The content was written for two audiences. Health professionals will find standardized monographs, levels of evidence, protocols by indication and safety tables. Patients and interested readers will find, throughout the text, "For the Patient" boxes with explanations in plain language.
The doses presented correspond to the ranges described in clinical studies and in integrative practice for adults. The choice of active ingredient, dose and duration of use depends on individual assessment, lab tests and current medications, and must be made by a licensed professional, within the rules of their professional board.
REGULATORY STATUS: Doses above the limits allowed for food supplements, plant extracts not listed in IN 28 and specific therapeutic combinations depend on a prescription by a licensed professional and, in general, on magistral compounding. Each professional board defines the prescribing scope of its members: professionals must always work within the rules of their own profession.
FOR THE PATIENT: A nutraceutical is a natural substance, found in foods or plants, used in a concentrated amount to help the body work better. "Natural" does not mean "free of side effects": the dose, the form and the interactions with your medications make all the difference. That is why its use should be guided by a health professional.
ATTENTION: Nutraceuticals do not replace established treatments for serious diseases. In oncology, cardiology, pregnancy, kidney or liver disease and in patients taking many medications, the prescription must be shared with the responsible team.
ATTENTION: The author of the source book states that these formulas reflect the author's own experience and, to a large extent, the suggestions of the manufacturers and distributors of the raw materials, often without clinical studies to support them. Use them as a starting point and individualize the prescription according to the clinical assessment, lab tests and current medications. The availability and regulatory classification of each active ingredient may change: always confirm with the compounding pharmacy.
ATTENTION: Jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, persistent nausea, generalized itching or pain on the right side of the abdomen while using any supplement require immediate discontinuation and medical evaluation with measurement of transaminases and bilirubin.
Sources and method
- The source book is Nutracêutica clínica, estética, esportiva e prescrição de fitoterápicos [Clinical, aesthetic and sports nutraceuticals and herbal medicine prescribing], by Bisson (Manole, 2020). The doses and combinations described in the e-book were compiled from it, from the scientific references in Module 23 and from the clinical literature on nutraceuticals and phytotherapy.
- In the monographs, the e-book prioritizes the active ingredient, the plant species and the standardization, so that readers can identify equivalent quality products. In the Formulary (Module 20), the raw materials appear under the name by which they are ordered from compounding pharmacies, along with a glossary of the composition of each one; registered trademarks belong to their respective owners and are cited only to identify the raw material.
- In light of new studies, safety reviews and regulatory updates, the e-book recommends always consulting the most recent version of the primary sources.
- Module 23 brings together 41 scientific references, grouped into 9 topics, all with a link except the source book.
- The key to the evidence labels is Table 1 of the e-book (page 9):
- [MA] Meta-analysis or systematic review of clinical trials
- [ECR] Published randomized controlled trial
- [EC] Smaller, open-label or observational clinical study
- [PC] Preclinical evidence (cell or animal studies)
- [TU] Documented tradition of use in traditional medical systems