Vitamin E and Beta-Carotene Supplements Not Recommended
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released a draft report stating that the risks of beta-carotene supplementation outweigh the benefits for prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. Beta-carotene supplements have previously been linked to increased risk of lung cancer in smokers and may increase risk of dying from heart disease or stroke. Additionally, the […]
Supplements and Alternative Therapies Not Shown to Help Weight Loss
An estimated 34 percent of Americans who want to lose weight have tried a weight loss supplement. A new study reviewed 315 randomized controlled trials testing the effectiveness of 14 dietary supplements, alternative weight loss therapies, or a combination of the two. The authors found most of the studies had small sample sizes, short follow-up […]
Vitamin D Levels Not Associated with COVID-19 Infection
While earlier studies had suggested low blood levels of vitamin D might increase the severity of COVID-19 infection, a recent observational study found that low levels of vitamin D were not associated with getting the virus in the first place. The study tested over 18,000 individuals ages 37 to 56 for anti-bodies indicating past infection […]
Dietary Supplement Myths You Need to Know
In a 2019 poll, 86 percent of Americans surveyed said they took some kind of vitamin, mineral, or other dietary supplement. Ironically, data are...
Insufficient Evidence for Universal Vitamin D Screening
A new U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) report has concluded there is not currently enough evidence to officially recommend screening vitamin D levels...
Nutrient Supplements May Not Help Against COVID-19
Two small randomized clinical trials were not able to demonstrate a benefit of high dose zinc, vitamin C, or vitamin D3 for patients with...
DHA and EPA omega-3s may both fight chronic inflammation
Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation that can increase risk for atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and poor outcomes with COVID-19. The omega-3...
Specific supplements bought online may contain dangerous ingredients
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to consumers regarding 46 specific weight loss and male enhancement products. Laboratory analysis...
High-Dose Omega-3 Supplements and Cardiovascular Health
A recent large, randomized controlled trial (coauthored by Friedman School Dean and Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter editor-in-chief Dariush Mozaffarian, MD, DrPH) evaluated the...
Turmeric: The “Golden” Supplement
Turmeric, the golden-orange spice commonly known for imparting a yellow hue to curries and mustards, is now trending in golden milk lattes, juice bar...