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Clinical Updates
January
Caution With Ashwagandha
1/02/2021
Ashwagandha may decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressant drugs and, according to a recent case report, may trigger transplant rejection. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Ashwagandha Supplements Review. The section includes information about other potential side effects of ashwagandha.
Coffee and Heart Disease
1/05/2021
Research published this week suggests a link between a moderate coffee consumption and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Get the details in our article about Coffee and Heart Health.
Vitamin D and COVID-19
1/09/2021
Many preliminary studies have linked adequate vitamin D levels with reduced risk of COVID-19 or less severe disease. However, a recent study did not find a benefit among people who had been supplementing with amounts generally above the recommended daily intake requirement for vitamin D. See the details in the COVID-19 section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
Magnesium, Niacin and Blood Pressure
1/09/2021
Two studies this week showed the risk of high blood pressure to be lowest among people with adequate, but not excessive, dietary intakes of magnesium and niacin.
Also, see which foods are good sources of magnesium and, separately, good sources of niacin.
Vitamin D & Risk of COVID Death
1/12/2021
A recent study in the U.S. found that people hospitalized with COVID had much lower rates of death with certain blood levels of vitamin D. Get the details in the COVID-19 section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
High-Dose Vitamin C for COVID-19?
1/12/2021
Does high-dose vitamin C help in people with severe COVID-19? See what a new study showed in the COVID-19 section of our Vitamin C Supplements Review.
Nicotinamide Riboside to Slow Aging and Reverse NAD+ Decline?
1/12/2021
Nicotinamide riboside, a form of niacin, has been promoted to slow aging, partially based on the belief that it raises NAD+ levels that fall with age. A new study raises doubts about this. Get the details in the Niacin section of our B Vitamin Supplement Review. Also, learn about a concern with taking too much nicotinamide riboside.
Vitamin D for Colds and Flu?
1/14/2021
Does monthly high-dose vitamin D help prevent colds and flu or lessen symptoms in older people? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Vitamin D Supplement Review. Also, see our Top Pick for vitamin D.
Vitamin K & Risk of COVID Death
1/14/2021
A marker of low vitamin K levels has been linked to a higher risk of death in people with COVID-19, according to a new study. Get the details in the COVID-19 section of our Vitamin K Supplements Review.
Coffee and Prostate Cancer Risk
1/15/2021
Is drinking coffee associated with prostate cancer risk? Find out what a recent study suggests in our updated answer to the question: Does drinking coffee increase or decrease the risk of cancer? Can it slow cancer progression?
Avocado Oil Quality Problems Confirmed
1/19/2021
Recent tests confirmed the finding that many avocado oils in the U.S. market contain other, cheaper oils, as reported last year. See the details, by brand, and expert tips for consumers in our answer to the question: What are the health benefits of avocado oil? Is it healthier than olive oil? Which avocado oils are best?
Vitamin D and Prediabetes
1/19/2021
Can vitamin D supplementation improve insulin resistance in people with prediabetes? See what a recent study found in the Prediabetes section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
Aspirin and Colorectal Cancer Risk
1/23/2021
Regular use of aspirin may reduce or increase the risk of colorectal cancer depending on when it is initiated, according to observational studies and clinical trials. Get the details in our updated answer to the question: Which supplements help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer?
Strawberries for Memory?
1/23/2021
Can daily consumption of two cups of strawberries improve memory and cognition in older men and women? See what a new study found in our answer to the question: Do any supplements really help with brain function, like memory and cognition?
Curcumin for Reducing Muscle Soreness?
1/26/2021
Can taking curcumin (from turmeric) reduce muscle soreness related to exercise – and does it enhance muscle strengthening from exercise? See what a new study found in the Muscle Soreness and Recovery section of the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements & Spices Review. Also see our Top Picks for turmeric/curcumin.
Ubiquinol (CoQ10) for Cognitive Function?
1/30/2021
Does taking ubiquinol, the active form of CoQ10, improve cognition in people with mild cognitive impairment? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of our CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for CoQ10 and ubiquinol.
B12 for Diabetic Neuropathy?
1/30/2021
Can high-dose vitamin B12 improve nerve function and reduce pain in people with neuropathy due to type 2 diabetes? See what a new study found in the B12 section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin B12.
February
Vitamin C for Bleeding Gums?
2/02/2021
Does vitamin C supplementation reduce the tendency for gums to bleed? Find out what research shows in the What It Does section of our Vitamin C Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin C.
Thiamin Deficiency from Bowel Disease
2/02/2021
People with inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s or colitis) can develop thiamin (vitamin B-1) deficiency, which can lead to life-threatening brain injury, as noted in a recent review of 31 cases. Learn more about this and other causes of thiamin deficiency in the Thiamin section of our B Vitamin Supplements Review.
Garlic-Induced Burns
2/02/2021
Be aware that garlic applied to the skin may cause severe burns, and dozens of cases have been reported. Find out which form of garlic and type of skin application is particularly dangerous in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Garlic Supplements Review.
Saffron for Mood?
2/06/2021
Does saffron extract improve mood in people feeling down and anxious or stressed? See what a new study found in our article about Supplements for Depression and Anxiety.
Energy Drinks and Blood Pressure
2/09/2021
Which people are more likely to have cardiovascular side effects from energy drinks? Find out what a new study showed in the Energy Drinks & Shots section of our B Vitamins Supplements Review.
Which Form of Fish Oil Is Best Absorbed
2/12/2021
The amount of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that you absorb when taking fish oil depends on the form of oil and/or when you take it. A new study suggests that a certain form is better absorbed than others. Get the facts in the Forms of Fish Oil section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.
Vitamin D for Fibromyalgia?
2/12/2021
Does vitamin D supplementation help women with fibromyalgia? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
Plant-Based Milk Caution
2/12/2021
There may be negative effects for bones when switching to certain types of plant-based milks, according to a recent study. See the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Plant-Based Milks Review. Be sure to see our Top Picks among plant-based milks.
Coffee And Cholesterol
2/20/2021
Large daily intake of coffee was linked to higher cholesterol levels in a recent study. At the same time, moderate intake of coffee may reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
Folic Acid for Cognitive Function?
2/27/2021
Does folic acid supplementation help with cognitive function in older people? Find out what a new study showed in the Memory and Cognition section of our B Vitamin Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks for folic acid.
March
Diabetes Risk With Selenium
3/02/2021
High intake of selenium from the diet or supplements has been associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Selenium Supplements Review.
Probiotics for Ulcers?
3/02/2021
Can probiotics help treat a common cause of stomach ulcers – H. pylori infection? Find out what new guidelines say in the What It Does section of our Probiotic Supplements Review.
For information about other supplements for peptic ulcers (and those to avoid) see our answer to the question: Do supplements help treat peptic ulcer disease? Should any be avoided?
Vitamin D for COPD and Asthma?
3/02/2021
Does high-dose vitamin D help treat COPD or asthma? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
CBD Product Causes Positive Drug Test
3/03/2021
A moderately high dose of a full-spectrum CBD product caused positive drug tests in 50% of people in a recent study. See the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our CBD & Hemp Extract Supplements, Lotions, and Balms Review.
Melatonin After Stroke?
3/05/2021
Melatonin supplementation may reduce the risk of developing delirium after a stroke, according to a new study. Get the details in the What It Does section of our Melatonin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among melatonin supplements.
Ashwagandha for Exercise Endurance?
3/05/2021
Can ashwagandha improve endurance and decrease fatigue during exercise? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of the Ashwagandha Supplements Review. Also see our Top Pick among ashwagandha supplements.
More Fish, Less Death for Some
3/09/2021
A recent analysis found that regular consumption of fish was associated with an 18% lower risk of death over a 9-year period. Get the details in the What It Does section of our Canned Fish Review. Also see our Top Picks among canned and packaged tuna, salmon and sardines.
Coconut Oil for Lowering Blood Pressure?
3/09/2021
Can coconut oil lower blood pressure in people with mild hypertension? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of our Coconut Oil and MCT Oil Review. Also see our Top Picks among coconut and MCT oils.
Almonds for Wrinkles?
3/09/2021
Can eating almonds reduce facial wrinkles in postmenopausal women? See what a new study found.
Fibromyalgia Supplement?
3/13/2021
Pycnogenol (French pine bark extract) was recently reported to reduce muscle pain and fatigue in people with fibromyalgia, but how strong is the evidence?
Does Coffee Consumption Lower Cardiovascular Risk, or Is It the Other Way Around?
3/16/2021
New study results may undermine the association between moderate coffee consumption and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Find out in our updated answer to the question: Is drinking coffee good or bad for heart health?
Melatonin and Cancer
3/18/2021
Can high-dose melatonin increase survival time or improve symptoms in people with advanced lung cancer? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of our Melatonin Supplements Review.
Also see results of a study in which melatonin was given during breast cancer treatment.
See our Top Picks among melatonin supplements.
Also see results of a study in which melatonin was given during breast cancer treatment.
See our Top Picks among melatonin supplements.
How Much Sun to Boost Vitamin D?
3/22/2021
Find out how much sun exposure was needed in a recent study to significantly increase vitamin D levels in older people in the Getting Vitamin D from Sunlight section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among vitamin D supplements.
Folic Acid and Colorectal Cancer
3/22/2021
Do higher intakes of folic acid and other sources of folate increase or decrease the risk of colorectal cancer? It may depend on time, according to a new study discussed in the Folate section of our B Vitamin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among B vitamin supplements.
MCT Oil for Mild Cognitive Impairment?
3/22/2021
Can medium chain triglycerides (MCTs – from coconut oil) boost brain energy and improve thinking in people with mild cognitive impairment? Find out what a recent study found in the What It Does section of our Coconut and MCT Oils Review. Also see our Top Picks among coconut and MCT oils.
Birth Control and Vitamin D
3/22/2021
Can taking birth control pills affect vitamin D levels? Find out what a recent study found in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review.
Curcumin & Prostate Cancer
3/26/2021
Does curcumin benefit men undergoing chemotherapy for prostate cancer? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of our Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements & Spices Review. Also see our Top Picks among turmeric and curcumin products.
Vitamin D & Healing Bones
3/29/2021
Broke a bone? A recent case shows how important sufficient vitamin D can be to properly heal a fracture. See the Bones and Fractures section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among vitamin D supplements.
April
Fish Oil for Memory?
4/03/2021
Can taking high-dose fish oil improve memory and cognitive function in older people with coronary artery disease? Find out what a recent study showed in the Age-related Cognitive Decline section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.
Diabetes & Sardines
4/03/2021
Can eating sardines reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of our Tuna, Salmon & Sardines Review. Also see our Top Picks for sardines, canned salmon and tuna.
Learn about the effects of fish oil supplements on blood sugar and insulin sensitivity in our Fish Oil Supplements Review.
Vitamin D for ED?
4/05/2021
Taking vitamin D may increase the benefits of a common medication for men, according to a recent study. Get the details in the What It Does section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among vitamin D supplements.
Vitamin D & Muscle
4/08/2021
Can taking high-dose vitamin D improve strength gains from exercise? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among vitamin D supplements.
Cranberry and UTIs
4/09/2021
Two popular cranberry supplements promoted for urinary tract health were compared in a clinical study that showed one to be 4 times as effective as the other at preventing the adhesion of UTI-causing bacteria in urine. Get the details in our article about Cranberry and UTIs.
CBD for Low Back Pain?
4/16/2021
Does taking CBD help in treating acute low back pain? See what a recent study found in the What It Does section of our CBD & Hemp Extract Supplements, Lotions, and Balms Review. Also see our Top Picks among CBD products.
Probiotic for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
4/19/2021
Can taking a probiotic reduce joint swelling in rheumatoid arthritis? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of our Probiotic Supplements Review.
Collagen and Breast Cancer?
4/22/2021
Does supplementing with collagen increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence? Learn what the evidence shows in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Collagen Supplements Review.
Olive Oil & Alzheimer's?
4/23/2021
Can regular consumption of extra virgin olive oil improve cognition and reduce blood levels of markers associated with Alzheimer's disease? See what a recent study found in the What It Does section of our Extra Virgin Olive Oils Review. Also see our Top Picks among olive oils.
Vitamin D for Healing Fractures?
4/23/2021
Does vitamin D supplementation improve healing of bone fractures in postmenopausal women? See what a new study found in the Bone and Fractures section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
Best Curcumin Formulation?
4/26/2021
Which curcumin formula has the best bioavailability? Learn what a recent study found when comparing the popular formulas C3 Complex, Meriva, NovaSOL and Turmipure Gold. See the Absorption and Bioavailability section of the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review. Also see our Top Picks among turmeric and curcumin products.
Migraine & Watermelon?
4/26/2021
Can watermelon or other natural foods trigger migraine? See what a recent study found in our updated article about Supplements, Foods, and Migraine.
Magnesium for Parkinson's Disease?
4/26/2021
Can taking magnesium help treat Parkinson’s disease? Find out what research shows in the What It Does section of our Magnesium Supplements Review. Also, be aware that Parkinson's medication can affect absorption of magnesium and vice versa.
Does Kefir Lower Cholesterol?
4/30/2021
Can drinking kefir that contains probiotics, decrease LDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels in people with metabolic syndrome? See what a new study found the Cholesterol-Lowering section of our Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among probiotic supplements and drinks.
Saffron for Sleep?
4/30/2021
Can saffron extract improve sleep in people with mild to moderate insomnia? See what a new study found in our updated answer to the question: Which supplements can help me sleep and which cause insomnia?
Curcumin and Gout
4/30/2021
Can curcumin help people with gout by lowering blood levels of uric acid? Find out in the What It Does section of our Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review. Also see our Top Picks for curcumin and turmeric.
Best Form of Magnesium?
4/30/2021
Find out how forms and formulations of magnesium differ, and their usefulness for different conditions. See the Choosing the Right Form of Magnesium section of our Magnesium Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for magnesium.
May
Lycopene for BPH?
5/03/2021
Can taking lycopene improve symptoms of BPH? Find out what a recent study found in the What It Does section of our Lycopene Supplements review. Also, see our Top Pick for lycopene.
CBD for Pain?
5/03/2021
Can CBD reduce pain severity or help people better tolerate pain? See what a recent study found in the What It Does section of our CBD & Hemp Extract Supplements, Lotions, and Balms Review.
GABA for Cognition?
5/03/2021
Can taking GABA improve cognition? See what a new study found in our updated article about GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).
Grape Seed Extract for Blood Pressure?
5/03/2021
Can grape seed extract lower blood pressure? See what a new study found in our article about the Health Benefits of Grape Seed Extract.
PEA for Joint Pain?
5/03/2021
Can PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) reduce joint pain? Find out what a recent study found in our answer to the question: Which supplements can help with arthritis?
Glutathione for Blood Sugar?
5/03/2021
Does taking glutathione improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes? Find out what a recent study showed in our answer to the question: Do glutathione supplements work to prevent aging or for other conditions?
Seizures from Essential Oils
5/07/2021
Although uncommon, certain essential oils have been reported to trigger seizures in people with or without a history of seizures, even when only used topically. Get the details.
Eggs, Choline, & Heart Risk
5/07/2021
The choline in eggs can raise levels of TMAO, a compound associated with higher risk of heart attack. A recent study compared the effects of eating eggs versus taking choline supplements on TMAO levels. Find out which increased TMAO levels the most. Also, see our Top Pick among choline supplements.
Whitener In Many Pills May Not Be Safe
5/10/2021
Titanium dioxide, which is commonly used to whiten pills, is not safe according to the European equivalent of the FDA. Find out why in our Review Article about Inactive Ingredients.
Probiotic for Autism?
5/11/2021
Can a probiotic supplement improve symptoms of autism spectrum disorder? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Probiotic Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks for probiotic supplements.
Black Seed Oil for Blood Sugar Control?
5/11/2021
Find out if black seed oil improved blood sugar control in people with prediabetes in our updated answer to the question: What are the health benefits of black cumin seed (black seed) oil?
High-Dose Vitamin D?
5/14/2021
Giving a single large dose of vitamin D doesn't help people already getting sufficient vitamin D, according to a recent study. And too much vitamin D can have negative effects. Get the details in the How Much Do You Need and How Much Is Too Much section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D supplements.
Choline for Memory?
5/14/2021
Can choline supplementation improve cognitive function in older men and women? See what a recent study found in the Memory and Cognition section of our Choline Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among choline supplements as well as Concerns and Cautions with choline supplements.
Misleading Kefir Claims
5/14/2021
Recent testing of several popular kefir beverages in the U.S. found that none contained their claimed amount of live probiotic cells -- although a popular yogurt did. See the results, by brand, in the Kefir section of our Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among probiotic supplements and drinks.
Fish Oil Interaction With Medication
5/17/2021
High-dose fish oil can significantly increase blood levels of certain immunosuppressants, according to new research. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes information about other drug interactions with fish oil.
Folic Acid for Hot Flashes?
5/17/2021
Can folic acid supplementation reduce hot flashes or improve mood in postmenopausal women? See what a new study found in the B Vitamin Supplements Review.
How Well Do Vitamin D Supplements Raise Levels?
5/21/2021
A recent study shows the law of diminishing returns when taking high doses of vitamin D. For details, see the How Much Do You Need section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D Supplements.
Possible Toxin in Straws
5/21/2021
Potentially toxic compounds known as PFAS occur in some brands of dental floss and a variety of other products. A new report indicates that PFAS are also in certain drinking straws. Find out more.
Fibromyalgia Risk With Iron Deficiency Anemia?
5/21/2021
A recent study suggests a link between iron deficiency anemia and fibromyalgia, particularly in women. Get the details in the What It Does section of our Iron Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among iron supplements.
Does Iron Affect Stroke Risk?
5/21/2021
There are downsides to taking too much iron, but a recent analysis suggests that getting a basic amount of iron may reduce stroke risk for women. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Iron Supplements Review.
Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?
5/24/2021
Find out if creatine supplements cause hair loss. See the Concerns and Cautions section of our Muscle & Workout Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks for creatine supplements.
Ginger for Stomach Flu?
5/24/2021
Can ginger extract reduce vomiting due to stomach flu? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of the Ginger Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among ginger supplements, chews, and spices.
Plant Milks and Kidney Stones
5/28/2021
Do almond, cashew, oat, soy or other plant-based milks increase the risk of kidney stones due to their oxalates? Find out in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Plant-Based Milks Review and see which carry the highest risk. Also see our Top Picks among plant-based milks.
Don't Do This If You Need Iron
5/28/2021
If you're low in iron, be aware that many foods dramatically reduce absorption of iron from your diet. Teas can also have a major impact, as shown in a recent study. Get the details in the What to Avoid section of our Iron Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among iron supplements.
Citrus And Skin Cancer Risk?
5/31/2021
Does consuming citrus fruits and juices increase your risk of skin cancer? See what a recent study found in our update to our answer about supplements, foods, and sun damage.
Vitamin D for Orthostatic Hypotension?
5/31/2021
Can supplementing with vitamin D reduce the risk of orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing)? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
Diet And Exercise For Tinnitus?
5/31/2021
Can dieting and exercise improve tinnitus symptoms? Find out what a recent study showed in the update to our answer about supplements and lifestyle changes for tinnitus.
June
Melatonin & Weight
6/07/2021
Can melatonin supplementation improve sleep or reduce weight? See what a new study among nightshift workers found in the What It Does section of the Melatonin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for melatonin.
GlyNAC vs. NAC
6/07/2021
What is GlyNAC, how does it compare to NAC, and does it have anti-aging effects? Find out in the What It Does section of our N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks for NAC.
GLA for Inflammation?
6/07/2021
Can taking GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) supplements help reduce inflammation? Find out in our answer to the question: Can any supplements be used to reduce inflammation in people sensitive to NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, high-dose aspirin, or naproxen?
Vitamin D and Melanoma
6/11/2021
Can vitamin D supplementation improve outcomes in people with melanoma skin cancer? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review.
Also see our answer to the question: Do any supplements or foods help prevent sunburn or skin damage from sun exposure? Can any increase your risk of sun-related skin damage?
Also see our answer to the question: Do any supplements or foods help prevent sunburn or skin damage from sun exposure? Can any increase your risk of sun-related skin damage?
Vitamin D for Asthma?
6/11/2021
Can vitamin D supplementation reduce immune reactions to common asthma triggers, such as dust mites? Find out what a recent analysis showed in the What It Does section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review.
Vitamin D May Increase the Risk of Fractures from Falls
6/14/2021
Taking doses of vitamin D above the RDA when not necessary may increase the risk of first-time falls with fractures, according to a recent analysis. Get the details in the Muscle, Balance and Falls section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for low, moderate and high-dose vitamin D supplements.
