Lecture 23 – Optimum dosage levels of nutraceuticals and contraindications

Nutraceuticals are not reviewed and approved by FDA instead FDA issues regulations about
ingredients, labeling, registrations etc and dosage levels of certain netraceuticals which
classify under different categories are approved and many more are in the upcoming list
and in the research level. However certain optimum dosage levels were recommended by
other organizations other than FDS with those standards, populations are having
nutraceuticals and awareness are made to prevent overdoses and side effects of the
compounds.

The following are some of the nutraceutical compounds with optimum dosage levels.

Curcumin

The nutraceutical curcumin is the principal active polyphenolic pigment in the curry
spice turmeric obtained from the rhizome of curcuma longa.

Dosing : curmcumin is primarily available in capsule form from commercial manufacturers.

Most common regimen 1-3500 mg capsules daily with or without food. Analgesic effect
have been reported with doses of 1.5 to 2 g/day daily oral doses of 3.600 mg have been
typically used in clinical trials, but dosage of upto 8g/day have also been used.

Contraindications: Avoid use if hyper sentitive to any of the components of curcumin avoid
use during pregnancy and lactation due to emmenagogue and uterine stimulant effects. The
herb should not be used in patients with gallstones or bile duct or passage obstruction.

Fish oil

Fish oil can be obtained from eating fish or by taking supplements they are rich in
beneficial oils known as omega 3 fatty acids, fish oil is FDA approved to lower triglyceride
levels. Dosing: for general health 250 mg of combined EPA and DHA is the minimum dose.
The American heart association recommends 1 g daily to reduce soreness is needed

Pregnant woman should increase their intake of DHA by at least 200 mg a day as longer
there is no risk of elevated mercury levels

Contraindications

Fish contain allergic reactions but its processing does’nt mostly transfer allergic
reactions when it is highly purified
Some contraindications include blood thinning immune system depression and allergic
reactions such as hives, breathing difficulty a rash, fainting and swelling of the throat, face
or mount. To minimize fish burnt taste, take fish oil with meals.

Lcarnitine

It is an amino acid derivative synthesized from the amino acids lysine and methionine in
the liver and kidney also synthesized in the brain essential cellular component referred to as
vitamin B1, although not generally considered as a vitamin.

Dosing

Standard dose of L-carnitine is 500-2000 mg/day . Acetyl L carnitine – Thin form is best
for brain health doses 600-2500 mg/day L-carnitine, L-tartrate – effective for exercise
performance doses 1000-4000 mg/day propionyl L-carnitine-improves blood flow doses
400-100 g/day upto 2000 mg (2g) seems safe and effective in the long term.

Contraindications

L-carnitine is contraindicated in patients with renal disease (on dialysis) and history of
seizures.

Sulforaphane

Sulforaphane-anticancer compound in cruciferous vegetables, most commonly in

broccoli. Potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and similar to curcumin.

Dosing

Although an ideal dosage is not known, supplementation of 0.1-0.5mg/kg sulforaphane

to rats has been noted to be bioactive.

Estimated human dose- 7-34mg for 150lb person

9-45mg for 200lp person
11-57mg for 250 person
Higher doses may be further beneficial. The optimal supplementation dose is unknown.

Contraindications- Unkown

5.Limonene

Liminonene is a molecule found in lemons but also most citurs foods anticances agent and a
minimal fatburner.

Dosing
 lemonade confers approximately 500mgD-limonene, which can be seen as an active
dose otherwise many benefits are seen with 1g of Limonene daily.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to coumarin/limonene is a contraindication. In addition it should not be

used when with active ulceration, over bleeding of GI, genitourinary or respiratory tract.

When with contemplate surgery, spinal puncture, threatened abortion etc.

6. Resveratrol

A molecule known for its content in wine. Effective at heart and blood flow and may be
an insulin sensitizer.

Dosing

For persons who are healthy, dosage between the range of 150-445mg have been used.
Supplementation refers to trans-resveratrol exclusively.

Contraindications

Contraindications happen when blood disorders, breastfeeding, hypersensitivity and

when pregnant.

Green tea catechins

Greentea catechins are four molecules, high amounts of which are present in green tea
and other sources. The most potent one is EGCG. Benefits through water soluble
polyphenols (frequently referred to us catechins).

Dosing

significant effects in humans are noted only at high doses, such as 400-500mg EGCG
equivalent. One cup of green tea contains approximately 50mg of EGCG equivalent.

Contraindications

Greentea increases the production of acid in the stomuch so present this gastric
problems. Because of its tannin content tea inhabits iron absorption which is unsuitable for
sufferers of anaemia.

8. Berberine
 berberine is an alkaloid extracted from various plants used in traditional chinese
medicine. Supplemented for its antiflammatory and anti diabetic effects.

Dosing

The standard dose of berberine is 900-2000 mg a day, divided into three to four doses
should be taken with a meal. Too much results in stomach upset, cramping and diarrhea

Contraindications

Supplements with this alkoloid are considered as unsafe for children pregnant woman and
woman who are breasfeeding and also not suitable for people with conditions such as
hypotension, hyperbilirubinemia and diabetes

9 Gamma-oryzanol

Mixture of compounds found notably in rice bran oil has un proven cholesterol lowering
effect with some skin health properties.

Dosing

They are highly variable some says lower dose (50 mg once daily or 20 mg thrice daily) and
other studies using a markedly higher dosage 300-800 mg/daily. It is unsure what dosage
should be recommended

Contraindications

Contraindications have not yet been identified. However use of products containing phytic
acid, chemical constituent of rice seed it is not advised in patients with poor kidney
function.

10 Redclover extract

They are is a flavones including the soy isoflavones in low amounts. therapy for menopause
improves health and reducing hot flashes

Dosing : Red cloves blossoms for sedation were formerly used at doses of 4g but are now
used primarily as a source of ioaflavones. The usual dose is 40-80 mg/day of standardized
isoflavones.

Contraindications

It should not be used in patients with hormonal disorders or estrogen dependent breast
cancers or during pregnancy or lactation not advised in children younger than 12 year
 11. Rosmarinic acid

It is a polyphenol similar to caffeic acid and is in high levels in rosemary. It is general

antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects.

Dosing : A standard dose is 200-300 mg active rosmarinic acid for oral ingestion

Contraindications

It is contraindicated to pregnancy and breastfeeding aspirin allergy. Bleeding disorders,

seizure disorders.

12. Lutein

Leutein is a carotenoid structure similar to zeaxanthin and the two are components of
many food products such as egg yolks and paprika and they are also similar to pro vitamin A
They are involved in eye health.

Dosing : Suggested dosing is 6-20 mg / day

Contraindications : None

13 Sesamin : Sesamin is the most prominent lignan compound found in sesame seeds
Estrogen receptor modulator and fat burner, antiinflammatory drugs

Dosing : The oral ingestion of around 100-150 mg of sesamin is sufficient to raise bodily
sesamin stores to a level where it can prevent Vitamin E in the body.

Contraindications

Pregnant and lactating women should consider this

14 Taurine : Taurine is an amino acid. It helps in muscle growth neurologic function protection
of cells and proper function of immune system.

Dosing : The recommended dosage of taurine is usually less than 3000 mg/day

Contraindications : None

15. Punicic acid

Punicic acid is the main fatty acid found in pomegranate seed oil and found in
pomegranates associates with the health benefits of pomegranate
Dosing : Studies that use pomegranate seed oil use 400 mg of a 72 % punicic acid oil. It is not
known to be optimum

Contraindications : None

Conclusion

Nutraceuticals are playing an important role in the development of future therapeutics

but it depends on the control of purity efficacy and safety. Hence to enter neutraceutical
industry the product should comply with regulatory framework of that country. Hence
evalution of each active ingredient in the context of permissibility standard and dosage of
vitamins / minerals allowed product classification as per various healthcare.