Bioactive Supplements: Glucosamine, Shark Cartilage and Others
Some supplements don't fit into the vitamin, mineral or herbal categories, but are important enough that they merit discussion. Like herbs, the effectiveness of these supplements varies widely, although they tend to have received more medical attention than the other categories. Be aware that the quality of these supplements differs from company to company. Some products contain little of the supplement they claim to be providing. Take the time to find products and suppliers you trust.
Below you'll find descriptions of some of the more popular supplements, along with descriptions of what they claim to do, what they've been proven to do, and any warnings you should be aware of.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin is a naturally occurring substance found in human and animal cartilage. Animal tissues are a good source of chondroitin. It has proven abilities to treat osteoarthritis, and has also been used to treat psoriasis and cancers, although tests for its effectiveness in treating both have proven inconclusive.
Chondroitin appears to be non-toxic, with no contraindications, although anticoagulant users should consult their physician before starting chondroitin supplements. The biggest danger appears to be products claiming to contain the substance, but which actually contain little or no chondroitin.
Co-Enzyme Q10
Co-enzyme Q10 has been used for years to treat congestive heart failure: in Canada, Russia, Japan and Europe it is available only as a prescription. Co-enzyme Q10 (also called CoQ10 or ubiquinone) is available in the United States as a non-prescription nutritional supplement.
A powerful antioxidant found in the body's mitochondria, which convert food to energy, CoQ10 can also be found in diets rich in cold-water fish. Smaller amounts are available through meat and vegetable oils. Besides its proven heart benefits, the enzyme's ability to strengthen the immune system and reduce periodontal disease has also been studied.
People with heart problems, diabetes, kidney or liver problems should consult their health care provider before taking CoQ10 supplements. CoQ10 has occasionally caused nausea, stomach problems and diarrhea.
Flavinoids
Flavinoids contain powerful antioxidants that can reduce bad cholesterol. Flavinoids are present in fruits and vegetables, most forms of tea, and chocolate.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is naturally produced by the human body and used to maintain cartilage in the joints. It isn't really possible to ingest extra glucosamine through food; most glucosamine tablets are made from shellfish shells. It has proven to be effective as a treatment for osteoarthritis, and aids in the recovery of some sports injuries.
There are three different types of glucosamine: glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and N-acetyl-glucosamine. There is some debate as to which type is the most effective.
Side effects may include stomach problems, heartburn or diarrhea, and labels usually recommended that glucosamine be taken with food. People with histories of heart disease or high blood pressure should consult with their health care providers before starting glucosamine supplements, and glucosamine should not be taken while on heart medications or with insulin. People with a shellfish allergy should not take glucosamine supplements made from shellfish shells. Talk to your physician or nutritional advisor about obtaining shellfish-free glucosamine.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that cannot be produced by the body. They are most readily available through a diet of cold water fish, eaten three days a week. Omega 3 fatty acids have been proven to be beneficial for the heart, and to reduce cholesterol levels. There is speculation that depression may be caused by low levels of omega 3 fatty acids in the diet.
Because of omega 3 fatty acids' ability to thin the blood, people taking anticoagulants should consult their physician before taking supplements. Excessive amounts of omega 3 fatty acids have been linked to stomach problems and strokes.
Shark Cartilage
Shark cartilage came to public attention during the 1990s, when claims of its cancer-fighting abilities were publicized. These claims centered on the fact that sharks don't get cancer, a fact that has since been discovered to be false. Research into shark cartilage and cancer do continue, however, as certain compounds in the cartilage may help reduce cancer.
Although the jury is out on cancer-fighting properties, shark cartilage's ability to treat osteoporosis has been validated, partly due to its high levels of chondroitin. Naturalists have concerns that the popularity of shark cartilage as a supplement may be having a negative effect on the world's shark population.
Excessive use of shark cartilage can lead to hypercalcemia (excess amounts of calcium in the blood). Some people are allergic to the cartilage, and people taking anticoagulant medications are advised to avoid taking cartilage supplements.
Soy Protein
The Amazing Health Benefits of Soy Proteins
Hundreds of publications have documented the health benefits of soy proteins in the diet. And the cultures that have heavily incorporated soy into their diets have enjoyed tremendous health benefits. It is no mere coincidence that Asians, whose diets contain 10-25 times the amount of soy products found in western diets, have a lower incidence of menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and breast and uterine cancer.
Is there a soy estrogen substitute?
Soy proteins have well-documented benefits as natural hormone replacements. Decreased hot flashes, fatigue, and mood swings, higher bone density, reduced hip fractures, and reduced breast and endometrial cancers have all been described in menopausal women. Soy can be used if you are already on hormone replacement therapy and may offer added benefits. Soy has no feminizing effect on males who can also enjoy the many health benefits of soy.
(1) Dull, P, Welker, MJ, Orlov, D, and Haines, DJ. Phytoestrogens: A women's alternative to estrogen therapy. Fam Pract Recert. Vol 22, No. 15, December 2000.)
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