People's Pharmacy

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How To Find Good Quality Supplements

Posting Date: 02/14/2005

Q. I am spending a huge amount on vitamins and herbal supplements. I wonder if I am wasting my money. My doctor says you can?t trust the manufacturers of these products because they are not regulated like drugs. How can I tell if things like glucosamine, ginkgo, fish oil, CoQ10, calcium or a vitamin B complex really contain what?s listed on the label?

A. Your physician?s concerns may be justified. There is very little regulation of dietary supplements. The FDA does not have the resources to check on the purity or quality of most herbs or supplements.

That does not mean you have to take chances, however. The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is an independent, nonprofit organization that has set quality standards for pharmaceuticals for more than 180 years.

The USP is now testing supplements. Products that pass muster have a USP-verified mark on the label. Some of the brands that carry this identifier include Nature Made, Kirkland (Costco store brand), Nature?s Valley (Albertsons store brand) and NutriPlus. You can learn more at www.USPverified.org.

Q. I tried Vicks VapoRub on my rough heels and it made my feet feel too warm. Is this dangerous?

A. The warmth you experienced is probably due to the menthol and camphor in Vicks VapoRub. For more than 100 years it has been used to ease chest congestion. While the feeling should not be harmful, if it is uncomfortable you ought to use a different moisturizer to soothe your rough heels.

Many readers report that Vicks can help sore cracked feet, toenail fungus, calluses, paper cuts, headaches, seborrheic dermatitis and coughs. In fact, parents may put it on the soles of their children?s feet to calm a nighttime cough. (Socks protect the bed sheets.)

For more details on these Unique Uses for Vicks we offer our Guide. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. Vi-76, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.