According to the Chicago-based market research firm Information Resources, sales of vitamins and supplements shot up 8 per cent in the last quarter of 2008. While there have been increases in vitamin sales during past economic downturns, none was as dramatic as this one.
That has doctors at the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery worried.
A report in the March/April issue of their journal, "Aesthetic Surgery" notes that more than 40% of plastic surgery patients use herbal supplements in the 2 weeks prior to surgery. However, 70 per cent never mention the use of alternative and complementary medicines to their doctors.
The surgery group says there are two primary reasons - some patients feel their doctors don't know about these medicines; or that those doctors would disapprove of the supplement use.
Other patients simply don't realize that the supplements could affect the surgery, and their recovery from it. They believe herbal supplements are inherently safe, and free of risks.
Dr. David Rowe, lead author of the report in the plastic surgery journal, says the most dangerous times are during and right after the surgery. Dr. Rowe says supplements most often affect bleeding, the heart, and alertness.
The article says doctors shouldn't rely on patients to tell them what they are taking. They should give those patients a comprehensive list of supplements that can cause trouble.
The Society published this list:
Bleeding Effects
Gingko biloba
Garlic
Ginseng
Fish oils (omega-3 fatty acids)
Dong Quai
Feverfew
Drug Interactions
Echinacea
Goldenseal
Licorice
St. John's Wort
Kava
Valerian root
Cardiovascular Effects
Ephedra (tachycardia, hypertension and palpitations)
Garlic (hypotension - low blood pressure)
Anesthetic Effects
Valerian root
St, John's wort
Kava
Other
St. John's wort and Dong Quai (photosensitivity)
Ginseng (hypoglycemia)
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