Vitamins & Supplements Archive

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.

500 to 700 milligrams of calcium through diet and 800 to 1,000 of vitamin D as a supplement should be adequate to preserve bone density.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Treating people who have low levels of vitamin D with supplements may reduce their risk for heart attacks and death from any cause.

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.