Q: I’m basically healthy, but would like to take an antioxidant to help maintain my health. I am overwhelmed when I go to the health-food store because there are so many choices. What should I look for when purchasing a formula? – V.W., New York City
A: The business of antioxidant therapy started booming a decade ago, when studies came out showing that major health conditions might have some connection to oxidative stress, a big word meaning damage to your cells from biological invaders called free radicals. Some studies showed that the damage done by these loose cannons can be minimized or eliminated by antioxidants, which stand guard in your cells, arresting free radicals before they are able to hurt you – by sparking a tumor, etching a wrinkle on your face or activating a dangerous gene.
Antioxidants are, in my opinion, an inexpensive way to buy health insurance. It’s best to get them through fresh fruits and vegetables, which are far better for you than supplements. Your body understands how to digest naturally occurring antioxidants from food; utilizing a lab-created version is much harder.
It doesn’t hurt to take a supplement, however. Some antioxidants come as a single tablet, combining vitamins and minerals known to deactivate dangerous free radicals. Formulas like this typically contain beta-carotene, along with vitamins C, E, D and probably some B vitamins like folic acid, B6, biotin and maybe even minerals like selenium or zinc. Prices range between $10 and $50.
This discussion wouldn’t be complete if I left out plant-based antioxidants. Some examples of these are milk thistle, known for its liver-cleansing abilities; grape-seed antioxidant (which protects your heart); green tea extract (anti-cancer); and bilberry extract (protects your eyes).
Q: I looked on the Internet to learn about my medication, Lortab (hydrocodone), and one website said it could cause a heart attack. Is that true? Can a drug for pain really kill you? – W.E., Chicago, Illinois
A: There are many medications that carry this potential risk. They include: painkillers or cough syrups containing codeine (Tylenol No. 3), hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin) or oxycodone (Percocet, Oxycontin); Viagra (sildenafil); triptan drugs for migraines (like Imitrex); and diuretics that deplete potassium levels (such as furosemide). ADHD drugs are under the gun now. Since last May, the FDA has asked makers of these drugs to strengthen warnings regarding serious heart consequences and sudden death.
Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist. Contact her at dearpharmacist.com
