J. Steven A. Simpson

Vitamins, Minerals, and Mood.

In this article, the authors explore the breadth and depth of published research linking dietary vitamins and minerals (micronutrients) to mood. Since the 1920s, there have been many studies on individual vitamins (especially B vitamins and Vitamins C, D, and E), minerals (calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium), and vitamin-like compounds (choline). Recent investigations with multi-ingredient formulas are especially promising. However, without a reasonable conceptual framework for understanding mechanisms by which micronutrients might influence mood, the published literature is too readily dismissed. Consequently, 4 explanatory models are presented, suggesting that mood symptoms may be expressions of inborn errors of metabolism, manifestations of deficient methylation reactions, alterations of gene expression by nutrient deficiency, and/or long-latency deficiency diseases. These models provide possible explanations for why micronutrient supplementation could ameliorate some mental symptoms.

Bupropion Sustained Release Treatment Reduces Fatigue in Cancer Patients

Objective: To demonstrate that bupropion sustained release (SR) can reduce the symptoms of fatigue experienced by cancer patients. Method: We studied an open-label case series of outpatients with fatigue referred for psychiatric assessment from a tertiary care cancer centre. Inclusion criteria were the presence of fatigue or depression with marked fatigue. Clinical status was assessed using the Global Clinical Improvement scale. Results: Fifteen subjects with various cancer sites and psychiatric diagnoses were treated with bupropion SR (modal dose 150 mg) for up to 2 years. Most (13 of 15) saw improvement. Thirteen patients had minor, expectable side effects, and 10 patients were able to continue with bupropion for an extended time. All subjects who improved showed improvement within 2 to 4 weeks. Conclusions: This is the first report that shows bupropion SR can reduce fatigue in cancer patients. Controlled studies with more homogeneous samples would be necessary to establish the efficacy of this intervention. Further studies should address whether this effect of bupropion is separate from its action as an antidepressant.

Germane Facts About Germanium Sesquioxide: I. Chemistry and Anticancer Properties

This paper reviews the history, chemistry, safety, toxicity, and anticancer effects of the organogermanium compound bis (2-carboxyethylgermanium) sesquioxide (CEGS). A companion review follows, discussing the inaccuracies in the scientific record that have prematurely terminated research on clinical uses of CEGS. CEGS is a unique organogermanium compound first made by Mironov and coworkers in Russia and, shortly thereafter, popularized by Asai and his colleagues in Japan. Low concentrations of germanium occur in nearly all soils, plants and animal life; natural occurrence of the CEGS form is postulated but not yet demonstrated. The literature demonstrating its anticancer effect is particularly strong: CEGS induces interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), enhances natural killer cell activity, and inhibits tumor and metastatic growth--effects often detectable after a single oral dose. In addition, oral consumption of CEGS is readily assimilated and rapidly cleared from the body without evidence of toxicity. Given these findings, the absence of human clinical trials of CEGS is unexpected. Possible explanations of why the convincing findings from animal research have not been used to support clinical trials are discussed. Clinical trials on CEGS are recommended.

Systematic review of safety and tolerability of a complex micronutrient formula used in mental health

BackgroundTheoretically, consumption of complex, multinutrient formulations of vitamins and minerals should be safe, as most preparations contain primarily the nutrients that have been in the human diet for millennia, and at safe levels as defined by the Dietary Reference Intakes. However, the safety profile of commercial formulae may differ from foods because of the amounts and combinations of nutrients they contain. As these complex formulae are being studied and used clinically with increasing frequency, there is a need for direct evaluation of safety and tolerability.MethodsAll known safety and tolerability data collected on one complex nutrient formula was compiled and evaluated.ResultsData were assembled from all the known published and unpublished studies for the complex formula with the largest amount of published research in mental health. Biological safety data from 144 children and adults were available from six sources: there were no occurrences of clinically meaningful negative outcomes/effects or abnormal blood tests that could be attributed to toxicity. Adverse event (AE) information from 157 children and adults was available from six studies employing the current version of this formula, and only minor, transitory reports of headache and nausea emerged. Only one of the studies permitted a direct comparison between micronutrient treatment and medication: none of the 88 pediatric and adult participants had any clinically meaningful abnormal laboratory values, but tolerability data in the group treated with micronutrients revealed significantly fewer AEs and less weight gain.ConclusionsThis compilation of safety and tolerability data is reassuring with respect to the broad spectrum approach that employs complex nutrient formulae as a primary treatment.

The LITE study: Rationale and protocol for a randomized controlled trial of light therapy for cancer-related fatigue in cancer survivors.

UNLABELLED Fatigue is a common and distressing symptom that can last for months or years in up to one-third of cancer survivors. Despite its prevalence, the nature and mechanisms of cancer-related fatigue are poorly understood and the available treatments may not provide sufficient relief. Fatigue has been identified as a significant contributor to decreased quality of life, making it an important target for intervention. One approach that may be a safe and inexpensive treatment is bright light therapy. METHODS This study is a 4-week blinded randomized controlled trial. Subjects will be men and women who meet criteria for cancer-related fatigue and have completed cancer treatment. Subjects will be randomly assigned to receive a Litebook treatment device that produces either bright white light (treatment) or dim red light (active control). The devices will be used daily for 30min upon waking for a period of four weeks. The primary outcome, fatigue, will be measured with the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-SF. Secondary outcomes include mood disturbance, sleep quality, quality of life, diurnal cortisol, and inflammatory biomarkers. Fatigue assessments will be completed weekly and secondary outcomes will be assessed at pre- and post-intervention. CONCLUSIONS The current research will examine the effect of light exposure on cancer-related fatigue and its potential psychological, behavioral, and biological mechanisms. If successful, this research would support the use of light therapy for the management of persistent fatigue in cancer survivors, expanding existing treatment options. It may also improve upon the current understanding of the mechanisms that underlie cancer-related fatigue.