Clinical Geriatrics

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this educational activity, participants should be able to:
1. Discuss the most commonly ingested water-soluble vitamins, essential fatty acids, and herbs available in the United States.
2. Identify the dietary sources of water-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids.
3. Describe the nutritional importance of the most commonly used supplements.
4. Explain the main hazardous side effects of the most commonly used over-the-counter supplements.

MEDIUM USED & METHOD OF PARTICIPATION
Read the article, complete the evaluation and post-test, and return both to: NACCME via fax at (610) 560-0502 or mail (see address below). You will receive your certificate in 6-8 weeks. If you would like to print your certificate immediately, go to http://cme.naccme.com, register as a NACCME user, and access the activity test and evaluation online.

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
Successful completion entails participants obtaining a score of at least 70% on the post-test. A certificate of completion will be mailed to the address listed on your post-test/evaluation form within 6-8 weeks of receipt of the documents.

All post-tests/evaluations must be received by April 15, 2009.

You may fax or mail your post-test/evaluation form and receive your certificate in 6-8 weeks OR go to http://cme.naccme.com and log in to create an online account where you can access and complete the article, post-test, and evaluation and print your certificate immediately.

NACCME
83 General Warren Blvd., Suite 100
Malvern, PA  19355
Fax: (610) 560-0502

Please answer the following questions in the answer key below.

1. Saw palmetto is thought to
A. inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.
B. stimulate estrogen receptors.
C. demonstrate benefit in early Alzheimer’s disease.
D. be derived naturally from coldwater fish.
E. prevent platelet aggregation.

2. Ingestion of kava kava root may cause all of the following except:
A. Lip and tongue numbness
B. Dermopathy
C. Liver toxicity
D. Renal failure
E. Changes in mood

3. Glycyrrhizic acid contained in licorice may exert a “pseudo-aldosterone-like effect.”
A. True
B. False

4. All of the following are true statements about black cohosh except:
A. Contains phytoestrogens
B. Salicylic acid is present in small quantities
C. Should be used with caution in those with thromboembolic disease or stroke
D. Has strong antidepressive properties due to effects on serotonin
E. Not advised in patients with breast cancer

5. Megaloblastic anemia is most commonly seen with a deficiency of which of the following?
A. Thiamine
B. Folate
C. Niacin
D. Riboflavin
E. Vitamin B6

ANSWER AND EVALUATION FORM
APRIL 2008

Thomas AM, Gambert SR. Hazards from the Health Food Store---Part II. Clinical Geriatrics 2008;16(4):34-40.

Answers: Refer to the post-test. Circle ALL that apply for each question.