The truth about dietary supplements, from the January 2013 Harvard Women's Health Watch
More than half of American women (and men) reach for a supplement bottle to get the nutrition insurance they think they need. But nutritional supplements rarely live up to their hype, reports the January 2013 issue of Harvard Women's Health Watch.
Over the years there has been a lot of highly positive news about supplements. Antioxidants such as vitamin E were once seen as a promising silver bullet against heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. Omega-3 fatty acids were once touted for warding off strokes and other cardiovascular events. The latest supplement in the spotlight, vitamin D, is being eyed as a possible defense against a long list of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, depression, and even the common cold.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.