Concerns About Traditional Chinese Medicine Purchased from TV: Safety of Ingredients
Herbal medicine purchased by the television station? I would like to ask if there are any concerns regarding the traditional Chinese medicine purchased from the television station, which contains ingredients such as white peony root (Bai Shao), rehmannia (Di Huang), cinnamon twig...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello Ian: Thank you for your question. Regarding the principles for purchasing from television stations, it is generally more inclined towards health supplements or health foods. It is advisable to check for any certified food labels. If you require pharmaceutical-grade products...[Read More] Concerns About Traditional Chinese Medicine Purchased from TV: Safety of Ingredients
Heart Stent Care: Can You Take Supplements Like Maca and Zinc?
Health Supplements After Heart Stent Placement I would like to ask if it is safe to take some male health supplements such as maca, arginine, and zinc after having a stent placed three years ago. Currently, I need to consult my physician about arginine during my next appointment....
Dr. Zheng Shuwen Reply:
Hello, regarding your question, here is the response: According to database inquiries, there are no interactions between Maca and Zinc with your prescription medications Aspirin, Concan, and Clopidogrel, and they can be taken at different times. It is recommended that you discuss...[Read More] Heart Stent Care: Can You Take Supplements Like Maca and Zinc?
Can I Take Red Yeast Rice with Cholesterol-Lowering Medication?
Can red yeast rice from my family home be taken together with Shoumei cholesterol-lowering medication? I used to buy health supplements like red yeast rice from my family’s brand, but recently someone recommended that I see a traditional Chinese medicine doctor. The doctor prescr...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello, A-Zhe: First of all, thank you for your question. Regarding the red yeast rice from my maternal family, it has obtained the Ministry of Health and Welfare's health food certification, which can effectively regulate blood sugar and blood lipids. Animal studies have con...[Read More] Can I Take Red Yeast Rice with Cholesterol-Lowering Medication?
Are Health Supplements Hiding Laxatives? Consumer Protection Insights
Are health supplements containing laxatives or unknown ingredients? Taking health supplements to aid metabolism but experiencing persistent abdominal cramps and diarrhea for almost two months. Is there a government agency that provides testing? Is there a fee? Where should I send...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello, Meijun: Thank you very much for your inquiry. Health foods refer to those that are certified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and have a registration number, belonging to the Health Food Registration or Health Food Regulation categories. I recommend checking this webs...[Read More] Are Health Supplements Hiding Laxatives? Consumer Protection Insights
Concerns About Health Supplements: Impact on Kidneys and Organ Health
Concerns about health supplements? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask if taking Swanson's Super DPA Fish Oil, Astaxanthin, and Vitalife's Chlorophyll daily will have any negative effects on the kidneys or other organs in the body? What should I be aware of? Additionally,...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello, Mr. J: When considering the purchase of health supplements, please ensure that the products have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you plan to take them long-term, it is advisable to consult with healthcare professionals such as doctors, nutrition...[Read More] Concerns About Health Supplements: Impact on Kidneys and Organ Health
Proper Storage of Supplements and Medications: Key Guidelines
Storage of Dietary Supplements 1. I usually buy health supplements in large containers, and it takes about four months to finish them. I read some articles that say I should throw away the desiccant after opening. Is that correct? 2. When I pick up medications from the hospital...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello Mr. Eric; first of all, thank you for your question. Regarding the first question, should the desiccant be discarded after opening? The answer is yes, because if the desiccant remains in the bottle, it can easily lead to moisture accumulation. It is recommended to dispose o...[Read More] Proper Storage of Supplements and Medications: Key Guidelines
Is Japanese Tongkat Ali Real? Exploring Its Benefits and Availability
Pharmaceutical importer: May I ask if there is really a medication called "Japanese Vine Extract" available? Is there really a medication called "Japanese Vine" available in the market? There are various claims about its efficacy, but there are also reports st...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello Mr. Chun: First of all, thank you for your inquiry regarding Japanese Tongkat Ali. There is a lot of information available online, but it is advisable to consult a physician for an evaluation to determine if you need to take it. Additionally, it is not recommended to purcha...[Read More] Is Japanese Tongkat Ali Real? Exploring Its Benefits and Availability
Accidental Antibiotic Use: Impact on Gut Health and Recovery Tips
Accidental ingestion of antibiotics in a healthy individual? The medication is amoxicillin 500mg, a broad-spectrum antibiotic taken eight times over two days, with six-hour intervals. Due to a busy schedule, I saw a temporary dentist who was unfamiliar with my dental history and ...
Dr. Hong Kunyi Reply:
Hello, sir: Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that requires a prescription from a physician for use. Long-term use may lead to antibiotic resistance and affect the growth of normal intestinal bacteria. If this occurs, it is recommended to consult a hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal s...[Read More] Accidental Antibiotic Use: Impact on Gut Health and Recovery Tips
Can Brain Supplements Improve Memory for Antidepressant Users?
Memory decline Hello, doctor. I am a 17-year-old girl. A few years ago, I experienced some effects on my memory and concentration due to long-term use of antidepressants (such as Zoloft, Lexapro, Wellbutrin, and low-dose sleeping pills). As I prepare for the university entrance e...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello, Xiao K: Thank you for your question. If you have any dietary supplements in mind, you can consult a pharmacist at a qualified pharmacy. Additionally, you can bring all the medications you are currently taking and ask the pharmacist if there are any potential interactions. ...[Read More] Can Brain Supplements Improve Memory for Antidepressant Users?
Can You Use Zinc Gluconate Products While on Anticoagulants?
Medication issues If you are taking anticoagulant medications, is it safe to use products containing zinc gluconate? Thank you.
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: Can zinc gluconate products be used with anticoagulants? 1. Cranberry juice, which is used for urinary tract infections, can interfere with the metabolism of anticoagulants, increasing their concentration in the blood and raising the risk of bleeding. 2. Foods high in vita...[Read More] Can You Use Zinc Gluconate Products While on Anticoagulants?
Concerns About Moisture and Contamination in Dietary Supplements
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Actually, about a week ago, a fly landed on the cap of my dietary supplement bottle, so I wiped the cap and the surrounding area with body wash, then rinsed it with clean water, and finally dried the cap and the area with a paper tow...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. Can shower gel and water near the bottle cap cause health supplements to become damp? It depends on whether they have gotten wet; if they are damp, it will certainly affect the efficacy of the medication. 2. Is the presence of a residue on the inner wall of the...[Read More] Concerns About Moisture and Contamination in Dietary Supplements
Consulting a Doctor Before Taking UMO and Hamer Supplements: Important Considerations
Consultation Before Medication (Two Types) with Attached Medication Links (Not Promotional) Product Name: UMO Maca Health Capsules Product Specifications: UMO Maca Health Capsules Bottle Quantity: 560 mg/capsule, 150 capsules/bottle Ingredients: Maca, L-Arginine, Maltodextr...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: 1. Since you mentioned that you have heart disease (Kawasaki disease, cardiovascular disease, with one of the major arteries possibly blocked) and you are currently taking two anticoagulants (which you take every night before bed), please note that the first precaution r...[Read More] Consulting a Doctor Before Taking UMO and Hamer Supplements: Important Considerations
Managing Vitamin Intake with Kidney Function Concerns: A Guide
Vitamin issues? 1. I have slightly elevated kidney function indicators and I am using a hair growth solution. Can I take the dietary supplement Methylcobalamin (1000 mcg), Ginkgo Biloba extract (120 mg), and Vitamin B complex (NOW Foods B-50) all together, one of each per day? 2...
Dr. Hong Kunyi Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. Methylcobalamin (Methylcobalamin) should not exceed a total vitamin B12 content of 1000 mcg in the daily intake (https://consumer.fda.gov.tw/Law/FoodAdditivesListDetail.aspx?nodeID=521&id=341) and is intended for use when there is a deficiency of nutrients in...[Read More] Managing Vitamin Intake with Kidney Function Concerns: A Guide
Is 18 mg of Zinc Daily Too Much? Recommended Intake for Vitamins C and E
Zinc dosage If you are consuming health supplements and taking two different types that both contain zinc, resulting in a total intake of 18 mg of zinc per day, this amount is considered to be within the tolerable upper intake level for adults, which is 40 mg per day. Therefore, ...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello, Mr. Xiao Shi: 1. The recommended daily zinc intake for adult males should be between 15 to 35 milligrams. Zinc deficiency can lead to growth retardation, affecting height and weight. It can also result in slow wound healing, hair loss or slow hair growth, and the appearan...[Read More] Is 18 mg of Zinc Daily Too Much? Recommended Intake for Vitamins C and E
Consultation on Antioxidant Supplement Dosages for Cancer Prevention
Health product consultation Hello, due to multiple direct relatives in my family having cancer, I would like to maintain my health through antioxidants. Currently, I am taking the following (all single compounds): 1. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (daily dosage: 1200mg) 2. Rose hips (daily ...
Dr. Hong Kunyi Reply:
Hello: The three items mentioned are all health supplements and not medications, so I cannot provide specific dosage recommendations. Health supplements must be certified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and can only claim health benefits recognized by the central competent ...[Read More] Consultation on Antioxidant Supplement Dosages for Cancer Prevention
Can You Take Sporanox with Liver Supplements? Important Drug Interaction Insights
Medication Consultation: Can Sporanox be taken together with dietary supplements? I have been taking liver supplements regularly after breakfast and lunch. Recently, after visiting a dermatologist, the doctor prescribed Sporanox. Since it may affect the liver, I do not plan to ta...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: Sporanox may inhibit the liver's metabolism of certain medications, and its efficacy may also be reduced when taken with grapefruit juice. Please consult a pharmacist to confirm that any "liver health supplements" do not contain lipid-lowering agents or ingr...[Read More] Can You Take Sporanox with Liver Supplements? Important Drug Interaction Insights
Can You Take Maca Supplements While on Finasteride for Hair Loss?
Can I take maca supplements while on anti-androgen medications for hair loss? I have been taking anti-androgen medication (Finasteride) for a long time to treat male pattern baldness. Recently, a family member who traveled abroad brought back several bottles of maca supplements f...
Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: 1. According to the literature, there are no reported interactions between Finasteride and Maca. 2. There are various opinions regarding the effects and efficacy of the health supplement Maca, and there are limited neutral research reports. The use of health supplements is...[Read More] Can You Take Maca Supplements While on Finasteride for Hair Loss?
Are Breast Enhancement Supplements Safe? A Look at Ingredients and Risks
Medication consultation I would like to inquire about the breast enhancement product called "Aishen Bobo." Are its ingredients harmful to the human body or do they have side effects? I saw news reports stating that breast enhancement products should not be taken indiscr...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: There are many breast enhancement products, and I found that many of them are health supplements. Magnesium stearate is a lubricant, while borage oil powder may not be effective enough for breast enhancement and should be monitored for potential side effects and liver func...[Read More] Are Breast Enhancement Supplements Safe? A Look at Ingredients and Risks
Do Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and Supplements Interact?
Do premedications and dietary supplements interact with each other? Hello, doctor. I have been consistently taking pre-exposure prophylaxis, and recently I want to purchase health supplements but I'm unsure if the ingredients might cause any interactions. The ingredients in ...
Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: According to the literature review, there are no documented interactions between the emergency contraceptive you are taking (which contains progestin and estrogen) and health supplements.[Read More] Do Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and Supplements Interact?
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?