Nutrition Hotline Q & A

Dr. Shari Answers your Questions

Arthritis fighting with MSM

Q From B.C. FL.:

Is MSM useful for arthritis?

A Although research on MSM (methysulfonylmethane) is sorely lacking, anecdotal evidence suggests that MSM may be effective. It is a rich source of sulfur that is very important to the structure and function of connective tissue and joint tissue. In my opinion, I believe that MSM works synergistically with glucosamine and perhaps chondroitin, as well. Many of my colleagues will give all three supplements together, either individually or in specific joint formulations that contain all three. Many of us have observed better results with some of these types of products.

CoQ10 vs. breast cancer

Q From D.B., NY.:

I read about high levels of CoQ10 being given to breast cancer patients who were late stage and terminal. What was the dose that was used and was it effective?

A It never ceases to amaze me how dietary supplement research is only allowed on a population that has repeatedly failed conventional treatment. This almost sets things up to fail. Once a patient has failed several bouts of chemotherapy and/or radiation, her cancer is much more resistant to treatment, and for many there is no further treatment available. Despite this, very high doses of coenzyme Q10 were given to stage-4 breast cancer patients. The levels used ranged from about 300 -- 400 mg per day. Approximately 20% of these patients went into remission. These types of results have been achieved with other dietary supplements. One would think that, given these remarkable results, the FDA would allow and even welcome an early intervention study using specific supplements. I can find no rationale for the continuous refusal of governmental agencies to deny patients the opportunity to use safer, non-toxic treatments with newly diagnosed cancer. It just doesn't make sense.

Quercetin against allergies

Q From RR, CT.:

I suffer from allergies. Can quercetin help?

A Quercetin is a flavonoid found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. It is also a major active ingredient found in a variety of herbs. Quercetin has been shown to safely block histamine release, working the way anti-histamine does; yet, quercetin does not have any of the side effects associated with histamine use. Vitamin C at higher doses (over 2,000mg per day) can also effectively block histamine release safely and naturally. I have found the best results when combining both supplements. In fact, you can find vitamin C combined with quercetin by several dietary supplement companies.

Battling the blues with St. John's wort

Q From R.W., CA.:

Has St. John's wort ever been compared to Prozac?

A St. John's wort has been compared to numerous antidepressant medications. Human clinical studies have shown that St. John's wort is as effective as these medications. What appears to make it superior is its apparent lack of side effects such as memory loss, drowsiness, fatigue and poor motor coordination, associated with many prescription drugs. In 1999, St. John's wort was compared to Prozac. The results of this study confirmed that it was equally effective compared to Prozac for mild to moderate depression. Given St. John's wort safety, it seems odd that it is still so underutilized by psychopharmacologists in the USA. It still remains the treatment of choice in Germany and throughout Europe.

Shari Lieberman holds a Ph.D. in clinical nutrition and exercise physiology. She is a certified nutrition specialist (C.N.S.), a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition (F.A.C.N.) and serves on the board of the American Preventive Medical Association. Write her in care of Better Nutrition She cannot answer questions by direct mail or telephone. Nutrition Hotline is intended for educational purposes only. If you have a medical problem, consult your physician.

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