NTA Supplementation & Herbal Medicine Flashcards

A client starting a course of antibiotics asks which probiotic is a yeast that will not be killed by the antibiotic. Which is it?

Answer: Saccharomyces boulardii

Saccharomyces boulardii is a beneficial yeast, so antibacterial drugs do not kill it.

Why is black pepper extract (piperine) often paired with curcumin supplements?

Answer: It inhibits glucuronidation, greatly increasing curcumin bioavailability

Piperine slows curcumin's hepatic and intestinal glucuronidation, raising blood levels substantially.

Which herb is a well-known liver-supportive botanical whose active complex, silymarin, has antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects?

Answer: Milk thistle

Milk thistle's silymarin supports liver cell protection and regeneration.

Which herb has been linked to rare cases of liver toxicity and requires caution in clients with liver concerns?

Answer: Kava

Kava has been associated with reports of hepatotoxicity, leading to restrictions in some countries.

Why do NTA practitioners often recommend pairing vitamin D3 supplementation with vitamin K2?

Answer: K2 helps direct calcium into bones and away from arteries as D3 increases calcium absorption

K2 activates proteins like osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein that guide calcium to bone and away from soft tissue.

A client with an autoimmune condition asks about taking echinacea continuously throughout the year. What is the main caution?

Answer: Echinacea is immune-stimulating and may theoretically aggravate autoimmune activity

As an immune stimulant, echinacea is often avoided or used cautiously in autoimmune conditions.

Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen, but which client may need caution or monitoring before using it?

Answer: A client with hyperthyroidism, because ashwagandha may raise thyroid hormone levels

Ashwagandha has been shown to increase T3/T4 levels, which could worsen hyperthyroidism.