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Clinically Relevant Herb-Micronutrient Interactions: When Botanicals, Minerals, and Vitamins Collide
Bill J Gurley1, Alyssa Tonsing-Carter2,3, Sheila L Thomas4
1Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR.
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.)
|July 23, 2018
Summary
Botanical dietary supplements (BDSs) can significantly impact how the body absorbs essential vitamins and minerals. Understanding these herb-micronutrient interactions is crucial for accurate nutritional research and safe supplement use.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Pharmacology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Food's effect on nutrient absorption is well-known, but botanical dietary supplements' (BDSs) impact is understudied.
- BDS usage is increasing, with potential for interactions similar to known herb-drug interactions.
- BDSs contain unique phytochemicals that can influence enzymes and transporters involved in nutrient metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the limited research on herb-micronutrient interactions.
- To highlight clinically relevant examples of these interactions.
- To identify challenges in studying BDSs and their effects on nutrient disposition.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on botanical dietary supplements and micronutrient interactions.
- Analysis of mechanisms by which phytochemicals may affect nutrient absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
- Discussion of common research pitfalls related to BDS product quality and dosage.
Main Results:
- Certain BDSs have been shown to reduce the absorption of iron, folate, and ascorbate.
- Some BDSs may contribute to heavy metal toxicity.
- Product variability and dosage form performance in BDSs can complicate research outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Herb-micronutrient interactions are a clinically relevant area requiring more research.
- Understanding BDS idiosyncrasies is vital for accurate interpretation of nutritional studies.
- Further investigation is needed to characterize the prevalence and clinical significance of these interactions.
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