© 2007 New York
Buyers' Club, Inc.
A Non-Profit Organization.
All Rights Reserved.
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Supplement: The Newsletter of The New York Buyers' Club is freely available to all:
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While updating the NYBC website, I encountered disturbing reports of new, damning studies of policosanols, once the cholesterol-lowering darling of the supplement world. After some investigation, I realized I had started down a trail of…international intrigue.
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Policosanols (chemically speaking, a mix of different kinds of long-chain fatty acids) became the golden child of supplements in recent years, with dazzling promise of being able to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol up to 30% with negligible side effects - and at far less cost than prescription statins. They seemed a godsend for those on HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy), who often struggle with cholesterol control. Described in many respected scientific journals worldwide, they had been tested successfully on thousands of people!
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Studies of sugarcane-derived policosanols first emerged from Cuba in the mid-1990s. Interest grew as human trials confirmed the supplement’s effectiveness in treating dyslipidemia. (Dyslipidemia refers to abnormal blood fat levels: elevated “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides, and low HDL or “good” cholesterol; it is frequently the precursor of cardiovascular disease.)
The Cuban studies received a major seal of approval from German scientists reviewing them in the American Heart Journal in 2002. Surveying over 20 published studies, the scientists declared the supplement to be “a fascinating new agent for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic disease.”
Meanwhile the sale of Cuban sugarcane policosanols – now patented – expanded to more than 40 countries, mainly in South America and the Caribbean. The Cuban version couldn’t be sold in the US due to the trade embargo, but a multitude of policosanol products appeared here as well. At NYBC we were enthusiastic about policosanol’s potential, and added it to our catalog in 2005.
But doubts were surfacing. Studies of policosanols extracted from wheat germ and from rice failed to find an effect, though some claimed these forms did not contain the right balance of aliphatic alcohols (=policosanols).
In 2006 the German scientists who had given the Cuban studies high marks returned with results of their own rigorous trial of Cuban sugarcane policosanols, which found them no more effective than a dummy pill. Later in the year, Canadian researcher Dr. Peter Jones also reported a study using Cuban sugarcane policosanols that showed the supplement had no value in lowering cholesterol. (However, he used a 10 mg dose that may have been too low; others suggest the study was too short, being only 28 days long.)
Perhaps there was cause for skepticism from the start. Almost all the Cuban studies came from Dalmer Labs, which was connected to the nation’s Center for Scientific Research and then became the marketer of Cuba’s patented policosanols. No independent scientific verification took place outside of Cuba for years. And was it coincidence that the policosanol studies came out just when Cuba’s sugar industry was staggering under the loss of Soviet subsidies and a string ofbad harvests? Boosting sales of sugarcane derivatives became an acknowledged national goal, and would certainly be a good way to restore profitability to the island’s major cash crop.
We don’t yet know the full back-story to this “policontroversy.” At NYBC we are considering discontinuing policosanols, and would like to hear reactions from any member who has used them. In the meantime, we urge anyone interested in using them to do so at the beginning of bloodwork on a stable regimen. Then see if they work for you—or not. And please share your experiences with us.
With the promise of policosanols tarnished, what lipid-lowering alternatives to prescription drugs do people have? Fish oils continue to gain respect in scientific/medical communities in Europe and the US (see info about them on our new Supplement Fact Sheets - see “Resource Relaunch Revealed” in this issue). Dr. Jones sees a potentially bright future for plant sterols, which may significantly improve lipid profiles—we look forward to more study of these substances. Then there’s niacin, which despite the problem of “flushing/itching,” works very well for some people as a cholesterol-lowering agent (see detailed suggestions on our website).
Of course, nutritionists have long known about the moderate cholesterol-lowering effect of high-fiber foods like oatmeal. If you are trying to control your cholesterol, you should also understand that sugar intake, not just fat intake, influences your cholesterol level. And when monitoring cholesterol and cardiovascular risk, remember that the more recent focus has been not just on lowering “bad” cholesterol, but raising “good” cholesterol (which niacin does very well). And of course, making dietary changes and getting routine exercise are the first basis with which to start.
Investigative reporting by Sean-Michael Fleming
Additional contributions by J. Becker and G. Carter
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Resveratrol
produced
“changes
associated with
longer lifespan,”
including
increased
insulin sensitivity
and better
motor function.
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Can a small molecule improve general health and extend life?
Last November when the prestigious science journal Nature published an article entitled “Resveratrol improves health and survival of mice on a high-calorie diet,” CNN headlined the news this way: Fat, boozing mice stay healthy.
Well, not exactly. While it’s true that resveratrol is a molecule found in red wines, it’s also been identified in many other sources (including peanuts), which are often used to produce supplements. So the mice in the study were not drinking from troughs of Merlot!
Back to the science: the Nature study added more support to the previous understanding of resveratrol’s health benefits. It showed that this molecule produced “changes associated with longer lifespan,” including increased insulin sensitivity and better motor function.
Exactly how resveratrol works its good effects is still being puzzled out, but the improvements in sugar and fat digestion, motor function, and longevity in mice were so startling that it’s easy to understand why the Nature article generated excitement.
Further research is now underway in hopes of showing precisely how to use resveratrol to prevent and treat diseases in humans, including diabetes and cardiovascular problems. If such conditions can be suppressed by resveratrol, then it could indeed fulfill its promise of helping to extend lifespan. In short, this may be another case in which a “dietary supplement” proves to offer a tremendous health benefit.
Reporting in the New York Times mentioned that several resveratrol researchers are so enthused about its promise that they themselves are taking it. But questions remain about how available reseveratrol is in your system, how stable it is on the shelf, and whether it resembles grapefruit in interacting with and increasing levels of some drugs in the body. At this point NYBC continues to evaluate the reseveratrol supplements on the market and will provide updates as we learn more.
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| Currently NYBC stocks Jarrow’s Resveratrol Synergy (as seen on CNN.com!), a proprietary formula based on studies suggesting that resveratrol’s cardiovascular protective effects may be partly due to its co-occurrence with procyanidins (found, for example, in grape juice, green tea, dark-colored fruits and dark chocolate). Each bottle, 60 tablets. Price: $11.75. More information is available on our website. |
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Vitamin B3 aka Niacin has long been recognized as effective in managing high cholesterol (high LDL level), and has the added advantage of improving levels of HDL (“good cholesterol”), which is often low in HIV infection (treated or not). The problem: high-dose Niacin can cause unpleasant “flushing and itching.” One approach is to increase the dose slowly to about 1.5 to 3 grams a day over a period of a couple of weeks. This is an alternative that people on antivirals may wish to try, working with their physicians, in order to manage cholesterol problems that can be worsened by certain antivirals - notably d4T/stavudine (Zerit) - and protease inhibitors.
Vitamin D3 has been in the news a lot—recent data show it could help prevent up to half of the cases of breast cancer and two-thirds of the cases of colorectal cancer. D3 is known to play a powerful role in immune function, working in complex ways to increase the body’s immune response against infectious microorganisms, while also having the capacity to suppress autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis. In people with HIV, D3 may play a part in maintaining CD4 counts. Lastly, a scientific paper published in 2006 suggested that supplementing with D3 in the winter months could ward off respiratory infections such as the flu! In short, there’s a lot more to this vitamin than the well-known connection with bone health. Note: NYBC stocks D3, a naturally occurring form that is more bioavailable than older forms of the supplement.
Coenzyme Q10 recently was shown to have benefit among people with heart failure in a study of 23 people, average age 59 years old. CoQ10 also increased HDL (“good cholesterol”) levels and enhanced cardiac function. Adding exercise to the regimen further improved outcomes. There were no adverse side effects reported.
Carotenoids, found in colorful fruits and vegetables, include beta carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), lutein and others. In a study of HIV+ people, supplementing with carotenoids resulted in an extra 40 CD4 cells over a 12-18 month period compared to those receiving a placebo. (Both groups got a multivitamin.) The participants had AIDS and among the group receiving carotenoids, survival was significantly improved. This research was done by the Canadian HIV Trials Network and the Community Research Initiative - Toronto. Participants received 120,000 IU of a mixed carotenoid supplement, equivalent to 72 mg of beta carotene per day. With a good multi, that would be adding about 8 capsules a day of NYBC’s Carotenoid Complex.
Theanine Serene This proprietary blend from Source Naturals is designed to have a relaxing effect. The blend includes theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, as well as the traditional Chinese herbs Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense. See our online product description for more details. Cautions: Contains wheat. Do not use if pregnant. Do not use if taking other MAO or serotonin-reuptake inhibitors.
P.S.: For those interested in findinga supplement to aid relaxation, please note that we now stock several strengths of Melatonin, including a Douglas Labs product. (Douglas is the highly-regarded manufacturer of the Added Protection multi.)
Yes they’re in stock – NAC Effervescent and Flu-Guard (SPV-30)! NYBC now has in stock limited supplies of Flu-Guard, formerly known as SPV-30. (We are continuing to work with the supplier, Health from the Sun/Arkopharma to stock this item when it is available.) We also have a supply of effervescent NAC, which we import from Germany. Our import program involves a rather laborious FDA clearance process, but we are committed to stocking this item, since so many have found it useful in dealing with conditions like chronic bronchitis.
SUPPLEMENT: Newsletter of the New York Buyers’ Club is published quarterly and features articles focusing on current items of interest, brief reviews of individual supplements and their uses, and information about upcoming NYBC education and outreach events.
SUPPLEMENT is distributed free of charge: NYBC members receive the current newsletter with every order shipped to them.
If you wish to receive copies of SUPPLEMENT: Newsletter of the New York Buyers’ Club by mail or email, please let us know by emailing us, calling us at 800-650-4983, or writing to us at NYBC,75 Varick St., Suite 1404 - DC 1707, New York, NY 10013. |
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The importance of selenium to human physiology has long been established. (It’s key in an enzyme important for red blood cell functioning as well as in scavenging free radicals that cause oxidative stress.) When we don’t get the small amount of selenium we need, a variety of conditions can arise, including heart problems. And, as with many other vitamins and minerals, HIV disease can result in significant selenium depletion, with adverse effects following.
This is some of the background behind a recent large clinical study conducted in Florida to see what effect 200 micrograms of selenium per day would have in people with HIV with low (but not dangerously low) blood levels of selenium, compared to people with HIV who received a placebo. In the study, some people were on antivirals and others were not and everyone received a multivitamin.
After nine months, people on the placebo saw significant increases in viral load, while those in the selenium group saw only a modest increase, if any. The best results were for those who took the selenium regularly—as a group they showed no change in HIV-1 viral load and an increase in CD4 count of about 28.
Not bad for a mere mineral! Selenium thus appears to be “a simple, inexpensive, and safe adjunct therapy” for people with HIV—as the study’s authors conclude.
Note that the daily dose studied was 200 mcg, a level you’ll find in all the multivitamins stocked by the New York Buyers’ Club.
Caution: more than 600mcg of selenium a day is not recommended. Remember, too, that taking the dose every day gave the best results. And given how micronutrients work in tandem in the body’s complex systems, selenium in a multi may be the best approach.
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B-Right (Jarrow). Each bottle, 100 capsules of B vitamins; $9.00. Includes 100 mcg of B3 - mentioned at left. B Vitamins are used in the body to convert homocysteine to cystathionine and cysteine; excessive amounts of homocysteine can build up to harmful levels that cause atherosclerosis.
Vitamin D3 (Jarrow) Each bottle, 100 caps; $3.50. Each capsule, 400 IU of the fat-soluble vitamin D3 in the form of cholecalciferol. Also contains fish oil, and soybean oil.
Q-Absorb CoQ10 (Jarrow) 100 mg, 60 Softgels, $25.00; 30 mg, 120 softgels, $16.50. Proven support for our cells’ energy production - and heart issues as well. See our website’s Resource Pages for a complete rundown.
Carotenoid Complex Ultra Antioxidant (NYBC) Each bottle, 90 capsules $9.95. This supplement consists of a wide range of antioxidant carotenoid compounds, including alpha and beta carotene, lutein, lycopene, among others. Derived from natural vegetable sources including broccoli, spinach, tomato, and Hawaiian sea microalgae. Note that this is a supplement - not a replacement for a diet rich in colorful vegetables (the best source for carotenoids).
Theanine Serene (Source Naturals) Each bottle, 30 tablets, $6.25. Described at left and listed under the category Relax, Be Happy in our online Members Store index.
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The New York Buyers’ Club is proud to announce the unveiling of what we hope will be a valuable tool to all those interested in learning more about nutritional supplements and how, when, and why to use them: the New York Buyers’ Club Resource Pages!
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Just the Facts... the new NYBC Supplement Fact Sheets are designed to be easy to read, easy to understand, and easy to print.
Entries include descriptions of the supplement’s origin, its uses and precautions, as well as collected recent data.
Also included are links to related websites and relevant products. |
Education - or, better yet, sharing information- has always been a major part of the NYBC, and its predecessor, DAAIR, as well. The Resources Pages project was undertaken to re-establish the Buyers’ Club as a resource for direct, clear, current information. When we noticed that few were taking advantage of our free publications online, we re-examined how the information was being delivered - and the Supplement Fact Sheets were born. Quick, easy access to information that you want - no gimmicks or ads - ever!
Our Supplement Fact Sheets are a model of efficiency: uncluttered design, an easy interface, and valuable information - fast.
Preparing them sparked a spring cleaning of sorts, as we dusted off some old reference materials, and researched recent developments in the world of nutritional supplements - such as the policosanol controversy discussed in this issue.
With the information now more clearly organized, we will have an easier time accessing files ourselves - to keep them as accurate and current as possible - and in this effort, as always, we encourage your input.
As in our catalog, not every dietary supplement available worldwide is listed on the Supplement Fact Sheets index - just the important ones! All bad jokes aside, the supplements listed here are the ones either most requested at our online store - or ones that Buyers’ Club members have had success with in the past or are currently finding benefit from.
Click Recommended Reading and you will find articles of interest, as well as archives of NYBC publications, including this one. There you will also find books covering a wide array of topics - all handpicked by NYBC members.
The content emphasis will be on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) but will also feature special focus sections – recommended books on healthier living with HIV, for example .
On our Additional Resources page, we have “pre-auditioned” websites for you: no surfing fruitlessly, swatting at pop-up ads. We have selected a choice roster of websites for both researching and learning more about supplements, as well as links to the “best of the best” HIV-related sites.
And finally, we top off this trio of resources with a human touch: contact. Those with lingering questions or with information to share are invited to Interact - and join in on a community discussion on supplements by posting their thoughts on our moderated public forum. Those with pressing questions are invited to call the NYBC directly (toll-free, at 1-800-650-4983).
The New York Buyers’ Club Resource Pages are a living entity, an ongoing project that will continue to evolve, striving to keep atop the ever-changing nutritional supplements scene, and growing to meet the needs of our community.
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A Note About NYBC Membership...
By becoming a member of the New York Buyers’ Club, you join a growing community
of people empowering themselves through education - and saving money at the same time.
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!
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