The Alternative Medicine & Natural Health Newsletter
is sponsored by
ALTERNATIVE HEALTH INSURANCE SERVICES.

Since 1985, Alternative Health Insurance Services has helped businesses and individuals find the best value in health insurance with an emphasis on coverage for alternative medicine and natural therapies. Please visit www.AlternativeInsurance.com to learn about options for your personal or group health insurance.

March 2006

Welcome to the March 2006 edition of our newsletter.

Our goal is to provide you with information and articles that are of interest to you and may be of value to you.  Information we include is gathered from a variety of publications. 

If you have not read our previous newsletters, they are also posted on our website.

A Message from Steve Gorman, Founder of Alternative Health Insurance Services:

This issue reports conflicting views on a number of natural therapies and supplements, including Saw Palmetto, Calcium and Vitamin D, and Glucosamine/chondroitin.  Different things work for different people.  If there is one thing I have learned from dealing with my wife's fight with breast cancer, it is that a number of people can have the exact same diagnosis, do the exact same treatment, and all have completely different results.

We encourage everyone to research and determine what works for them.  Personally, I believe you need to integrate conventional and natural therapies.  Limiting yourself to one or the other could deprive you of something that could make a significant and positive difference.

Many of you have inquired how my wife, Elaine, is doing.  She was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in November 2003.  It had already spread to her bones and other parts of her body (Stage IV).  I believe her positive attitude has been the major factor in her survival, as her initial prognosis was not good.  There have been developments in the past that required drastic treatment (imminent life threatening brain tumors last year) and we are constantly looking for natural alternatives.  We both very much appreciate those of you who have included Elaine in your prayers and have sent positive energy and good thoughts.  Please don't stop.

I hope you find our newsletters to be of value.

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New Clinical Trial on Saw Palmetto Inconsistent with Positive Results in Previous Studies
The results of a new clinical trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, on the popular herb saw palmetto may confuse the public, especially men with prostate problems, according to the American Botanical Council (ABC). The researchers themselves concluded, after assigning 225 men over 49 years of age with moderate to severe symptoms of BPH, to one year treatment with saw palmetto extract (160 mg twice a day) or placebo, that the saw palmetto did not improve symptoms or objective measures of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Mark Blumenthal, Founder and Executive Director of ABC notes that the study appears to have been well designed, but expressed concern that men in this trial experienced moderate to severe symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), although most of the previous controlled trials showing positive results and efficacy for saw palmetto were conducted on men with mild to moderate symptoms of BPH. In examining serious adverse events, ABC notes that there were twice as many serious adverse events in the placebo group as in the saw palmeto group, suggesting other serious health issues might have been present in the population. Associated Press coverage of this result, entitled 'Saw palmetto found ineffective for prostates', states "The yearlong research found that the plant extract - saw palmetto - was no more effective than dummy capsules in easing symptoms for the 225 men in the study. The results contrast with previous research."
Internet Resources:
ABC Press Release on NPIcenter
Abstract in NEJM

Study: Popular Herbal Therapy No Better Than Placebo
[2006/02/09][Kaiser Permanente]
New England Journal of Medicine double-blind, placebo controlled study examines saw palmetto for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and finds that after one year, there was no difference in symptom changes between the group taking saw palmetto and those receiving placebo, contradicting previous research.

Dietary Supplement Industry Claims Saw Palmetto Study Misleading
[2006/02/09][National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA)]
NNFA points out a number of flaws in New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) study, specifically a substantial existing body of clinical studies, some with larger patient populations, that support the efficacy of this supplement for mild to moderate symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

New Study On Saw Palmetto Demonstrates Puzzling Results
[2006/02/08][Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN)]
A new study on saw palmetto's role in relieving symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, published in the February 9 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, showed inconsistent conclusions to those found in the existing body of scientific literature on the popular dietary supplement.

Headlining this week's news is the New England Journal of Medicine's ( ) and subsequent media coverage of the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) measuring the ability of glucosamine, chondroitin and both combined to reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis, with a response by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) and the National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA). Study funding organization NIH/National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine posted their coverage as well

Phytoestrogen-rich Foods Protect Against Cancer
Scientists at Sweden's Karolinska Institutet's Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, in a case-control study involving 1,499 patients between the ages of 35 and 79 with recently diagnosed prostate cancer, have studied the correlation between prostate cancer and phytoestrogen, determining that men who had a high intake of phytoestrogen-rich food, such as beans (which offered the greatest protection), soya products, linseed, sunflower seeds, berries and peanuts, ran a 26 per cent lower risk of developing prostate cancer.
Internet Resources:
Press Release on NPIcenter
Karolinska Institutet Website

Broccoli and soy could cut cancer risk
Compounds found in broccoli and soy may help protect against certain cancers that affect over two million new people every year, according to a new study... Read

Soy protein, not isoflavones, lower blood lipids - study
Soy protein isolates, and not soy isoflavones, are associated with lowering blood fat levels, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, claims a new study... Read

NMI Reports 2005 Health & Wellness Industry Sales at $79 Billion
The Natural Marketing Institute (NMI) has announced , as part of part of its annual Health & Wellness Trends Database(TM) research study that retail sales within the U.S. consumer packaged goods health and wellness industry reached $79 billion in 2005, a total growth of 15% over 2004.
Internet Resources:
Press Release on NPIcenter
NMI Website

Cocoa consumers have lower risk of disease in study
According to a Reuters article citing a 15 year study of 470 elderly men in the Netherlands aged 65 to 84, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, men who reported eating the most cocoa were at half the risk of dying compared to men who did not eat cocoa. According to the article, the researchers credit antioxidants and flavanols found in cocoa with boosting the functioning of cells that line blood vessels and for lessening the risks from cholesterol and other chemicals that can cause heart attacks, cancer and lung diseases.
Internet Resources:
Reuters article
Abstract in Archives of Internal Medicine

Cocoa reduces risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, says study
Unprocessed cocoa reduces the risks of cancer and cardiovascular disease, according to a study by Harvard Medical School and Mars... Read

Red grapefruit could lower heart disease risk
Eating a red grapefruit a day could reduce cholesterol by 15 per cent, according to research from Israel... Read

Vitamin D, calcium supplements could reduce falls in women, not men
A daily supplement of vitamin D and calcium cut the rate of falls in elderly women by 50 per cent, but not men, reports a new study... Read

Study: Vitamins May Not Prevent Prostate Cancer
An AP article on Newsday.com comments on the publication earlier this week of a study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, which examined whether supplementation with vitamins E and C or beta-carotene had any effect on prostate cancer risk. The men in the study, (which was primarily intended to test the value of screening tests for prostate cancer), were surveyed about their diet and what supplements they took. Over the eight year of the study, the researchers found that supplement users were just as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancers as nonusers.
Internet Resources:
AP Article on Newsday.com

Study: Calcium supplements provide 'modest benefits'
An article in USA Today comments on the results of two studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine based on the Women's Health Initiative trial involving 36,282 women age 50 to 79. One study assessed the effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on the risk of fractures, and the other on these nutrients' effects on the risk of colorectal cancer, finding no effect. In the fracture risk analysis, the researchers randomly assigned participants to take supplements containing 1,000 milligrams of calcium and 400 international units of vitamin D or placebo pills, and followed them for seven years on average, observing that hip bone density was 1% higher in women in the supplement group, and overall, the improvement in hip bone density was accompanied by a 12% reduction in fracture risk. Among women who said they took at least 80% of their study pills, there was a statistically significant 29% drop in hip fractures - or four fewer fractures per 10,000 women per year - in the supplement group. A Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) release on the study comments on the "disappointing outcomes inconsistent with the large body of scientific evidence and the prevailing wisdom about the beneficial effects of these two nutrients." While noting the well-designed, solid studies, CRN observes, as do the study authors in the USA Today story, that the seven year follow period may be too short and may account for the null effect observed in the colon cancer risk analysis. In the fracture risk analysis, CRN observes, as do the authors, that the 400 IU of vitamin D per day used in the study may not have been enough to demonstrate the positive results on hip fracture risk previously shown to be effective, where typically a dose of 600 IU or higher has been used.
Internet Resources:
Article in USA Today
CRN Release

NNFA Notes That Positive Effects of Calcium Overshadowed in NEJM Study
Trade association the National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA) has commented on the New England Journal of Medicine study earlier this week about the efficacy of calcium with vitamin D supplementation and effect on bone loss at the hip and reduction of risk of hip fracture, pointing out that women who adhered to the regimen (i.e., took what the study called for), were over 60 and thus at higher risk, and who were not already taking calcium, saw a significant benefit from the calcium and vitamin D supplementation.
Internet Resources:
Press Release on NPIcenter
NNFA Website

Calcium, vitamin D supplements good for bones - if you take them
Consumer confusion over vitamin D and calcium seems likely to grow, following claims from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trial about their effect on bone health that oppose other studies... Read

Long term low-carb diet leads to cholesterol rises
A low-carbohydrate diet results in more weight loss after six months than a low-fat diet, but long term could raise bad cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease, claims a meta-analysis... Read

Study Casts Doubt on Glycemic Index
According to an AP article, a new study, published in the February issue of the British Journal of Nutrition used food questionnaires from more than 1,000 people over five years and assessed their consumption of high- and low-glycemic foods. The researchers tested participants blood sugar levels at least twice during these period, observing no significant correlation between the glycemic index of foods and the blood-sugar levels of participants.
Internet Resources:
AP Article

Study: Less Fat May Not Lower Cancer Risk
According to an AP article citing a study appearing in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers at Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital have determined that women (average age 62) who ate lower-fat diets had no difference in rate of breast cancer, colon cancer or heart disease, compared to those with a less healthy diet. According to the article, the research involved postmenopausal women who either cut overall fat consumption and increased vegetables, fruits and grains, or who continued their usual eating habits.
Internet Resources:
AP Article

Black Cohosh and St. John's Wort for Climacteric Complaints
According to a Reuters Health article citing research published in the February issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology, German researchers have 301 women who had been experiencing menopausal symptoms for at least three months, along with depressed mood with half taking a combination of St. John's wort and black cohosh and the other half, a placebo. After 16 weeks, women who took the two-herb combination (In each tablet, the black cohosh contained 1 milligram triterpene glycosides, and the St. John's wort component contained 0.25 milligrams hypericine) showed a 50% reduction in symptoms such as hot flashes and sweating, compared to 19.6% for those on placebo. Scores measuring depression fell by 41.8% among women on the herbal medicines, compared to 12.7% for those on placebo.
Internet Resources:
Reuters Health article
Abstract in Obstetrics & Gynecology

Green tea could protect against Alzheimer's
Drinking more than two cups of green tea a day could cut the risk of dementia by half, news that will be welcomed by both the tea market and the tea extract market... Read

Green tea may reduce, but black tea may increase breast cancer risk
Drinking five cups of green tea a day can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 22 per cent, claims a meta-analysis of previous studies, the same studies that the FDA recently said contained very little science to... Read

Melatonin may be cardioprotective
According to a Reuters Health article on Merckmedicus.com, citing a report in the December American Journal of Hypertension, Italian researchers report that melatonin taken at bedtime may enhance the nocturnal decline of blood pressure (BP) in women, thereby providing cardiovascular protection. The researchers used 18 women in a placebo-controlled cross over study receiving slow release melatonin or placebo for three weeks prior to cross over.
Internet Resources:
Reuters Health Article

Remifemin Black Cohosh Extract Shown to Reduce Menopausal Symptoms
According to an article on News-medical.net, citing a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology (2005;105:1074-83), Remifemin black cohosh extract significantly reduced menopausal symptoms by 70% in 12 weeks, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irritability, and related occasional sleeplessness.
Internet Resources:
Article on News-medical.net
Obstetrics and Gynecology website

Vitamin E and selenium could reduce mercury toxicity
Taking vitamin E and selenium supplements could reduce the toxicity of mercury from fish, indicates an animal study. If replicated in humans, the findings may mean pregnant women could consume more fish, and their... Read

AP Article: Alternative Remedies Fail Government Tests
An AP article receiving widespread pickup observes that recent government funded studies have found alternative treatments mostly lacking in effects, noting specifically glucosamine/ chondtroitin, saw palmetto and previously echinacea, St. John's wort and shark cartilage. The article goes on to quote researchers involved in the recent studies who note that the study results are not clear cut, the lack of harm observed with supplement use, and the potential for a strong placebo effect as reasons for continued supplement use.
Internet Resources:
AP Article on Yehoo News

Study Review Shows CoQ10 and Pine Bark Synergistically Enhance Cardiovascular Health
A review published in the February issue of Evidence Based Integrative Medicine, observes that patients who supplemented with Pycnogenol® pine tree bark extract and CoQ10 in combination benefited from the collaborative antioxidant effects, protecting 53 percent of blood lipids from oxidation as opposed to less than 30 percent as individual ingredients..
Internet Resources:
Press Release on NPIcenter

Study to Examine CoQ10 for Parkinson's
According to an AP article in the Daily Democrat, the National Institutes of Health is finalizing plans to enroll hundreds of early-stage Parkinson's patients in a study of super-high doses of coenzyme Q-10, suspecting that Parkinson's patients have less CoQ10, and that additional amounts help energy-supplying structures inside cells function properly, and preserving the nerve cells that die off in Parkinson's.
Internet Resources:
AP Article in the Daily Democrat

Study Confirms Not All Chondroitin Sulfates Are the Same
A study presented in January at the 6th ICRS Symposium in San Diego confirmed that there are significant differences in activity between the various chondroitin sulfate (CS) ingredients found in joint health supplements, as measured by ability to inhibit gene _expression of three mediators (COX-2, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta) involved in cartilage breakdown. According to the release issued by Nutramax Laboratories, the researchers tested ten chondroitin sulfate materials in both cartilage cells and THP-1 monocyte-macrophage-like cells, and found that only one product induced a greater than 50% reduction in gene _expression of all three markers, of the others, two had no detectable activity and the others varied.
Internet Resources:
Release on Yahoo finance

More evidence that grape juice may 'reverse' brain aging
Drinking Concord grape juice appears to reverse the course of neuronal and behavioural aging in rats, an effect that is proposed to be due to the complex mix of polyphenols... Read

Grapefruit flavonoid may repair DNA, protect against cancer
Naringenin, a flavonoid found in grapefruit and oranges, helped to repair damaged DNA in cancer cells, reports a lab study... Read

Low fat diet recommendation for type-1 diabetics
People with type-1 diabetes should switch to a low-fat diet, scientists have recommended after showing that the metabolism of a diabetic heart is affected by high blood fat levels... Read

Chromium supplement offers diabetes hope - animal study
Researchers have reported how chromium picolinate improves muscle sensitivity to insulin in obese, insulin-resistant rats - findings that could have implications for diabetic humans... Read
 

Many diabetics combine some form of alternative therapy, including acupuncture, massage or herbal supplements, with conventional medicine, according to a recent study.

Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina at Charleston found that 48 percent of the 2,474 adult diabetics surveyed used some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The study, published in Diabetes Care, found that the use of CAM did not prevent diabetics from seeking out conventional therapy as well.

In contrast to the findings of previous studies, the researchers found a strong correlation between CAM usage and preventive treatment. 

Reference: Donald Garrow, MD and Leonard E. Egede, MD, MS. Association Between Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use, Preventive Care Practices, and Use of Conventional Medical Services Among Adults With Diabetes. Diabetes Care 29:15-19, 2006. View Abstract.

Survey Examines Herbal Use by Kansas and Wisconsin WIC (Women, Infant, Children) Participants
In a study reported in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, researchers examined herbal use in nutritionally vulnerable s=children by having 2,562 caregivers to children, participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Kansas and Wisconsin complete a survey of child and caregiver herbal usage practices. The researchers observed that herb use was greater in Latino children, and the herbs most used by children were aloe vera, chamomile, garlic, peppermint, lavender, cranberry, ginger, echinacea, and lemon. The researchers noted that in some instances herbs such as St John's wort, dong quai, and kava were used.
Internet Resources:
Abstract from the Journal of the American Dietetic Association

Study: Whole grain diet can reduce diabetes risk
The consumption of a diet high in whole grains can reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, according to a new study. Researchers who studied the diet records and blood samples of nearly 1,000 healthy middle-age adults found that those who consumed higher levels of whole grains had a lower risk of diabetes and heart disease, but they noted that the higher levels of whole grain intake also were associated with higher levels of physical activity, less smoking and lower alcohol consumption.   Yahoo!/Reuters (2/7)

Whole grains and a low-glycemic index diet may reduce systemic inflammation among women with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in the February 2006 issue of Diabetes Care. Researchers examined whether intakes of whole grains and dietary fiber were associated with inflammatory indicators among 902 diabetic women in the Nurses' Health Study. After adjustment for age, BMI, lifestyle and dietary differences, intakes of whole grains and bran were both associated with significantly decreasing trends of C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-R2)-markers of blood vessel inflammation. Concentrations of CRP and TNF-R2 were 18% and 8% lower in the highest quintile of cereal fiber as compared with the lowest quintile. Dietary glycemic index was positively associated with CRP and TNF-R2 levels. The concentrations of CRP and TNF-R2 were 32% and 11% higher, respectively, in the highest quintile of dietary glycemic index as compared with the lowest quintile.

The Food and Drug Administration has issued draft guidance on use of the term "whole grain" for food label statements. According to the agency, "whole grain" may include cereal grains that consist of the intact, ground, cracked or flaked fruit of the grains whose principal components- the starchy endosperm, germ and bran-are present in the same relative proportions as they exist in the intact grain. Such grains may include barley, buckwheat, bulgur, corn, millet, rice, rye, oats, sorghum, wheat and wild rice. The draft guidance states that although rolled and "quick oats" can be called "whole grains" because they contain all of their bran, germ and endosperm, other widely used food products may not meet the whole grain definition. For example, FDA does not consider products derived from legumes, oilseeds and roots as whole grains. "One of the most important decisions people can make about their health is the choice of foods they eat," said Dr. Scott Gottlieb, FDA's Deputy Commissioner for Medical and Scientific Affairs. "A top priority at FDA is finding additional ways to clearly communicate the health benefits found in food."

Alternative Health Insurance Services now includes a free benefit for our individual and group clients that provides up to 20 acupuncture and/or chiropractic visits per year with a $20 co-payment for each visit. This complimentary benefit is a bonus for doing business with us and is included with most of the health insurance plans we offer.

We have contracted with Landmark Healthplan of California, Inc. to provide a combined chiropractic and acupuncture benefit that utilizes Participating Chiropractors and Acupuncturists. A directory of these providers may be found on the Landmark website at www.LandmarkHealthcare.com or from Alternative Health Insurance Services.

Participants will have a co-payment of only $20 per visit and can receive up to 20 visits per year. Treatments must be medically necessary to treat an injury or illness. After an initial visit, subsequent visits need to be pre-authorized by Landmark. Each participant will receive a Schedule of Benefits and other materials that fully describe their benefits, limitations, and exclusions.

This benefit is being provided at no cost to California clients of Alternative Health Insurance Services who are actively participating in a permanent health insurance plan where commissions are being paid to either Alternative Health Insurance or Steve Gorman. These benefits are being provided only to each primary policyholder and their spouse/partner.

This program is only available as a complimentary benefit to clients who have purchased their health insurance plans through Alternative Health Insurance Services and can not be purchased as a "stand-alone" benefit.

NEW VISION BENEFITS are now available from America's largest provider of eyecare coverage.  Normally these benefits are only available to employees of large companies, but you can participate through our special program.  For more details, click on the Vision Benefit link on our website.