All articles tagged with #dietary supplements
A small Spanish study indicates that consuming two tablespoons of tomato paste daily for three months may improve attention and processing speed in healthy adults. The findings suggest lycopene supports brain function, though experts emphasize the need for larger trials to confirm these preliminary results.
Social-media promotions tout patches that allegedly deliver vitamins, herbs, and other ingredients through the skin to boost mood or clarity. While transdermal delivery is real for some drugs, experts say many supplement ingredients aren’t effectively absorbed through the skin, and solid evidence or regulatory backing for these patches is lacking.
A Pew Research Center survey finds about 80% of U.S. adults are taking at least one dietary supplement, with roughly one in three using protein powders, bars, or drinks. Despite widespread use, medical experts say many supplements lack proven health benefits, and the small sample size of the survey tempers broad conclusions.
New studies raise questions about whether common supplements such as vitamin D, omega-3 fish oil and glucosamine actually help the aging brain. The evidence is largely observational and suggests these pills may offer little benefit, and could even be harmful for some older adults, so people should talk with a clinician before relying on them for cognitive health.
Melatonin and magnesium are popular sleep aids, but neither is a sedative or a guaranteed cure for insomnia. Melatonin helps align your sleep-wake cycle, while magnesium may support melatonin production and overall sleep quality. Use them with caution and consult a doctor if you're taking medications or have health concerns; prioritize sleep hygiene and lifestyle factors for lasting rest.
Glucosamine is a widely used supplement for osteoarthritis, but experts say the evidence for its effectiveness in reducing joint pain is mixed at best. The article notes controversies over glucosamine’s real effects, and meta-analyses generally show only a small or inconsistent pain benefit when any, underscoring the need for more robust research and prompting clinicians to discuss uncertain benefits and potential risks with patients.
Americans spend billions on brain-health supplements, but most claims lack rigorous scientific backing; only one supplement has shown a modest slowdown in cognitive aging in clinical trials, while experts emphasize proven cognitive-health strategies like regular exercise, adequate sleep, and social engagement.
A 20+ year analysis of 390,000+ generally healthy U.S. adults found that daily multivitamin use does not lower overall mortality or deaths from cancer, heart disease, or stroke. An initial slight (about 4%) higher death risk among users likely reflects underlying lifestyle differences rather than a harmful effect. While certain groups may benefit from specific supplements (folic acid in pregnancy, post-bariatric surgery, and some eye-disease nutrient combinations), for most adults a daily multivitamin is unlikely to extend lifespan. Emphasis remains on diets rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains, which are consistently linked to longer life.
Industry groups are pressing the FDA to broaden dietary-supplement rules beyond food-derived ingredients to include substances like peptides and probiotics, prompting a public meeting on how a 1994 framework could accommodate non-traditional ingredients while grappling with safety, oversight, and the balance between innovation and consumer protection.
Gastroenterologists say most people should boost fiber mainly through a variety of fiber-rich plant foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds) to support the gut microbiome and reduce chronic-disease risk, with daily targets of 25 g for women and 38 g for men, though many Americans average about 15 g. Supplements like psyllium can help when diet alone falls short, but they provide a single type of fiber and don’t offer the wide range of nutrients found in whole foods.
An oncologist notes that while most dietary supplements aren’t harmful, some—particularly antioxidants for immunocompromised patients—should be used with caution. There’s no clear evidence that supplements prevent cancer, and their use can raise safety and interaction concerns with cancer therapies; patients should discuss any supplement plan with their clinician and be mindful of regulatory and safety considerations.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu discussed perimenopause and brain fog with nutritionist Rashi Chowdhary, who suggested starting the day with healthy fats, adding lion's mane mushroom, and using smart supplements like creatine and CoQ10 to improve cognitive function. Expert fact-checking by Dr. Ravina Patel highlighted the importance of a balanced diet and clarified that some claims, like the efficacy of lion's mane mushroom, lack sufficient scientific evidence, emphasizing sustainable and affordable health practices.
The article discusses the rising popularity of protein powders driven by social media and consumer demand, highlighting that while protein is essential for health, most people can meet their needs through whole foods rather than supplements, which can sometimes contain unsafe levels of contaminants like lead. Experts recommend focusing on high-quality, whole food sources of protein and consuming adequate amounts at each meal, especially for children, older adults, and athletes, rather than relying heavily on protein powders.
Sea moss, a nutrient-rich seaweed popularized by social media influencers, is traditionally used for its potential health benefits, but scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited. While it contains beneficial nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals, concerns about heavy metal contamination and excessive iodine intake suggest moderation and caution, especially for certain groups. Experts recommend incorporating sea moss as part of a balanced diet rather than relying on supplements or trendy products.
The article critiques Jessie Inchauspé, the 'Glucose Goddess,' for promoting questionable blood sugar management hacks, endorsing unnecessary continuous glucose monitoring for healthy individuals, and selling unproven supplements, all while lacking proper medical credentials and relying on weak scientific evidence.