Q. I read that a recent study found glucosamine hydrochloride was ineffective for arthritis...
A. Timothy E. McAlindon, MD, MPH, chief of the Division of Rheumatology and professor at Tufts School of Medicine, responds: Its controversial. Most biochemists I know assert that there really isnt any difference between the hydrochloride and sulfated versions because they dissociate in the stomach. The manufacturer of glucosamine sulfate claims otherwise, but I have never heard a satisfactory explanation of why that should be the case. There are clinical trials of glucosamine sulfate, but…
Extra Magnesium May Boost Your Physical Performance
Getting more magnesium might help you maintain mobility as you age. A new Italian randomized trial reports that daily supplementation with 300 milligrams of magnesium improved physical performance in older women. Among the benefits was a faster gait speed-a key factor in diagnosing sarcopenia, the frailty associated with loss of lean muscle mass in aging.
Healthy Seniors Who Took Fish-Oil Pills Score Better on Cognitive Tests
A new study using neuroimaging and cognitive testing found significantly less brain atrophy and better scores on cognitive tests among older individuals taking fish-oil supplements than among those not taking supplements. These beneficial effects were seen only in those with normal cognitive abilities at the beginning of the study, however. No improvement was seen in participants who already displayed mild cognitive impairments or Alzheimers.
Jury Still Out on Routine Vitamin D Testing
An independent panel of health experts that advises the federal government says theres not enough evidence to recommend for or against screening healthy adults for vitamin D levels. The US Preventive Services Task Force weighed more than a dozen studies before issuing its draft recommendation.
Q. I have been hearing some good things about vitamin K2 with vitamin D...
Q. I have been hearing some good things about vitamin K2 with vitamin D to help with the absorption of calcium in the bones. Is this supported by science? If so, how is it best to get K2?
Q. Ive seen media reports about the negative effects of protein, and yet others...
Q. Ive seen media reports about the negative effects of protein, and yet others that recommend protein powders, such as those made with whey, which I use. Is the problem with animal protein in general or with the saturated fat that comes with the protein in so many foods? Is whey protein OK?
Q. Does including calcium improve absorption of Vitamin D? I eat sardines two to...
Q. Does including calcium improve absorption of Vitamin D? I eat sardines two to three times a week, and wonder if including a calcium supplement at the same time would be a wise move? (Im middle-aged and averagely active with no known deficiencies in either vitamin.)
Q. What are the pros and cons of traditional modes of making yogurt, especially...
Q. What are the pros and cons of traditional modes of making yogurt, especially Greek yogurt?
How Safe Are So-Called Dietary Supplements?
If you turn to herbal or botanical treatments or other alternative products marketed as dietary supplements to counter chronic conditions or boost your well-being, recent headlines might make you think twice before reaching for that pill bottle. Just in the past 12 months, regulators have warned of dangers from unlabeled pharmaceutical ingredients in an arthritis product and thyroid hormones in energy-boosting pills. Medical experts have reported an alarming increase in liver damage linked to weight-loss and fat-burning products.
What You Need to Know About Vitamin E and Alzheimers
Do recent hopeful headlines about vitamin E and Alzheimers disease mean you should run out and buy vitamin E supplements? Not unless you or a loved one already has mild to moderate Alzheimers-and even then the experts are split. The latest findings, from a study of 613 mostly male veterans at 14 VA hospitals across the country, focused on slowing the progression of the disease, not preventing it in the first place.