User testimonials can be as important as clinical trials when it
comes to convincing GPs about natural products, according to
TV GP Dr Chris Steele, when he spoke at his recent seminar, at
Natural Products Europe, in London.
The
Doctor said that GPs are very conservative, and have very little
formal nutritional education.
They
can be sceptical although impressive clinical trials and
behavioural studies do exist, particularly in the field of fish
oils, said the This Morning doctor.
He
said there is also feasible evidence supporting the use of St
John's Wort in mild to moderate depression.
Dr
Steele has also been impressed by milk thistle, for its role in
supporting liver function, and by feverfew for migraine.
He
stressed you don't always need clinical trials. He advised
patients to "tell their GPs about the products they are taking.
They tend to talk to their colleagues and may well suggest
things to other patients, especially when it comes at no cost to
their prescribing budget".
