Burden of Proof
I’ve written several times about Codex Alimentarius, the international group that is trying to establish “guidelines” for vitamins and supplements that could render them forever unavailable. But there’s a glimmer of hope emerging — and a call to action that makers of nutritional products must answer before it’s too late.
As an example, let’s look at the recent developments for chromium picolinate. Last year, the UK’s food authority, known as the Food Standards Agency (FSA) suggested that chromium picolinate might be genotoxic and could damage DNA. But after gathering further research, they reversed their decision, and even recommended a higher maximum level than had previously been established because it has been found to be so safe.
One of the European makers of chromium picolinate, Nurition 21, claims it is not surprised by the findings since their research came to the same conclusion. But they also point out that it’s not a clear victory. You see, while “regular” chromium is already on the Codex Alimentarious “positive list” — meaning it will still be available on August 1, 2005 when the guidelines go into effect — the picolinate form is not.
Chromium picolinate is widely regarded as a form that is more bioavailable — and thus more useful to the body — than the other forms. Further, a number of trials have found that 1,000mcg of chromium picolinate a day helped control blood sugar levels in people with insulin resistance and diabetes.
So Nutrition 21 is acting on the FSA’s decision on the safety of chromium picolinate, and compiling a dossier backing up this “new” finding to submit to the Codex committee, and lobbying for it to be included on the “positive list” as well. Other supplement makers should take notice if their products are not on the “positive list” as well. Any product that is not backed up by such a dossier and submitted for inclusion on this list by June 12, 2005 will have to be removed from any formulation in which it is included by July 31, 2005.
It’s worth mentioning, since Codex has serious implications for this country as well, that our own President recently signed legislation that will provide funding for the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) to expand its chromium research program. Hopefully more supplement companies will gather up the research they have that shows their products are safe and effective, and make sure that we’re covered when and if similar requirements hit our shores.
Q: I’m really having trouble sifting through all the information available and figuring out the best way to avoid osteoporosis. What do you recommend?
JVW: Osteoporosis is a very real concern affecting greater numbers of women each year. The focus shouldn’t just be on osteoporosis treatment but also on effective means to prevent it. Fortunately, there are alternatives to the patent medicines touted as bone saving miracles. And these are often safer and more economical than their pharmaceutical counterparts.
For starters, I recommend strontium — a bone-fortifying trace mineral related to calcium and magnesium. This simple mineral has been shown to stimulate the formation of bone in studies performed as early as 1910. It concentrates in the bones where, like calcium, it supports osteoblasts — the cells that make bone. Recent studies indicate that strontium also inhibits the work of osteoclasts, which are the cells that break down bone.
Add bio-identical hormone replacement and calcium supplementation to strontium, and you have a powerful combination for bone protection, not only repairing existing damage but preventing future bone loss. It is important, however, to follow a few simple rules when supplementing with strontium. Namely, always take more calcium than strontium. And do not take them together because they compete for the same absorption pathways in the digestive tract. To get the most benefit from this amazing mineral, it would be wise to work with a professional familiar with nutritional medicine and the proper dosage combinations.
Of course, additional recommendations for maintaining healthy bone density remain the same: get adequate amounts of exercise, such as walking, and avoid things like sugar, dairy, and coffee. Check out the comprehensive article in the February 2003 issue of Nutrition & Healing for more information about strontium and different products that can help ensure that you maintain healthy bone density. Subscribers can download and view this issue for free by visiting www.nutritionandhealing.com and signing on with the log-on information listed on page 8 of your most recent issue. If you’re not already a subscriber, the website also has more information on becoming one.
What are…the latest Codex guidelines?
We’ve promised to keep tabs on the developments of the Codex Alimentarius Commission for you — so we thought you might like to check out the most recent version of guidelines, compliments of the American Holistic Health Association (AHHA), at www.ahha.org.
Government and international organizations have until March 31, 2005 to comment on these guidelines. So if you haven’t alerted your representatives in Congress and the Senate yet of your position on this important pending health development, I hope you’ll take a moment today to do so.
Yours in good health,
Amanda Ross
Managing Editor
Nutrition & Healing
Sources: McCarty MF. “Nutraceutical resources for diabetes prevention–an update.” Med Hypotheses 2005; 64(1): 151-158.
Compston J. “Prevention of vertebral fractures by strontium ranelate in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis,” Osteoporos Int 2004; Oct 12 [epub ahead of print, abstract accessed from PubMed database]
Ammann P. “Strontium ranelate: A novel mode of action leading to renewed bone quality.” Osteoporos Int. 2004; Dec 2 [epub ahead of print, abstract accessed from PubMed database]
