An evidence-based review of commonly used dietary supplements

Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasing in the United States. Physician assistants need to know about the efficacy of CAM therapies if they practice integrative medicine (which combines CAM and traditional therapies), recommend a CAM therapy occasionally as part of their treatment plan, refer patients to CAM providers, or have patients who self-select CAM therapies. This article describes integrative medicine and reviews the most commonly used dietary supplements.