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What's the interaction? Natural Medicines database may answer question

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Luis Loza Gutierrez
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Do you have questions about that supplement you're taking? Or maybe you're wondering how some of the ingredients in those energy drinks you chug day-in and day-out might interact with medications.

For answers to those types of questions, local Health and Wellness Center officials suggest visiting the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (Consumer Version) website. (You are being directed to a nongovernment website that may have different privacy policies from those of http://www.grandforks.af.mil/)

"It's a terrific tool to use," said Denae Grove, an exercise physiologist with the Grand Forks Air Force Base HAWC. "The database provides individuals with credible, unbiased, accurate information so they can make informed decisions regarding use of supplements."

The website aims to help people achieve and maintain optimal health by providing them with reliable information on herbal remedies, dietary supplements, vitamins, minerals, and other natural products. It features multiple ways to research products, diseases or conditions, how drugs and natural products can interact, and how medications can deplete various nutrients.

Although the experts of the HAWC acknowledge that the site provides great information, they understand it may not be everyone's first choice for getting informed.

"Some people would rather get their information from a person than a website," said Grove. "That's why we don't mind having folks come by in person. In fact we highly encourage them to do so because we are here to answer their questions and help fulfill their health and wellness needs. That's why we're the Health and Wellness Center."