The alfalfa plant has been used for centuries as a food, nutritional supplement and naturopathic medicine. Some scientific evidence suggests that they may be beneficial. Alfalfa supplements are generally safe and associated with few side effects, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, it is prudent to consult a physician who is familiar with integrative medicine before taking any botanical supplement to treat a medical condition.
Vitamins and Minerals
Alfalfa tablets have a concentrated source of several vitamins and minerals. According to Nutrition Data, sprouted alfalfa seeds contain large quantities of vitamin K, a fat-soluble micronutrient essential for normal platelet function. Alfalfa also contains six B-vitamins, vitamin C, beta carotene, calcium and iron. Natural alfalfa tablets are also rich in electrolyte minerals, including potassium and magnesium, which help regulate fluid balance and blood pressure.
Because of alfalfa's high vitamin K content, it is an inappropriate supplement for anyone taking the anticoagulant drug warfarin. Warfarin works by inhibiting the clotting effects of vitamin K, so excessive intake of vitamin K can decrease the drug's effects.
Cardiovascular Health
According to the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, alfalfa tablets appear to reduce total cholesterol levels and low-density lipoprotein, or "bad," cholesterol levels. This in turn helps reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events including heart attack and stroke. Furthermore, the NIH reports that alfalfa may treat atherosclerosis, a condition marked by plaque deposits in the arteries of the heart. Although encouraging, these findings are far from conclusive. More studies must take place before alfalfa tablets can be recommended as a treatment for any form of cardiovascular disease.
Blood Sugar Control
Alfalfa sprouts may offer health benefits to people with diabetes and pre-diabetes, according to the NIH. Diabetic animals taking alfalfa tablets experience a reduction in blood-glucose levels. Naturopathic health care providers may recommend alfalfa tablets as a complementary or alternative treatment for diabetes or reactive hypoglycemia. However, the NIH warns that no large-scale human studies have investigated alfalfa's safety or efficacy as a diabetes treatment option. Furthermore, alfalfa tablets may cause an unsafe drop in blood sugar levels if combined with other glucose-lowering products. Consult your health care provider before taking alfalfa tablets for a medical condition.
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