Vitamins and Supplements

I have indicated in the past that I try to approach Lyme and associated infections from a conservative "allopathic" perspective. I am skeptical of supplements. I have treated many hundreds of patients and had much success without using supplements. So when I read: "Most LLMDs follow Dr. Burrascano's recommendations," because he is the "Man," I feel compelled to respond. My comments here should not be considered an attempt to disparage Dr. Burrascano or his beliefs. Rather, I am simply putting forth an alternative point of view.

I am concerned when the section on supplements recommends that patients buy a pill organizer just for Lyme related supplements. The implication that our bodies cannot heal without a plethora of artificial supplements runs counter to my clinical instincts. I believe that the body, given a reasonably balanced diet, is normally able to extract all the micro-nutrients it requires. Let me explain the distinction between micro-nutrients and macro-nutrients. Micro-nutrients, like vitamins, are molecules our body requires in trace amounts. They are co-factors, required by enzymes, which promote critical metabolic processes in our bodies. Macro-nutrients, on the other hand, are the major fuels and building blocks that our bodies require, including carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Plant derived vitamins are also called phytochemicals. It has been found that vitamins do not act alone. Our bodies have evolved so that a symphony of phytochemicals act in concert, to promote the metabolic processes required in our bodies. Several well documented studies with individual vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene have shown unexpected negative results, rather than beneficial ones. For example, for decades cardiologists promoted vitamin E as an anti-oxidant which was expected to block the deposit of oxidized cholesterol in arteries. When the study was done, no benefits were seen. Cardiologists no longer recommend this supplement. Two theories have been proposed for these findings: 1)Isolated vitamins, ingested outside the panoply of associated phytochemicals, are ineffective or harmful and 2) artificial vitamins do not act in the same way as natural, food derived vitamins.

Dr. Burrascano introduces the section on recommended vitamins and supplements by indicating that the benefits of some of the vitamins/supplements has been verified by controlled evidence based studies. What studies- which vitamins? If such data exists, its basis should be put forth, allowing readers the opportunity to make their own critical appraisals. The author's conclusions cannot be accepted blindly, especially when the issues are controversial, not to mention potentially very expensive. (I have not foot noted my references- but I am not making firm recommendations- I am only sharing my opinions). The reader should keep in mind that it is not necessary to prove a negative assertion, only a positive one.

Dr. Burrascano puts his reputation on a limb when the supplements are not suggested but rather "required."

Probiotics: Most physicians treating Lyme disease with long term antibiotics would strongly recommend these supplements. Many of us would not recommend specific brands. Many practicing physicians, including myself, would recommend that a brand of Sacchromyces be included, since this yeast based probiotic is not killed by the antibiotics.

Multivitamin: There is no evidence that this is helpful. I do not recommend it, neither do I discourage it.

Co-enzyme Q10: I do not routinely recommend this. It has been shown to be helpful for patients with disease of the heart muscle. It does help the mitochondria increase energy output in some cases. If there is a human study regarding this supplement and its benefits in cardiac Lyme, as suggested, then this information should be brought out. Q10 has been shown to be useful for diseased heart muscle from other medical illnesses. This does not prove that it is beneficial when the heart muscle is not diseased. For example, vitamin C is an essential supplement if someone has a deficiency disease called scurvy. This does not prove that a person without scurvy will accrue any benefits from taking extra vitamin C. Some patients feel that Q10 gives them extra energy. I do not discourage patients from experimenting with this on a case by case basis. It is not required.
My research shows that there is no basis for restricting the supplement while taking Mepron or Malarone.

Alpha Lippoic acid: I don't recommend. What evidence?

B vitamins: I only recommend if there is evidence of deficiency. Again, what are the clinical studies referred to.

Magnesium: It is documented to help with muscle cramps. It is depleted by diuretics.
In general I dot recommend it. There is no evidence to support its use.

Essential fatty acids: I recommend a diet high in fish, whole grains, nuts and seeds. If a proper diet cannot be followed there may be a scientific basis for these supplements. I do not consider their use routine or mandatory.

NT factor, Carnitine, SAM-e: No evidence- not recommended. SAM-e may help with depression. In Lyme patients depression may be modulated by poor frontal lobe function (SPECT scans), sensitivity to glutamine, fatigue and other specific neuro-chemical dysfunctions. Specific drugs may be recommended based on these known or suspected abnormalities.

Green tea? What is the evidence? The "hot topic" is coffee. It is reported to have beneficial effects in the brain and liver. There is some scientific evidence to promote these claims. This issue is of interest. It is not recommended or required.

Cordy Max and other herbal therapies: I confess complete ignorance- but I have helped patients without such things. Herbalists are specialists who have spent many years perfecting their art. I don't think that allopathic doctors should not casually recommend such things based on the unsupported recommendations of one practitioner. Patients who wish to pursue such alternative options should consult with a practitioner fully conversant with this discipline.

Glucosamine: Yes. It has been shown to work as an anti-inflammatory and reduce joint pain. In my experience, pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory medicines like Celebrex are much more effective. Other natural anti-inflammatories, such as Limbrel and Wobenzym may also have benefits. These supplements are only helpful for controlling symptoms.

Vitamin C: No. No evidence that it helps. It has been suggested by some (Donta) that it might interfere with Plaquenil, if this drug is being used.

Creatine: This is another mitochondria energy component. It may be helpful if weakness or muscle dysfunction is present. The comment about its benefits in ALS patients is evidence based. There is no evidence to support its routine use.

Milk thistle: I don't recommend. It has been thought by some to have beneficial effects in the liver. Coffee may work better.

Methyl B12: Very expensive. If vitamin B12 deficiency is present there are much more cost effective supplements. I do not use or recommend. Where is the evidence?

Vitamin D: Very controversial. I do not recommend it. Most Lyme patients, in my experience, have high levels of vitamin D dihydroxy 1,25, the active form. Vitamin D is not actually a vitamin, it is a hormone. It has active immunological effects. The issue is very complex and has been discussed elsewhere in this blog. My thoughts about it are in a state of flux. I plan on re-visiting this topic in the near future.

Let me re-iterate. I am not making this post to discredit, or belittle the recommendations of this well known pioneer in the field of Lyme medicine. I am raising questions and sharing my experiences and beliefs. I do feel that patients should be well informed about treatment options and make decisions based on knowledge rather than ignorance. Doctors are not "God." They do their best to make recommendations based on their evaluation of an unbelievably complex soup of information. I am concerned about many patients I have seen, who have left the offices of other physicians, having spent a fortune on a shopping bag full of supplements, without experiencing any clinical improvements. They have also not received the benefits of treatments which are steeped in the available scientific evidence and theory regarding this complex and frequently baffling syndrome of infection and illness.