Evidence-based decision support

Protocol development in integrative medicine is not typically a simple process. Individuals require individualized care, and what works for one patient may not work for another.

To establish these protocols, we first developed a Rating Scale that could be used to discern the rigor of evidence supporting a specific nutrient’s therapeutic effect.

The following protocols were developed using only A through C-quality evidence.
weight management protocol table

Ingredients for fall health

Fall can be a beautiful yet challenging time of the year. The arrival of cooler temperatures and shorter days can significantly impact our immune health, mood, and resilience to stress.

Below, Fullscript’s Medical Advisory Team has provided some evidence-based ingredients to help support these common health concerns. While many ingredients may be considered part of a wellness protocol, these ingredients were selected based on general safety, effectiveness, and broad applicability.


Adrenal support

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

125–600 mg per day, depending on the form, for a minimum of 6 weeks. (Auddy 2008)(Chandrasekhar 2012)

  • Daily supplementation with ashwagandha may help increase resilience to stress and reduce the physical symptoms of stress, such as elevated blood pressure, heart rate, and feelings of anxiety. (Chandrasekhar 2012) 

For more information on the uses of ashwagandha in other conditions, please refer to the ashwagandha ingredient review.

B vitamins

Variable based on ingredient and formulation

  • Daily supplementation with B vitamins may help prevent depletions brought on by long-term stress, poor sleep, and a diet low in nutrients. (Porter 2016) In addition, supplementation may also help reduce the impact of stress on our mental and emotional well-being. (Stough et al. 2011)


Immune support

Vitamin C

Ongoing immune support: 1 g of vitamin C per day (Hemila 2013)(Johnstone 2014)

Immediate immune support: 3 to 4 g of vitamin C per day as soon as symptoms appear and for the duration of the illness (Hemila 2013)

  • Vitamin C is essential to human health and has well-documented antioxidant and immune-supportive properties. Vitamin C can be especially beneficial during illness as supplementation may help decrease the duration and severity of the common cold. (Johnstone 2014)

For more information on the uses of vitamin C in other conditions, please refer to the vitamin C ingredient review.

Zinc

Immediate immune support: 75-100 mg of elemental zinc as zinc acetate or zinc gluconate lozenges, per day, as soon as symptoms appear, for a minimum of 1 to 2 weeks (Singh 2015) 

  • Zinc plays a vital role in the growth and health of connective tissues (e.g., bone, hair, skin, tendons, skin), the nervous system, and cognition (brain health). (Roohani et al. 2013) Zinc also supports our immune system, and studies have found that supplementation with this essential micronutrient may help reduce the duration of the common cold. (Hemila 2011)  

For more information on the uses of vitamin C in other conditions, please refer to the zinc ingredient review.

Get ready for fall with the evidence-based ingredients in this protocol. 

Mood support

Omega-3 fatty acids

2-4 g EPA + DHA daily, for a minimum of 3 months

  • Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for human health and have cholesterol and inflammation-lowering properties. (Harwood 2019) In addition, daily supplementation may also support our mental and emotional well-being. (Wolters 2021)

For more information on the uses of omega-3 fatty acids in other conditions, please refer to the omega-3 fatty acids ingredient review.

Vitamin D

400-3000 IU per day for ~6 months (Gao 2017)(Jolliffe 2021)(NIH 2021) 

  • Vitamin D is categorized as a non-essential vitamin as it can be produced in the skin following sun exposure. However, it can be challenging to maintain optimal vitamin D levels during the fall and winter when days are shorter. In addition, these seasonal changes can also impact our mental and emotional well-being. Studies have found that daily supplementation with vitamin D can help maintain blood levels and improve symptoms of depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). (Gloth et al. 1999)(Menon 2018)

For more information on the uses of Vitamin D in other conditions, please refer to the Vitamin D ingredient review.

Authors

Natacha Montpellier, ND

Medical Science Liaison

Dr. Natacha Montpellier is a registered naturopathic doctor in Ontario, Canada. She currently maintains a private clinical practice focused on hormonal and reproductive health. Dr. Natacha, ND, also serves as a Medical Science Liaison on Fullscript’s Medical Advisory team.

Christopher Knee, ND, MSc

Medical Education Manager

Dr. Christopher Knee is a naturopathic doctor, clinical researcher, and natural health and wellness expert from Ottawa, Canada. As the research and education manager for Fullscript’s Integrative Medical Advisory team, he oversees research projects and the development of medical education content for practitioners and patients across North America. He completed Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Guelph in human kinetics and human biology and nutritional sciences, respectively, and naturopathic training at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. He's passionate about evidence-informed practice, patient education, health services research, and natural medicines. He has almost 15 years of academic, industry, and advisory experience, having worked with various organizations, including The Ottawa Hospital, the Ottawa Police Service, the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors, the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Valeant Pharmaceuticals, Nordion, and Pfizer.

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Disclaimer

This site is intended solely as an informational reference tool for practicing healthcare professionals. The content provided is not intended to be for medical diagnosis or treatment, is not a substitute for your professional judgment, and is not meant to provide you with medical or professional advice. You should evaluate and independently confirm the appropriateness of the content provided, and you should rely on your experience and judgment and other available resources when applying the provided content to an actual patient care situation. While content has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, we cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy, validity, timeliness, or completeness of the content.