Nutrition & Supplements
What the evidence says about diet patterns, micronutrients, and supplements that actually move the needle.
From the magazine · 18
All articles →Understanding Vitamin D: Forms, Dosages, and Practical Considerations
This overview explores the different forms of vitamin D, their efficacy, and general dosage guidelines. It emphasizes the importance of D3 over D2 and highlights safe intake levels.
When Diet Becomes Identity: How Social Affiliation Shapes Food Choices and Scientific Reception
A recent article explores how dietary choices are increasingly tied to social identity and personal values, moving beyond health or taste. This shift can impact how individuals interpret scientific evidence regarding nutrition.
Dietary Habits and Lifestyle Factors in Breast Cancer Prevention
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of prevention. While some risk factors are unchangeable, lifestyle choices, particularly diet and physical activity, play a significant role in reducing breast cancer risk.
New Research Suggests Vitamin D2 Supplements May Lower Levels of the More Potent Vitamin D3
Recent studies indicate that while vitamin D2 supplements can contribute to overall vitamin D status, they may inadvertently reduce the body's levels of vitamin D3, the form naturally produced by sun exposure and often considered more effective. This finding highlights potential differences in how the two forms are metabolized and their impact on health.
Major Review Questions Efficacy of Calcium and Vitamin D for Fracture Prevention
A comprehensive review of numerous randomized controlled trials suggests that routine supplementation with calcium and vitamin D, alone or combined, offers little meaningful protection against fractures and falls in most older adults. This challenges widespread recommendations for their use in bone health.
Dietary Supplement Use Among Moroccan Athletes: Knowledge Gaps and Unsupervised Practices
A recent study explored the knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning dietary supplements among athletes in Morocco, revealing that over a third use supplements, often without professional guidance. Many athletes were unaware of potential risks, highlighting a need for improved education and regulation in the region.
GLP-1 Drug Extends Lifespan in Female Mice, Suggesting Anti-Aging Potential Beyond Weight Loss
A recent study in Nature reports that a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a class of drugs typically used for weight management, significantly extended the lifespan of female laboratory mice. This effect appears to go beyond simple calorie restriction, hinting at broader anti-aging mechanisms.
NIH Office of Nutrition Research Unveils Strategic Plan and Key Initiatives
The National Institutes of Health's Office of Nutrition Research (ONR) has released its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, emphasizing nutrition as foundational to overall health. This plan, alongside recent research reports and leadership insights, outlines a comprehensive vision for advancing nutrition science.
Probiotics Show Limited and Inconsistent Effects on Sleep Quality and Duration
A recent meta-analysis explored the impact of probiotic supplementation on sleep, finding small and inconsistent benefits for both subjective and objective sleep measures. The variability in results highlights the importance of specific probiotic strains and further research.
Meta-analysis finds limited and inconsistent evidence for probiotics improving sleep
A recent meta-analysis investigated the impact of probiotic supplementation on sleep quality and duration, finding only small and inconsistent benefits across various studies. The review highlights the need for more robust research to confirm any definitive link.
NIH Prioritizes Human-Relevant Research Methods for Dietary Supplements and Nutrition
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is encouraging the development and use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to study the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements and food components. This initiative aims to improve the relevance of nutrition research to human biology and health outcomes, moving beyond traditional animal studies.
Understanding Nutrition: The Foundation of Health and Its Impact on Well-being
Nutrition is a fundamental science exploring the intricate link between diet and health. Proper dietary choices are crucial for preventing disease and maintaining overall physical and mental well-being.
Creatine Supplementation Shows Promise as an Adjunctive Treatment for Depression Symptoms
Emerging research suggests that creatine, a common dietary supplement, may offer therapeutic benefits when used alongside conventional treatments for depression. Studies indicate that creatine could help improve symptoms in individuals with major depressive disorder.
NIH Launches Challenge to Transform Dietary Supplement Information into Engaging Digital Experiences
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has initiated a challenge to encourage the development of innovative digital tools and content to improve public understanding of dietary supplements. The "Supplements, Facts First" challenge aims to convert existing evidence-based fact sheets into interactive, accessible formats for diverse audiences.
The Hidden Dangers of Daily Supplement Cocktails: When More Isn't Better for Your Health
While supplements can support well-being when necessary, an increasing number of health experts are observing a rise in liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal issues linked to the excessive and indiscriminate use of multiple supplements.
Vitamin D supplements: what the new mega‑trials really show
Large modern trials of vitamin D challenge its reputation as a cure‑all. The clearest benefits are for bones and possibly cancer mortality—mainly in people who start out deficient, not the already replete.
Omega‑3s EPA and DHA: Where the Evidence Really Is Strong
EPA and DHA have solid evidence for lowering triglycerides, supporting cardiovascular risk management in select groups, and correcting deficiency—while other claims remain far less certain.
Creatine monohydrate beyond the gym: brain health, cognition, and aging
Creatine monohydrate is no longer just a gym supplement. Emerging human data suggest modest benefits for memory and processing speed, with plausible neuroprotective effects in aging—though the evidence is still early and far from definitive.