Message From the Director: Ancient Practice Meets Modern Science

We often hear the rationale for why people turn to a particular complementary or alternative practice is that the approach has been used for thousands of years. However, years of practice do not substitute for rigorous science and evidence-based medicine. Yet the two are not mutually exclusive. NCCAM Message From the Director: Ancient Practice Meets

Effects of Chromium Picolinate in People at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes

The dietary supplement chromium picolinate does not improve insulin resistance or impaired glucose tolerance in people at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, according to a recent study published in the journal Endocrine Practice. Previous research has suggested that chromium picolinate may help people with type 2 diabetes by improving insulin resistance and increasing the body’s sensitivity

Effects of Chromium Picolinate in People at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes

The dietary supplement chromium picolinate does not improve insulin resistance or impaired glucose tolerance in people at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, according to a recent study published in the journal Endocrine Practice. Previous research has suggested that chromium picolinate may help people with type 2 diabetes by improving insulin resistance and increasing the body’s sensitivity

Saw Palmetto Extract No More Effective Than Placebo for Urinary Symptoms in Men

The fruit extract of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)—a widely used botanical product—administered at up to three times the standard daily dose did not reduce the urinary symptoms associated with prostate enlargement in older men more than placebo. Prostate enlargement, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can cause frequent urination, a weak or intermittent urine stream,

Paying for CAM Treatment

Many people using or thinking about using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments may have questions about paying for treatment. This fact sheet provides a general overview of related topics and suggests sources for additional information.CAM Spending in the United StatesAccording to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), adults in the United States spent

Study Explores Relationship Between Fatty Acids and Cognitive Decline in Women

A diet high in monounsaturated fatty acids may be associated with less cognitive decline in older healthy women, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Previous research has linked cognitive decline with cardiovascular disease, and certain types of dietary fatty acids (saturated and trans) are a known risk factor

No Difference Between Actual and Simulated Acupuncture for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Study Finds

Both actual acupuncture and simulated (sham) acupuncture produced similar results in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to a recent study. PCOS is a condition affecting approximately six percent of women of reproductive age and is characterized by missed or irregular menstrual periods, an increased ratio of luteinizing hormone to follicle-stimulating hormone, and insulin

No Difference Between Actual and Simulated Acupuncture for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Study Finds

Both actual acupuncture and simulated (sham) acupuncture produced similar results in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to a recent study. PCOS is a condition affecting approximately six percent of women of reproductive age and is characterized by missed or irregular menstrual periods, an increased ratio of luteinizing hormone to follicle-stimulating hormone, and insulin

Homeopathy Update