Protect Yourself From Fake Supplements
Look for healthy hair supplements like: Iron. Hops. Omega-3s Of all these beneficial healthy hair supplements, some of the most commonly used as those belonging to the b-complex family, like biotin. Sometimes referred to as vitamin H, biotin helps improve hairs elasticity, thus preventing breakage and protecting against dryness. Natural News indicates B-complex vitamins can also protect against anemia which can stunt hair growth.
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Newmaster, a biology professor and botanical specialist at the University of Guelph, noted the study’s findings echo other research suggesting some herbal remedies are not what they seem, but are the first based on DNA testing. To avoid singling out any company, Newmaster’s team did not identify the products tested. Consumer advocates told The New York Times the findings are evidence the herbal supplement industry is riddled with questionable practices. “This suggests that the problems are widespread and that quality control for many companies, whether through ignorance, incompetence or dishonesty, is unacceptable,” said David Schardt, a nutritionist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, according to The Times.
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Joint Health Supplements
Although many individuals affected by OA use traditional analgesics, some individuals elect to use various nonprescription supplements marketed for OA and joint health that contain the dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. These supplements, which may be taken separately or together, have gained popularity in recent years. Studies report that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements appear to be relatively safe and well tolerated when used appropriately.5,6 Joint health supplements are formulated to support and protect healthy joint cartilage, serve as an alternative treatment for OA, and are marketed as single-entity or combination products. Table 2: Examples of Common Signs and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis1 Joint soreness after extended periods of overuse or inactivity Episodes of stiffness after periods of rest that goes away rapidly when activity resumes Morning stiffness, which typically lasts no more than 30 minutes Episodes of pain caused by weakening of muscles surrounding the joint due to inactivity or a sedentary lifestyle Joint pain that is typically less painful in the morning but worse in the evening after a days activity Deterioration of coordination, posture, and walking due to pain and stiffness Glucosamine and Chondroitin According to the National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), in recent years, glucosamine and chondroitin have demonstrated some potential for reducing pain associated with OA, although there are still conflicting results and there is no conclusive scientific evidence regarding the exact effectiveness of these supplements.6 The Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), which was cosponsored by the NCCAM and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, evaluated the effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin when taken together or separately.5,6 The trial concluded that the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin did not provide significant relief from pain associated with OA among all participants.6 However, a subgroup of study participants with moderate to severe pain reported significant relief with the combination.6 Glucosamine and chondroitin are classified as natural substances found in and around the cells of cartilage.7 Glucosamine is classified as an endogenous mucopolysaccharide that the body produces and distributes in cartilage and other connective tissue, and chondroitin sulfate is classified as a complex carbohydrate that helps cartilage retain water.7-10 In the United States, glucosamine and chondroitin are sold as dietary supplements, which are regulated as foods rather than drugs.6,7 These supplements are available as single-entity formulations but are most often found in combination formulations.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2013/September2013/Joint-Health-Supplements