Vitamins, minerals, herbs, and supplements Archive

In December 2021, the FDA warned consumers about an increase in supplements tainted with harmful ingredients, particularly supplements promising male enhancement or weight loss.

A large, randomized Harvard study published online Dec. 21, 2021, by JAMA found that taking fish oil supplements didn't prevent depression in otherwise healthy older adults.

Probiotics can be helpful in some cases, but it's unclear whether they are safe for all older adults.

The Federal Trade Commission called on companies to issue refunds to people who purchased anti-aging products due to unsubstantiated marketing claims.

Naturally occurring plant compounds called stanols can help reduce cholesterol. But they may not be found in large enough amounts in butter substitutes to reduce cholesterol levels in the body. The best way to lower is cholesterol is still by eating a plant-based diet with more fruits and vegetables and less processed foods, reducing consumption of saturated fat, and working to maintain a healthy weight.

Stimulant medications, which are usually prescribed to treat attention deficit disorder in children, are being prescribed increasingly to older adults. These drugs may cause a short-term spike in the risk of heart-related problems, including heart attacks, strokes, and arrhythmias. Dietary supplements that promise weight loss or better physical or mental performance may contain prohibited, unlisted, and potentially dangerous stimulants.

Protecting the skin from the sun doesn't increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency or bone fracture, according to a recent study.

A recent analysis found evidence mixed on whether zinc can help prevent or treat a cold. However, there appears to be no significant harm from taking over-the-counter zinc products in safe amounts per the label's instructions.

Many people who start a cholesterol drug wind up discontinuing its use. That's because statins, a common type of medication that lowers cholesterol, have both real and perceived side effects, such as muscle aches. To stay on a statin, one can ease into use with a low-dose or an alternate-day dose strategy, consider if other medications or circumstances are to blame for discomfort, try gentle stretching, take coenzyme Q₁₀, or replenish low vitamin D levels. Another strategy is to take a non-statin drug that lowers cholesterol.

Older adults must pay special attention to their intakes of calcium, vitamin D, and protein. These important nutrients are crucial for maintaining bone health. Doctors say it's probably best to take a supplement to get enough vitamin D. Calcium and protein are best when they come from foods, such as canned salmon with bones, sardines, beans, dairy products (cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, milk), leafy greens, or nuts. Other important nutrients for bone health, such as magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium, can be obtained by simply eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins.