Dr. Cass on "The
View"
On March 9 Dr. Cass appeared on
ABC-TV’s The View in a special segment titled “Understanding,
Treating and Living With Depression." Watch
Dr. Cass and guest host Rosie O'Donnell discuss natural
treatments for depression: Click
to view segment
Dr. Cass's Response
to the recent Antioxidant Controversy
See Dr. Cass's response to the
recent antioxidant controversy (see article below)
on television news: Click
to view segment
Mortality
in Randomized Trials of Antioxidant Supplements for
Primary and Secondary Prevention: Systematic Review
and Meta-analysis
Bjelakovic et al., February
28, 2007, Vol. 297, No. 8, JAMA
Background: A
new meta-analysis examining the effect of antioxidant supplements
and all-cause mortality was published Feb. 28, 2007
in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
The authors of the analysis conclude that “treatment
with beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E may increase
mortality.” The Council for Responsible Nutrition
(CRN) finds this conclusion unfounded, inappropriate
and not relevant to consumers who regularly use antioxidant
supplements to maintain health.
-
There is a large body of
data, including observational studies and randomized
clinical trials, which show that supplemental antioxidants
provide a number of health benefits (including
reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and some
cancers, immune support and reduced progression
of eye disease). This meta-analysis, which seems
to be a predetermined conclusion in search
of a method to support it, will inappropriately
confuse and alarm consumers who can benefit
from supplementing with antioxidants.
-
The conclusions from this
meta-analysis should not be generalized to a healthy
population. The overwhelming majority of the clinical
trials included in the meta-analysis focused on “secondary
prevention” (i.e., treatment) in patients
who already had serious illnesses such as cancer,
cardiovascular disease, liver disease,
etc., and therefore the results are not applicable
to the general healthy population who take antioxidant
supplements as part of the lifestyle choices they
make to maintain and promote good health.
-
This meta-analysis used
methods which raise questions as to the validity
of the results.
- Meta-analyses can be useful
and valid when the included studies are very similar
in design and study population. However, this meta-analysis
combined studies that differ vastly from each other
in a number of important ways.
- This meta-analysis
included clinical trials that varied
widely in terms of dosage, duration,
study population and nutrients
tested. For example, a
study lasting one-day with a vitamin
A dose of 200,000 IU in elderly
nursing home residents was included
along with other studies lasting
years.
- Many of
the clinical trials included in
the analysis tested other nutrients
beyond those that were the focus
of the article (vitamins A, C,
and E; beta-carotene, selenium),
including lutein and zinc. Therefore,
it is difficult to interpret the
findings of the study.
The clinical trials, which overwhelmingly focused
on secondary prevention, may have statistically
skewed the results. Mixing secondary prevention and primary
prevention trials and then making conclusions for the entire
population is an unsound scientific approach.
- Overall,
the study authors conclude that
there was no effect of antioxidant
supplements on all-cause mortality.
Only after the researchers divided
the chosen clinical trials into “high
risk bias” and “low
risk bias” groups, using
their own criteria, did they observe
a statistically significant effect
on mortality.
- The study’s
conclusions are in direct conflict with a 2006
report from Johns Hopkins University which concluded “we
find no convincing evidence to suggest vitamin
E supplement use increases the risk of death per
se.”
- The study authors
acknowledge that their results are in conflict
with observational studies that have shown beneficial
effects of supplemental antioxidants; these studies
(both retrospective and prospective in nature)
have examined primary
prevention (or risk reduction) in healthy populations, not treatment
of sick patients.
-
The meaning and
relevance of all-cause mortality is unclear,
even to the study authors. In a literal sense
it means death from any and all causes, including
accidents. The study authors acknowledge not
knowing what the actual causes of death may have
been in the individuals in the trials. This absence
of information raises doubt about the validity
and relevance of their findings.
-
Healthy consumers
can feel confident in continuing to take antioxidant
supplements for the benefits they provide. Consumers
with serious illnesses, such as cancer, heart
disease, liver disease, etc., should consult
with their physician on anything they put into
their body. This meta-analysis does nothing to
change those facts.
Calcium and Vitamin
D for Osteoporosis: Do they work, or don't they?
A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine appeared
to disprove the benefits of calcium and vitamin D supplementation
in preventing fractures in post-menopausal women, despite
the large body of scientific evidence and the prevailing
wisdom about the benefits of these two nutrients. However,
even the article itself concluded that they likely used
too low a dose of vitamin D, which should be at least
600 IU and even, in my opinion, 1000 IU daily for effectiveness. Order
Vitamin D3. To build a strong bone matrix, you also
need to add magnesium and boron to the mix. In addition,
the latest research shows that the mineral, Strontium,
is a great bone-builder, as I describe in 8
Weeks to Vibrant Health.
OsteoPhase® and
Enhanced Bone Health
Now, saving the best for last: I recently discovered OsteoPhase,
a unique proprietary blend of herbal extracts and peptides
that supports healthy bone structure and calcium homeostasis.
It's designed to aid in supporting healthy bone mass,
not simply by increasing calcium intake, but by restoring
calcium balance (read more below about how OsteoPhase
supports healthy bones while reversing bone decay).
For my women patients concerned about their bone health,
I prescribe it all: a calcium/magnesium/vit D/boron formula,
plus separate strontium and OsteoPhase. Order
OsteoPhase Now….
Vitamin E: Is it
good for you? Or as a recent study seemed to say, is
it bad for you?
Clearly the majority of studies on Vitamin E show it
to be essential to our health, and the most effective
form, and the one that I recommend for my patients, is
the mixture of natural tocopherols and tocotrienols.
Natural vitamin E the body’s premier lipid phase
antioxidant is two to five times more bioavailable than
synthetic vitamin E. Mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols
are helpful in quenching free radicals in the brain cells.
Tocotrienols are a powerful vitamin E fraction that may
be 40 times more potent than an equivalent amount of
standard vitamin E. Recommended dosage: One to two capsules
per day. Click here for source of Natural
Vitamin E….
Spring Renewal
This is a good time to re-evaluate your health, lifestyle,
and supplement regimen. As you know, I have several products
that I developed myself, based on my clinical research
with my own patients - CALM, ENERGY, FOCUS, Weight Management
Formula, and CelluDetox. Here are some of the benefits
you can expect from these unique formulations:
CALM is useful to handle those stressful
days, chill after a long hard day; or to smooth the
transition for those individuals who are transitioning
from tranquilizing medications. Take 1-2 caps twice
daily.
ENERGY helps boost your mind and
body energy as a healthy substitute for caffeine, restoring
your "feel-good" brain chemicals as well
as your adrenals which are so often burned out by stress.
Take 1-2 caps throughout the day as needed.
FOCUS has become very popular for
children, teens, and adults who need to sharpen their
attention and concentration, without the use of stimulant
medication which can have serious side effects. A side
benefit: FOCUS Formula is also a great mood enhancer!
Weight Management formula does quadruple
duty to help control appetite while boosting your mood
and energy levels at the same time! Weight Management
contains energizers, fat burners, blood sugar balancers,
and appetite suppressors- all safe, natural,and stimulant-free.
CelluDetox is a great accompaniment
to any weight loss program. It contains a group of
nutrients shown to help to remove the toxins released
by fat cells, including those that produce unsightly
cellulite, and promote their breakdown in the liver.
Order CALM, ENERGY, FOCUS, Weight
Management or CelluDetox now…
Natural
Relief for Spring Allergy Miseries
 Spring
is here and for 50 million Americans that means allergy
season is back. And those living in areas inundated with
unusually heavy rainstorms face what some allergy researchers
predict will be “one of the most horrific allergy seasons
in history.”
On the West coast allergy doctors and pharmacists already
report a sharp increase in the number of patients complaining
of weed and grass allergies -- which typically don't
show up until summer or fall -- and it's only going to
get worse as more people head outdoors after being cooped
up. According to Tom Male, a pharmacy consultant in San
Francisco, "As it gets gradually warmer we're going
to see a lot of folks in here. Just today we're already
seeing folks coming in and getting eye drops and nasal
sprays."
For those looking for safe and effective allergy relief, AllerPhase® is
the natural choice. This unique herbal formula has been
especially designed for individuals sensitive to seasonal
and perennial pollens, house dust, molds, pet dander,
foods and chemical pollutants. And while AllerPhase promotes
and supports healthy respiratory function it also supports
the immune system to resolve seasonal imbalances and
reduce the potential for allergic reactions. Order
AllerPhase Now…
Bone Drugs Linked
to Alarming Destruction of Jaw Bone
Since 2001, more than 2,400 patients taking Fosamax
and other bone-building medications like it have reported
bone death in their jaws, mostly after a minor trauma
such as getting a tooth extracted. Most were taking especially
potent, intravenously delivered versions of these drugs,
which are known as bisphosphonates.
An additional 120 people who were taking bisphosphonates
in pill form to prevent bone thinning have been stricken
with such incapacitating bone, joint or muscle pain that
some were bedridden and others required walkers, crutches
or wheelchairs.
The incidence of both these complications is minuscule
in comparison with the millions of people taking these
medications. More than 36 million prescriptions for oral
bisphosphonates, such as Actonel, Fosamax and Boniva,
were dispensed in 2005, according to IMS Health, a pharmaceutical
information and consulting company. Nearly 3 million
cancer patients have been treated with intravenous versions
of the medications.
But because at
least 90% of drug side effects
aren't reported to the Food and Drug Administration,
the real number of people stricken with jaw necrosis
and other side effects could be higher.
"We've
uncovered about 1,000 patients [with jaw necrosis]
in the past six to nine months alone, so the magnitude
of the problem is just starting to be recognized," says
Kenneth M. Hargreaves, chair of the endodontics department
at the University of Texas Health Science Center in
San Antonio.
The rare side effect, called osteonecrosis of the jaw,
causes severe infections, swelling and the loosening
of teeth. Patients often require long-term antibiotic
therapy or surgery to remove the dying bone tissue.
With concern growing over the possible side effect,
the American Assn. of Endodontists released a position
statement on the problem. "Until further information
is available, it would appear prudent to consider all
patients taking bisphosphonates to be at some risk," the
group said.
OsteoPhase Safely
Supports Bone Health, Reverses Bone Decay
OsteoPhase® is
a unique nutritional formula containing a proprietary
blend of herbal extracts and peptides that have been
studied for their role in supporting healthy bone structure
and calcium homeostasis. OsteoPhase was
designed to aid in supporting healthy bone mass by
restoring calcium balance, not by increasing calcium
intake
Additionally, the herbs contained
in OsteoPhase are
widely used in Chinese hospitals to treat Avascular Necrosis,
a severe disorder related to osteoporosis. Avascular
Necrosis disrupts circulation to the head of the femur,
causing tissue death and the eventual collapse of the
hip bone structure. Researchers in Beijing treated 1,286
Avascular Necrosis patients, of which chronic steroid
use was a predisposing factor for 669 (52%) of the patients.
In clinical reports of treatment of the disorder with
the herbs contained in OsteoPhase,
90% of patients showed improvement in alleviating symptoms
of pain and stiffness, and partial reversal of bone deterioration
was observed by x-ray.
Order
OsteoPhase Now…
Flu
Shots? Natural Remedies?
On the home front, the cold and flu season is starting.
As we head indoors to the closed confines of offices,
classrooms and homes, our chances of catching a cold,
flu or other human-transmitted infection increase dramatically.
In addition, my patients, readers, and friends, worried
about the ‘bird flu’ reports, are asking
me what I think about flu vaccines, and other modes to
protect themselves and their loved ones. After much research
into the issue, here’s what I have come up with.
Should I be worried about the avian (bird) flu?
Despite dire government warnings, (as in President Bush’s
telling us a minimum of 200,000 people will die from
the avian flu pandemic but it could be as bad as 2 million
deaths in this country alone) it’s unlikely that
the bird flu will affect human beings on the scale predicted.
On the other hand, it’s best to protect yourself
in the safest and most effective way possible.
Read
more about how the U.S. working on plans to designate
who cares for the sick
Should I get the flu vaccine?
You can decide for yourself, but I have never had or
recommended flu shots for the following reasons: Last
year’s vaccine won’t protect against this
year’s virus, covering only a few strains of those,
at that. So the flu shot available now (i.e. last year’s
strains) is in no way designed to protect you against
bird flu (Avian flu is H5N1). Moreover, there are risks
and side effects from any flu vaccine, from the toxic
preservatives to the risks of lowering your immune system.
Even an AMA journal has expressed doubts. An article
in the Feb 05 Archives of Internal Medicine concludes
that flu shots may prevent far fewer deaths in the elderly
than previously thought. The report highlights that although
immunization rates in the elderly (people over 65) have
increased 50 percent in the past 20 years, there has
not be a consequent decline in flu-related deaths.
For
details: Arch Intern Med. 2005;165:265-272
What about taking the drug, Tamiflu?
Tamiflu, at $100 per dose, does not treat the avian
flu, but only decreases the amount of days one is sick
--and can actually contribute to the virus having more
lethal mutations.Are there natural means to prevent the
flu, including avian flu?
Absolutely! Prevention, first of all, requires a healthy immune
system. In 8 Weeks to Vibrant Health I discuss healthy diet and
lifestyle, including drinking enough pure water, doing daily exercise
and getting sufficient sleep.
In addition, Nature provides us with miraculous resources
to boost our immune system. I've been introducing my
patients to a new herbal cold and flu formula that has
already demonstrated its impressive anti-viral effects.
It was used during the SARS epidemic in China to protect
health-case workers exposed to infected patients, since
up to 25% of all cases were the very doctors and nurses
caring for the ill. Not only did none of the 40,000 workers
who took the formula catch the disease, but they also
showed a boost in their overall immune function.
Read more from "8
Weeks to Vibrant Health"…
Anti-Viral Formula now Available in the United States
Developed by renowned Chinese researcher, Dr. Dexin
Yan, this single formula is now available in the U.S.
as ImmunoPhase.
Unlike over-the-counter cold and flu medications that
cover up and/or suppress the miserable symptoms of a
cold or flu, ImmunoPhase offers a powerful, proactive
response to colds and flu. By enhancing the immune system
during the first signs of infection, ImmunoPhase aids
in repelling the virus before it has a chance to spread.
And in addition to being highly effective at preventing
illness when taken at the first signs of an impending
cold or flu, ImmunoPhase has also been shown to relieve
symptoms and enhance the immune system for a more rapid
recovery when taken after you have already caught a cold
or flu.
ImmunoPhase™ is completely free of side effects
and does not cause drowsiness or otherwise impair function.
Since the formula is stimulant-free its use does not
contribute to irritability, impair sleep or interfere
with blood pressure medications.
DOSE: Adults: At the first signs of
a cold or flu, take two capsules every 2-3 hours for
a maximum of 10 daily.
Children age 6-12: Take one capsule
every 3 hours at the first sign of a cold or flu for
a maximum of 6 daily.
When taken after cold or flu have already developed, continue with
the recommended dosage to reduce symptoms and speed recovery.
Read
more about ImmunoPhase…
Order
ImmunoPhase Now…
FDA
Warning: Antidepressant Drugs and Children
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently mandated
a special warning on certain antidepressant drugs that
can cause increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in
children and adolescents. It’s about time! Vastly
over-prescribed, these potent medications can often be
replaced with an adjustment to the child's diet and supplement
intake. This will often do the trick — safely,
effectively, and with none of the dangerous side effects
of the drugs
For more information on this growing problem please
read the following reports:
In my own practice, I recommend supplements such as
amino acids, herbs, vitamins and minerals that safely
and effectively raise mood without the potentially dangerous
side effects of the drugs.
If your child is taking an antidepressant, speak to
your physician about natural alternatives. Do not stop
any medication abruptly. This can cause a withdrawal
syndrome. Educate yourself by reading “Natural
Highs” and other resources such as http://www.alternativementalhealth.com.
Despite my conservative position on the use of antidepressants,
there are occasions where I will prescribe medication – the
appropriate one, in the lowest possible dose, for the
least possible time, and accompanied by a healthy diet
and specific supporting supplements.
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Inflammation: Natural
Treatments vs Prescription Meds
From statin drugs such as Baycol, to antidepressants
and anti-inflammatories, we are seeing far too much damage
from the use of prescription medications, as the FDA
has finally acknowledged. Bextra (valdecoxib)
has now joined Vioxx (rofecoxib) on the growing
list of Cox-2 drugs being removed from the market in
light of serious health concerns. The FDA is also requiring
that all prescription anti-inflammatory medicines include
additional information about increased cardiovascular
and gastrointestinal risks. The FDA is also asking all
the manufacturers of over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) to revise their labels to include more
information on cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks.
In “8 Weeks to Vibrant Health” I address
the inflammatory process and explain how to prevent and
treat inflammation naturally. Here is a list of effective,
side-effect-free, natural alternatives that I frequently
recommend to my patients:
- Omega
3 Fish Oil - More than 25 years ago, epidemiological
data on Greenland Eskimos triggered a spate of research
into the role of essential fatty acids contained
in fish oils. Today, the benefits of eating fish
rich in omega-3 fatty acids are well established.
Additionally, a large body of research suggests that
consuming fish oil capsules can aid in reducing the
symptoms of systemic lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Serrapeptase -
Patients concerned about being at increased risk of
heart attack or stroke from their use of Vioxx will
be relieved to learn that this risk dissipates quickly
after discontinuing the medication. And while there
is no clear evidence of a need for conventional anticoagulant
therapy, the addition of clot-busting supplements,
such as serrapeptase, might be considered. Serrapeptase,
an enzyme derived from silkworms, has been shown to
reduce inflammation and pain. Noted German physician
Hans Nieper, MD, believed that in addition to its other
health properties, serrapeptase can stimulate plaque
regression.
- Digestive
Enzymes - In Europe, people commonly take proteolytic
enzymes (normally used to aid in the digestion of
food) to promote healing from inflammatory conditions
and sports injuries. Anecdotally, we know that when
these enzymes are taken on an empty stomach they
have the ability to relieve pain, inflammation and
swelling. Recently, a double-blind prospective study
compared the use of an oral enzyme combination (consisting
of rutosid, bromelain, and trypsin) to a conventional
prescription NSAID, diclofenac, available in various
prescription brand names. The results of the study
revealed that the oral enzyme combination was at
least as good, if not better, than diclofenac at
providing pain relief, and without the side effects
of an NSAID.
- SAMe -
In one fascinating study researchers compared S-adenosyl-methionine
(SAMe) to the COX-2 inhibitor, Celebrex®. People
reported significant pain relief from Celebrex® at
the end of one month. However, by the end of the second
month users of SAMe reported significant pain relief.
It may be worth waiting the extra time to experience
pain relief from SAMe, since SAMe has few reported
side effects and many additional health benefits.
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Renowned Researchers,
Doctors
Challenge Recent Study and Say
"Keep Taking Vitamin E"
New Web Site Provides Clarity for Consumers
on Vitamin E's Proven Health Benefits
November 18, 2004
"To E or not to E," a question prompted by
a controversial analysis released last week, is addressed
by leading researchers and physicians who recommend that
Americans keep taking vitamin E supplements in recommended
amounts for overall health benefits. These researchers,
physicians and health officials have voiced concern and
even outrage regarding a "meta-analysis" suggesting
that high-dose vitamin E supplements "may increase
risk of dying" among older, high-risk patients.
The Dietary Supplement Information Bureau (DSIB) has
launched a new Web site - www.vitaminEfacts.org -
to help consumers obtain accurate information on vitamin
E. Visitors will find referenced materials to help them
understand the analysis generating news headlines and
facts on why vitamin E is safe and beneficial.
DSIB Scientific Advisory Board members were quick to
respond to the issues raised in the study:
"This meta-analysis, a study of other studies published
during the last 11 years, concludes there may be a very
small increase in mortality associated with high dose
vitamin E supplements. However, these results were generated
from clinical trials of patients sick with chronic diseases
or at very high risk of such conditions and cannot be
extrapolated to generally healthy people looking to promote
their health and prevent disease. It is important to
appreciate that these researchers examined only 19 clinical
trials comprised of 135,000 patients and did not investigate
at all dozens of observational studies involving millions
of people that show vitamin E supplementation can be
beneficial and completely safe," explains Dr. Jeffrey
Blumberg, a professor of nutrition at Tufts University.
Dr. Ronald Watson, professor in the College of Public
Health and School of Medicine at the University of Arizona,
who is currently editing an encyclopedia on vitamin E
says, "We have carefully reviewed almost 100 articles
about vitamin E, its benefits, activity, etc. There is
almost no evidence of toxicity or adverse effects in
doses used by the average American. In fact multitudinous
animal and human studies proclaim it has limited toxicity
and significant benefits. The huge amounts of data and
studies on vitamin E suggest that it should be considered
in supplement programs to promote health, especially
in seniors."
When asked if consumers should continue taking vitamin
E, Dr. Maret Traber, a vitamin E expert at the Linus
Pauling Institute at Oregon State University stated, "Absolutely
yes."
The Web site www.vitaminEfacts.org provides:
- Reviews of the meta-analysis describing major flaws
in methodology and conclusions presented
- A vitamin E safety fact sheet from the government's
National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements
- Advice from physicians and researchers indicating
that consumers can feel confident in benefiting from
the typical supplement of 400 IU of vitamin E each
day
Consumers like Sharon Gross, a 57 year-old pre-school
director from Chicago, found the new Web site to be useful. "I've
been taking vitamin E supplements for years and was ready
to stop when I saw the reports on TV. But, when I learned
that this so-called meta-analysis was done with people
who were already very sick to begin with, and that the
individual studies still showed health benefits, it restored
my faith and I'm still going to take my E each day."
DSIB has readily available to the media a number of scientific
experts to answer questions on vitamin E's safety and benefits:
- David Heber, M.D., Ph.D. - director of the UCLA Center
for Human Nutrition and chief of the division of Clinical
Nutrition in the Department of Medicine at the University
of California, Los Angeles.
- Jeffrey Blumberg, Ph.D. - professor in the Friedman
School of Nutrition Science and Policy and the associate
director of the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research
Center on Aging at Tufts University , Boston.
- Kenneth Cooper, M.D., M.P.H. - president and founder,
The Cooper Aerobics Center and "father of aerobics".
- Michael Gaziano, M.D., M.P.H. - associate professor
of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.
- Lester Packer, Ph.D. - one of the world's leading
researchers on natural antioxidants. Research conducted
in his laboratory led to the discovery of the Antioxidant
Network.
- Barbara Levine R.D., Ph.D. - director of the Human
Nutrition Program at The Rockefeller University and
the director of the Nutrition Information Center at
Weill Medical College of Cornell University-New York
Presbyterian Hospital and Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
- Maret Trabor, Ph.D. - principal investigator for
the Linus Pauling Institute and professor in the College
of Health and Human Sciences at Oregon State University.
- Ron Watson, Ph.D. - professor of Public Health and
Family and Community Medicine at the University of
Arizona Medical School.
For more information, or to schedule an interview call
Deb Knowles at 941-349-9044 or Bree Flammini at 202.326.1763.
The Dietary Supplement Information Bureau (DSIB) was
created to provide accurate information about vitamins,
minerals, herbs and other supplements for consumers and
the professional healthcare community. The DSIB Scientific
Advisory Board comprises nationally-recognized physicians
and researchers who are experts in dietary supplements.
For more information, see the DSIB Web site at www.supplementinfo.org.
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