The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs: A Completely Cross-Referenced User's Guide for Optimal Health

804 Pages·1999·31.458 MB·English

by  Nicola Reavley, Stephen Holt , Linus Pauling, Abram Hoffer

fH NEW
ENCYCLOPEDIA
SVlTAMINS,
Minerals,
Supplements,
A completely
cross-referenced
user's guide for
optimal health
Nicola Reavley
With a Foreword by Stephen Holt, M.D.

ff NEW
ENCYCLOPEDIA
SVlTAMINS,
Minerals,
Supplements,
Nicola Reavtey
M. Evans and Company, Inc.
New York
Copyright © 1998 by Bookman Press
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in
any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher.
Originally published in Australia by Bookman Press Pty Ltd
M. Evans and Company, Inc.
216 East 49th Street
New York, New York 10017
ISBN 0-87131-897-0
Printed in the United States of America
9 8 7 6 5
ATTENTION
The information contained in this book is not intended as a substitute
for consulting your physician. The author and publisher disclaim
responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences arising directly
or indirectly from the use or application of any of the information
contained in this book. The author and publisher do not recommend
changing any treatment or medication you are taking without consult¬
ing your personal physician. All matters concerning your health
should be supervised by a qualified, licensed health professional.
Contents
Foreword vii
Introduction 1
Vitamins, minerals and diet: the basics 3
Vitamins
Vitamin A and carotenes .33
Vitamin A.34
Carotenes .46
Beta carotene.50
Lycopene . 57
Lutein .58
B complex: . 59
Thiamin.60
Riboflavin.68
Niacin.75
Vitamin B6.83
Folate.95
Vitamin B1 2.109
Biotin. 117
Pantothenic acid . 122
Vitamin C. 127
Vitamin D .■. 147
Vitamin E.157
Vitamin K. 173
Minerals_
Boron . 183
Calcium . 188
Chromium. 204
Cobalt.211
Copper.213
Electrolytes: .220
Potassium.221
Sodium.228
Chloride.235
Fluoride.237
Iodine .243
Iron .249
Magnesium.263
Contents
Manganese.278
Molybdenum.283
Nickel .287
Phosphorus .289
Selenium.294
Silicon . 304
Sulfur .306
Vanadium .308
Zinc.310
Other nutrients _
Essential fatty acids .329
Choline.345
Inositol .348
Para-aminobenzoic acid.350
Laetrile .351
Pangamic acid.352
Coenzyme Q10.353
Amino acids.362
Flavonoids.364
Lipoic acid .372
Carnitine.374
Melatonin .376
Glucosamine.378
Chitosan .379
Shark cartilage. 380
Digestive support: .381
Betaine hydrochloride.381
Digestive enzymes.381
Probiotics .382
Fiber supplements.382
Algae.383
Herbal medicines 384
Promoting optimum health
Antioxidants .417
Immunity .422
Improving digestion.430
Pregnancy . 433
Contents
Vegetarians..
Older people ..
Exercise..
Weight loss.474
Drug interactions .479
Health problems_ 499
Acne.500
Alzheimer's disease.505
Anemia.512
Arthritis .520
Asthma.530
Cancer.537
Cardiovascular disease.557
Carpal tunnel syndrome .582
Cervical dysplasia .585
Common cold .588
Diabetes .591
Eye disorders.603
Fibrocystic breast disease . 609
Headache and migraine .611
HIV/AIDS.616
Hypertension .624
Inflammatory bowel disease.634
Insomnia. 640
Kidney stones .643
Mood disorders.646
Osteoporosis . 653
Periodontal disease.661
Premenstrual syndrome .664
Skin disorders.668
Glossary 677
References 688
Index 727

Foreword
As we turn to the millennium, healthcare consumers are showing a new
self-reliance to self-diagnose and self-medicate. There has been a corre¬
sponding shift in preferences of these modem consumers to seek natural
and gentler alematives to prescription drugs or standard, over-the-counter
medications. These circumstances have created an unprecedented need for
the education of consumers in the appropriate use of an increasing number
of popular dietary supplements. The work of Nicola Reavley fills that need
by providing reliable, credible information on the health benefits and limi¬
tations of dietary supplements. The result is a definitive guide to dietary
supplement use.
If one paces the aisles of any bookstore, the vast array of popular books
on nutritional and “natural” options for health becomes immediately appar¬
ent. Sampling some of these books, even at a glance, raises issues about the
validity of the recommendations or material contained within the books.
There seems to be an ever increasing number of self-proclaimed experts in
alternative and complementary medicine who expect their ideas to be ac¬
cepted without reference to peer-reviewed literature. A common thread of
wishful, mythical, or magical concepts emerges in some books that offer
the latest “cures,” using vitamins, botanicals, or herbs. This book provides
an antidote, by presenting information in a logical and credible manner,
carefully referenced.
The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs
undertakes a thorough analysis of recent and exciting trends in the applica¬
tion of nutritional principles in disease-prevention management with
nutriceuticals. It helps dispel many of the myths that are propagated by the
zealous sectors of the dietary supplement industry who may ply their wares
on tenuous grounds.
Nicola Reavley has produced a book that is a must for any consumer
who seeks a valid reference to the application of dietary supplements for
health benefits. It presents appropriate cautions in some circumstances and
reinforces the important notion that just because something is natural does
not necessarily mean that it is safe. This work is also a blessing for health
food store and retail pharmacy staff and their clients, who are faced with
difficult decisions in choosing the right supplement or popular natural health
option. My colleagues in clinical practice who have a need to address their
patients’ needs for information on supplement use will find this book in¬
valuable. Even the most hidebound practitioner of conventional medicine
would not shun this author’s logical and well-referenced work.
VIII
FOREWORD
Nicola Reavley has written a highly relevant, accurate, and up-to-date
definitive guide on the appropriate and judicious use of dietary supplements.
Please enjoy this book in health—it has a lot to offer.
—Stephen Holt, M.D., FRCP (C), FACP, FACN, FACG, MRCP (UK)
Author of The Soy Revolution and The Natural Way to a Healthy Heart
President, Illinois College of Physicians and Surgeons