Bird flu scares have generated lots of interest in supplements that claim to be helpful in preventing and treating the avian flu. Some products contain common “immunity boosters” such as vitamin C, echinacea, selenium, and zinc; others contain herbal ingredients (goji, red reishi, humic acid) purported to enhance the immune response. One popular request is “star anise”, the primary source of shikinic acid used to produce the prescription anti-viral drug Tamiflu©.

However, huge amounts of star anise must be chemically modified to make Tamiflu©, No supplement has been proven to prevent or provide effective treatment for the avian flu. The FDA has issued warning letters to companies marketing products that make unsubstantiated claims of efficacy concerning the avian flu or other forms of influenza. Consult our pharmacists for more information.

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