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Getting Into This Guide
Arthritis Today's "2002-2003 Supplement Guide" was put together to help you navigate the maze of supplements out there. Included are supplements associated with arthritis by rumor, hearsay, scientific evidence or conjecture. Here's how it's organized.
Name
This section includes the marketing name and the botanical or scientific name for the supplement. Some supplements may be called by several names depending on their geographic origin, in which case the primary name is listed first and other ones follow.
Where It Comes From
Supplements can come from plants - roots, stems, leaves or flowers - or animals, or can be synthetically produced, which suggests inferiority. Because even synthetic supplements are promoted as "natural" dietary supplements, they are included in this Guide.
Forms and Dosage
This refers to how the supplement is available, either in pill, powder or liquid. Also mentioned here are typical dosages. Whenever possible, these dosages are based on those used in clinical studies, but often this information comes from the manufacturers. Dosage amounts are simply recommendations and may not be safe or effective for all individuals. Dosages apply only to adults and should not be given to children unless approved by a doctor, preferably a pediatrician, first.
What It's Supposed to Do
These are claims understood by the general public through word of mouth, advertising, news starters, manufacturers or historical use. Only those claims specifically related to arthritis - either by rumor, conjecture or scientific evidence - are included.
What We Know
This is what we actually know about the supplement based on current and sound scientific data. Much of this information is preliminary, meaning more research is needed to come to definitive conclusions. For this reason, most studies only suggest a relationship between reported benefits and the supplement. And because the FDA only minimally regulates these products, there is no way of knowing that the dose claimed on the label is actually in the pill.
Studies
This section gives examples of scientific studies involving the supplements. Most supplements do not have arthritis studies supporting their claim. But to prove an active ingredient in a supplement works, the ingredient must be tested many times. Drug companies, in contrast, perform dozens of research studies, sometimes repeating studies over and over with only slight changes, before drugs are sent for approval. Their studies are also scrutinized closely by other scientists - or peer reviewed - for accuracy.
Most supplements lack such comprehensive research, often having just a few studies. They also may lack sound studies, which means the subject group is small and not well designed, and long-term effects may not be known. Many lack human studies, which are known as "clinical" trials; these are necessary to study safety and effectiveness. Finally, the specific supplement or the form used in clinical studies may not be available to the public. For all these reasons, just having scientific research is not enough to prove a supplement you buy off the shelf is safe and works.
What to Watch For
This section includes warnings about possible side effects, interactions with other drugs (over-the-counter and prescription) as well as effects on other medical conditions, such as allergies, heart disease and diabetes. Do not use any of these supplements if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding before checking with your doctor. Please note that although supplements are not standardized, in some cases, a doctor's prescription is required to ensure you take the appropriate form and dosage.
Extras
Here we feature interesting facts and comments about the supplement, including any other benefits it may have, usage tips or upcoming research.
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