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Med Ed--Tips for Searching | /help/SAtips.asp |
Generally, use the plural form of words rather than the singular form
(Example: herbs, glandulars, medications)
Use complete words rather than abbreviations
(Example: attention deficit disorder (not ADD), bovine spongiform encephalopathy (not BSE))
Combine a product name with a subheading from the list below for more specific searches
(Example: for questions regarding the safety of taking St. John's Wort with prescription antidepressants, use "St. John's Wort, interactions")
Absorption the taking in or incorporation by the body of chemicals or nutrients.
Example: How is this product metabolized?
Administration the dosage amount and method by which a supplement is taken.
Example: Is this product available in a liquid format? How much should I take? Should I take this with meals.
Adverse Effects the development of undesired side effects or toxicity; includes the concepts poisonous, toxic, and safety (except long-term use, which is a separate heading)
Example: Why did I develop a rash after I took this product? Are herbs safer than prescription medications? Why did I feel dizzy after I took Iberogast?
Contraindications any symptom or condition indicating the inappropriateness of a form of treatment that might otherwise be advisable.
Example: Should I take this product if I have asthma?
Indications situations when a supplement is advisable or necessary.
Example: What extra nutrients do I need if I am pregnant?
Ingredients the specific herbs, vitamins, or minerals that are in a particular formula.
Example: How much of each ingredient is in this product? Why are you using this particular type of herb? Will you include this herb in the formula soon?
Interactions The result, either desirable or undesirable, of two substances acting on each other.
Example: Can I take this product with prescription medicine? Will the herbs in these two different supplements cancel out each others effectiveness?
Long-term use the ingestion of a supplement over an extended period.
Example: Is this product safe to use for a long time? What happens if I take this product for months?
Laboratory testing the determination of the presence, absence or amount of a particular substance by scientific methods.
Example: How do you know if this ingredient is present? Does your lab test for the presence of this specific compound?
Mechanism of Action how a supplement achieves a specific result or outcome.
Example: How does this product work?
Pregnancy having a developing embryo or fetus in the body.
Example: Is it okay to take this product while I am pregnant?
Processing the steps in preparing a formula for retail sale to ensure standardization and quality.
Example: How are the key ingredients of this product extracted? How are the compounds standardized?
Source the origination of the raw materials used in the products.
Example: Where do the herbs in this supplement come from? Is this product organic?