Nutrition Hotline: Q & A

Better Nutrition, March, 2000 by Shari Lieberman

Dr. Shari Ansers your Questions

Alpha-lipoic acid for diabetic neuropathy

Q From W.E., Middletown, RI: I read that alpha-lipoic acid is good for diabetic neuropathy. How much should I take?

A Numerous human studies have shown that alpha-lipoic acid is remarkable at improving diabetic neuropathy, a nerve degeneration caused by poorly controlled blood sugar. It is a very powerful antioxidant that is unusual in that it works in both lipid (fat) and water layers of our cells. It appears that 100 mg, 3 times daily is the therapeutic dose.

What it takes to become a nutritionist

Q From M.G., New York, NY: I would love to become a nutritionist. Are there any correspondence courses that offer a meaningful degree?

A A graduate degree from a regionally accredited university (or college) is required to become a nutritionist. Although many programs claim to be accredited by various organizations, the key word to look for is regionally accredited. Also, to sit for the Certified Nutrition Specialist (C.N.S.) exam, you must have a graduate degree with the appropriate experience. This is the only nationally recognized certification for graduate-level nutrition professionals. It is also available to qualifying physicians, osteopaths, pharmacists, and other advanced degree professionals. Unlike the C.N.S, the R.D. (registered dietitian) is available for those completing an undergraduate degree in dietetics and/or food service with 1,000 hours of supervised experience. You must ask if the program is regionally accredited, or your degree will not be recognized by either of these credentialling organizations or by state licensing and certification boards. I don't know of any correspondence course per se, but there are universities that offer special programs such as University of Bridgeport, School of Human Nutrition, where I am a professor. It offers a graduate degree in human nutrition that is one weekend each month, so it is suitable for working students. They also just started an online program through the Internet that is in a classroom setting for those who cannot travel to Connecticut. Both of these programs are regionally accredited. Other universities and colleges offer alternative type programs. You should be able to find a listing for them at your library.

Ayurvedic herb eases ulcerative colitis

Q From R.M., Logan, UT: I've read about Boswellia serrata for ulcerative colitis. Does it really work?

A Human studies have shown that approximately 1,500 mg per day of the Ayurvedic herb Boswellia serrata appears to match the effectiveness of conventional drug treatment for both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. I would also consider adding fish oil and a complete antioxidant supplement. If you are on medication, you should work with your healtcare practitioner to incorporate these supplements into your program.

Is glucosamine safe for people with diabetes?

Q From B.B., Wilmington, DE: I recently read that people with non-insulin dependent diabetes should be careful when taking glucosamine sulfate. Is this true, and, if so, why?

A This information was based on a rat study, rather than a human study. Also, extremely high doses of glucosamine were used in this experiment. In this animal study, glucosamine impaired the secretion of insulin when given 10 minutes before non-insulin dependent diabetic rats ingested a large amount of sugar (glucose). The question is, "Is this relevant to humans?" Well, no one knows for sure since, as of now, there is no human study which has looked at this. Also, this blunting of the insulin response may be extremely transient since it occurred rather quickly. However, if you have non-insulin dependent diabetes, my advice would be to check your blood sugar levels either with a glucometer or have your physician run a hemoglobin A1C blood test before trying glucosamine, then do the test again, one week after supplementing with glucosamine, to see if the glucosamine had any adverse effect on your insulin levels.

Shari Lieberman holds a Ph.D. in clinical nutrition and exercise psychology. She is certified nutrition specialist (C.N.S.), a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition (F.A.C.N.) and serves on the board of the American Preventive Medical Association. Write her in care of Better Nutrition. She cannot answer questions by direct mail or telephone. Nutrition Hotline is intended for educational purposes only. If you have a medical problem, consult your physician.