If you think you’re doing your body good by popping a daily multivitamin or supplementing with extra vitamin C or E, think again. A new study finds that taking supplements is linked to higher odds of early death, at least in older women.
Supplements
Saw Palmetto Works No Better Than Placebo for Prostate Symptoms
Millions of middle-aged men take saw palmetto extract to relieve the urinary-tract symptoms of an enlarged prostate, but a new study finds that the supplements work no better than placebo.
‘Flavor Tripping’ Explained: How Miracle Fruit Turns Sour Into Sweet
If you have any foodie friends, you’ve probably heard of miracle fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum), a native West African berry that looks like a cranberry, but acts like a psychedelic for your taste buds.
Why Most Dietary Supplements Aren’t Worth the Money
Coriander Oil: Potential Weapon Against Harmful Bacteria?
A new study suggests that oil from the seeds of coriander — the green herb that’s more commonly known as cilantro — may be able to wipe out a broad range of harmful bacteria, including drug-resistant bugs and those that …
FDA Deems Lazy Larry Brownies Unsafe
Back in May, a “relaxation brownie” called Lazy Cakes caused a stir, when several politicians and public-health experts expressed concern about its safety. On Friday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent a letter to the …
Fish Oil During Pregnancy Fights Colds Among Newborns
Colds are no fun for anyone, but for newborns, any assault on their still-developing immune systems can be dangerous. But moms-to-be can reduce the risk that their little ones will get sick by taking fish oil supplements.
Study: U.S. Calcium Guidelines May Be Too High
Since bones tend to deteriorate with age, it makes sense to take in more calcium as we get older, to help lower the risk of fractures in our hips and limbs. But how much additional calcium is enough? And is there such as thing as too much?
Lazy Cakes: A Sleepytime Snack Elicits Public-Health Outrage
Public health officials and politicians are debating the safety of a new snack on the market — sold as Lazy Cakes, Kush Cakes and Lulla Pies. They’re brownies laced with the sleep aid melatonin.
Svelte 30 Recall: OTC Diet Pill Contains Undeclared Prescription Drug
Svelte 30 Nutritional Consultants, a diet pill manufacturer with an office in Kissimmee, Fla., is voluntarily recalling its “Svelte 30 orange & gray capsules” after a January test conducted by the Food and Drug Administration …
Zinc Won’t Cure Colds, but It Could Make Them Less Miserable
It’s hard to separate hype from health these days, especially when it comes to treating the common cold. Without an effective, proven medical treatment to control sneezes and sniffles, all sorts of remedies — some more valid …
2010: The Year in Preposterous Health Claims
If a product trumpets benefits that seem too good to be true — “Lose weight by eating pizza!” — it probably means they are.
New Guidelines for Vitamin D and Calcium
If you’ve been confused about the flip-flopping reports on the benefits and risks of vitamin D recently, you’re not alone.
