Supplements & CAM

Question 1

What percentage of adults use vitamin and mineral supplements?

Answer 1

At least half

Question 2

What group is prone to marginal deficiencies?

Answer 2

Illness, alcohol or drug addiction and other conditions that limit food intake

Question 3

Which substance should be avoided in large quantities?

Answer 3

Iron

Question 4

Popular herbal supplements

Answer 4

Echinacea, garlic, ginkgo, St. John’s Wort

Question 5

Issues with herbal supplements

Answer 5

Many have toxic effects and can be contaminated (with lead)

Question 6

Complementary medicine

Answer 6

Non-western approaches, used along with conventional approaches

Question 7

Alternative medicine

Answer 7

Used instead of conventional treatment

Question 8

Integrative medicine

Answer 8

Merging of conventional with proven CAM modalities

Based on scientific data

Question 9

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Answer 9

Funds scientific studies and provides authoritative information to consumers and health care professionals

Question 10

Categories of CAM

Answer 10

Naturopathic medicine
Homeopathic medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine
Manipulative therapies
Mind-body interventions

Question 11

Potential dangers of CAM treatments

Answer 11

Assumption that the therapies are safe
Possible toxicity of herbal ingredients
Interactions with conventional medications
May delay use of reliable, conventional treatment
Lack of regulation and monitoring