The term “natural” is fairly meaningless in relation to the safety or effectiveness of a supplement. To provide an extreme example, cyanide is a natural compound that ferns produce. Of course, we are not suggesting that any supplements contain cyanide.

Some...

Scientists have carried out a large number of studies to investigate whether vitamin D might help reduce or treat cancer. 

A large meta-analysis published in 2019 concluded that, although vitamin D did not reduce the incidence of cancer, it did reduce cancer mortality. Simi...

In fact, more can sometimes be dangerous. As vitamin and mineral supplements are available without a prescription, people can be forgiven for assuming that they are safe at any dosage.

Large dosages of some vitamins can hamper the body’s finely tuned systems

Antioxidants are compounds that prevent oxidation, and they include vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and carotenoids, such as beta carotene. In general, fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants.

Research has shown that people who eat more vegetables and fruits have low...

Many of these products contain active ingredients that might interfere with other drugs. 

Supplements might, therefore, boost or reduce the effects of pharmaceutical drugs.

The idea that taking vitamin and mineral supplements will protect our hearts is reassuring. 

However, a large review and meta-analysis published in 2018 could find no significant benefit. 

The supplement industry is huge. In 2016, the global nutritional supplement sector turned over an estimated $132.8 billion. By 2022, some experts predict that this figure will exceed $220 billion.

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination S...