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.
19 Studies Show DHEA Supplements Only Have This One Health Benefit
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,...
Does Alpha Lipoic Acid Have Health Benefits? 18 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? 9 Health Claims 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...
Are “Adaptogens” a Real Thing? 25 Scientific Papers Reviewed
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....
Only One Study Shows Milk Thistle May Have Health Benefits
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 Work as an Antidepressant? 18 Studies Examined
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,...
Social Media Is Lying About the Health Benefits of Biotin Supplements
Introduction Did you know that there are over 100,00 posts on Instagram for the #biotin? Biotin is claimed to promote healthy hair, strong nails and glowing youthful skin. It is also touted as a cure-all for brain, heart and endocrine health. The impulsive side of me...
Do Valerian Root Supplements Work? 28 Scientific Papers Reviewed
Intro If you’re tossing and turning in bed, you might be tempted to brew some Sleepytime® or similar herbal tea to drink. If so, you’ve probably already tried valerian root. It has been used since ancient times as a sleep aid as well as for reducing anxiety and...
18 Research Papers Debunk the Health Benefit Claims of Collagen
Introduction As a vegetarian, I sometimes wonder if I am missing out on health benefits enjoyed by my meat eating friends . Take bone broth as an example. There are 230,000 Instagram posts for the hashtag #bone broth. That’s a whole lot of bone broth. I am often...
Do Selenium Supplements Have Benefits? 19 Research Papers Examined
Introduction Twenty years ago, there was a widespread belief in the medical and scientific community that optimizing selenium status would surely translate into better health for us all. At a minimum, improved selenium levels was touted as one of the solutions for...