11 supplements to consider

11 supplements to consider

These popular supplements, listed in alphabetical order, have been shown to likely be safe for most people and possibly or likely to be effective in appropriate doses for certain conditions. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any supplement. Most supplements haven't been studied in pregnant or nursing women. The list of interactions and side effects is not all-inclusive.

Name (also known as)	Efficacy for selected uses	Selected potential side effects	Selected drug interactions
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.

Clarification: Source: Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Professional Version, June 2010