Chap 3 Dietary Supplements

Question 1

List the benefits of cinnamon

Answer 1

• Lower blood sugar
  -Treat common cold

Question 2

List the adverse effects of cinnamon

Answer 2

May cause hypoglycaemia
Unsafe if taken in large amount or long term

Question 3

List the benefits of echinacea

Answer 3

Prevent and treatment of upper respiratory infections

Question 4

List the adverse effects of echinacea

Answer 4

May cause allergy and rashes
May cause stomach upset and headache

Question 5

List the benefits of fenugreek

Answer 5

May lower blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride

Question 6

List the adverse effects of fenugreek

Answer 6

-May cause stomach upset, diarrhea and - bloating
-Interacts with antidiabetic medication and anticoagulants

Question 7

List the benefits of ginseng

Answer 7

-Reduction of blood sugar level
- Antifatigue and antistress

Question 8

List the adverse effects of ginseng

Answer 8

-May cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
-May cause nervousness and mental change

Question 9

List the benefits of ginkgo

Answer 9

-Prevention or slowing of dementia
-Antidepressant

Question 10

List the adverse effects of ginko

Answer 10

-May cause stomach upset and headache
-May interacts with anticoagulants

Question 11

List the benefits of glucosamine

Answer 11

Anti-inflammatory for arthritis

Question 12

List the adverse effects of glucosamine

Answer 12

May cause elevated cholesterol
May cause high blood sugar

Question 13

List the benefits of kava

Answer 13

Treatment of anxiety, stress and insomnia

Question 14

List the adverse effects of kava

Answer 14

May cause:
restlessness and drowsiness
headache and dyspepsia
liver damage

Question 15

List the benefits of peppermint

Answer 15

Treatment of ingestion and stomach upset
Treat colds and congestion

Question 16

List the adverse effects of peppermint

Answer 16

-Do not inhale for prolonged periods of time
-Do not use in baby

Question 17

What are the benefits of tumeric

Answer 17

-Treatment of stomach upset
- Anti-inflammatory for arthritis

Question 18

What are the adverse effects of tumeric?

Answer 18

-May interact with anticoagulant drugs
-High doses or long-term use of turmeric may cause gastrointestinal problems

Question 19

What are the benefits of st john’s wort

Answer 19

Treatment of depression

Question 20

List the adverse effects of st john’s wort

Answer 20

• St. John’s wort can weaken the effects of many medicines, such as antidepressants and anticoagulants

Question 21

Madam Lim has decided to take herbal supplement to improve her health. What are your advice for her on the use of herbs as health supplement?

Answer 21

• Consulting a physician or pharmacist before taking any “herbal remedies.” Some herbs may be contraindication with certain medication
• The fact that “natural” does not mean “safe”.
• Not taking more than the recommended amount listed on the label. Herbs that may be safe in small doses could be harmful at larger doses or over a prolonged period of time.
• Products without dosage recommendations should be avoided
• List down all products used when consult a physician or pharmacist; including herbs, vitamin & minerals, OTC medicines and prescribed drugs.
• Many of herbs products can interact, with dangerous and life threatening results.
• Consulting a physician is important before starting any “alternative medicines”.
• Do not mix prescription drugs and herbal remedies for the same condition.
• Not using herbal supplements as a substitute for proper nutrition, A balanced diet is necessary for good health.

Question 22

Herbs have been used in complementary medicine for centuries.

(a) Briefly explain why people use herbal medicine or products.

Answer 22

Consumers use herbal product in the hope of improving their general health(1/2m) and preventing/treating specific disease (1/2m).

Question 23

(b) Discuss the safety issues of herbal products

Answer 23

• Consumers often assume herbs are “natural” and therefore harmless
• Unfortunately, many herbal remedies have toxic effect.
• Contamination of herbal products is a safety concern.
• Some herbal products are found to contain lead and toxic metals in excessive amount

Question 24

Explain why antioxidant supplements should not be taken during chemotheraphy

Answer 24

-Taking antioxidant supplement while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy could be contraindicated
-Chemotherapy and radiation generate free radicals for an oxidative process to kill tumour cells
-By giving antioxidants concurrently with chemotherapy and radiation therapy can increase tumour cell’s life