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"All of the products on progressivehealth.com are formulated with quality in mind. Our team of naturopathic physicians closely analyzed each formula to find the best balance of effective ingredients. I personally take Advecia for hair maintenance, Acktiva coral calcium for long term health, and Balance Point Multivitamin to help fulfill my daily nutritional needs."
Brad Chase, President
Daily Dosage: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule in the morning with 8 ounces of water. 45-60 days of continuous use is necessary for optimum results. Revitle Research:
Possible Interactions with: Vitamin A If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use vitamin A without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Antacids - One study suggests that the combination of vitamin A and antacids may be more effective than antacids alone in healing ulcers. Birth Control Medications - Birth control medications increase the levels of vitamin A in women. Therefore, it may not be appropriate for women taking birth control medications to take vitamin A supplements. Again, this is something that should be discussed with a knowledgeable healthcare provider. Blood thinning Medications, Anticoagulants - Long-term use of vitamin A or use of high doses may lead to an increased risk of bleeding for those taking blood-thinning medications, particularly warfarin. People taking this medication should notify a doctor before taking vitamin A supplements. Cholesterol-lowering Medications - The cholesterol-lowering medications cholestyramine and colestipol (both known as bile acid sequestrants), may reduce the body's ability to absorb vitamin A. Another class of cholesterol-lowering medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or statins (including atorvastatin, fluvastatin, and lovastatin, among others) may actually increase vitamin A levels in the blood. Doxorubicin - Test tube studies suggest that vitamin A may enhance the action of doxorubicin, a medication used for cancer. Much more research is needed, however, to know whether this has any practical application for people. Neomycin - This antibiotic may reduce vitamin A absorption, especially when delivered in large doses. Omeprazole - Omeprazole (used for gastroesophageal reflux disease or "heart burn") may influence the absorption and effectiveness of beta-carotene supplements. It is not known whether this medication affects the absorption of beta-carotene from foods. Weight Loss Products - Orlistat, a medication used for weight loss and olestra, a substance added to certain food products, are both intended to bind to fat and prevent the absorption of fat and the associated calories. Because of their effects on fat, orlistat and olestra may also prevent the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A. Given this concern and possibility, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now requires that vitamin A and other fat soluble vitamins (namely, D, E, and K) be added to food products containing olestra. How well vitamin A from such food products is absorbed and used by the body is not clear. In addition, physicians who prescribe orlistat add a multivitamin with fat soluble vitamins to the regimen. Alcohol - Alcohol can enhance the toxic effects of vitamin A, presumably through its adverse effects on the liver. It is unwise to take vitamin A if you drink regularly. Possible Interactions with: Vitamin C
Also listed as: Ascorbic Acid; Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use vitamin C supplements without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Aspirin and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - Very limited research suggests that vitamin C may protect the stomach and intestines against injury from NSAIDs such as ibuoprofen. On the other hand, high doses of vitamin C (equal to or greater than 500 mg per day) may raise the blood levels of aspirin and other acidic medications. Acetominophen - Vitamin C may decrease excretion of acetaminophen (a medication sold over the counter for pain and headache) in the urine, which may increase blood levels of this medication. Diuretics, Loop - Animal studies suggest that vitamin C may amplify the effects of furosemide, which belongs to a class of medications known as loop diuretics. Beta-blockers for high blood pressure - Vitamin C may decrease the absorption of propranolol, a medication that belongs to a class known as beta-blockers used for high blood pressure and other heart-related conditions. If taking vitamin C and a beta-blocker, therefore, it is best to take them at different times of the day. Cyclosporine - Cyclosporine, a medication used for the treatment of cancer, may reduce blood levels of vitamin C. Nitrate Medications for heart disease - The combination of vitamin C with nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, or isosorbide mononitrate reduces the occurrence of nitrate tolerance. Nitrate tolerance is when the body builds up a tolerance to the medicine so that it no longer has its desired effect. People taking nitrate-containing medications generally follow a 12 hours on, 12 hours off schedule to avoid this tolerance. Studies suggest that taking vitamin C along with nitrate medications may reduce the development of this tolerance. Tetracycline - There is some evidence that taking vitamin C with the antibiotic tetracycline may increase the levels of this medication. Warfarin - There have been rare case reports of vitamin C interfering with the effectiveness of this blood thinning medication. In recent follow up studies, no such association has been found with doses of vitamin C up to 1,000 mg per day. Because of these much earlier reports, however, some conservative clinicians suggest not exceeding RDA values of vitamin C (see earlier section entitled How To Take It). Whether taking recommended dietary amounts or larger quantities of vitamin C, anyone on warfarin must have their bleeding time measured regularly and followed closely using a value called an INR, measured at your doctor's office. If you take this blood thinner, any time you make a change to your diet, medications, or supplements, you must notify your physician. Possible Interactions with: Vitamin E If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use vitamin E supplements without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Antidepressant Medications, Tricyclic - Vitamin E inhibits the uptake by cells of the antidepressant desimpramine, which belongs to a class of drugs known as tricyclics. Other members of that class include imipramine and nortriptyline. Antipsychotic Medications - Vitamin E can inhibit the uptake by cells of the antipsychotic medication called chlorpromazine, which belongs to a class of drugs known as phenothiazines. Aspirin - A study evaluating the effects of vitamin E and aspirin suggests that the combination appears to be safe and may benefit patients at risk for stroke. AZT - Vitamin E may protect against toxicity and side effects from AZT, a medication used to treat HIV and AIDS. Beta Blockers for high blood pressure - Vitamin E inhibits the uptake by cells of propranolol, a member of a class of medications called beta blockers used for high blood pressure. Other beta-blockers include atenolol and metoprolol. Birth Control Medications - Vitamin E may provide antioxidant benefits to women taking birth control medications. Chloroquine - Vitamin E can inhibit the uptake into cells of chloroquine, a medication used to treat malaria. Cholesterol-lowering Medications - Cholesterol-lowering medications such as colestipol and cholestyramine, called bile-acid sequestrants, decrease the absorption of vitamin E. Gemfibrozil, a different type of cholesterol-lowering medication called a fibric acid derivative, may also reduce vitamin E levels. A third class of medications used to lower cholesterol levels known as statins (such as atorvastatin, pravastatin, and lovastatin), may reduce the antioxidant activity of vitamin E. On the other hand, the combination of vitamin E supplements with statins may help protect blood vessels from dysfunction. Cyclosporine - Vitamin E may interact with cyclosporine, a medication used to treat cancer, reducing the effectiveness of both the supplement and the medication. However, there appears to be some controversy regarding the nature of this interaction; another study suggests that the combination of vitamin E and cyclosporine may actually increase the effects of the medication. More research is needed to determine the safety of this combination. Hormone Replacement Therapy - Vitamin E supplements may benefit women taking hormone replacement therapy by improving lipid profiles. Mebendazole - Simultaneous supplementation with vitamins A, C, E, and selenium significantly reduced the effectiveness of this vermifuge (treatment to eradicate intestinal worms) in a study. Tamoxifen - Tamoxifen, a hormonal treatment for breast cancer, increases blood levels of triglycerides, increasing one's chances of developing high cholesterol. In a study of 54 women with breast cancer, vitamins C and E, taken along with the tamoxifen, counteracted this by decreasing low density cholesterol and triglyceride levels while increasing high density cholesterol. The antioxidants also enhanced the anti-cancer action of the tamoxifen. Warfarin - Taking vitamin E at the same time as warfarin, a blood-thinning medication, increases the risk of abnormal bleeding, especially in vitamin K-deficient individuals. Weight Loss Products - Orlistat, a medication used for weight loss and olestra, a substance added to certain food products, are both intended to bind to fat and prevent the absorption of fat and the associated calories. Because of their effects on fat, orlistat and olestra may also prevent the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin E. Given this concern and possibility, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now requires that vitamin E and other fat soluble vitamins (namely, A, D, and K) be added to food products containing olestra. How well vitamin E from such food products is absorbed and used by the body is not clear. In addition, physicians who prescribe orlistat may add a multivitamin with fat soluble vitamins to the regimen. Possible Interactions with: Selenium If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use selenium supplements without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Cisplatin, Doxorubicin, and Bleomycin - Selenium may reduce toxic side effects associated with cisplatin and doxorubicin, two forms of chemotherapy used to treat cancer. On the other hand, a test tube study suggested that selenium may inhibit the anti-cancer effects of bleomycin. Cholesterol-lowering Medications Researchers recently discovered an unexpected adverse interaction between antioxidant supplements and a popular combination of cholesterol-lowering medications known as simvastatin and niacin -- this interaction may have important implications for patients with heart disease. Together, simvastatin and niacin have been shown to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol and raise HDL ("good") cholesterol in people with heart disease. When taken with antioxidants (including selenium), however, these medications may not be as effective in raising HDL cholesterol. Possible Interactions with: Coenzyme Q10 If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use CoQ10 without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Daunorubicin and Doxorubicin - Coenzyme Q10 may help to reduce the toxic effects on the heart caused by daunorubicin and doxorubicin, two chemotherapy medications that are commonly used to treat a variety of cancers. Blood Pressure Medications - In a study of individuals taking blood pressure medications (including diltiazem, metoprolol, enalapril, and nitrate), CoQ10 supplementation allowed the individuals to take lower dosages of these drugs. This suggests that CoQ10 may enhance the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medications, but more research is needed to verify these results. Warfarin - There have been reports that coenzyme Q10 may decrease the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, leading to the need for increased doses. Therefore, given that this medication must be monitored very closely for maintenance of appropriate levels and steady blood thinning, CoQ10 should only be used with warfarin under careful supervision by your healthcare provider. Timolol - CoQ10 supplementation may reduce the heart-related side effects of timolol drops, a beta-blocker medication used to treat glaucoma, without decreasing the effectiveness of the medication. Other - Medications that can lower the levels of coenzyme Q10 in the body include statins for cholesterol (atorvastatin, cerivastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin), fibric acid derivatives for cholesterol (specifically, gemfibrozil), beta-blockers for high blood pressure (such as atenolol, labetolol, metoprolol, and propranolol), and tricyclic antidepressant medications (including amitriptyline, amoxapine, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline, protriptyline, and trimipramine). Possible Interactions with: Omega 3 & 6 If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use omega-3 fatty acid supplements without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Blood-thinning Medications - Omega-3 fatty acids may increase the blood-thinning effects of aspirin or warfarin. While the combination of aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids may actually be helpful under certain circumstances (such as heart disease), they should only be taken together under the guidance and supervision of your healthcare provider. Cyclosporine Taking omega-3 fatty acids during cyclosporine therapy may reduce toxic side effects (such as high blood pressure and kidney damage) associated with this medication in transplant patients. Etretinate and Topical Steroids - The addition of omega-3 fatty acids (specifically EPA) to a drug regimen of etretinate and topical corticosteroids may improve symptoms of psoriasis. Cholesterol-lowering Medications - Following certain nutritional guidelines, including increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet and reducing the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, may allow a group of cholesterol lowering medications known as "statins" (such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin) to work more effectively. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - In an animal study, treatment with omega-3 fatty acids reduced the risk of ulcers from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). More research is needed to evaluate whether omega-3 fatty acids would have the same effects in people. If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use omega-6 supplements without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Ceftazidime - GLA may increase the effectiveness of ceftazidime, an antibiotic in a class known as cephalosporins, against a variety of bacterial infections. Chemotherapy for cancer - GLA may increase the effects of anti-cancer treatments, such as doxorubicin, cisplatin, carboplatin, idarubicin, mitoxantrone, tamoxifen, vincristine, and vinblastine. Cyclosporine - Taking omega-6 fatty acids during therapy with cyclosporine, a medication used to suppress the immune system after an organ transplant, for example, may increase the immunosuppressive effects of this medication and may protect against kidney damage (a potential side effect from this medication). Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - Theoretically, use of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, together with borage seed oil or other omega-6 fatty acids may counter-act the effects of the supplement. Research in this area is needed to know if this theory is accurate. Phenothiazines for schizophrenia - Individuals taking a class of medications called phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, promazine, and thioridazine) to treat schizophrenia should not take EPO because it may interact with these medications and increase the risk of seizures. The same may be true for other omega-6 containing supplements. Possible Interactions with: N-Acetyl L-Cysteine If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use cysteine supplements without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Blood Pressure Medications, Angiotensin-converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors - NAC may enhance the blood pressure-lowering effects of ACE inhibitors, medications commonly used to treat high blood pressure. Examples of ACE inhibitors include benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, quenipril, ramepril, and trandolapril. Immunosuppressive Medications - Treatment with NAC may enhance the effectiveness of immunosuppressive medications such as azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, prednisolone, or prednisone. More research in this area is needed. Cisplatin and Doxorubicin - Laboratory and animal studies have suggested that NAC may reduce the toxic effects associated with both cisplatin and doxorubicin, medications used to treat a variety of cancers. However, scientific studies are needed to see if these effects apply to people. Nitroglycerin and Isosorbide - Although NAC may enhance the effectiveness of nitroglycerin and isosorbide (two medications commonly used to treat chest pain), this combination may also increase the risk of side effects such as severe headaches and may lead to abnormally low blood pressure. Oxiconazole - Topical applications of NAC may increase the effectiveness of oxiconazole, an antifungal medication used for athlete's foot. Possible Interactions with: Alpha Lipoic Acid If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use alpha-lipoic acid without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Amikacin and Gentamicin In an animal study, alpha-lipoic acid supplements reduced side effects, particularly toxicity to the ear, associated with these antibiotics. Additional studies are needed to confirm these effects in people. Cisplatin and Cyclophosphamide The use of alpha-lipoic acid supplements in animals protected against toxic side effects associated with these medications. Thyroid-regulating Medications, Levothyroxine Rats given alpha-lipoic acid supplements had altered thyroid hormone function, but improved cholesterol levels. Blood hormone levels and thyroid function tests should be monitored closely in people taking thyroid hormones who are also taking alpha-lipoic acid.
Possible Interactions with: Gingko Biloba Ext. If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use ginkgo without first talking to your healthcare provider:
Anticonvulsant medications - High doses of Ginkgo biloba could decrease the effectiveness of anticonvulsant therapy in patients taking carbamazepine or valproic acid to control seizures. Blood-thinning medications - Ginkgo has blood-thinning properties and therefore should not be used if you are taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, heparin, ticlopidine, or warfarin. Cylosporine - Ginkgo biloba may be beneficial during treatment with cyclosporine because of its ability to protect cell membranes from damage. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) - Ginkgo may enhance the effects (both good and bad) of antidepressant medications known as MAOIs, such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine. Papaverine - The combination of papaverine and ginkgo may be effective for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in patients who do not respond to papaverine alone. Thiazide diuretics - Although there has been one literature report of increased blood pressure associated with the use of ginkgo during treatment with thiazide diuretics, this interaction has not been verified by clinical trials. Nevertheless, you should consult with your healthcare provider before using ginkgo if you are taking thiazide diuretics. Trazodone - Additionally, there has been a report of an adverse interaction between ginkgo and trazodone, an antidepressant medication, that resulted in an elderly patient going into a coma. Possible Interactions with: Hawthorne If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use hawthorn without first talking to your healthcare provider:
Digoxin - Hawthorn may enhance the activity of digoxin, a medication used for irregular heart rhythms. Phenylephrine - In a laboratory study, an alcoholic extract of hawthorn fruit counteracted the effects of phenylephrine, a medication that constricts blood vessels and is commonly found in nasal decongestant products. However, this interaction has not been studied in people; therefore, the relevance of this interaction to people is unknown at this time. Possible Interactions with: Siberian Ginseng If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use Siberian ginseng without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Digoxin - Siberian ginseng may raise blood levels of digoxin, a medication used to treat heart conditions. This can increase the risk of adverse side effects from this medication. Sedatives for Insomnia - Caution should be taken when considering use of Siberian ginseng with sedatives, primarily barbiturates (a class of medications including pentobarbital which are used for sleep or seizures). Possible Interactions with: Cordyceps Sinensis There have been no toxicities or deficiencies reported by the ingestion of Cordyceps available literature. Various dosages have proven safe. However, caution is advised for patients taking anti-coagulant or immuno-modulating drugs, and individuals preparing for surgery, due to Cordycep's reported platelet aggregation-inhibitory activity.
Possible Interactions with: Bilberry Blood-thinning medications, anticoagulants - In theory, because the anthocyanidins in bilberry may inhibit blood from clotting, there may be an increased risk of bleeding in those taking anthocyanidin extracts from bilberry along with blood thinners, particularly warfarin. This has not been tested scientifically, but those taking warfarin or other blood thinners in the same class, known as anticoagulants, should be very careful if considering use of bilberry and should be followed closely by a doctor who will check your INR (a measurement to indicate, in part, your risk of bleeding).
There has been one case report of a woman taking many herbs and supplements, including bilberry, experiencing a serious bleed following surgery for breast cancer. The other herbs and supplements she was taking that may have contributed to the risk of bleeding include ginkgo, ginseng, and vitamin E. The whole bilberry fruit, therefore, which contains both anthocyanidins and tannins (that may help stop bleeding) is likely safer if you are on a blood thinner than the isolated anthocyanidin extracts. Possible Interactions with: Green Tea Ext. If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not drink green tea or take green tea extract without first talking to your healthcare provider:
Adenosine - Green tea may inhibit the actions of adenosine, a medication administered in a hospital setting for an irregular (and usually unstable) heart rhythm. Antibiotics, beta-lactam - Green tea may increase the effectiveness of beta-lactam antibiotics by reducing bacterial resistance to treatment. Benzodiazepines - Caffeine (including caffeine from green tea) has been shown to reduce the sedative effects of benzodiazepines (medications commonly used to treat anxiety, such as diazepam and lorazepam). Beta-blockers, propranolol and metoprolol - Caffeine (including caffeine from green tea) may increase blood pressure in people taking propranolol and metoprolol (medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease). Blood Thinning Medications - Green tea should not be taken with warfarin, a blood-thinning medication, because the herb contains vitamin K and, thus, can render warfarin ineffective. Similarly, green tea and aspirin should not be mixed because they both prevent platelets from clotting. Using the two together, therefore, may increase your risk of bleeding. Chemotherapy - The combination of green tea and chemotherapy medications, specifically doxorubicin and tamoxifen, increased the effectiveness of these medications in laboratory tests. These results have not yet been demonstrated in studies of people, however. On the other hand, there have been reports of both green and black tea extracts stimulating a gene in prostate cancer cells that may cause them to be less sensitive to chemotherapy drugs. Given this potential interaction, black and green tea (as well as extracts of these teas) should not be taken while receiving chemotherapy for prostate cancer in particular. Clozapine - The anti-psychotic effects of the medication clozapine may be reduced if taken less than 40 minutes after drinking green tea. Ephedrine - When taken together with ephedrine, green tea may cause agitation, tremors, insomnia, and weight loss. Lithium - Green tea has been shown to reduce blood levels of lithium (a medication used to treat manic/depression). Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) - Green tea may cause a severe increase in blood pressure (called a "hypertensive crisis") when taken together with MAOIs used to treat depression. Examples of MAOIs include phenelzine and tranylcypromine. Oral contraceptives - Oral contraceptives can prolong the amount of time caffeine stays in the body and may increase its stimulating effects. Phenylpropanolamine - A combination of caffeine (including caffeine from green tea) and phenylpropanolamine (an ingredient used in many over-the-counter and prescription cough and cold medications and weight loss products)can cause mania and a severe increase in blood pressure. The FDA issued a public health advisory in November 2000 to warn people of the risk of bleeding in the brain from use of this medication and has strongly urged all manufacturers of this drug to remove it from the market. Possible Interactions with: Grape Seed Ext. We are unaware of any interactions with this supplement.
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