Vitamins and Herbs

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) are not recommended during Pregnancy

Certain herbs such as black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) may be contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation because of their potential for uterine stimulation and abortifacient effects. This article reviews this and other potential side-effects from the use (or overuse) of herbal medicines.

Ernest B. Hawkins, R.Ph.   And the Good Herb Taketh Away   From The October 1999 Issue of Nutrition Science News

All berberine-containing herbs should be avoided during pregnancy

Berberine-containing herbs have long been used for their antibiotic action and toning effects on the respiratory tract. Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium) all contain the antimicrobial phytochemical berberine.

Studies confirm berberine's antimicrobial activity against a wide variety of bacterial, fungal and parasitic species.27 In one study berberine was shown to block streptococci from adhering to epithelial cells, the type of cell found lining the respiratory passages.30 This suggests berberine-containing herbs may be particularly useful in strep infections. Other studies have shown the compound has a protective effect on thymus gland cells31 and supports other immune cells.32 Any of the berberine-containing herbs can be taken on their own, or with echinacea and other immune-supportive herbs. All berberine-containing herbs should be avoided during pregnancy because they may cause premature uterine contractions.

David Wolfson, N.D.   A Shield of Immunity   From The September 1999 Issue of Nutrition Science News

Research on Echinacea Use in Pregnancy

A controlled prospective study suggests that consumption of echinacea during pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of birth defects. Between 1996 and 1998, 412 women participated in the Canadian study. Of these women, 206 had taken echinacea during pregnancy. The 206 women in the control group were matched to the echinacea group by age, alcohol and cigarette use, and disease (i.e., upper respiratory tract infections during pregnancy). Fifty-four percent reported taking the herb in the first trimester of pregnancy, and 8% used echinacea throughout their pregnancies. The dosages of echinacea capsules or tablets used by the women varied from 250 to 1,000 mg a day; tincture dosages varied from 5 to 30 drops a day. About 81% of the participants reported that echinacea improved their upper respiratory tract symptoms.

Results revealed no significant differences between the echinacea group and the control group in the rate of major or minor birth defects, nor were there any differences in pregnancy outcome, delivery method, maternal weight gain, gestational age, infant birth weight or fetal distress. In the echinacea group, 6 major and 6 minor malformations occurred; of these, 4 major and 2 minor malformations appeared in babies of women who took echinacea during the first trimester, the most important period in terms of initial fetal development. By comparison, the researchers observed 7 major and 7 minor malformations in control group infants. There were 13 spontaneous abortions in the echinacea group compared with 7 in the control group.

First Study on Safety of Echinacea During Pregnancy  Herb World News Online 2000

Pregnancy Outcome Following Gestational Exposure to Echinacea

Echinacea products are among the most popular phytomedicines on the North American market. Since at least half of all pregnancies are unplanned, many women inadvertently use echinacea in their first trimester. This first prospective study suggests that gestational use of echinacea during organogenesis is not associated with an increased risk for major malformations.

Pregnancy Outcome Following Gestational Exposure to Echinacea: A Prospective Controlled Study Arch Intern Med 2000 (Nov 13);   160:   3141-3143

Are Herbs Safe For Baby?

A recent study at Woman and Infants' Hospital in Rhode Island reveals that a significant number of pregnant women are using herbs and alternative therapies. Out of the 240 women involved in the study, 9.1% said that they used herbs some time during their pregnancy and 7.5% used herbs on weekly basis. The most commonly used herbs included garlic, aloe, chamomile, peppermint, ginger, Echinacea, pumpkin seeds and ginseng. Thirteen percent of the women also reported that they used chiropractors and other alternative therapies, such as aromatherapy, meditation, relaxation, yoga, acupressure, therapeutic touch, homeopathy, acupuncture and reflexology.

Gibson PS, Powrie R, Star J   Herbal and alternative medicine use during pregnancy: a cross-sectional survey.   Obstet Gynecol 2001;   97 (4 Suppl 1):   S44-S45.

Vitamin B2 Deficiency Linked With Pre-Eclampsia

Expectant mothers who don't get enough riboflavin (B2) are at an increased risk of pre-eclampsia, researchers report. Investigators tested 154 pregnant women who were at an elevated risk of developing pre-eclampsia. In total, 33.8% of subjects were deficient in the B vitamin. Overall, 28.8% of those with the deficiency developed pre-eclampsia, compared with 7.8% of mothers who did not lack riboflavin.

Wacker J, Fruhauf J, Schulz M, Chiwora FM, Volz J, Becker K   Riboflavin deficiency and preeclampsia   Obstet Gynecol 2000 (Jul);   96 (1):   38-44

Ease Into Menopause Naturally

Women who are undecided about synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) want information on the more natural remedies that provide menopausal symptom relief as well as reduce risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and cancer. HRT appears to have a positive effect on reducing long-term risk of heart disease and osteoporosis but is controversial because it increases the risk of breast cancer. Women with a strong family history of coronary artery disease are left feeling as though choosing HRT to protect their hearts may ultimately cost them their breasts. The following is a synthesis of several of the better-researched and accepted alternative natural suggestions for managing the phases of the menopausal transition: early and middle perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause.

Karen Laputka Kiss, M.S., R.N.,   Ease Into Menopause Naturally   From The Nutrition Science News

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most frequently encountered endocrine disorders occurring in women of reproductive age. Clinically, a patient usually presents with menstrual irregularities, infertility, and hirsutism. If not treated properly, a patient is at risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hyperestrogen-related cancers. The hallmark endocrine disorders of this syndrome are hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinemia. Great controversy exists as to which state precedes the other. There also appears to be a defect in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in patients presenting with polycystic ovary syndrome. Research consistently demonstrates that the first line of treatment for this condition is weight loss. Weight loss and dietary changes appear to affect all parameters of hormonal fluctuation. Due to the vast array of side effects associated with many pharmaceutical agents typically prescribed to treat PCOS, natural therapeutics including nutrient supplementation and botanicals may be a less invasive and equally effective approach. Due to the seriousness of this syndrome when left untreated, prompt evaluation and treatment is essential.

Keri Marshall, ND   Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Clinical Considerations   Altern Med Rev 2001;   6 (3):   272-292

A Smart Start for Pregnancy and Lactation

Many health-conscious women who are pregnant or breast-feeding adhere to dietary guidelines set by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology that recommend limiting fat intake for the health of their babies. However, scientists now recognize that specific long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs) are required for the development of a baby's brain, nerves, heart and eyes. Furthermore, research has revealed that pregnant American women do not get enough LCPs in their diet, even when they are not necessarily trying to limit fat intake.

Marcia Zimmerman, C.N.   A Smart Start for Pregnancy and Lactation   From The March 1999 Issue of Nutrition Science News

Prenatal Nutrition

Often when a woman becomes pregnant, or is trying to get pregnant, she develops a new perspective on her health. For most this means a new or renewed interest in nutrition and healthy food choices. Some women are afraid their diet is insufficient and worry it might affect their baby. Others simply want to do everything in their power to have an easy pregnancy and a normal infant. All are valid concerns. They are also opportunities for you to discuss the reasons to supplement, even for those already eating healthfully.

Supplementing with vitamins to ensure a healthy pregnancy is wise. In fact, because U.S. RDAs for some nutrients double during pregnancy, it may be the only way to guarantee nutrient needs are met. In particular, pregnant women need increased quantities of iron, calcium and folic acid. Supplementing with a quality multivitamin that provides these three nutrients is a necessity because even a well-balanced diet will not provide enough of them for a woman and her growing child.

Charles K. Rosenberg, C.N.   Prenatal Nutrition   From the February 2000 Issue of Nutrition Science News

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies which may predispose to glucose intolerance of pregnancy

There is an increased requirement for nutrients in normal pregnancy, not only due to increased demand, but also increased loss. There is also an increased insulin resistant state during pregnancy mediated by the placental anti-insulin hormones estrogen, progesterone, human somatomammotropin; the pituitary hormone prolactin; and the adrenal hormone, cortisol. If the maternal pancreas cannot increase production of insulin to sustain normoglycemia despite these anti-insulin hormones, gestational diabetes occurs. Gestational diabetes is associated with excessive nutrient losses due to glycosuria. Specific nutrient deficiencies of chromium, magnesium, potassium and pyridoxine may potentiate the tendency towards hyperglycemia in gestational diabetic women because each of these four deficiencies causes impairment of pancreatic insulin production. This review describes the pathophysiology of the hyperglycemia and the nutrient loss in gestational diabetes and further postulates the mechanism whereby vitamin/mineral supplementation may be useful to prevent or ameliorate pregnancy-related glucose intolerance.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies which may predispose to glucose intolerance of pregnancy  Journal of the American College of Nutrition (USA), 1996, 15/1 (14-20

More articles at Chiro.Org's NUTRITION Section