Comparison of natural product use between primary care and nephrology patients.

BACKGROUND: The use of natural products is increasing, but healthcare professionals may underestimate the use of these agents by patients. It is unknown whether natural product use differs between primary care and specialty clinic patients, such as those in a nephrology clinic.
OBJECTIVE: To compare patterns of natural product use between primary care and nephrology clinic patients.
METHODS: One thousand adult patients from each clinic were randomly mailed an anonymous questionnaire to determine current and past use of natural products.
RESULTS: A total of 491 surveys were returned, for an overall response rate of 26% (25% primary care; 28% nephrology clinic). Current use of natural products was similar between the primary care and nephrology groups (34% vs 29%, respectively; p = NS). Primary care patients were more likely to have taken a natural product in the past (57% vs 45%; p < 0.05); Echinacea was the most common product taken by those patients (26%). Green tea was the most common natural product taken by nephrology clinic patients (18%). More primary care patients took Echinacea compared with nephrology clinic patients (26% vs 12%; p < 0.01). Adverse reactions led to discontinuation of the natural product in 7% of respondents.
CONCLUSIONS: Active use of natural products was similar between the survey respondents. Documentation and monitoring of natural product use by healthcare professionals working with primary care and nephrology clinic patients are recommended.