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- MyDNA pharmacy assistant rewards program
- More problems with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
- University of Sydney pulls claims elderberries can fight flu
- New WHO Guidelines on risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia
- A medical food for depression?
- March for Science Event, Melbourne 4 May 2019, Picnic and panel session
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Category Archives: Complementary medicine
More problems with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Following a safety investigation by the TGA, Global Therapeutics, is recalling all batches and all pack sizes of its Fusion Hair Tonic and Oriental Botanicals Hairpro capsules, due to the risk of liver injury caused by an ingredient: Fallopia multiflora … Continue reading
University of Sydney pulls claims elderberries can fight flu
https://www.theage.com.au/national/university-of-sydney-pulls-claims-elderberries-can-fight-flu-20190515-p51nij.html The university initially stood by the claim, but on Monday, following repeated questions from The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald it acknowledged there was no evidence to support that assertion. It now has withdrawn the press release and … Continue reading
New WHO Guidelines on risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia
https://www.who.int/mental_health/neurology/dementia/guidelines_risk_reduction/en/ Relevant to concerns about FSANZ Standard 2.6.5 which has allowed products such as Souvanaid® and Ceretain® to be self-assessed and promoted for the dietary management of Alzheimer’s dementia or related mild cognitive impairment. On supplements, WHO says: Vitamins B … Continue reading
Posted in Advertising, Choosing wisely, Complementary medicine, Natural Therapies
Tagged Alzheimer's Disease, Ceretain, cognitive impairment, food-medicine interface, FSANZ Standard 2.6.5, Grunbiotics, Mediterranean diet, Nutricia, Souvenaid, WHO Guidelines on risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia
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A medical food for depression?
Neurofolin® (containing 15 mg of L-methylfolate calcium) is a self-declared food for special medical purposes promoted for dietary support of depression management. Advertisments claim that L-methylfolate is, “an active form of folate known to be deficient in individuals with depressive … Continue reading
Posted in Advertising, Complementary medicine, Food, Medicine policy
Tagged FSANZ; TGA
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MJA Insight: Two new articles on Food-Medicine regulation
Where food meets medicine: reform needed Junk food advertising to kids: the list of shame See also: FSANZ Sports Supplements Roundtable: Report on Discussions and Next Steps by
Posted in Advertising, Choosing wisely, Complementary medicine, Food
Tagged Coco pops, Junk food, MJA Insight, Sports supplements, TGA
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Traditional Chinese Medicine in Australia: Yunnan Baiyao
An illustrative example of products available in Australia from local Chinese outlets. Illegally supplied (no ARTG number), a potentially dangerous ingredient (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix), claims that breach numerous section of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No.2) 2018 (including promoting for … Continue reading
TGA fails to act on illegal sports supplements
ABC story at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-30/canberra-fitness-community-not-fazed-by-sarms-health-risk/10930470 But, this problem was publicised last year and a complaint sent to the TGA And there are more complaints to the TGA that have not been dealt with: These are illegally supplied and promoted products by … Continue reading
Food-medicine interface problems
FSANZ, Consumer and Public Health Dialogue, 27 March 2019, Canberra. I’ve now provided a report of my presentation and the discussion that ensured. Summary The regulation of health claims for foods and complementary medicines is inconsistent; complaint systems are problematic, … Continue reading
Posted in Advertising, Complementary medicine, Food, Medical Devices, Medicine policy, Pharmaceutical Promotion
Tagged ACCC, ANAO, FSANZ, TGA
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Lectures in Canberra; ANU & FSANZ
In Canberra from 25th-27th March 2019 staying at University House, a guest of the ANU. Two lectures to ANU BHSc students: Antibiotic Resistance: A Threat to Global Health Health Activism: A Case Study of Health Action International Asia Pacific One … Continue reading
Posted in Advertising, Choosing wisely, Complementary medicine, Education, HAIAP, Medical Devices, Pharmaceutical Promotion
Tagged ANU, FMIGT
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SBS Insight – Vitamins: Sorting science from scam
The vitamins and dietary supplements industry has doubled over the last 10 years – we’re now spending an estimated $4.9bn each year on complementary medicines. But while some medical professionals say they work, others say the scientific evidence isn’t there, … Continue reading
Posted in Advertising, Complementary medicine, Natural Therapies, Pharmaceutical Promotion
Tagged Blackmores, SBS Insight, TGA
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