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What Vitamin Dose Prevents Alzheimers?

Posting Date: 03/01/2004

Q. I just heard on the news that large doses of vitamins C and E have been shown to help stave off Alzheimer's in older people. Do you know anything about this? And if this is true, what constitutes a large dose? Apparently it is more than what is supplied in a regular daily multi-vitamin.

A. Scientists studied nearly 5,000 older people in Cache County, Utah, and determined that those who took extra vitamin C and E were much less likely to develop Alzheimer?s disease (Arch Neurol, Jan. 2004). It may have been the combination effect of the higher doses (over 400 IU of vitamin E and 500 mg of vitamin C) since ordinary multi-vitamin use did not provide such protection.

Q. Since the advent of Viagra and Levitra, the market has been flooded with herbal or homeopathic remedies for erectile dysfunction. Letters arrive in the mail almost every week with glowing testimonials. I am sure many people believe the grandiose promises and send their checks or credit card authorization to purchase such products.

I suspect that many of these combinations of ingredients will not perform as advertised. Are there in fact nonprescription items that work as well as the prescription drugs like Viagra or Levitra though they cost less? Or are people being fleeced?

A. Before Viagra was developed, doctors sometimes prescribed a natural compound called yohimbine derived from the bark of an African tree. Research suggests that it might be helpful in some cases of erectile dysfunction. One study, however, showed it worked no better than placebo.

Although yohimbine is available without a prescription, its use calls for medical supervision. It can raise blood pressure and heart rate to dangerous levels. Other side effects may include flushing, headache or dizziness.

The unpredictability of dietary supplement formulations is a concern. A product that seems like a bargain might actually contain little active compound.