Proper diet better than using supplements

Q.I have been reading about taking some types of supplements in order to recover quicker from exer cise. The ones I hear most about are the antioxidants, especially something called reservatrol. Are there truly any benefits from taking something like this or is it just hype? A. Reservatrol is a polyphenol phytochemical, or plant-based chemical, that occurs naturally in red and purple grapes, especially the skins. This is the chemical found in red wine that has received much attention regarding health benefits of red wine.

It has antioxidative properties, which are believed to protect against certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia.

It has been promoted as having antiaging properties, promoting skin renewal, decreasing serum cholesterol and interfering with the enzyme system that promotes inflammation in the body. The level of reservatrol found in food items varies substantially. It is found naturally in red and purple grapes, peanuts, blueberries, cherries, mulberries and Japanese knotweed.

Much research is being performed regarding this phytochemical to substantiate these claims. Some of the research shows promising results. In general, I think the branch of pharmacology known as pharmacognosy (the medicinal effects from natural compounds) has greatly influenced our understanding about why eating fruits and vegetables have such a beneficial effect on our bodies other than just adding fiber to our diets.

Some college and professional athletic teams are recommending their athletes consume tart cherry juice after a hard workout due to the very high nutrient content of this juice (see http://www.cherrypharm.com).

Another phytochemical receiving much attention is quercetin, which is found in red onions, apples and many berries, including grapes, cherries, raspberries and cranberries. It has been shown to have significant anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.

There is, however, a question whether this phytochemical may interfere with the metabolism of some drugs such as antibiotics.

At this time, your question regarding the addition of these supplements may be best answered in making sure you are eating the foods/juices that these phytochemicals occur in naturally, such as fruits and vegetables. Supplements can add these nutrients to your diet but you need to be aware that these are not drugs that are regulated by any federal agency and thus the purity/concentration in certain brands may not be what they claim.

Q. My son is a 14-year-old baseball player who injured his elbow pitching. He hurts in the back of his elbow and has pain fully extending the elbow. We took him to his physician, who took an X-ray and said the growth plate on the "olecranon" was cracked and that he may need surgery. Is this necessary or can he just rest the elbow for a couple of months?

A. If your son has a significant injury to the growth plate of the proximal ulna called the olecranon (the "tip" of the elbow in the back), then considering surgery definitely is an option. Prior to surgery, the orthopedist probably will obtain an MRI to ascertain any other injury to the elbow as well.

If the "crack" is in a certain position, then the surgery will benefit your son by helping it heal quicker and stabilize the injury. He will not be able to throw for at least three months, but he will have an excellent outcome unless there is some other injury in the elbow such as a cartilage injury. But the MRI will help in evaluating this for the surgeon.

Dr. Doug Cutter is director of the Sports Medicine Center at CJW Medical Center (Chippenham). Look for his column each month. Contact him at or c/o Sports, Richmond Times-Dispatch, P.O. Box 85333, Richmond, VA 23293.