Augusta Chronicle, The (Apr 10, 01:33 AM) I'm a 57-year-old man who takes a daily 250-milligram aspirin tablet. I've also been taking 800 IU of vitamin E daily for about six months, primarily because I was told it would help my minor erectile dysfunction. Your column cautioning that vitamin E could add to the blood-thinning effect of aspirin has me worried about the possibility of excessive bleeding. By the way, I've seen no real improvement in the erectile problem. What do you think?
A: I'm assuming that your doctor has prescribed daily aspirin to help protect you from heart attack and ischemic stroke.
It's important that your doctor monitor the effect of this combination on your platelets.
Regular aspirin use does pose a risk for stomach damage and bleeding.
It comes down to a benefit/risk judgment.
It's thought that the benefit provided by aspirin outweighs its risk in people who already have had a heart attack or ischemic stroke and those at high risk for such events.
For these individuals, most doctors are prescribing a daily aspirin tablet, either a low dose or the regular 325-milligram strength.
Because aspirin does have risks, you should not start daily aspirin therapy without the recommendation of your physician.
Though men have taken vitamin E for erectile dysfunction , I found no published study indicating it works.
Q: I tried glucosamine/chondroitin for about three months to relieve joint stiffness, but I could not tell that it made any difference. The makers do not list the contents accurately. I understand that about 25 brands were tested to see whether they actually had the amounts listed on the package, and only 13 passed the test.
A: Manufacturers are supposed to list product contents accurately, but they are generally left to police themselves.
To see a list of glucosamine/chondroitin products (in addition to many other supplement products), visit the ConsumerLab.com Web site at www.consumerlab.com.
Richard Harkness is a consultant pharmacist and specialist in natural therapies. Write him at 1224 King Henry Drive, Ocean Springs, MS 39564; or rharkn@aol.com.
