Supplementation Flashcards
Definition of CAMs
- Complementary and Alternative Medications (CAMs) include herbal preparations, vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional substances.
- Examples = Herbal remedies, neuropathic treatments, phytomedicines, dietary supplements.
Importance of noting CAMs on medication lists
Patients may take supplements without MD knowing; effects could increase or work against medications.
Bee Venom
- Used to treat MS, RA, and autoimmune diseases.
- Modulates immune response, but treatments can be painful and may have harmful effects.
Echinacea
- Stimulates/supports immune system.
- Treats cold symptoms and minor respiratory infections.
- Side effects: GI upset, skin rash, allergic reactions.
Garlic
- Reduces cardiovascular disease risk, lowers plasma lipids, blood pressure, and inhibits platelet aggregation.
- Side effects: garlic breath, GI upset, bleeding risk with anticoagulants.
Ginger
- Controls nausea and vomiting, anti-inflammatory effects. Used for pregnancy, post-surgery, cancer chemotherapy.
- Side effects: GI problems, allergic reactions.
Ginkgo Biloba
- Increases memory and cognition, improves circulation, antioxidant effects. Used for Alzheimer’s disease.
- Side effects: potential bleeding issues, generally well tolerated.
Ginseng
- Increases well-being, reduces fatigue, improves mental acuity.
- Influences antioxidant enzymes and immune responses.
- Side effects: reduces effectiveness of anticoagulants, exaggerates effects of antihyperglycemics.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
- Treats osteoarthritis by supplying ingredients for cartilage and synovial fluid.
- Side effects: headache, GI problems. Benefits may vary among individuals.
Kava
- Sedative and antianxiety effects, muscle relaxant.
- Risk of liver toxicity, banned in some countries.
Melatonin
- Regulates sleep-wake cycles, antioxidant effects. Used for insomnia, disturbed sleep cycles, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular function.
- Side effects: headache, sleep cycle changes, GI disturbances, allergic reactions.
Saw Palmetto
- Treats benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).
- Limited evidence of effectiveness.
- Side effects: headache, GI upset, allergic reactions.
St. John’s Wort
- Treats depression and anxiety by altering CNS neurotransmitter balance.
- Side effects: accelerates metabolism of other medications, generally well tolerated.
Valerian
- Treats mild anxiety and promotes sleep. Enhances GABA inhibition.
- Side effects: headache, GI problems. Needs to be taken for a week or so before effects are apparent.
Water-soluble vitamins
- Includes B vitamins and Vitamin C.
- Move directly into blood and need regular consumption.
Fat-soluble vitamins
- Includes Vitamins A, D, E, and K.
- Require lipid transport and can be stored in fatty tissue.
Vitamin A
Improves vision, boosts white blood cell production, directs bone remodeling. Excessive dosage can be harmful.
Vitamin D
Maintains bone health, blood clotting. Improves stability and strength of muscles. Excessive dosage can be harmful.
Vitamin E
Antioxidant, reduces clot risk, reduces age-related dementia. Excessive dosage can be harmful.
Vitamin K
Blood clotting, bone health. Excessive dosage can be harmful.
Major minerals
- Needed in large amounts: sodium, calcium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus.
- Required for normal body functions.
Trace minerals
- Required in small amounts: iron, zinc, copper, iodine, selenium.
- Important for various physiological processes.
Ergogenic aid
Any substance, mechanical aid, or training method that improves sports performance.
Anabolic Steroids
- Elevate testosterone, stimulate protein synthesis, improve muscle size and strength.
- Risk of aggressiveness, irritability, and other adverse effects.
Erythropoietin (EPO)
- Stimulates RBC production, elevates oxygen carrying capacity.
- Risk of increased blood thickness, BP elevation, and stroke.
Testosterone Precursors (Prohormones)
- Increase body’s ability to produce testosterone.
- Less effective than anabolic steroids, potential for weight loss in women.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
- Stimulates bone and muscle growth, increases glucose and amino acid uptake.
- Effective in body composition alterations.
Essential Amino Acids
- Needed for muscle protein synthesis.
- Provides essential amino acids required in diet.
- Consumed prior to exercise for anabolic responses.
Nutritional Muscle Buffers
- Regulate H+ concentration in muscle during high-intensity exercise.
- Examples: ß-alanine, sodium bicarbonate.
- Beneficial for high-intensity exercise.
Creatine
- Supplies energy to cells, improves strength and power in high-intensity exercise.
- Side effects: weight gain, GI upset. Requires loading and maintenance doses.
Caffeine
- Increases fat oxidation, improves power production.
- Side effects: anxiety, GI disturbances, insomnia. Withdrawal risks due to addiction.
Ephedrine
- Used for asthma and allergy relief, elevates BMR for fat loss.
- Combined with caffeine for better results.
- Risk of adverse effects.
Citrus Aurantium
- Appetite suppression and increased metabolic rate.
- Minimal evidence of effectiveness.
- Better when combined with caffeine.
Signs of excessive supplement use
Muscle weakness, incoordination, excessive fatigue, balance problems, skin rashes, neuropathic changes, CV impairments.
