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Efficacy of over-the-counter nutritional supplements
Michael H Davidson1, Chris T Geohas
1Department of Preventive Cardiology, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, 1725 West Harrison Street, Suite 1159, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. mdavidson@protocare.com
Current Atherosclerosis Reports
|February 4, 2003
Summary
Many Americans use supplements, but lack of FDA review necessitates efficacy evaluation. Strong evidence supports plant sterols, omega-3s, B vitamins, and nuts; other supplements show potential or lack evidence.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Dietary Supplements
- Public Health
Background:
- Over 100 million Americans use dietary supplements.
- Supplements are widely believed to be safe and effective.
- The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 permits marketing without pre-market FDA review.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of commonly used nutritional supplements.
- To provide evidence-based guidance on supplement use.
- To address the gap between public perception and scientific evidence regarding supplements.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of scientific literature.
- Analysis of evidence for various supplement ingredients.
- Categorization of supplements based on supporting evidence.
Main Results:
- Strong evidence supports plant sterols/stanols, omega-3 fatty acids, niacin, folate, vitamins B6/B12, and tree nuts.
- Potential evidence exists for soy protein, tea extracts, policosanol, guggulipids, coenzyme Q10, and L-arginine.
- Lack of evidence for the health benefits of garlic and antioxidants.
Conclusions:
- The efficacy and safety of many supplements remain unevaluated due to regulatory loopholes.
- Consumers should be aware of the varying levels of scientific evidence supporting supplement claims.
- Informed decisions about supplement use require critical assessment of available scientific data.