Latest Evidence in Supplements
According to a recent report, the global dietary supplements market is expected to reach USD 278 billion dollars by 2024. Some supplements are claimed to have benefits that haven’t been validated by research. Others are claimed to have benefits that haven’t even been studied. Some really are validated by research as being worthwhile for certain people in certain situations.
The question is: Which are which? This section contains research reviews for popular supplements, and answers to the most common health claims made about them.
Do Iron Supplements Work? Conclusions From 24 Research Papers
Introduction The question of iron supplementation is so important that I am going to answer the question here in the introduction and then justify/elaborate on the answer in the rest of the article. Iron supplementation is not an amateur sport. Unlike other...
Do Chromium Supplements Do Anything? We Review The Research
Introduction Many of my patients are interested in the health benefits of chromium. Chromium is promoted for use in common lifestyle related health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia and cognitive impairment, in addition to the related polycystic...
Does Krill Oil Have Health Benefits? A Scientist Explains
Introduction Krill oil is marketed as an alternative source of healthy fatty acids for people who (for whatever reasons) do not want to include oily fish or traditional fish oil supplements in their diet. Extractable krill oil is not just promoted as an alternative to...
Do Yohimbe Supplements Do Anything? We Review The Research
Introduction Technically, it is true to say that yohimbe comes from the African savannah and has been used for a very long time as a herbal aphrodisiac and aid for erectile dysfunction (which all sounds very exotic and earthy). However, that would only be part of the...
Do DHEA Supplements Do Anything? We Review The Research
Introduction DHEA is touted as a 'wellness hormone' and the 'fountain of youth hormone' owing to its alleged benefits related to ageing. It is used to try to reverse the effects of ageing including the metabolic syndrome, impaired memory, vaginal dryness,...
Are “Adaptogens” A Real Thing? The Science Explained
Introduction Somehow I got through medical school, a PhD in pharmacology and 25 years as a practising doctor and never heard of 'adaptogens' until last year. Essentially adaptogens are compounds that help us deal with or 'adapt to' the stresses and strains of life....
Does Alpha Lipoic Acid Have Benefits? 257 Human Clinical Studies Reviewed
Introduction Alpha lipoic acid has been described as the ‘universal anti-oxidant’ because it not only has anti-oxidant powers itself but also has the unique ability to regenerate other anti-oxidants such as glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E. As worldwide sales in...
Do Vitamin B12 Supplements Do Anything? Current Research Examined
Introduction Vitamin B12 is pretty much a standard ingredient in multi-vitamins and many fortified foods. According to health food bloggers, vitamin B12 offers a wide range of health benefits including brain functioning, cancer, digestion, cardiac health, diabetes and...
Does Milk Thistle Have Benefits? Top 14 Studies Reviewed
Introduction The herbal industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. Milk thistle extract consistently ranks as one of the most widely used herbal remedies. Milk thistle is probably best known for its alleged role in liver health, but is also promoted for diabetes,...
Does St. John’s Wort Do Anything? Full Review Of Research
Introduction St John’s wort is probably the best known of all of the herbal remedies used today. Dubbed as ‘Nature’s Prozac', it is probably best known for its role in depression. It is also now purported to have benefits in ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorders,...