Scientific Evidence for Dietary Supplements

Ever wonder which dietary supplements work best? Ever wonder if the claims of the sellers of dietary supplements are backed by scientific research on humans?...

Alzheimer's Reading Room 

The first issue -- which dietary supplements are effective and backed by research on humans. The second issue -- what is the effectiveness of a dietary supplement for any given condition.

For example, is ginkgo biloba effective for the treatment of dementia. Does the supplement slow the rate of cognitive decline in older adults with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment? Answer: No. 

See: Ginkgo Biloba -- Two Thumbs Down for Treatment of Alzheimer's and Dementia

Ginkgo biloba for preventing cognitive decline in older adults: a randomized trial

In the chart below the higher a bubble, the greater the evidence for its effectiveness. 

But, the supplements are only effective for the conditions listed inside the bubble. 

To play with the interactive version of this chart, and to find out more about each dietary supplement -- go here.

Get more information about this research go here.

View a spreadsheet that lists the supplements in alphabetic order with links to the underlying science that supports or rejects effectiveness claims. This is extremely useful.

Source Information is Beautiful

 

Alzheimer's Disease -- Advice and Insight 

• What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia?
• 100 Good Reasons to Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room
• Alzheimer's Disease and the Five Stages of Grief
• What are the Eight Types of Dementia?
• Alzheimer's Disease CareGiving -- Insight and Advice (20 articles)
• Test Your Memory for Alzheimer's Disease (5 Best Self Assessment Tests)
• Alzheimer's World -- Trying to Reconnect with Someone Suffering from Alzheimer's Disease
• Does the Combination of Aricept and Namenda Help Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Disease Patients
• Alzheimer's Disease Statistics
• Learning How to Communicate with Someone Suffering From Alzheimer's Disease

 

Original content Bob DeMarco, the Alzheimer's Reading Room