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Issue # 60.3 - Importance of Ginkgo and CalciumGinkgo biloba and Raynaud's disease Ginkgo biloba is reputed as having an ability to improve circulation and so is often recommended in the treatment of Raynaud's disease - a painful condition that is episodic in its nature and is characterised by inadequate blood flow to the extremities. The efficacy of a standardised Ginkgo biloba extract in the treatment of Raynaud's disease was investigated in a randomised double-blind placebo controlled trial. After a two-week assessment period, patients received treatment with Ginkgo biloba extract or placebo over a 10-week period. Patients recorded the frequency, duration and severity of their attacks over the 12-week period. It was concluded that Ginkgo biloba may be effective in reducing the number of attacks per week in patients suffering from Raynaud's disease. Vasc Med. 2002; 7(4):265-7. Effects of calcium supplementation and frequency of falls The effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on the frequency of falls were recently investigated in an intervention study, involving 122 hospitalised women (age: 63-99 years). Each participant was assigned to take a daily supplement of either a combination of 800iu of vitamin D and 1200mg of calcium carbonate or just calcium carbonate, over a 12-week period. Trained nurses recorded the number of falls per person 6 weeks prior to and during the supplementation phase. The frequency of falls with calcium and vitamin D supplementation was reduced by 49% compared with calcium supplementation alone. It was concluded that the frequency of falls is significantly reduced by 3-month supplementation with calcium and vitamin D in elderly women. J. Bone Mineral Res. 18, 343-351, 2003. |