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 Echinacea Supplements Have Benefits? The Research Explained

Introduction 'Show me the money’ is the infamous line from the hit movie Gerry Maguire. Well, that’s pretty easy when it comes to echinacea. Echinacea ranks as one of the top selling herbs worldwide and grossed a staggering $15.1 million in 2008 alone. To put this in...

Do Saw Palmetto Supplements Work? 15 Scientific Papers Reviewed

Introduction Saw Palmetto is a plant native to the American Southeast. It has been used traditionally as a treatment for respiratory complaints and conditions of the genitourinary tract. Since the 20th centuries, an extract of the plant has been touted as a treatment...

Do CoQ10 Supplements Have Health Benefits? All Clinical Trials Reviewed

Introduction Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ 10) is a Nobel prize winning moiety. It is found in every cell in the human body, hence it is also called ubiquinone (UQ10) (ubiquitous) It forms part of cell membranes and belongs to a class of compounds known as the benzoquinones....

Does Zinc Oxide Protect the Skin? Is It a Viable Sunscreen Alternative?

Introduction Zinc oxide products have been trusted for generations to care for delicate or damaged skin. Bathroom cabinets in every corner of the world carry some type of zinc oxide remedy or salve. This is especially true if there is a baby to toddler in the house....

Studies Show Horehound Supplements Do Have Two Proven Benefits

Introduction While I was researching this article, I was surprised to discover that horehound was the top-selling herbal supplement in mainstream retail outlets in the United States. Sales of horehound supplements, which include cough drops and lozenges with horehound...

Research Suggest Phosphatidylserine Has Health Benefits For Cognition

Introduction If you’re anything like me, you’re likely boggled by the number of supplements lining the shelves in most grocery stores. Considering that by 2013, the supplement industry was already raking in close to $40 billion a year, it’s not surprising that these...

Does Ginkgo Biloba Have Health Benefits? 11 Health Claims Reviewed

Introduction The Chinese have revered Ginkgo biloba as a sacred tree for thousands of years and extracts from its leaves, seeds, and roots are an essential part of classical Chinese medical practice (1). The Chinese name for Ginkgo biloba is “Silver Almond tree”...

Do Tribulus Supplements Have Benefits? The Research Is Weak

Tribulus is a plant that is claimed to increase not only male stamina, libido, and sexual function, but also female pleasure and sensitivity. Does this herbal supplement live up to its reputation? Is this really an x-rated plant? What Is Tribulus? Tribulus...

Should We Stop Taking L-Arginine Supplements for Health Benefits?

Introduction L-arginine is described as an “ergogenic” or all-around “mojo booster” in plain English. It is marketed as an anti-ageing agent, sexual booster, and sports endurance agent. Fact or fiction? Let’s look at the evidence. What Is L-Arginine? Arginine...

Does Slippery Elm Only Have This One FDA Approved Health Benefit?

Introduction Slippery elm is a species of the elm tree family. It is commonly used for respiratory conditions (bronchitis, sore throat, cough, fever, and inflammation), gastrointestinal disease (peptic ulcers and diarrhea), dermatological conditions (skin abscesses...