stay updated with our newsletter

Subscribe
Facebook Twitter Linkedin

Rob Lutz, Founder & Editorial Director

Study Compares Sustained Release vs “No-Flush” Niacin Formulations

A six-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial compared 1,500 mg/day of wax-matrix extended-release niacin with the same dose of inositol hexanicotinate, often marketed as “no-flush” niacin. Wax-matrix niacin significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol. Inositol hexanicotinate produced no significant lipid improvements compared with placebo. A small pharmacokinetic substudy also found evidence of niacin absorption with the wax-matrix formulation but no meaningful bioavailability with inositol hexanicotinate.

Top 10 Questions About Mold (from a Mycotoxin Expert)

From “chronic Lyme” and MCAS to autism, autoimmunity, and unexplained neurological symptoms, mycotoxins are an often‑missed root cause. Drawing on decades of experience and published research, Andrew Campbell, MD, outlines the most common presentations of toxic mold exposure and why serum mycotoxin antibody testing is more reliable than urine testing.

Real-World Outcomes Using Oral Essential Oils for Acute Pharyngotonsillitis

A new observational study followed adults with mild-to-moderate acute pharyngotonsillitis (sore throat) treated either with penicillin V or an oral essential oil therapy. All groups improved, but essential oil users often avoided antibiotics altogether. This article reviews the study design, outcomes, mechanisms of action, and how this approach may integrate into sore throat protocols in integrative practice.

Why Vitamin D Matters in MS

Large observational cohorts, Mendelian-randomization genetics, and post-hoc analyses of phase‑3 trials link low 25(OH)D to higher MS risk and MRI activity. This practical, nontechnical summary for naturopathic and holistic clinicians reviews evidence, sensible target ranges, safe dosing approaches, monitoring, and how to integrate vitamin D into prevention and supportive care.

Clinical Trial Confirms Vitamin D and Fish Oil Help Cut Risk of Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune diseases continue to rise, but groundbreaking evidence from the VITAL study offers hope for prevention. Published in The BMJ, this large-scale trial of over 25,000 older adults found that vitamin D3 supplementation (2,000 IU/day) reduced autoimmune disease risk by 22%, with effects strengthening to 39% after two years of use. Marine omega-3s (1g/day) showed additional protective benefits, especially in patients with family history. For integrative practitioners, these findings validate long-standing protocols using familiar, safe doses of vitamin D and fish oil as foundational autoimmune prevention strategies in patients over 50.