Are There Risks in Taking Zinc, L-Arginine, and Lecithin Together Long-Term?
Is it harmful to take zinc, L-arginine, and soy lecithin simultaneously? Can they be taken long-term? 21st Century Zinc 50mg Ingredients: Zinc, Calcium, Plant Cellulose. Recommended dosage: One capsule daily. Swanson L-Arginine 850mg Ingredients: L-Arginine, Hydroxypropyl Methy...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: A common issue regarding dietary supplements is the discrepancy between purchase price and expected benefits. Since they are not classified as medications, there is no corresponding research to validate their efficacy. Following the principles of food consumption and the d...[Read More] Are There Risks in Taking Zinc, L-Arginine, and Lecithin Together Long-Term?
Can CoQ10 Supplements Interact with Lipitor and Zyloprim?
Health supplements Hello, my husband is currently taking half a 10mg Lipitor and one 300mg Zyloprim daily to manage his cholesterol and gout. I would like to know if he can also take Coenzyme Q10 as a supplement. Will there be any interactions? Thank you.
Dr. Liao Huiling Reply:
Dietary supplements are not classified as medications and do not interact with the medications your family is currently using.[Read More] Can CoQ10 Supplements Interact with Lipitor and Zyloprim?
Safe Supplements for Fertility: Managing Arginine and Maca Intake
Health supplements Recently, my husband and I have been trying to conceive, so we are considering taking some supplements to maintain our health (his job requires a lot of physical labor). Currently, I have him taking arginine and B vitamins with zinc and vitamin C in the morning...
Dr. Hu Limin Reply:
Vitamins do have recommended daily allowances, and it is advisable to consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist to assess the body's needs for dietary supplements in relation to fertility.[Read More] Safe Supplements for Fertility: Managing Arginine and Maca Intake
Essential Dietary Supplements for Heart and Vascular Health
Regarding vascular health supplements? Ms. Liao is currently taking aspirin capsules, Concor 1.25, Kadyx extended-release tablets, Lipitor, Gastrogel, and Crestor. She takes Lipitor twice a day, while the others are taken once in the morning. To improve her health, she has also b...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: 1. The best methods for maintaining vascular and cardiac health include avoiding high-cholesterol dietary habits and increasing cardiovascular exercise. Therefore, diet and exercise remain the optimal approaches. 2. Concerns have been raised regarding specific classes ...[Read More] Essential Dietary Supplements for Heart and Vascular Health
How to Improve Memory: Do Ginkgo Biloba and Other Remedies Help?
How to improve frequent forgetfulness? Is ginkgo biloba effective for improving frequent forgetfulness? If so, is it more effective to consume it as a tea or to take it in supplement form? Are there other methods or foods that can help improve memory, as I would like to avoid bei...
Dr. Liao Huiling Reply:
1. There are many commercial ginkgo products available, but since they are classified as dietary supplements, their efficacy cannot be guaranteed. 2. Forgetfulness is not a disease, but if it is caused by an underlying medical condition, one should seek formal medical treatment...[Read More] How to Improve Memory: Do Ginkgo Biloba and Other Remedies Help?
Can You Combine Health Supplements with Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Medication consultation Hello, doctor. I have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Currently, I take one Metformin pill with breakfast and dinner, and one hour after meals, I take a herbal medicine (ingredients: yam, cooked rehmannia, goji berries, dodder seed, cornelian cherry, cyp...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello Ms. Yang: Since you are taking metformin, it indicates that you have issues with blood sugar levels. Additionally, you are taking various traditional Chinese medicines, so it is important to understand the purpose of your herbal treatments. It is not advisable to take too m...[Read More] Can You Combine Health Supplements with Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Can Noni Fruit Powder Interact with Prescription Medications and Vitamins?
Issues regarding dietary supplements and medications? Due to a previous car accident that resulted in brain surgery, I have developed optic nerve atrophy and hearing impairment as sequelae. Following my doctor's advice, I have been taking Cycloserine and a B-complex vitamin....
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Regarding Noni fruit, it is currently classified as a food. As for Curcumin, some products are classified as medications while others are not; it depends on whether the packaging has a drug license number. The same applies to Vitamin B! If thes...[Read More] Can Noni Fruit Powder Interact with Prescription Medications and Vitamins?
Can You Take Vitamin B and Lutein Together? A Guide to Timing and Dosage
Issues with the use of health supplements? I have two bottles of dietary supplements: one is a B-complex vitamin, and the other is lutein (from bilberry). However, lutein should be taken before meals, while the B-complex vitamin is taken after meals. Can I take them in the mornin...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello, Lin Xiaodi: 1. The timing of taking B vitamins and lutein, whether before or after meals, is not strictly important. Lutein is a natural carotenoid found in fruits and vegetables. Since lutein, along with vitamins A, D, and E, is a fat-soluble vitamin, it is generally not...[Read More] Can You Take Vitamin B and Lutein Together? A Guide to Timing and Dosage
Medications for Diarrhea After Eating Greasy Foods: What to Know
Are there any medications for diarrhea caused by consuming greasy foods? I find that if I consume overly greasy foods, I often need to use the restroom within half an hour to an hour after eating, and it usually ends in diarrhea. Are there any medications available on the market ...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear: There are many dietary supplements available on the market that can help adjust gut health, which you can purchase after consulting with a pharmacist at a community pharmacy. There are also prescription medications that can improve your symptoms, but these must be prescribe...[Read More] Medications for Diarrhea After Eating Greasy Foods: What to Know
Can You Combine Acetec with Red Yeast Rice and Natto for Blood Pressure?
Antihypertensive medications and red yeast rice? Hello Director Huang: I would like to ask if it is okay to take the antihypertensive medication Acetec (4) once daily after breakfast, and in the evening, can I take a higher dosage (20000 FU/500 mg) of red yeast rice and natto?
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello Lili, regarding the consumption of red yeast rice and natto, may I ask if you have been taking them regularly? If you have, you can continue to take them. If not, it is advisable to consult a physician for evaluation before starting. Generally speaking, red yeast rice and n...[Read More] Can You Combine Acetec with Red Yeast Rice and Natto for Blood Pressure?
Can People with Kidney Dysfunction and Hypertension Take Evening Primrose Oil?
Renal insufficiency Is it safe to use evening primrose oil supplements for someone with renal insufficiency (and hypertension)? Thank you.
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello; evening primrose oil is a source that contains the highest amount of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). It is an essential fatty acid that the body converts. The body cannot produce GLA on its own; it must be obtained from food sources. As long as you purchase dietary supplements...[Read More] Can People with Kidney Dysfunction and Hypertension Take Evening Primrose Oil?
Optimal Supplement Combinations for Eye Health and Anemia Management
Co-administration Hello Dr. Huang, Post-meal consumption: Eye protection (bilberry extract) + fish oil + taurine. Post-meal consumption: Vitamin C + E + lecithin. Q1: It is said that fish oil is prone to oxidation, so it needs to be paired with Vitamin E, but Vitamin E also r...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello Varina: Regarding your question, I am curious why you are taking so many dietary supplements. If fish oil is prone to oxidation and needs to be paired with Vitamin E, which in turn requires Vitamin C for redox assistance, how should they be combined? In fact, you don't...[Read More] Optimal Supplement Combinations for Eye Health and Anemia Management
Can You Safely Combine Lutein, Bilberry, and Zinc Supplements?
Usage of dietary supplements Hello Dr. Liao, After my retinal detachment laser surgery last year, I started taking GNC lutein (20mg) and bilberry (60mg) for maintenance, with a daily intake of one lutein capsule and two bilberry capsules. Now, due to a busier work schedule, I w...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear Max: Currently, there are no reports of side effects associated with lutein at typical dosages. However, consuming blackcurrant may lead to nausea as a side effect or interact with certain medications. The "Kombucha + Zinc" product contains multiple ingredients, an...[Read More] Can You Safely Combine Lutein, Bilberry, and Zinc Supplements?
Optimal Timing for Ritalin, B Vitamins, and Supplements: A Guide
The timing for taking Ritalin, B vitamins, and dietary supplements? Hello, pharmacist. I take Ritalin 10mg twice a day, as my doctor advised me to take it half an hour before class. I can take it without food, but the medication label states to take it before meals, so I'm u...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello: Ritalin can be taken as directed by a physician. Although the medication bag indicates to take it before meals, please prioritize following your doctor's instructions. Additionally, there are no significant interactions found between B vitamins and dietary supplements...[Read More] Optimal Timing for Ritalin, B Vitamins, and Supplements: A Guide
Optimal Daily EPA and DHA Intake from Fish Oil: Dosage and Tips
Regarding the consumption of fish oil? I previously saw a doctor's response, but I still have some questions regarding fish oil consumption. Could you please advise me, doctor? What is the optimal daily intake of EPA and DHA combined for an individual? What are the potential...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: 1. Fish oil EPA belongs to omega-3 fatty acids, while DHA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid. Most fish oils contain 18% EPA and 12% DHA. 2. Fish oil is more suitable for the elderly and patients with cardiovascular diseases. According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration...[Read More] Optimal Daily EPA and DHA Intake from Fish Oil: Dosage and Tips
Can Supplements Help Prevent Myopia Progression in Children?
Preventing Myopia Hello: A primary school student already has mild myopia. Can taking dietary supplements protect vision and prevent the progression of myopia? Ingredients: Goji berries, cassia seeds, mulberries, blueberries, lutein, zeaxanthin, carotenoids, vitamin A.
Dr. Lin Meili Reply:
Hello, Miss Lily! Regarding the ingredients of the dietary supplements you mentioned, such as goji berries, cassia seeds, mulberries, blueberries, lutein, zeaxanthin, and carotenoids, it is advisable for elementary school students to consult with a pharmacist at a health insuranc...[Read More] Can Supplements Help Prevent Myopia Progression in Children?
Should Nutritional Supplements and Medications Be Taken Separately?
excuse me? Should nutritional supplements be taken separately from medications?
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello, regarding the reasons for taking dietary supplements, it mainly stems from the desire to improve one's health due to poor physical condition. However, despite the high level of acceptance of health supplements, there are many misconceptions. A majority of people belie...[Read More] Should Nutritional Supplements and Medications Be Taken Separately?
Should Medications Be Taken Separately? Understanding Timing and Interactions
Should medications be taken separately? Hello pharmacist, I heard that a packet of medication should not be taken all at once but rather divided into doses. Stomach medications are absorbed directly by the stomach, while other medications are absorbed by the intestines, so stomac...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Generally, medications are categorized as taken before or after meals primarily due to their pharmacological effects. Typically, only those medications that may interact with each other, potentially affecting their efficacy, are specifically noted for separate administration. Man...[Read More] Should Medications Be Taken Separately? Understanding Timing and Interactions
Does Fenugreek and White Cohosh Cause Sore Throat Issues?
Fenugreek & White High Pearl Is it possible that consuming fenugreek and white cohosh could cause heatiness? Since I started taking them, I've had a persistent sore throat, and even taking a lot of vitamin C throughout the day hasn't helped. In the past, my sore thr...
Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: Fenugreek has health benefits such as lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The main component of white clover contains isoflavones, including miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol, which are phytoestrogens that can promote blood circulation in the breasts and stimulate ma...[Read More] Does Fenugreek and White Cohosh Cause Sore Throat Issues?
Understanding Probiotics: Are They Effective for Allergies in Children?
About probiotics? Hello, Pharmacist Huang: I would like to ask you a question. My child has been experiencing nasal allergies, and I am considering giving probiotics to help improve his allergic condition. I have been researching "probiotics" online for the past few day...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello, Moon Mama: Generally speaking, most probiotics are classified as dietary supplements, and you should pay attention to whether they have a registration number. Le Yi Kang and Kang Bei Er are food-grade probiotics, while Adibi capsules are classified as pharmaceutical-grade ...[Read More] Understanding Probiotics: Are They Effective for Allergies in Children?