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Medical Health Encyclopedia
Scleroderma - Other Treatments
(Page 3)
Alternative Treatments and Diet
Some patients avoid high-fiber diets (which include fruits and vegetables) and so their diets may lack enough nutrients. Supplements may be needed, but patients should consult someone experienced in dietary conditions associated with scleroderma. Because of reports that oxygen-free radicals may play a role in the development of sclerosis, some researchers recommend taking antioxidant supplements (for example, selenium, beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and methionine). Though studies have not reported much benefit from such supplements, there have not been long-term trials, and some studies may have been started too late in the course of the disease to have much effect.
Because of the difficulty of the disease, many patients are tempted to try high-dose supplements or other alternative treatments. It is very important to note that this approach is not without its dangers.
Herbs and Supplements
Generally, manufacturers of herbal remedies and dietary supplements do not need FDA approval to sell their products. Just like a drug, herbs and supplements can affect the body's chemistry, and therefore have the potential to produce side effects that may be harmful. There have been numerous reported cases of serious and even deadly side effects from herbal products. Always check with your doctor before using any herbal remedies or dietary supplements.
The following warnings are of particular importance for people with scleroderma:
Chinese Herbal Remedies. A 2002 study reported that a woman with CREST syndrome developed slowly progressive kidney disease after taking Chinese herbs. Studies suggest that up to 30% of herbal remedies imported from China contain strong pharmaceuticals such as phenacetin and steroids. One study reported a large percentage of such remedies contain toxic metals.
High-Dose Antioxidants. Some studies are now suggesting that using too much antioxidant supplements may interfere with other nutrients, or convert into pro-oxidants and become harmful. Of particular concern are studies that have found an increase in lung cancer and overall mortality rate among smokers who took beta-carotene supplements. Even more worrisome, in people with existing cancer, high doses of antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamins A, C, E, or beta carotene, may actually protect cancer cells (just as they do healthy cells). One small study found that high doses of antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, interfered with cholesterol-lowering drugs and reduced their effect. This study also supports other evidence that high doses of vitamin C may speed up atherosclerosis.
Comfrey. Comfrey is an herbal remedy used for several inflammatory problems. Recent evidence indicates that comfrey can be toxic to the liver, and animal studies have reported a possible cancer risk. It is banned in Canada and other countries but is widely available in the US.
Gingko. Although the risks for gingko appear to be low, the risk for bleeding goes up after taking it at high doses. There is also a risk of interaction with high doses of vitamin E anti-clotting medications. Commercial gingko preparations have also been reported to contain colchicine, an agent that can be harmful in pregnant women and people with kidney or liver problems. Moreover, some brands have no effect at all. In a 2002 study, one-third of 26 brands tested did not contain enough active ingredients to provide any benefit.
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Review Date: 12/14/2006
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical
School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).
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