title: Efficacy of over-the-counter nutritional supplements.
abstract: More than 100 million people in the United States report using nutritional supplements. Most people are under the impression that nutritional supplements offer health benefits and are closely regulated to ensure safety and efficacy. Unfortunately, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 allows for the promotion of nutritional supplements without review by the United States Food and Drug Administration; therefore, it is important to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these supplements. There is strong scientific evidence supporting the use of plant sterols/stanols, omega-3 fatty acids, niacin, folate, vitamin B(6)/B(12), and tree nuts. There is potential evidence for the health benefits of soy protein, tea extracts, policosanol, guggulipids, coenzyme Q10, and L-arginine. There has been a lack of evidence for the health benefits of garlic and antioxidants.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Cardiology, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, 1725 West Harrison Street, Suite 1159, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. mdavidson@protocare.com
authors.forename: Michael H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Davidson
authors.forename: Chris T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Geohas
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D004366:Nonprescription Drugs