Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medications

Question 1

What restriction does the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act 1994 have imposed over the FDA?

Answer 1

The Act restricted the ability of the FDA to regulate the industry, as long as manufacturers made no claims about their products TREATING, PREVENTING, OR CURING DISEASE.

Question 2

What are dietary supplements considered as?

Answer 2

Food supplements rather than drug supplements

Question 3

Is this an acceptable supplement claim?

• Antioxidants prevent the onset of cancer

Answer 3

NOT ACCEPTABLE

Question 4

Is this an acceptable supplement claim?

• Echinea supports the body’s immune system

Answer 4

ACCEPTABLE

Question 5

What populations for which daily vitamin/mineral supplements may be beneficial?

Answer 5

• Pregnant women
• Vegetarians/vegans
• Dieters
• Elderly
• Malabsorption diseases

Question 6

What is a risk of overconsumption of vitamin D?

Answer 6

Increased risk of CVD and mortality

Question 7

What are fish oils used for?

Answer 7

Decreasing serum TG levels which is show to decrease CVD and BP - there IS evidence for its beneficial effects

Question 8

What is the main toxicity of St. John’s Wort?

Answer 8

Induction of CYP450 that leads to the reduction of levels of other drugs patients might be taking

Question 9

Bitter Orange SE

Answer 9

Increased HR/BP and can cause stroke and MI

Question 10

Ephedra SE

Answer 10

Increased risk of stroke/CVD and even death

Question 11

What is the use of Hawthorn?

Answer 11

Mild HF

Question 12

What is the use of Horse Chestnut?

Answer 12

• Chronic venous insufficiency

- Varicose veins

Question 13

What is the use of Kava?

Answer 13

Insomnia/Anxiety

Question 14

Kava SE

Answer 14

Liver Damage

Question 15

What are the uses of St. John’s Wort?

Answer 15

Depression/Anxiety

Question 16

St. John’s Wort SE

Answer 16

• Photosensitization

- Serotonin Syndrome when used with SSRIs and MAOIs, etc.