BACKGROUND: The use of complementary/alternative medicine has garnered rising interest in recent years. Natural products including herbs, vitamins, and minerals are the most popularly consumed. The Internet is a ubiquitous source of information/market for these supplements. AIM: To systematically evaluate the dietary and herbal supplement recommended for @entity1 with CKD and @entity454 on the Internet, and try to distinguish between the claim of the manufacturer and proven scientific data. METHODS: A questionnaire assessing each website was formulated. Each product ingredient was recorded in the questionnaire by two independent reviewers and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 184 websites, 28% claimed to decrease CKD progression, 60% did not advise to consult a doctor before taking the supplement, and >90% did not mention any potential drug interaction, disease interaction, or caution in use during pregnancy or in @entity1 . The ten common plant ingredients claiming to be @entity8 were uva ursi, dandelion, parsley, @entity4336 silk, juniper, celery, buchu, horsetail, marshmallow, and stinging nettle. In contrast to their claims, these substances were not adequately studied in @entity1 . The available animal studies showed detrimental effects and potential drug interactions with commonly used medications in the CKD/ @entity454 population. CONCLUSIONS: Nephrologists need to be cognizant of the lack of substantiated proven benefits of these substances and of the potential adverse effects in the animal models that can translate to the @entity1 . Most importantly, the policy needs to change regarding the regulation of these products to prevent @entity1 harm and misinformation.    2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Internet claims on dietary and herbal supplements in advanced XXXX : truth or myth.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['children', 'humans', 'patients', 'patient'] @entity8 :: ('MESH:D007674', 'Disease') :: ['beneficial in kidney diseases'] @entity4336 :: ('381124', 'Species') :: ['corn'] @entity454 :: ('MESH:D007676', 'Disease') :: ['ESRD']
@entity8 :: (MESH:D007674,Disease) :: ['nephropathy']
