Probiotics “may help when on antibiotics” study says.
A new systematic review of 23 trials published by investigators from the Cochranne Collaboration evaluated 4,213 patients who were on antibiotics treatment for different reasons. Researchers concluded that 2% of patients when given probiotics developed C. difficile, compared with 6% of patients who were taking placebo. Additionally, people taking probiotics developed less abdominal side efeects compared to placebo. However, despite the preventive effect on diarrhea, taking probiotics did not entirely eliminate infections with C. difficile.What other indications do you recommend probiotics for? How do you feel about single versus multi-strain products?
For more detailed results click on the following link:
Medicinal Use of Marijuana — Polling Results
Earlier this year the New England Journal of Medicine have conducted anInternet poll, triggering an international debate over the medicinal use of Marijuana.Analysis of the public’s response from 72 contributing countries shows that76% voted in favor even though consumption is illegalin most of these countries. Where do you standin this long standing debate?In what circumstances would you be comfortable recommending marijuana to your patients?
Does CoQ10 Lower Mortality Rate In Chronic Heart Failure?
A recent study in the European Journal of Heart Failure, studiedthe effect of coenzyme Q10 on morbidity and mortality in chronic heart failure. Results from the study revealed thatpatients in placebo group were significantly more likely to reach a major adverse cardiovascular event than those inCoQ10 group.How many of your chronic heart failure patients take this supplement? Would these results encourage you to prescribe CoQ10 for your patients as maintenance therapy?
For more infrmation, please click here to review the study in detail:
Does Fresh Produce Have More Nutrients Than Canned?
A recent publication in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture evaluated the amount and nutritional value of canned vs. frozen produce, concluding that it is almost the same, if not better. Canned food can lose some of its nutrients, specially water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin B and C. However, being protected from oxygen,it retains nutrient stability.Fresh fruit and vegetables, although starting with higher vitamin and nutrient content, tend to lose some during shipping and processing.
What are your thoughts about these findings? How often do you chose fresh fruits over canned ones? How often does your fresh produce travel long distance to get to you?
For additional information, please click here to see NY Times.
What’s in your green tea?
A report published by ConsumerLab.com finds that the purity and amount of antioxidants amounts of green tea varies from different consumer products. Green tea brewed from loose tea leaves is the best choice,since bottled teas may contain mostly sugar water. Some loose leaves may contain lead although the lead is not found in the liquid portion of the tea after brewing. How selective are you in the green tea you consume and recommend to your patients?
For the full article, please click here.
Environmental Working Group (EWG) Publishes 2013 Guide to Sunscreens
Just in time for summer, the EWG lists ingredients to avoid and best products available. Take a look at the link to help your patients select the best product for their needs. http://www.ewg.org/2013sunscreen/ How familiar are you with hazardous ingredients commonly found in your typical sunscreens?
To learn more about Environmental Working Group, please click here.
Congratulations to MCPHS Doctor of Pharmacy Graduates Class 2013!
We send our best wishes to the Doctor of Pharmacy Graduates Class 2013, and hope that you and your families enjoy the Hooding and Awards and Commencement ceremonies. Congratulations on your achievement!!!
Coffee prevents early events in tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients and modulates hormone receptor status
A Swedish study published in the journal Cancer Causes and Control suggested that the risk of breast cancer recurring in 600 patients taking tamoxifen was reduced with coffee consumption. Researchers evaluated hormone receptor status and also found modifications related to coffee consumption. What are your thoughts about this study – would the results encourage you to recommend coffee consumption to your breast cancer patients?
For additional information please refer to Cancer Causes and Control.
Natural Products News and Updates 