti-depressant; sleep aid; appetite suppression; may decrease symptoms of fibromyalgia and migraine headaches	Suppresses appetite; some gastrointestinal side effects
L-Tryptophan	500mg/day	Anti-depressant; sleep aid;anti-manic; used with lithium for bipolar disorder	Suppresses appetite; some gastrointestinal side effects
Fish Oil	3 - 10g/day	Anti-depressant; used for bipolar disorder; lowers triglycerides; may improve cardiovascular health	Blood-thinning effects

	SAM-e 400 (Jarrow) 30 tabs/400mg $30.00; Max DHA Fish Oil (Jarrow) 180 softgels/500mg ea $16.00; L-Tryptophan (Source Naturals) 30 tabs/500mg ea $9.25; 5-HTP (Jarrow) 60 capsules/100mg ea. $16.50; 7-keto DHEA (Source Naturals) 60/50mg capsules $21.50; Perika Pro - St. John’s Wort (MMS Pro) 90 tablets/300mg ea $14.75

It’s remarkable that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), one of the world’s oldest therapeutic systems, is also one of the most widely used alternative and complementary approaches in the U.S. today.

In China, there is a very long history of using herbs for liver disease, digestive disorders, fatigue, chronic infections—just to name a few conditions. Present-day U.S. suppliers like Pacific Biologic, Health Concerns, or Bio-Botanical Research (all three featured by NYBC) have drawn on this herbal tradition, while also adapting and refining it. For example, Health Concern’s Marrow Plus combines Chinese herbs in a formula designed to offset the bone marrow suppressive effects of certain drugs or chemotherapies, while its Enhance formula is intended to counter fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, digestive problems, muscle aches and other symptoms that often accompany immune system disorders. Similarly, Pacific Biologic’s tonic formulas Hepato-C and Hepato-Detox have been devised particularly to help manage chronic liver disease. And Bio-Botanical Research’s Biocidin is a combination of traditional herbs found useful in combating stubborn parasitic infections.

Note that NYBC also carries several individual herbs and botanicals found in TCM, such as Astragalus, Allicin (garlic extract), Bitter Melon, Gingko, ginger, and Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng).

Since the 1980s, much expertise has been developed in applying TCM to HIV/AIDS. For example, Andrew Gaeddert, creator of the Health Concerns formulas, has produced a guide, Healing Immune Disorders, that takes a comprehensive look at how Chinese herbs can be employed to boost energy, protect against infections, and alleviate pain in people with compromised immune systems. You can also find much information on Chinese herbals and their current application to HIV, hepatitis, and other chronic conditions on the NYBC website, beginning with our category “Chinese Herbals” in the product description section.

Like herbs in general, Chinese herbs are usually safer and slower acting than drugs, and have fewer side effects. They can be more effective in fighting some infections or dealing with some digestive disorders, and have been used with success alongside standard Western medical treatment (or to counteract the side effects of Western drugs). But TCM is complex, so if you are pursuing this therapeutic approach you’ll benefit from consultation with a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner (Lic. Ac. should be one of the credentials listed after the name). And don’t forget (how many times have we repeated this!) to keep all your health care providers informed about what you’re taking.

CHINESE HERBAL BLENDS: Marrow Plus (Health Concerns) 270 tablets/750mg ea $25.00 Enhance 420 tablets/750mg ea $28.75 Hepato C (Pacific BioLogics) 100 caps/500 mg ea $17.00 Hepato Detox (Pacific BioLogic) 100 Caps/500 mg ea $18.00 Biocidin (Bio-Botanical Research) Chinese Herb Blend 90 capsules/$46.00		CHINESE BOTANICALS: Ginkgo-D (MMS Pro) 90 tablets/60mg ea $27.50 Allicin Garlic Extract (Zhang/Tai He) 30 caps/130mg ea $12.50 Astragalus Madaus (MMS Pro) 100/470mg capsules $7.25 Eleuthero “Siberian Ginseng” (MMS Pro) 100 caps/410mg ea $7.00 Freeze-Dried Ginger Root (Jarrow) 100 Caps/500mg ea $6.50

Detail from the 36-volume pharmacopoeia Pen ts’ao kang mu: Chiao cheng Pen ts’ao kang mu (The Great Herbal) by Ming Dynasty physician/herbalist Shih-chen Li (1518-1593); published 1672Click here for an interesting diversion to the National Library of Medicine's "Classics of Traditional Chinese Medicine" collection.

TCM In Action: FIAR Announces “Spring Break” Study NYBC’s sister organization, the Foundation for Integrative AIDS Research (FIAR), has recently received a development grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate the possibility of using Chinese herbs for HIV+ people who either have not yet started antiretrovirals or who decide to take a break from antiviral medicines (ARV). Remember that recent data suggest it is better to stay on your meds if at all possible! But we believe there are still times when it is possible to safely interrupt ARV, working closely with your physician. The formula was designed to help reduce viral load and either stabilize or increase CD4 counts. Will it? Informally, we call it “Spring Break.” If you’d like more information, give us a call or contact FIAR by email at fiar@verizon.net.

New Products on the New York Buyers' Club Members Store shelves
NYBC is happy to announce the arrival of several new products that are now available. For more information about them, please see the more detailed descriptions in our Members Store – or, if you have any questions, please feel free to call us at (800) 650-4983. For bone health, NYBC is now carrying Vitamin D3 (100 softgells/400 IU ea; $3.50) and Bone-Up (120 casules/$7.50). In part, we decided to carry the D3 because it is inexpensive and some of the multis that are popular really don’t have an adequate amount (e.g., the Douglas “Ultra Preventive” only has 100 IU).	This is why we hope to have our Custom Multi available again soon! Bone-Up contains a good mix of nutrients that are all required for sustaining and maintaining bone health. NYBC is no longer stocking NextNutrition’s Designer Whey protein. We find that the Jarrow’s Whey Protein (2lbs/$15) product is just as good - with less additives and processing. In addition, we now have the vegan-friendly Fermented Soy Essence (16oz/$14.25) and Glycemic Balance (20oz/$14.75) to provide other sources of protein. More and more research points toward greater health benefits and fewer risks that may be associated with soy consumption with the fermented form (also found as tempeh). Glycemic Balance is a tasty, rice-based protein with some added soy.	Unfortunately, the soy in the Glycemic Balance blend is non-fermented, so there are some issues with the phytoestrogens that are in it: not a major issue if you only use it once a day. This reviewer’s “breakfast blend” includes a glass of juice (usually something delicious like apple-raspberry, pear, or mango juice) with a scoop each of whey proteins, Green Defense, Berry High, Nutrivir and either the fermented soy or the Glycemic Balance. Delicious! Just shake it up in a cup with a lid – something we hope to soon carry for our customers who use protein products!

A Note About NYBC Membership...

A prime example: sold in retail stores and over the internet for an average of $42/bottle,
NYBC stocks the amino acid supplement Acetyl-L-Carnitine for just $10!

Based on a sliding scale, annual NYBC memberships
range from $5 to $25. Click here for more information!