RESUMEN
Background: Although use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is rising among older adults, many do not discuss these healthcare practices with their primary care practitioners (PCPs). This study sought to determine the prevalence of CAM use and to identify factors associated with CAM disclosure among patients ages 65 and older. Methods: Participants completed an anonymous survey, which evaluated their CAM use over the past year and disclosure of CAM to a PCP. Additional questions queried demographics, patient health, and relationships with one's PCP. Analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and logistic regression. Results: One hundred seventy-three participants answered surveys. Sixty percent reported use of at least one form of CAM in the past year. Among those using CAM, 64.4% disclosed use to their PCP. Patients disclosed supplements/herbal products and naturopathy/homeopathy/acupuncture at a higher rate than body work techniques and mind-body practices (71.9% and 66.7% vs. 48% and 50%). The only factor significantly associated with disclosure was trust in one's PCP (odds ratio = 2.97; confidence interval = 1.01-8.73). Conclusions: Clinicians may improve CAM disclosure rates in older adults by inquiring about all types of CAM and continuing to invest in their patient relationships, specifically by building trust.
RESUMEN
Soy foods contain several components, notably, isoflavones and amino acids, that may improve cardiovascular health. We evaluated the long-term effect of soy protein and/or soy isoflavones supplementation on serum lipids and inflammatory markers using a 1-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-control, clinical trial in 131 healthy ambulatory women older than 60 years. We hypothesized that soy protein, in combination with isoflavones, would have the largest positive effect on coronary heart disease risk factors (serum lipids and inflammatory markers) compared with either intervention alone and that, within groups receiving isoflavones, equol producers would have more positive effects on coronary heart disease risk factors than nonequol producers. After a 1-month baseline period, participants were randomized into 1 of 4 intervention groups: soy protein (18 g/d) and isoflavone tablets (105 mg/d isoflavone aglycone equivalents), soy protein and placebo tablets, control protein and isoflavone tablets, or control protein and placebo tablets. T Tests were used to assess differences between equol and nonequol producers. Ninety-seven women completed the trial. Consumption of protein powder and isoflavone tablets did not differ among groups, and compliance with study powder and tablets was 79% and 90%, respectively. After 1 year, in the entire population, there were either no or little effects on serum lipids and inflammatory markers, regardless of treatment group. Equol producers, when analyzed separately, had significant improvements in total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein ratios (-5.9%, P = .02; -7.2%, P = .04 respectively). Soy protein and isoflavone (either alone or together) did not impact serum lipids or inflammatory markers. Therefore, they should not be considered an effective intervention to prevent cardiovascular disease because of lipid modification in healthy late postmenopausal women lacking the ability to produce equol.