This systematic review and meta analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded trials summarized the evidence on selenium’s effect on thyroid autoantibody titers, requirement for LT₄ replacement therapy, ultrasonographic thyroid morphology, and mood in patients with HT under LT₄ treatment. The meta analysis included 4 studies. Patients with HT assigned to Se supplementation for 3 months demonstrated significantly lower thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies (TPOab) titers (four studies, random effects weighted mean difference: −271.09, 95% CI: −421.98 to −120.19, p< 10-⁴) overall and for selenomethionine 200mcg/d, but not sodium selenite; and a significantly higher chance of reporting an improvement in well-being and/or mood (three studies, random effects risk ratio: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.21-6.47, p= 0.016) when compared with controls. Demands in LT₄ replacement therapy and ultrasonographic thyroid morphology were found either unaltered or underreported. The evidence suggests a different pattern of response to Se supplementation in HT relative to baseline TPOab titers, with a larger response in those with higher antibody levels; if confirmed, this could be used to identify which patients would benefit most from treatment. Further study is required to demonstrate an improvement in thyroid function and morphology. (Thyroid. 2010 Oct;20(10):1163-73.) PMID: 20883174.
Bastyr University Creates New Cancer Patient Assistance Program
A new program at the Bastyr Integrative Oncology Research Center (BIORC) will allow late-stage breast cancer patients to have an improved quality of life while increasing their chances of survival. The innovative program was created through a $10,000 donation from Cleavage Creek Cellars of Pope Valley, CA, and will introduce patients to such non-toxic treatments as intravenous ascorbic acid (IVAA) and targeted botanical therapies, nutritional therapy, acupuncture and massage. Through this funding, BIORC will be able to help up to five patients who might not otherwise be able to afford complementary cancer care. This is the latest in a recent stream of funding for BIORC. Last July and September, Bastyr University’s cancer research center received federal grants totaling nearly $8 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct studies on both complementary and integrative medicine, and the healing power of Asian medicinal mushrooms on breast cancer.
Wiki Site for Naturopathic Medicine at www. ndhealthfacts.ca
A new wiki site collating information on naturopathic medicine from diverse sources is currently up and running, with an official launch date of July 2011. The goal of the site is to be an information ‘hub’ for naturopathic medicine and naturopathic information world-wide, gathering the various sources of naturopathic information, which tend to be diverse and scattered, into one web resource. The site will highlight naturopathic research, books written by naturopathic doctors, the history of naturopathic medicine, naturopathic medical education as well as, news and events related to naturopathic medicine. The site will also provide detailed, referenced pages on the determinants of health and on specific health conditions. Organizers are currently looking for:
• feedback on the current design and layout of the site
• naturopathic doctors that are interested in being an editor for specific sections
• naturopathic doctors that are interested in adding information to the site
• information that NDs would like posted to the site.
To become involved or for more information, contact Iva Lloyd at i.lloyd@ naturopathicfoundations.ca
New NCCAM Advisory Council Members: Jane Guiltinan, ND and Brian Berman, MD
There are rumors to the effect two new members to join the National Advisory CouncilforComplementaryandAlternative Medicine this year will be Brian Berman, MD and Jane Guiltinan, ND. Berman, founder of the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland has received more funding from NIH NCCAM than any other researcher, and is among the integrative-MD leaders with the most significant clinical experience in integrative practice. His clinical strengths include acupuncture, mind-body medicine and homeopathy. He was also honored with the $100,000 Bravewell Leadership Award in 2005. Dr. Guiltinan is expected to replace Tim Birdsall, ND, the only ND presently on NACCAM. Guiltinan is dean of naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University, and is principally known as a clinician and educator. Guiltinan heads up the Naturopathic Physicians Research Education Project, an NCCAM-funded Bastyr grant related to evidence based education. She has also held many significant roles for the profession, including president of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP).
Herbal Medicine Webinars on Stress and Cancer Available Through Gaia
Gaia is offering the following complimentary webinars: Botanical Solutions for Dealing with Everyday Stress presented by: Keri Marshall, ND, and Christie P. Egeston, MS. The focus is on current and past research as it examines the effects of botanical Adaptogens and their effect on the neuroendocrine and other systems in the body. Also included is a discussion of testing available to measure patient cortisol and DHEA levels, presented by Metametrix Clinical Laboratory. Evidence-Based Use of Green Tea Extract, Curcumin, and Astragalus in Cancer Treatment presented by: Michael Traub, N.D., D.H.A.N.P., C.C.H., F.A.B.N.O. This webinar focuses on the potential safety and efficacy of three herbal products commonly used in cancer treatment – green tea, curcumin and astragalus, including their mechanisms, side effects, herb-drug interactions and matters of quality control. You can register at www. integrativepractitioner.com
Ferring Establishes Naturopathic Medicine Advisory Board
Ferring Inc. is pleased to announce the formation of a Naturopathic Medicine Advisory Board. The Board will assist the company in working with naturopathic doctors, defining treatment trends and gaps in naturopathic medicine, and assist in the evaluation of innovative natural health product opportunities. “We believe we have acquired the services of some of the young minds and leaders of naturopathic medicine in Canada – all share a common passion for naturopathic medicine advocacy, entrepreneurship and well-considered points-of-view” said Rick Jeysman, President of Ferring. Board Members are: Kim Bretz ND, a 2001 graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) and founder of Fundamentals in Health, a thriving naturopathic clinic in Waterloo, Ontario; Colleen McQuarrie ND is a 2002 graduate of CCNM and founder of the Ottawa Integrative Health Centre, Eastern Ontario’s largest naturopathic medical clinic; and Carol Morley ND is a 2003 graduate of CCNM and founder of Zawada Health in Mississauga, Ontario.
The 10 Most Prescribed Drugs, 10 Best Selling Drugs
The 10 most prescribed drugs in the U.S. aren’t the drugs on which we spend the most, according to a report from the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics. The institute is the public face of IMS, a pharmaceutical market intelligence firm. Its latest report provides a wealth of data on U.S. prescription drug use. In order of number of prescriptions written in 2010, the 10 most- prescribed drugs in the U.S. are:
1. Hydrocodone (combined with acetaminophen) — 131.2 million prescriptions
2. Generic Zocor (simvastatin) — 94.1 million prescriptions
3. Lisinopril (Prinivil and Zestril) — 87.4 million prescriptions
4. Generic Synthroid (levothyroxine sodium) — 70.5 million prescriptions
5. Generic Norvasc (amlodipine besylate) — 57.2 million prescriptions
6. Generic Prilosec (omeprazole) — 53.4 million prescriptions
7. Azithromycin (Z-Pak and Zithromax) — 52.6 million prescriptions
8. Amoxicillin (various brand names) — 52.3 million prescriptions
9. Generic Glucophage (metformin) — 48.3 million prescriptions
10. Hydrochlorothiazide (various brand names) — 47.8 million prescriptions.
The 10 Best-Selling Drugs: The IMS reports that Americans spent $307 billion on prescription drugs in 2010.
1. Lipitor, a cholesterol-lowering statin drug — $7.2 billion
2. Nexium, an antacid drug — $6.3 billion
3. Plavix, a blood thinner — $6.1 billion
4. Advair Diskus, an asthma inhaler — $4.7 billion
5. Abilify, an antipsychotic drug — $4.6 billion
6. Seroquel, an antipsychotic drug — $4.4 billion
7. Singulair, an oral asthma drug — $4.1 billion
8. Crestor, a cholesterol-lowering statin drug — $3.8 billion
9. Actos, a diabetes drug — $3.5 billion
10. Epogen, an injectable anemia drug — $3.3 billion
UAS Labs Introduces Condition-Specific Probiotic Blends and Strains at Vitafoods, Geneva
UAS Laboratories, Inc. is introducing condition-specific probiotic blends at Vitafoods, Geneva convention (Stand No AP-30). UAS Labs Premium DDS Probiotic Blends containing the super strain, Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS®-1 have demonstrated condition-specific health benefits. UAS Labs manufactures six condition-specific probiotic blends for digestive and immune health, irritable bowel syndrome, atopic dermatitis, and urinary tract health for women. The latest blends, DDS® Probiotic Blend No. 5 (Cran-Gyn DDS®) for Women’s health has received the Best of Supplements Award in 2010 and DDS® Probiotic Blend No. 6 (ProbioGreenTM), has received an excellent response from customers and consumers in the US. This blend contains L. acidophilus DDS®-1, B. longum, B. lactis, B. bifidum, FOS (5 billion CFU/ gram) and Parry Organic Spirulina. According to the company, the health benefits of DDS® Probiotics and Spirulina are widely researched and show potential role in supporting digestive health, immune function and healthy aging. The DDS® Probiotic Blend No. 6 is available in bulk powder, bulk capsules, as branded product or private label product.
Call for Nominations for Dr. Rogers Prize
The Dr. Rogers Prize is calling for nominations for the 2011 Dr. Rogers Prize for Excellence in Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The $250,000 Prize will be awarded Friday, September 23rd, 2011 at a gala dinner in Vancouver. The Colloquium is still in the planning stages but is expected to focus on how integrative medicine is actually practiced in Canada, exploring the successes of a number of integrative clinics from across Canada. The nomination deadline for the 2011 competition is May 31, 2011. New: submissions from 2009 can be accessed online for revision and resubmission. Also new is an Images Gallery with photos from the 2007 and 2009 events. See www.drrogersprize.org for details.
Yves Yau Appointed President of Seroyal International
Atrium Innovations recently announced the appointment of a new president for Seroyal International. During the past 14 years, Yves played a major role in the development of the Seroyal business, holding several positions leading to his past role as General Manager. Yves’ knowledge and passion for the natural health products industry will be valuable assets in his new role as President. During his tenure at Seroyal, Yves focused on building a foundation of trust, commitment, and integrity in relationships with suppliers, Health Canada and within the educational institutions that are the foundation of the natural health industry, for which he is well respected by clients and the Seroyal team. Through his focus on detail, strong operational skills and well rounded business acumen, Yves has been instrumental in developing a best-in-class regulatory affairs department; guiding the successful Continuing Education department, and helping Seroyal during several recent transitional years. In his new position, Yves will report directly to Yvan Bourgault, Executive Vice President of Canada. IHP congratulates Yves on his new role and wishes him every success in this position.
