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Vitamins & Supplements

Although vitamin B12 is found in many foods, certain groups (including vegans and older adults) are at increased risk for deficiency of this important nutrient.

Are You at Risk for Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

If you’ve noticed you’re feeling a bit more tired and weak and your brain isn’t working as well as it used to, don’t just...
We get vitamin D from sun exposure and a few foods (fatty fish, mushrooms, egg yolk, and fortified milk and juices).

Vitamin D and Your Health: Unanswered Questions

If you take supplements in an effort to raise your blood levels of vitamin D, protect your bone health, or boost your immune system,...
Vitamin E supplements have not been shown to improve health, and beta-carotene pills carry risks.

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...
There is no proof that any of the diet supplements on the market consistently help with weight loss.

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...
Vitamin D

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...
No pill (or collection of pills) can replicate the healthful nutrients in whole foods.

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...
Vitamin D

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...
More evidence suggests vitamin C, zinc, or vitamin D supplements will not protect you from COVID infection or make illness shorter or less severe.

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...
The omega-3 fats EPA and DHA may help fight inflammation, which could slow progression of cardiovascular disease.

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...
Dietary supplements, which are largely unregulated, may contain potentially dangerous ingredients not listed on labels.

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...
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