CALCIUM
(calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium gluconate) | Likely effective in combination with vitamin D in preventing and treating bone loss and osteoporosis. Taken daily, appears to reduce some PMS symptoms. | Belching, gas. | Calcium can decrease the effectiveness of certain antibiotics, osteoporosis drugs, and thyroid drugs. |
CRANBERRY
(American cranberry, large cranberry, cranberry extract) | Possibly effective for preventing recurrent urinary-tract infections. | Large amounts can cause stomach upset, diarrhea. | Might increase the effects of the blood thinner warfarin. |
FISH OIL
(EPA/DHA, omega-3 fatty acids, PUFA) | Effective for reducing triglyceride levels. Likely effective for decreasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and progression of hardening of the arteries in people with existing heart disease. | Fishy aftertaste, upset stomach, nausea, loose stools. High doses can increase levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in some people or increase the chance of bleeding. | Might increase the effect of blood-thinning drugs and high blood pressure medications. |
GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE
(G6S, glucosamine sulfate 2KCl, glucosamine sulfate-potassium chloride) | Likely effective treatment for reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. Might also help slow progression of osteoarthritis. | Nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, headache. | Might increase the blood-thinning effect of warfarin and cause bruising and bleeding. |
LACTASE
(beta-galactosidase) | Likely effective for reducing gastrointestinal symptoms in lactoseintolerant people when used before consuming lactose or when added to milk. | No reported side effects. | None known. |
LACTOBACILLUS
(acidophilus, acidophilus lactobacillus, probiotics) | Possibly effective for preventing diarrhea while taking antibiotics. | Gas. People with poor immune function should check with their doctor first. | Might cause infection in people taking immunosuppressant drugs. |
PSYLLIUM
(blond plantago, blonde psyllium, plantago, isabgola) | Effective as a bulk laxative for reducing constipation or softening stools. Likely effective for lowering cholesterol in people with mild to moderately high cholesterol. | Gas, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, nausea. Some people can have a serious allergic response that requires immediate medical attention. | Might decrease the effectiveness of carbamazepine, an antiseizure drug; digoxin, a heart drug; and lithium, for bipolar disorder. Might cause low blood sugar when taken with some diabetes drugs. |
PYGEUM
(African plum tree, African prune, Prunus africana) | Likely effective for reducing symptoms of an enlarged prostate. | Nausea, abdominal pain. | None known. |
SAMe
(ademetionine, adenosylmethionine, S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine, sammy) | Likely effective in reducing symptoms of major depression, reducing pain, and improving functioning in people with osteoarthritis. | GI symptoms, dry mouth, headache, mild insomnia, anorexia, sweating, dizziness, and nervousness, especially at higher doses. It can make some people with depression feel anxious. | Might lead to a toxic reaction when taken with the cough suppressant dextromethorphan, certain antidepressants, or narcotic pain relievers. Might worsen symptoms when taken with the Parkinson's drug levodopa. |
ST. JOHN'S WORT
(Hypericum perforatum, Saynt Johannes Wort, SJW) | Likely effective for improving symptoms of some forms of depression. | Insomnia, vivid dreams, anxiety, dizziness, headache, skin rash, and tingling. It can cause skin to become extra-sensitive to the sun. | Can decrease the effectiveness of a wide range of drugs, including birth-control pills, heart medications, HIV/AIDS drugs, and warfarin. Might also increase the effects or side effects of certain antidepressants. |
VITAMIN D
(Cholecalciferol, vitamin D3, ergocalciferol, vitamin D2) | Likely effective when taken with calcium to help prevent osteoporosis. Might help reduce falls in people with vitamin D deficiency and bone loss in people taking corticosteroids. | Extremely large amounts might cause weakness, fatigue, headache, and nausea, though side effects are rare. | Might reduce the effectiveness of some medications, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), other heart medications, birth-control pills, HIV/AIDS drugs. |
