Nutrition as therapy
1.
Cod Liver Oil
2.
Co-enzyme Q10
3.
Cranberry
4.
Echinacea
5.
Evening Primrose Oil
6.
Fish Oils
7.
Garlic
8.
Ginkgo biloba
9.
Ginseng
10.
Glucosamine
11. Royal
Jelly
12.
St John’s Wort
13. Saw
palmetto
14. Starflower
Oil
Definitions
- Supplements
1. Cod Liver Oil
Supplement
Cod
Liver Oil
Food Source
Cod liver.
Description/Function
Fish Liver Oils such as Cod Liver Oil are a rich source of vitamin A & D as
well as containing some Omega 3 fatty acids; EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA
(docosahexaenoic acid) which are necessary to help maintain supple and flexible
joints, and may help maintain a healthy heart and circulation. EPA may also help
to discourage the formation of blood clots and help assist the blood to flow
freely around the arteries. DHA is important in infant development, particularly
in prematurely born infants and is believed to be necessary to early eye and
brain development (although richer sources are found in fish body oils). Cod
Liver oil has traditionally been used help to maintain general well-being and
healthy, mobile joints.
Intake
Intake:
Not established. However, 0.2g per day is recommended in the
COMA report on heart disease.
Deficiency Symptoms
None known.
Who might Benefit from supplements
Those concerned with general well-being
Side Effects/Precautions
Do not take cod liver oil supplements if you are pregnant or planning a
pregnancy because high amounts of vitamin A may be present. Some medical
conditions including asthma, diabetes mellitus and some blood disorders, may be
affected by fish oils. It is therefore wise to check with your doctor before
taking a cod liver oil supplement.
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2. Co-enzyme Q10
Supplement
Co-enzyme Q10
Food Source
Broccoli, brown rice and pasta, mackerel and sardines, meat, nuts, soya
products, spinach and wholemeal bread.
Description/Function
Needed for the process that converts energy in food into energy that can be used
by the body. Co-enzyme Q10 may also work as an antioxidant, neutralising
potentially damaging free radicals.
Intake:
Not established.
Deficiency Symptoms
None, as it is not an essential nutrient.
Who might Benefit from supplements
Busy, active people and athletes.
Side Effects/Precautions
None known.
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3. Cranberry
Supplement
Cranberry
Food Source
Cranberries.
Description/Function
Cranberries and cranberry juice contain substances that may help to maintain a
healthy urinary tract.
Intake
Not established. There is insufficient evidence to make any
specific recommendations about consumption.
Deficiency Symptoms
None known.
Who might Benefit from supplements
Those prone to urinary tract infections ie cystitis or who are prone to kidney
infection.
Side Effects/Precautions
None known
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4. Echinacea
Supplement
Echinacea
Food Source
Not found in foods.
Description/Function
Under investigation for its immunostimulant action.
Intake
Not established. There is insufficient evidence to make any
specific recommendations about consumption.
Deficiency Symptoms
None known.
Who might Benefit from supplements
Those concerned with general well-being.
Side Effects/Precautions
Not to be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding. May interfere with
immunosuppressive therapy.
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5. Evening Primrose Oil
Supplement
Evening Primrose Oil
Food Source
Evening Primrose Oil contains gamma-linolenic acid which is also found in Borage
oil.
Description/Function
Evening Primrose Oil comes from the seeds of the evening primrose. It is rich in
gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is involved in production of prostaglandins
Intake
Not established. There is insufficient evidence to make any
specific recommendations about consumption.
Deficiency Symptoms
None known.
Who might Benefit from supplements
Some women suffering from PMS or going through the menopause report benefits.
Also, users report improved skin condition.
Side Effects/Precautions
Epileptics should check with their doctor before taking supplements containing
Evening Primrose Oil.
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6. Fish Oils
Supplement
Cod Liver Oil
Food Source
Cod liver.
Description/Function
Fish Liver Oils such as Cod Liver Oil are a rich source of vitamin A & D as
well as containing some Omega 3 fatty acids; EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA
(docosahexaenoic acid) which are necessary to help maintain supple and flexible
joints, and may help maintain a healthy heart and circulation. EPA may also help
to discourage the formation of blood clots and help assist the blood to flow
freely around the arteries. DHA is important in infant development, particularly
in prematurely born infants and is believed to be necessary to early eye and
brain development (although richer sources are found in fish body oils). Cod
Liver oil has traditionally been used help to maintain general well-being and
healthy, mobile joints.
Intake
Not established. However, 0.2g per day is recommended in the
COMA report on heart disease.
Deficiency Symptoms
None known.
Who might Benefit from supplements
Those concerned with general well-being
Side Effects/Precautions
Do not take cod liver oil supplements if you are pregnant or planning a
pregnancy because high amounts of vitamin A may be present. Some medical
conditions including asthma, diabetes mellitus and some blood disorders, may be
affected by fish oils. It is therefore wise to check with your doctor before
taking a cod liver oil supplement.
Supplement
Fish Body Oils
Food Source
Oily fish such as mackerel, herring, pilchards, sardines, salmon and trout.
Description/Function
Rich sources of essential Omega 3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) &
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). EPA may help to discourage the formation of blood
clots and help assist the blood to flow freely around the arteries. EPA may also
help maintain a healthy heart and circulation. DHA is important in infant
development, particularly in prematurely born infants. DHA is believed to be
necessary to early eye and brain development as well as maintaining suppleness.
Intake
Not established, however, 0.2g per day is recommended in the
COMA report on heart disease.
Deficiency Symptoms
None known.
Who might Benefit from supplements
Those concerned with cardio-vascular health.
Side Effects/Precautions
Many trials are in progress to assess if EPA/DHA can prolong gestation and
increase birth weight which may help reduce the risk of premature or low
birth-weight infants. Some medical conditions including asthma, diabetes
mellitus, a number of blood disorders, and some medicines may be affected by
fish oils. It is therefore wise to consult your GP for advice.
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7. Garlic
Supplement
Garlic
Food Source
Garlic (the bulb which comes from the plant Allium sativum).
Description/Function
Not an essential nutrient, however it is used extensively in Mediterranean
countries and is believed to have cardio-protective effects.
Intake
Not established. There is insufficient evidence to make any
specific recommendations about consumption.
Deficiency Symptoms
None known.
Who might Benefit from supplements
Those concerned with cardio-vascular health.
Side Effects/Precautions
None known.
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8.
Ginkgo biloba
Supplement
Ginkgo biloba
Food Source
Extracted from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba (maidenhair) tree. Not found in
foods.
Description/Function
Contains substances that may help to maintain a healthy circulation,
particularly to the brain. As a result, it has been studied for its ability to
help maintain mental alertness.
Intake
Not established. There is insufficient evidence to make any
specific recommendations about consumption.
Deficiency Symptoms
None known.
Who might Benefit from supplements
Elderly people (over 65s).
Side Effects/Precautions
Not to be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
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9. Ginseng
Supplement
Ginseng
(Panax)
Food Source
Used as a flavouring agent.
Description/Function
Ginseng is extracted from the root of several different species of the Panax
group of plants from the Far East and North America. Used through the ages as a
tonic, ginseng helps to improve stamina and stress resistance and is often
called an adaptogen which helps to adapt to prevailing situations which could be
stressful.
Intake
Not established. There is insufficient evidence to make any
specific recommendations about consumption.
Deficiency Symptoms
None known
Who might Benefit from supplements
People suffering stress or those requiring additional stamina.
Side Effects/Precautions
Not to be taken if taking tranquillisers or anti-depressants, or if pregnant or
breast-feeding. Do not take continuously for periods longer than three months.
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10. Glucosamine
Supplement
Glucosamine
Food Source
Small amounts are provided by animal and fish products.
Description/Function
Glucosamine is a substance made in the body and which occurs naturally in our
joints and connective tissues. It is used to build and repair cartilage. May
help to maintain healthy joints.
Intake
Not established. There is insufficient evidence to make any
specific recommendations about consumption.
Deficiency Symptoms
None known.
Who might Benefit from supplements
Demand for glucosamine in the body increases in people who are very active plus
those who are concerned about the health of their joints (ie elderly people -
over 65s).
Side Effects/Precautions
None known.
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11. Royal Jelly
Supplement
Royal Jelly
Food Source
Not found in foods - produced by the queen bee.
Description/Function
The food from the queen bee which contains a rich mix of nutrients. Supplements
are thought to assist general well-being. Royal jelly supplements should be
stored in the refrigerator.
Intake
Not established. There is insufficient evidence to make any
specific recommendations about consumption.
Deficiency Symptoms
None known.
Who might Benefit from supplements
Those who are lacking in energy.
Side Effects/Precautions
Not to be taken by asthma sufferers or those suffering from allergies.
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12. St John’s Wort
Supplement
St John’s Wort
Food Source
Not found in foods - herbal sources only.
Description/Function
Is used by soma as an anti-depressant.
Intake
Not established. There is insufficient evidence to make any
specific recommendations about consumption.
Deficiency Symptoms
None known.
Who might Benefit from supplements
Those with mild depression.
Side Effects/Precautions
Not to be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding or when being treated with
therapeutic ultraviolet light. Anyone taking prescription medicines should
consult their GP or pharmacist before taking St John's Wort
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13. Saw palmetto
Supplement
Saw palmetto
Food Source
Not found in foods - herbal sources only
.
Description/Function
Is used by some as a diuretic/urinary tract antiseptic.
Intake
Not established. There is insufficient evidence to make any
specific recommendations about consumption.
Deficiency Symptoms
None known
Who might Benefit from supplements
Men wishing to maintain a healthy prostate. Men and women with mild urinary
tract infections.
Side Effects/Precautions
Not to be taken if pregnant or breast-feeding. May affect oral contraceptives
and HRT.
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14. Starflower Oil
Supplement
Starflower Oil (Borage Oil)
Food Source
The seeds of the Borago officinalis plant
Description/Function
Starflower Oil comes from the seeds of the plant. It is rich in gamma-linolenic
acid (GLA), which is involved in production of prostaglandins.
Intake
Not established. There is insufficient evidence to make any
specific recommendations about consumption.
Deficiency Symptoms
None known.
Who might Benefit from supplements
Some women suffering from PMS or going through the menopause report benefits.
Side Effects/Precautions
Epileptics should check with their doctor before taking supplements containing
Starflower Oil.
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VITAMINS
Minerals
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