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A SCIENTIFIC LOOK AT ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Dietary Supplements
References
Thomas J. Wheeler, Ph.D.
Associate Professor (retired), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,
University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville KY
thomas.wheeler@louisville.edu
Revised 2021
This material was originally part of a handout for an elective course given to medical students at the University of Louisville.
Copyright 2021. Permission to copy for non-profit uses is granted as long as proper citation of the source is given.
DISCLAIMER: The material presented here is not medical advice. It represents the author's summary of scientific evidence concerning various topics. For medical advice, see your physician.
CONTENTS OF PARTS 1 AND 2:
PART 1 General aspects. Includes overview, regulation and labeling, adverse effects, scientific critique, conventional nutrition, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and reviews and major trials of multiple supplements
PART 2 Some items marketed as dietary supplements. Discusses 175 individual topics, arranged alphabetically.
A pdf file (120 pages), including both parts and references, is available at this site: Supplements2021.pdf
Note: Herbs are regulated along with dietary supplements in the U.S., so their regulation is included in Part 1. For discussion of other aspects of herbs, as well as individual herbal products, see the HERBS article.
REFERENCES
See also references for review articles in the text of Part 1 and Part 2.
Dietary supplements - general
Food and Drug Administration. 2019. Dietary Supplements
Food and Drug Administration. 2015. FDA 101: Dietary supplements
National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements
United States Anti-Doping Agency. Supplement 411 ["Supplement 411 is USADA’s dietary supplement safety education and awareness resource."]
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2018. Diabetes and dietary supplements
Bender DA. 2002. Daily doses of multivitamin tablets. BMJ. 325(7357):173-4 [editorial] (“Regular consumption will probably do you no good, with a few exceptions”)
Lichtenstein AH, Russell RM. 2005. Essential nutrients: food or supplements? Where should the emphasis be? JAMA. 294(3):351-8 [abstract]
Spector R. 2009 May 1. Methodological and statistical issues in adult nutritional research. Skeptical Inquirer
Wallace TC. 2012. Dietary reference intakes and nutrition labeling: updating the daily values for vitamins and minerals. J Am Coll Nutr. 31(4):233-8 [first page preview]
Moyher MW. 2014. Vitamins on trial. Nature. 510(7506):462-4
Frenkel M, Sierpina V. 2014. The use of dietary supplements in oncology. Curr Oncol Rep. 16(11):411 Supplements [abstract]
Gardiner P, Sadikova E, Filippelli AC, White LF, Jack BW. 2015. Medical reconciliation of dietary supplements: don't ask, don't tell. Patient Educ Couns. 98(4):512-7
Kantor ED, Rehm CD, Du M, White E, Giovannucci EL. 2016. Trends in dietary supplement use among US adults from 1999-2012. JAMA. 316(14):1464-74
Gavura S. 2016 Nov 17. What are health professionals telling consumers about dietary supplements? Science-Based Medicine
Austin SB, Yu K, Liu SH, Dong F, Tefft N. 2017. Household expenditures on dietary supplements sold for weight loss, muscle building, and sexual function: Disproportionate burden by gender and income. Prev Med Rep. 24;6:236-41
Manson JE, Bassuk SS. 2018. Vitamin and mineral supplements: What clinicians need to know. JAMA. 319(9):859-60 [abstract]
Marra MV, Bailey RL. 2018. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Micronutrient supplementation. J Acad Nutr Diet. 118(11):2162-73
Mishra S, Stierman B, Gahche JJ, Potischman N. 2021. Dietary supplement use among adults: United States, 2017-2018. NCHS Data Brief. (399):1-8
Panjwani AA, Cowan AE, Jun S, Bailey RL. 2021. Trends in nutrient- and non-nutrient-containing dietary supplement use among US children from 1999 to 2016. J Pediatr. 231:131-40
Denham BE. 2021. Dietary supplements in the USA: problematic trends. Public Health Nutr. 24(9):2771-5
Labeling and regulation (see also Adverse effects below)
Barrett S. 2020. How the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 weakened the FDA. Quackwatch
Food and Drug Administration. 2009. Guidance for Industry: Substantiation for Dietary Supplement Claims Made Under Section 403(r) (6) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
Ellwood KC, Trumbo PR, Kavanaugh CJ. 2010. How the US Food and Drug Administration evaluates the scientific evidence for health claims. Nutr Rev. 68(2):114-21
Ashar BH. 2010. The dietary supplement health and education act: time for a reassessment. Arch Intern Med. 170(3):261-3 [first paragraph]
Nestle M, Ludwig DS. 2010. Front-of-package food labels: public health or propaganda? JAMA. 303(8):771-2 [first paragraph]
Pray WS. 2012. Orrin Hatch and the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act: Pandora's Box revisited. J Child Neurol. 27(5):561-3
Cohen PA, Maller G, DeSouza R, Neal-Kababick J. 2014. Presence of banned drugs in dietary supplements following FDA recalls. JAMA. 312(16):1691-3
Starr RR. 2015. Too little, too late: ineffective regulation of dietary supplements in the United States. Am J Public Health. 105(3):478-85
Wallace TC. 2015. Twenty years of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act - How should dietary supplements be regulated? J Nutr. 145(8):1683-6
Novella S. 2015 Nov 18. US Department of Justice goes after supplements. Science-Based Medicine
Kesselheim AS, Connolly J, Rogers J, Avorn J. 2015. Mandatory disclaimers on dietary supplements do not reliably communicate the intended issues. Health Aff (Millwood). 34(3):438-46
Marcus DM. 2016. Dietary supplements: What's in a name? What's in the bottle? Drug Test Anal. 8(3-4):410-2
Borchers AT, Keen CL, Gershwin ME. 2016. The basis of structure/function claims of nutraceuticals. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 51(3):370-82 [abstract]
Anon. 2016 Nov. 6. Is the DSA [Direct Selling Association] ignoring illegal health claims? Truth in Advertising
Aciman A. 2017 Jan 27. What the FDA doesn’t know about alternative medicine - thanks to politics - could kill you. Quartz
Avery RJ, Eisenberg MD, Cantor JH. 2017. An examination of structure-function claims in dietary supplement advertising in the U.S.: 2003-2009. Prev Med. 97:86-92 [abstract]
Bellamy J. 2017 Aug 17. The Congressional Dietary Supplement Caucus. Science-Based Medicine
Mathews NM. 2018. Prohibited contaminants in dietary supplements. Sports Health. 10(1):19-30
Tucker J, Fischer T, Upjohn L, Mazzera D, Kumar M. 2018. Unapproved pharmaceutical ingredients included in dietary supplements associated with US Food and Drug Administration warnings. JAMA Netw Open. 1(6):e183337
Gavura S. 2018 Oct 18. Drugs in your supplements. Science-Based Medicine [discussion of previous item]
Cohen PA, Wen A, Gerona R. 2018. Prohibited stimulants in dietary supplements after enforcement action by the US Food and Drug Administration. JAMA Intern Med. 178(12):1721-3
Bellamy J. 2019 Feb 14. FDA promises industry-friendly “modernization” of dietary supplement regulation. Science-Based Medicine
Miller H, Bloom J. 2019 Jun 17. Viewpoint: FDA must do more to protect consumers from "outright fraud" of dietary supplements. Genetic Literacy Project
Markowitz JS, Gurley PC, Gurley BJ. 2020. Medical foods - a closer look at the menu: a brief review and commentary. Clin Ther. 42(7):1416-23 [abstract]
Felton R. 2021 Mar 9. Beware dietary supplements marketed online. Consumer reports
Adverse effects (see also labeling and regulation above, and general critiques below, as well as individual items under specific topics)
Boullata J. 2005. Natural health product interactions with medication. Nutr Clin Pract. 20(1):33-51 [abstract]
Lee LS, Andrade AS, Flexner C. 2006. Interactions between natural health products and antiretroviral drugs: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects. Clin Infect Dis. 43(8):1052-9
Frankos VH, Street DA, O'Neill RK. 2010. FDA regulation of dietary supplements and requirements regarding adverse event reporting. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 87(2):239-44 [abstract]
Genuis SJ, Schwalfenberg G, Siy AK, Rodushkin I. 2012. Toxic element contamination of natural health products and pharmaceutical preparations. PLoS One. 7(11):e49676
Kaye AD. 2014. Critical care medicine and the emerging challenges of dietary supplements, including herbal products. Crit Care Med. 42(4):1014-6 [first page]
Cohen PA. 2014. Hazards of hindsight - monitoring the safety of nutritional supplements. N Engl J Med. 370(14):1277-80
Geller AI, Shehab N, Weidle NJ, Lovegrove MC, Wolpert BJ, et al. 2015. Emergency department visits for adverse events related to dietary supplements. N Engl J Med. 373(16):1531-40
Interlandi J. 2016 Jul 12. Supplements can make you sick. yahoo!finance [also in Consumer Reports, Sep 2016]
Heidemann LA, Navarro VJ, Ahmad J, Hayashi PH, Stolz A, et al. 2016. Severe acute hepatocellular injury attributed to OxyELITE Pro: a case series. Dig Dis Sci. 61(9):2741-8
Eichner A, Tygart T. 2016. Adulterated dietary supplements threaten the health and sporting career of up-and-coming young athletes. Drug Test Anal. 8(3-4):304-6
Deldicque L, Francaux M. 2016. Potential harmful effects of dietary supplements in sports medicine. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 19(6):439-45 [abstract]
Navarro VJ, Khan I, Björnsson E, Seeff LB, Serrano J, Hoofnagle JH. 2017. Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements. Hepatology. 65(1):363-73
Herriman M, Fletcher L, Tchaconas A, Adesman A, Milanaik R. 2017. Dietary supplements and young teens: misinformation and access provided by retailers. Pediatrics. 139(2):e20161257
Novella S. 2017 Jul 26. Increase in supplement poisonings. Science-Based Medicine
Biggs JM, Morgan JA, Lardieri AB, Kishk OA, Klein-Schwartz W. 2017. Abuse and misuse of selected dietary supplements among adolescents: a look at poison center data. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther. 22(6):385-93
Ronis MJJ, Pedersen KB, Watt J. 2018. Adverse effects of nutraceuticals and dietary supplements. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 58:583-601
Or F, Kim Y, Simms J, Austin SB. 2019. Taking stock of dietary supplements' harmful effects on children, adolescents, and young adults. J Adolesc Health. 65(4):455-61 [abstract]
Navarro V, Avula B, Khan I, Verma M, Seeff L et al. 2019. The contents of herbal and dietary supplements implicated in liver injury in the United States are frequently mislabeled. Hepatol Commun. 3(6):792-4
Anon. 2019 Oct 30. 15 Supplement ingredients to always avoid. Consumer Reports
Felton R. 2020 May 27. FDA's supplement warning system has deadly limitations. Consumer Reports [version from Yahoo News, 2020 Aug 1]
Perez-Sanchez AC, Burns EK, Perez VM, Tantry EK, Prabhu S, Katta R. 2020. Safety concerns of skin, hair and nail supplements in retail stores. Cureus. 12(7):e9477
Zamil DH, Perez-Sanchez A, Katta R. 2020. Acne related to dietary supplements. Dermatol Online J. 26(8):13030/qt9rp7t2p2
White CM. 2020. Dietary supplements pose real dangers to patients. Ann Pharmacother. 54(8):815-9
Anon. 2020 Dec 17. FDA warns consumers to avoid certain male enhancement and weight loss products sold through Amazon, eBay and other retailers due to hidden, potentially dangerous drug ingredients. FDA News Release
Dietary supplements - general critiques (see also adverse effects above)
Barrett S. 2014. The mirage of multilevel marketing. Quackwatch
MLM Watch [multilevel marketing]
Spector R. 2009. Science and pseudoscience in adult nutrition research and practice. Skeptical Inquirer. 33(3):35-41
MartĂnez ME, Jacobs ET, Baron JA, Marshall JR, Byers T. 2012. Dietary supplements and cancer prevention: balancing potential benefits against proven harms. J Natl Cancer Inst. 104(10):732-9
Inoue-Choi M, Oppeneer SJ, Robien K. 2013. Reality check: there is no such thing as a miracle food. Nutr Cancer. 65(2):165-8
Vamenta-Morris H, Dreisbach A, Shoemaker-Moyle M, Abdel-Rahman EM. 2014. Internet claims on dietary and herbal supplements in advanced nephropathy: truth or myth. Am J Nephrol. 40(5):393-8 [abstract]
Outram SM, Stewart B. 2015. Should nutritional supplements and sports drinks companies sponsor sport? A short review of the ethical concerns. J Med Ethics. 41(6):447-50 [abstract]
Sax JK. 2015. Dietary supplements are not all safe and not all food: how the low cost of dietary supplements preys on the consumer. Am J Law Med. 41(2-3):374-94 [abstract]
Hall HA, Barrett S. 2016 Feb 9. Puritan’s Pride’s “Vitamin Advisor” wants to sell you something. Quackwatch
Gavura S. 2016 May 19. Where science meets supplements. Science-Based Medicine
Novella S. 2016 Jul 20. Pharmacists selling snakeoil. Science-Based Medicine
Gavura S. 2016 Nov 3. Supplements: still popular despite little evidence they're useful. Science-Based Medicine
Branson C. 2016 Nov 22. Journalists need to prune the overgrowth in the jungle of supplement news. HealthNewsReview.org
Aronson JK. 2017. Defining "nutraceuticals": neither nutritious nor pharmaceutical. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 83(1):8-19
Klatt K. 2017 Jan 10. Dietetics: Embracing integrative and functional medicine. Science-Based Medicine
Novella S. 2017 Aug 16. The supplement con. Science-Based Medicine
Royak D. 2018 Apr 27. I used to be a holistic nutritionist. Science-Based Medicine
Novella S. 2018 May 30. Routine vitamin supplementation mostly useless. Science-Based Medicine
Cardenas D, Fuchs-Tarlovsky V. 2018. Is multi-level marketing of nutrition supplements a legal and an ethical practice? Clin Nutr ESPEN. 25:133-8 [abstract]
Hall H. 2019 Dec 10. Supplements with multiple ingredients, many with no apparent rationale. Science-Based Medicine
Hall H. 2020 Mar 10. "Healthy Directions" is a double misnomer. Science-Based Medicine
Crawford C, Boyd C, Avula B, Wang YH, Khan IA, Deuster PA. 2020. A public health issue: dietary supplements promoted for brain health and cognitive performance. J Altern Complement Med. 26(4):265-72
Hall H. 2020 Aug 4. The recipe for making stupid videos. Science-Based Medicine
Hall H. 2020 Sep 15. Plexus: MLM strikes again. Science-Based Medicine
Hall H. 2021 Feb 9. A pattern of deceptive video ads for supplements. Science-Based Medicine
Hall H. 2021 Jun 1. The Natural Medicine Handbook. Science-Based Medicine
Dietary supplements - specific topics
Note: links for items from the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements are for the health professional versions. Each of these has a link at the top directing to the consumer version.
Multivitamin/mineral supplements
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Multivitamin/mineral supplements
Wassertheil-Smoller S, McGinn AP. 2014. Multivitamin and mineral supplements: hung jury. Womens Health (Lond). 10(2):111-3
Novella S. 2018 Jul 11. Multivitamins and vascular disease. Science-Based Medicine
Antioxidants and other combinations of supplements
Barrett S. 2018. Antioxidants and related phytochemicals. Quackwatch
D’Andrea GM. 2005. Use of antioxidants during chemotherapy and radiotherapy should be avoided. CA Cancer J Clin. 55(5):319-21
National Institutes of Health 2008 Dec 9. Review of prostate cancer prevention study shows no benefit for use of selenium and vitamin E supplements
Dunham W. 2008 Dec 30. Antioxidants fail again in cancer prevention study. Reuters
Brownstein J. 2011 Oct 10. Vitamins may increase women's risk of dying, research finds. LiveScience
Bast A, Haenen GR. 2013. Ten misconceptions about antioxidants. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 34(8):430-6
Kaiser J. 2014. Biomedical research. Antioxidants could spur tumors by acting on cancer gene. Science. 343(6170):477
Harvie M. 2014. Nutritional supplements and cancer: potential benefits and proven harms. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book. 2014:e478-86
Novella S. 2016 Jan 27. More trouble for antioxidants. Science-Based Medicine
Merry TL, Ristow M. 2016. Do antioxidant supplements interfere with skeletal muscle adaptation to exercise training? J Physiol. 594(18):5135-47
Riley A. 2016 Dec 8. Why vitamin pills don't work, and may be bad for you. BBC
Hall H. 2017 Feb 7. Re-thinking antioxidant supplementation for macular degeneration. Science-Based Medicine
Ernst E. 2018 Jul 3. Antioxidant supplements produce expensive urine, wealthy manufacturers, BUT NOT FERTILE MEN! Edzard Ernst
Quiles J. 2018 Oct 23. A call for caution on antioxidant supplementation. Science-Based Medicine
Spector R. 2019. Antioxidant megavitamins for brain health: puffery vs. fact. Skeptical Inquirer. 43(2):46-50
Lightsey D. 2020 Nov 24. Marketing's holy grail of terms: antioxidants. American Council on Science and Health
Supplements for specific diseases or conditions (see also individual topics below)
Ernst E. 2017 Mar 7. “Foods that will naturally cleanse your arteries.” Edzard Ernst
Reinberg S. 2019 Jul 8. More evidence supplements won’t help the heart. HealthDay
Gavura S. 2019 Sep 19. Do dietary supplements improve heart health? Science-Based Medicine
Ernst E. 2020 Apr 27. How can I stimulate my immune system? A systematic review of clinical trials. Edzard Ernst
Other individual supplements or topics
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2020. Acai
MedlinePlus. 2021. Activated charcoal
MedlinePlus. 2020. Alfalfa
Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource. 2020. Apple cider vinegar in dietary supplements
Ernst E. 2017 Dec 14. The incredible health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar. Edzard Ernst
MedlinePlus. 2021. L-Arginine
Hall H. 2012 Aug 7. ASEA: another expensive way to buy water. Science-Based Medicine
Hall H. 2017 Nov 7. Update on ASEA, Protandim, and dĹŤTERRA. Science-Based Medicine
Barrett S. 1999. Bee pollen, royal jelly, and propolis. Quackwatch
MedlinePlus. 2021. Bee pollen
Landi F, Calvani R, Picca A, Marzetti E. 2019. Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate and sarcopenia: from biological plausibility to clinical evidence. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 22(1):37-43 [abstract]
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Biotin
Hall H. 2018 Dec. 11. BladderMax: fake news and outrageous headlines. Science-Based Medicine
MedlinePlus. 2021. Blueberry
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Boron
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2020. Bromelain
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Calcium
National Cancer Institute. 2009. Calcium and cancer prevention
Barrett S. 2012. A critical look at Robert Barefoot and Coral Calcium. Quackwatch
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2019. Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: What you need to know
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 2020. What you need to know (and what we’re working to find out) about products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds, including CBD
Bellamy J. 2019 May 9. FDA: No CBD in dietary supplements or foods for now, but let’s talk. Science-Based Medicine
Gavura S. 2019 Jul 11. CBD oil: the new miracle cure. Science-Based Medicine
Novella S. 2020 Mar 25. Cannabinoids for acute pain. Science-Based Medicine
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 2020 Apr 23. FDA warns companies illegally selling CBD products to treat medical conditions, opioid addiction
Bellamy J. 2020 Apr 23. FDA issues new CBD safety warnings, calls for more research to guide regulation. Science-Based Medicine
Novella S. 2020 Sep 30. Where are we with CBD. Science-Based Medicine
Federal Trade Commission. 2020 Dec 19. FTC announces crackdown on deceptively marketed CBD products
Ernst E. 2021 May 28. Is cannabis an effective treatment for PTSD? Edzard Ernst
MedlinePlus. 2021. Capsicum
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Carnitine
Houston L. 2013 Apr 7. Researchers find new pathway linking heart disease to carnitine. Forbes
Hall H. 2020 Apr 28. Chaga tea. Science-Based Medicine
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Choline
MedlinePlus. 2021. Chondroitin sulfate
Ernst E. 2017 May 26. SURPRISE, SURPRISE: some dietary supplements do work! (Chondroitin for OA). Edzard Ernst
Hall H. 2017 May 30. New evidence for chondroitin. Science-Based Medicine
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Chromium
Vincent JB. 2017. New evidence against chromium as an essential trace element. J Nutr. 147(12):2212-9
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2020. Cinnamon
Gavura S. 2012 (reposted 2019 Jun 27). How effectively does cinnamon treat diabetes? Science-Based Medicine
MedlinePlus. 2020. Clove
Schardt D. 2017 Jul 17. The truth comes out about coconut oil. Nutrition Action
Hall H. 2019. Coconut oil: health food or health hazard? Skeptic Magazine. 24(3):4-5
MedlinePlus. 2021. Cod liver oil
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2019. Coenzyme Q10
Ernst E. 2021 Apr 22. Coffee and cancer risk. Edzard Ernst
Gavura S. 2011 Nov 10. Collagen: an implausible supplement for joint pain. Science-Based Medicine
Ernst E. 2019 Feb 28. Collagen, a promising supplement for reducing skin aging? Edzard Ernst
Wadyka S. 2020 Oct 13. The real deal on collagen. Consumer Reports
Pontolillo J. 1998.Colloidal minerals: Unnecessary and potentially hazardous. Quackwatch
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2020. Cranberry
Gavura S. 2016 Dec 15. Cranberries to prevent urinary tract infections: another alternative medicine zombie that’s impervious to evidence. Science-Based Medicine
Hall H. 2019 Dec 24. Ellura: a supplement backed by evidence. Science-Based Medicine [cranberry product]
Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource. 2019. Creatine supplements: the basics
Kreider RB, Kalman DS, Antonio J, Ziegenfuss TN, Wildman R, et al. 2017. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 14:18
Bailes JE, Cantu RC, Day AL. 2002. The neurosurgeon in sport: awareness of the risks of heatstroke and dietary supplements. Neurosurgery. 51(2):283-8 [creatine]
Brudnak MA. 2004. Creatine: are the benefits worth the risk? Toxicol Lett. 150(1):123-30 [abstract]
Antonio J, Candow DG, Forbes SC, Gualano B, Jagim AR et al. 2021. Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show? J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 18(1):13
Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource. 2019. Deer velvet: is it banned?
Yen SS. 2001. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and longevity: new clues for an old friend. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 98(15):8167-9
Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource. 2020. DHEA: Can I use it?
Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource. 2019. Diatomaceous earth: Is it a useful supplement?
Hall H. 2016 Jul 12. Diatomaceous earth? No thank you! Science-Based Medicine
Hall H. 2020 Jun 23. Dr. Seeds' Chill Pills. Science-Based Medicine [dihydrohonokiol-B]
Deardorff J. 2012 Jun 4. Pressure builds to ban dietary supplement DMAA. Chicago Tribune
Singer N, Lattman P. 2013 Mar 15. Is the seller to blame? New York Times [DMAA]
Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource. 2020. Energy drinks and energy shots: What's the problem?
Higgins JP, Tuttle TD, Higgins CL. 2010. Energy beverages: content and safety. Mayo Clin Proc. 85(11):1033-41
Sorkin BC, Camp KM, Haggans CJ, Deuster PA, Haverkos L et al. 2014. Executive summary of NIH workshop on the Use and Biology of Energy Drinks: Current Knowledge and Critical Gaps. Nutr Rev. 72 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):1-8
Childs E. 2014. Influence of energy drink ingredients on mood and cognitive performance. Nutr Rev. 72 Suppl 1:48-59
Anon. 2018 Nov 30. Energy drinks, cramming for final exams could be unhealthy mix. American Heart Association News
Barrett S. 2003. Enzyme deficiency. Quackwatch
Edakkanambeth Varayil J, Bauer BA, Hurt RT. 2014. Over-the-counter enzyme supplements: what a clinician needs to know. Mayo Clin Proc. 89(9):1307-12
Barrett S. 2015 Dec 28. Dubious claims made for DZ10 enzyme supplement. Quackwatch
Hall H. 2017 Aug 22. Viotren and other dietary supplements for erectile dysfunction: buyer beware. Science-Based Medicine
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2020. Evening primrose oil
Ernst E. 2018 Oct 5. Is evening primrose oil effective after all? I still have my doubts! Edzard Ernst
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Dietary supplements for exercise and athletic performance
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Omega-3 fatty acids
Kris-Etherton PM, Harris WS, Appel LJ; American Heart Association Nutrition Committee. 2002. Fish consumption, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and cardiovascular disease. Circulation. 106(21):2747-57
O’Neill B. 2010 Mar 1. The cult of omega-3. BBC News
Morin M. 2012 Sep 11. Analysis casts doubt on benefits of omega-3 supplements. Los Angeles Times
Monaco J, Mounsey A, Bello Kottenstette J. 2013. Should you still recommend omega-3 supplements? J Fam Pract.62(8):422-4
Simmer K. 2016. Fish-oil supplementation: the controversy continues. Am J Clin Nutr. 103(1):1-2 [supplementation in pregnancy and lactation]
Ernst E. 2016 Dec 30. Fish oil might prevent asthma. Edzard Ernst
Hall H. 2018 Jun 5. Fake news about fish oil. Science-Based Medicine [claims for a krill oil product]
Novella S. 2018 Aug 8. No benefit from fish oil. Science-Based Medicine
Gavura S. 2018 Sep 20. Fish oil doesn't help dry eyes. Science-Based Medicine
Ernst E. 2018 Sep 26. Fish oil might reduce anxiety. Edzard Ernst
Tummala R, Ghosh RK, Jain V, Devanabanda AR, Bandyopadhyay D et al. 2019. Fish oil and cardiometabolic diseases: Recent updates and controversies. Am J Med. 132(10):1153-9 [abstract]
Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource. 2019. Omega-3s and brain injury
Calder PC, Deckelbaum RJ. 2020. Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular outcomes: an update. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 22(2):97-102 [first page preview]
Curfman G. 2020. Do Omega-3 Fatty Acids Benefit Health? JAMA 324(22):2280-1
MedlinePlus. 2021. Omega-6 fatty acids
Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource. 2019. Omega 7 supplements
Anon. 2021 Apr 16. Palmitoleic acid paper pulled for data concerns. Retraction Watch
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2020. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil
Gardner A. 2011 Jun 5. Flaxseed fails as treatment for hot flashes. HealthDay
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Fluoride
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Folate
Associated Press 2007 Jun 6. Folic acid does not prevent precancerous colon polyps, may hike risk: study. CBC News
Norton A. 2011 Apr 13. Folic acid fails in another heart-health study. Reuters
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2020. Garlic
Stern A. 2007 Feb 27. Garlic does not lower cholesterol: study. Reuters
Anon. 2007 Oct 15. Why garlic is good for the heart. BBC News
Ernst E. 2017 Jun 30. Garlic against infections? Edzard Ernst
MedlinePlus. 2020. Gelatin
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 2008 Sep 23. Dietary supplement genistein can undermine breast cancer treatment. ScienceDaily
MedlinePlus. 2021. Glucosamine
Barrett S. 2019. Glucosamine and chondroitin for arthritis: Benefit is unlikely. Quackwatch
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2014. Glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis
Mroz PJ, Silbert JE. 2003. Effects of [3H]glucosamine concentration on [3H]chondroitin sulphate formation by cultured chondrocytes. Biochem J. 376(Pt 2):511-5 [“We conclude that the cells have excess capacity to form maximal amounts of GlcN from glucose so that exogenous GlcN does not stimulate chondroitin sulphate synthesis.”]
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2006 Feb 22. . Efficacy of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate may depend on level of osteoarthritis pain
Kolata G. 2006 Feb 23. Supplement fail to stop arthritis pain, study says. New York Times
Fox M. 2008 Sep 29. Glucosamine and chondroitin don't slow arthritis. Reuters
Associated Press 2010 Sep 17. 2 Popular arthritis supplements don't work. Fox News
Ernst E. 2019 May 18. Glucosamine supplements might reduce cardiovascular risks. Edzard Ernst
Ernst E. 2020 Jul 17. Glucosamine supplementation is associated with lower mortality due to all causes, cancer, CVD, respiratory and digestive diseases. Edzard Ernst
Avila J, Martz G, Paparella A. 2007 Jun 1. Cure for your disease or empty promise? ABC News [Mannatech and "glyconutrients"]
Schnaar RL, Freeze HH. 2008. A "glyconutrient sham." Glycobiology.18(9):652-7
Schnaar RL, Freeze HH. 2017. A "glyconutrient sham" and the Jenner Glycobiology and Medicine Symposium. Glycobiology. 27(5):383-4
Hall H. 2016 Sep 13. “Glyconutrients,” Mannatech, and Ambrotose: marketing, not science. Science-Based Medicine
MedlinePlus. 2021. Grape
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2020. Grape seed extract
MedlinePlus. 2021. Grapefruit
Gavura S. 2016 Mar 10. Not natural, not safe: grapefruit seed extract. Science-Based Medicine
Ernst E. 2020 Aug 21. Alcohol hangover: is L-cysteine the solution? Edzard Ernst
Bellamy J. 2020 Sep 10. FDA warns companies selling illegal hangover remedies. Science-Based Medicine
Barrett S. 2016. Growth hormone schemes and scams. Quackwatch
Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource. 2020. Huperzine A: dietary supplements for brain health
Crawford C, Wang YH, Avula B, Bae JY, Khan IA, Deuster PA. 2020. The scoop on brain health dietary supplement products containing huperzine A. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 58(10):991-6 [abstract]
Hall H. 2019 Oct 8. Hydrogen water is not “the new nutrient;” health claims are hype, not science. Science-Based Medicine
Hall H. 2020 Oct 6. The evidence for hydrogen water. Science-Based Medicine
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MedlinePlus. 2021. 5-HTP
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National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Iron
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Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource. 2020. Ketone supplements for performance
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Gavura S. 2019 Jun 13. Lactation cookies feed on breastfeeding anxieties. Science-Based Medicine
Hall H. 2020 Mar 17. Lipogen for premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Science-Based Medicine
MedlinePlus. 2021. Lutein
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Hall H. 2019 Oct 21. "SuperMannan cures bladder infections!" Really? Science-Based Medicine [mannan oligosaccharides, mannose]
Ernst E. 2019 Jun 10. Matcha tea: the new SCAM to scam the gullible consumer? Edzard Ernst
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Gavura S. 2017 Mar 9. Melatonin: what's on the label isn't in the bottle. Science-Based Medicine
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Food and Drug Administration 2019. Danger: don’t drink Miracle Mineral Solution or similar products
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National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Molybdenum
MedlinePlus. 2021. Reishi mushroom
Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource. 2020. Mushrooms in dietary supplements
Ernst E. 2016 Nov 26. Mushrooms for the management of diabetes? Edzard Ernst
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Niacin
Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource. 2019. Nitric oxide supplements
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2020. Noni
Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource. 2021. Nootropics: drugs vs. dietary supplements for brain health
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Hall H. 2016 Nov 29. BrainPlus IQ: lying with advertising Science-Based Medicine
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Hall H. 2021 Jul 6. Mayim Bialik's Neuriva commercials make questionable claims. Science-Based Medicine
MedlinePlus. 2021. Olive
MedlinePlus. 2021. Oregano
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MedlinePlus. 2020. Papaya
Campbell A. 2016 Nov 25. Phenibut is neither proven nor safe as a prosocial wonder drug. Science-Based Medicine
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Phosphorus
Pett K. 2016 Dec 27. A review of Benecol, a plant-stanol margarine. Science-Based Medicine
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2020. Pomegranate
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Potassium
Federal Trade Commission. 2017 Jan 9. FTC, New York State charge the marketers of Prevagen with making deceptive memory, cognitive improvement claims
Bellamy J. 2018 Jun 21. Prevagen goes P-hacking. Science-Based Medicine
Hall H. 2018 Dec. 4. Reader's Digest promotes prevagen. Science-Based Medicine
Eisner C. 2020 Oct. 21. Americans took Prevagen for years - as the FDA questioned its safety. Wired
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American Gastroenterological Association. 2020 Jun 9. AGA does not recommend the use of probiotics for most digestive conditions
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Gavura S. 2020 Jul 9. Probiotics, revisited. Science-Based Medicine
Hall H. 2019 Mar 12. The "evidence" for Prodovite is junk science. Science-Based Medicine
MedlinePlus. 2021. Propolis
Hall H. 2017 May 9. Protandim update: new studies and an FDA warning letter. Science-Based Medicine
Hall H. 2017 Dec 5. I was wrong about Protandim. Science-Based Medicine
Campbell A. 2017 Apr 8. Nope, quenepa has no health benefits. Science-Based Medicine
Novella S. 2020 Jul 7. More evidence raw milk is bad. Science-Based Medicine
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Hall H. 2017 Jan 31. Pink Himalayan sea salt: an update. Science-Based Medicine
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Selenium
Ernst E. 2021 May 7. Supplementation with selenium and coenzyme Q 10 may lower cardiovascular mortality. Edzard Ernst
MedlinePlus. 2019. Shark cartilage
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MedlinePlus. 2021. Blue-green algae
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Thiamine
Hall H. 2019 Oct 29. Lipo-Flavonoid for tinnitus. Science-Based Medicine
Hall H. 2021 Apr 27. Another in a pattern of really stupid marketing videos, this one claiming tinnitus has nothing to do with the ear and is 100% curable. Science-Based Medicine
MedlinePlus. 2021. L-Tryptophan
Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource. 2021. Vinpocetine in dietary supplement products
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National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Vitamin B12
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Vitamin B6
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Vitamin C
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National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Vitamin D
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Vitamin E
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Vitamin K
Gorski D. 2016 May 6. Wheatgrass quack Brian Clement returns to the scene of the crime in Six Nations. Respectful Insolence
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Parker-Pope T. 2011 Feb 15. For cold virus, zinc may edge out even chicken soup. New York Times