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 of healthy individuals. Over the last two decades, observational research has found that people with even moderately low vitamin D levels have higher risk for a range of diseases. This finding […]
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 COVID-19. The first study, conducted in the U.S., examined whether high-dose zinc and/or high-dose ascorbic acid (vitamin C) reduced the severity or duration of symptoms compared to usual care among 214 […]
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 polyunsaturated fatty acids known as EPA and DHA, plentiful in fatty fish, have been associated with lower chronic inflammation. A small randomized study led by researchers at the Jean Mayer USDA […]
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 of these products found active pharmaceutical ingredients not listed on the labels. Many of these hidden ingredients are approved for use by prescription only and could cause potentially serious side effects […]
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 impact of a new omega-3 fatty acid supplement on cardiovascular health. The researchers tested the high-dose (4 grams/day) prescription-only formulation of omega-3 fatty acids in patients who were on statins, had […]
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 boosts, and dietary supplements. This plant rhizome, which resembles ginger root, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Today, curcumin, a polyphenol compound partly responsible for turmeric’s color, is getting […]
Q. Why do you say it is better to get nutrients from foods rather...
A. Alice H. Lichtenstein, DSc, executive editor of Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter, answers: “Optimal health is dependent on consuming the appropriate quantity of...
Vitamin D Supplements Do Not Help Cholesterol Levels
Researchers from Tufts University and Tufts Medical Center have found that taking vitamin D3 supplements has no effect on serum cholesterol. Their randomized controlled...
Prenatal Vitamin D Does Not Prevent Childhood Asthma
A study published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine found that vitamin D supplementation during the prenatal period alone did not influence...
Q. How can I get more iron in my diet besides eating lots of...
A. Kelly Siverhus, a dietetic intern at the Frances Stern Nutrition Center, answers: “Adequate iron intake is essential for the transport of oxygen from...