Healthy Nutrition: Supplements or Herbs

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Introduction

The purpose of this essay is to examine the overall health of the human body. Specifically, the essay highlights five supplements or herbs that claim to reduce the risk of cancer or heart diseases. Most of these herbs and supplements can aid in preventing heart conditions or cancer and reduce clinical symptoms by lessening high blood pressure, cleaning arteries, and enhancing breathing. Besides, other claims related to nutrition, well-being, health, and structure or function are also made.

Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10

CoQ10 is also ubiquinone and is regarded as a chemical with capabilities to aid cells in extracting energy from food. The heart is required to have a sufficient supply of CoQ10 because of its role. This chemical, however, declines over time while low cholesterol levels exhaust it. A study demonstrated that coenzyme Q10 supplements at “a dose of 150 mg could lower oxidative stress and enhance antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD)” (Lee, Huang, Chen, & Lin, 2012, p. 250). Lee et al. (2012) noted that a higher dose of “coenzyme Q10 supplements (>150 mg/d) could stimulate fast and sustainable antioxidation in patients with CAD” (p. 250).

The supplement is promoted as safe and well- endurable, but poorly absorbed orally. Further, it is warned that statin drugs may lessen the effects of coenzyme Q10 supplements.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These essential nutrients have been linked to reduced inflammation resulting from atherosclerosis, as well as capabilities to reduce levels of fatty blood constituents and triglycerides that obstruct arteries. Higher levels of triglycerides have been associated with diabetes and atherosclerosis. Research shows that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids could lower blood pressure, boost lipid components, and reduce risks of deaths related to heart conditions (Mohebi-Nejad & Bikdeli, 2014). However, Mohebi-Nejad and Bikdeli (2014) warned that these supplements are not free from risks, and they have been linked to bleeding and hemorrhagic stroke.

Green Tea

Green tea has mainly been used for centuries because of perceived health benefits derived from the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which ultimately leads to healthy hearts. While past claims were based on anecdotal evidence, research now confirms positive effects of green tea and green tea catechins on cardiovascular and metabolic health (Wolfram, 2007). More benefits can be realized by consuming five to six cups every day, and some capsules are now available in the market.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate juice extracted from ruby-red fruit is also widely consumed like green tea because of perceived health benefits related to blood pressure and cardiovascular health. Current research has confirmed this claim (Stowe, 2011). This remedy offers powerful antioxidants to control atherosclerosis and reduce high blood pressure.

Vitamin E and Beta-carotene

Current evidence demonstrates that vitamin E and beta-carotene supplements do not help in preventing cancer or heart disease (American College of Preventive Medicine, 2015). Instead, research shows that vitamin E supplementation does not significantly reduce risk of cardiovascular conditions while beta-carotene has been linked to “a small but significant increase in total mortality and cardiac death” (Ye, Li, & Yuan, 2013, p. e56803).

Regulations of Supplements and Herbs and How Scientific Studies are conducted on them

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for dietary herbs and supplements regulations (American Cancer Society, 2015). However, the agency cannot assess all claims made concerning all supplements and herbs. Moreover, manufacturers of these supplements and herbs have the ultimate responsibility for safety, but the FDA only initiates an investigation if a problem has been reported (American Cancer Society, 2015).

It is imperative to recognize that the FDA treats these supplements and herbs more like special foods when compared to other drugs (American Cancer Society, 2015). That is, supplements and herbs are not classified as drugs, and they, therefore, are not subjected to similar safety and efficiency standards expected of drugs. All drugs sold in the US, even if no prescription is available, are approved based on safety and effectiveness. However, the same cannot be said of herbs and supplements.

The US Pharmacopeia (USP) is a self-governing body that conducts scientific studies on herbs and supplements. The USP focuses on quality control by assessing the quality, strength, purity, packaging, and labeling of these supplements and herbs (American Cancer Society, 2015). It provides standard information on supplements and herbs. The organization also tests and visits facilities producing these products. However, the law does not compel manufacturers of these supplements and herbs to join or adhere to USP benchmarks. Many manufacturers, however, have opted to join the USP and get the USP verification labels.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Supplements or herbs have been consumed based on health benefits specifically related to heart disease and cancer. Further, scientific evidence is now available to support some anecdotal claims made in the past. However, evidence also suggests that some of these herbs and supplements do not prevent heart disease or cancer, are dangerous, and have been linked to deaths. Notably, supplements and herbs are also not easy to regulate because they are considered as special food while scientific studies on them are purely done voluntarily by manufacturers. Their commercial agenda should also not escape the attention of consumers.

References

American Cancer Society. (2015). Dietary supplements: What is safe? Web.

American College of Preventive Medicine. (2015). Dietary supplements to prevent heart disease or cancer: They don’t help—and some can be harmful. Consumer Report Health. Web.

Lee, B. J., Huang, Y. C., Chen, S. J., & Lin, P. T. (2012). Coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduces oxidative stress and increases antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with coronary artery disease. Nutrition, 28(3), 250-5. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2011.06.004.

Mohebi-Nejad, A., & Bikdeli, B. (2014). Omega-3 supplements and cardiovascular diseases. Journal of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Surgery, Intensive Care and Tuberculosis, 13(1), 6–14.

Stowe, C. B. (2011). The effects of pomegranate juice consumption on blood pressure and cardiovascular health. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 17(2), 113-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.09.004.

Wolfram, S. (2007). Effects of green tea and EGCG on cardiovascular and metabolic health. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 26(4), 373S-388S.

Ye, Y., Li, J., & Yuan, Z. (2013). Effect of antioxidant vitamin supplementation on cardiovascular outcomes: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLoS ONE, 8(2), e56803. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056803.

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