Professional Documents
Culture Documents
However, the huge range of dietary supplements now available makes the area something
of a minefield for consumers. Take a browse through the stocks of the UKs leading
supplement suppliers and you will find hundreds of products ranging from acai capsules to
zinc, with everything from devils claw to royal jelly between. Even individual supplements
can come in a range of doses and a number of different formulations, making it hard to
know what is worth taking and what isnt.
The Behind the Headlines team has tackled numerous studies on supplements and during
our work it has become clear that the widely perceived benefits of certain supplements
simply do not have enough robust evidence to support them. At times, these misconceptions
appear to have been formed due to press coverage, at other times because of the way some
products are marketed or because of the sheer volume of misinformation floating around on
the internet.
So how do we know which dietary supplements we should take, whether they work and
whether theyre safe? Where should we be going for reliable information? In this report we
hope to make sense of some of these issues surrounding dietary supplements, and also to
look at a selection of evidence on some of the most popular supplements in use today.
Contents
Overview 1
What are dietary supplements? 1
Whats the industry worth? 2
Who takes supplements and why? 2
Supplements market share chart 3
Should we be taking supplements? 4
How are supplements regulated? 5
Herbal remedies 6
What claims can supplements make? 7
Vitamin supplements 8
Who needs vitamin supplements? 8
Vitamins as antioxidants 9
What can vitamin supplements really do? 9
Vitamins for fertility 10
Can supplements be harmful? 10
Key points on vitamins 10
Weight-loss supplements 11
So do they live up to their claims? 11
Are weight-loss pills safe? 12
Safe, proven ways to lose weight 13
Key points about weight-loss supplements 14
Supplements for colds 15
Vitamin C 15
Zinc 16
Echinacea 16
Key points about cold supplements 17
The ageing population: ginkgo, ginseng and glucosamine 18
Ginkgo 18
Ginseng 19
Glucosamine 20
Key points about ageing supplements 21
Fish oils 22
Fish oils for adults 22
Fish oils for children 23
The risks of fish oils 24
Key points about fish oils 24
Body building 25
Do the products work and are they safe? 25
The risks of protein supplements 26
Other products 26
Key points about body-building supplements 27
Conclusion 28
Why do we take supplements if they are unproven? 28
Are supplements worth the money? 28
Supplement your knowledge 29
References 30
Overview
In this report, NHS Choices and Bazian have presenting some news coverage of research to
attempted to examine both individual illustrate the complexity of the messages they can
supplements and the culture that surrounds be faced with.
supplements as a whole. Given the breadth of the
topic it shouldnt be seen as a definitive review of
their merits, but we do hope that it will encourage Dietary supplements contain vitamins,
people to be more discriminating in the way they minerals, herbs or plant material. They
choose supplements and, ultimately, look after can be found in pill, capsule, tablet or
their health. liquid form and are used to supplement
(add to) the diet, but they should not be
The Behind the Headlines service reviews two considered a substitute for food, World
health news stories each day, looking at whether Cancer Research Fund1
media claims match the research, as well as
the strengths and weaknesses of the scientific
1
supplements and nutritive drinks and tonics. The
graph overleaf uses the same figures to show the
big sellers of 2009.
being consumed in sufficient quantities. Todays Who takes supplements and why?
supplements contain not just vitamins and People take supplements for all kinds of reasons,
minerals, but herbs, amino acids, enzymes, fibre usually relating to their health. They hope these will
and fatty acids. They also come in a variety of boost vitality, limit the signs of ageing, extend life,
forms, including traditional tablets, capsules, cut the risk of chronic disease such as cancer and
powders, drinks and supplement bars. They can treat specific ailments such as arthritis. According
be found in supermarkets, pharmacies, health to research by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in
food shops and, of course, on the internet. Many 20083, nearly a third of people in the UK take some
supplements are actually classified as foods rather vitamin, mineral or dietary supplement on most
than medicines and so dont have to go through days, and about 15% of us report having taken a
the usual checks and regulations a medicine would high dose supplement in the last 12 months. The
go through for safety and efficacy (how well it main reason we take supplements is for our general
works) before being put on the market. They are health and wellbeing.
covered by the Food Safety Act and should not be
harmful to health. Market data suggest that joint health is a major
aspect of wellbeing, accounting for 36% of all
Other supplements are classified and regulated as supplements sales in 2009. Products that target
medicines because of their reported effects and health of the heart, bones and immune system are
methods of use. This means that different products also popular, as shown below2.
that contain the same main active ingredient may
actually have different classifications, with some
classed as foods and others as medicines.
3
FSA research3 found the following: particular case the most comprehensive evidence
reviews to date suggest that there is no overall
women are more likely than men to take
benefit, and bodies such as the National Institute
supplements
for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) do not
older people and people in poorer health recommend its use. However, there are certainly
are also more likely to take them still plenty of people buying glucosamine, and
in these cases its best that this personal choice is
the market is not exclusively for adults, made in an informed way, with knowledge about
with just over half of households with what the evidence says and any potential harms.
children (52%) saying they currently give
them a vitamin or mineral supplement At the other end of the scale some supplements
sold over the internet, such as certain herbal
nearly a fifth of households giving their
weight-loss products, have been found to contain
children supplements give them the adult
banned substances that carry a significant risk to
version
health4. Its clear that in these cases nobody should
be taking these dangerous products.
Should we be taking supplements?
There is not a straightforward yes or no answer
In short, there is no easy answer to the question
to this question, both because of the range of
of whether we should be taking supplements, but
products available and because an individuals
what is clear is the need for people to know what
circumstances will govern whether they would
they are taking, to know whether it is likely to
benefit from using a particular supplement.
help and to know whether it is likely to harm.
For example, even with popular, well-known
products such as multivitamins things are not
Medicines legislation
Y Does it have a
applies.
marketing
Food Safety Act
authorization?
does not.
N
Is it presented for
Does it contain N Y treating or
herbal substances Product is a preventing
and/or herbal medicinal disease?
preparations? product.
Medicines N
legislation
Y Can it be
applies.
Y Y administered to
Are other Food Safety
humans for
active Act does not
restoring, correcting,
ingredients or modifying
present? physiological
function?
N
N
Product is a
herbal medicinal Product is food,
product not medicine.
Food Safety Act
applies.
Is it concentrated
source of vitamins,
N minerals or other
substances with a
nutritional or
physiological effect?
Y
Product is a food. N Is it sold in
Food Safety Act dose
applies form?
5
As illustrated in the chart, in the UK certain Licensed herbal medicines
supplements are considered to be foods and will Some herbal medicines in the UK hold a product
therefore be regulated under general food laws licence or marketing authorisation just like
by the Food Standards Agency and Department of any other medicine. These are required to
Health. Others will be regulated as a medicine by demonstrate safety and quality, and they must
the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency be accompanied by the necessary information
(MHRA). for safe usage. These products can be identified
by a distinctive nine-digit product licence (PL)
Before a medicinal product can be marketed it must be number on the product container or packaging
approved by the MHRA, which makes its decision which is prefixed by the letters PL.
based on the products safety, quality and efficacy6.
Although this new legislation the EU Traditional
If a supplement is considered to be a food, that Herbal Medicines Products Directive (THMPD) has
does not mean it is unregulated, rather that it come into force, consumers may still find unlicensed
is subject to food safety laws, which are not as herbal medicines available for sale that do not
stringent as those for medicines. feature written claims. This is due to legislation
that stipulates a seven-year transitional period
There is also EU legislation that dictates which whereby products legally on the market prior to
vitamins and minerals can be included in 2004 could continue to be placed on the market
supplements7,8,9. Dietary supplements should until 2011. These products will not be taken off the
only be made with vitamins or minerals that shelves, instead they can continue to be sold legally,
appear on an approved ingredient list. While although stock can no longer be replenished.
such measures are an attempt to oversee which The MHRA points out that the standards of these
substances supplements contain, many also unlicensed medicines can vary widely, and that
include other active ingredients that can have these products have not been assessed by the
biological effects in the body. These may make MHRA for quality and safety purposes11.
them potentially unsafe as their ingredients can
interact with licensed medicines or with other Herbal products and supplements marketed as
supplements. Ginkgo biloba, for example, interacts foodstuffs will continue to be regulated as foods.
with antidepressant, anticonvulsant, antiviral and
blood-thinning medications (e.g. warfarin). The For more detailed information on the THR scheme,
effects can be undesirable and even dangerous. THR numbers and herbal medicines, see the MHRA
website (www.mhra.gov.uk).
Herbal medicines
The way that some herbal products are regulated
has recently changed. As of April 30 2011 all
herbal medicines placed on the UK market must
have a Traditional Herbal Registration (THR)10 or
a marketing authorisation (previously known as a
product licence). The MHRA now defines individual
herbal medicines as either registered traditional
herbal medicines or licensed herbal medicines.
7
Vitamin supplements more than 18 million on vitamin B products.
There are clearly plenty of people buying vitamin
Vitamins are vital, but are vitamin pills?
supplements but, surprisingly, only certain groups
The body needs vitamins in order to function are considered to benefit from taking them.
properly and maintain health, but, despite their
vital importance, the body only needs them in Whats the best way to get enough vitamins?
minute amounts. We need 13 vitamins to maintain The best way for most of us to get enough vitamins
health vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the eight B is to eat a varied and balanced diet. This includes
vitamins. Each has specific functions in the body: plenty of fruit and vegetables; plenty of starchy
vitamin C helps to keep cells healthy, vitamin A foods, such as bread, rice, potatoes, and pasta;
is good for eyesight and healthy skin, vitamin some milk and dairy foods; some meat, fish, eggs,
D helps to regulate calcium and is essential for and beans and other non-dairy sources of protein.
strong bones and teeth, and vitamin E is needed Foods and drinks high in fat and/or sugar should be
to maintain cell structure. With a few exceptions kept to a minimum. Vitamin D is an exception here.
(niacin and vitamin D), our bodies cannot make A small amount is obtained through diet but most
these substances, meaning we need to obtain of this vitamin is made under the skin when it is
them from other sources such as food. If you have exposed to sunlight.
low levels of certain vitamins, you may develop
a deficiency disease. Too little vitamin D, for The Department of Health set Dietary Reference
example, could lead to rickets in children. Values (DRVs) for the UK population (in 1991). DRVs
provide information on the amount of energy
The UK vitamin market (million) in 2009 and nutrients including vitamins and minerals that
a group of people of a certain age range (and
sometimes sex) needs for good health. DRVs only
apply to healthy people.
8
women trying to conceive and women may sound a bit complicated, the basic theory
in the first 12 weeks of their pregnancy is that unstable atoms or molecules called free
are recommended to take folic acid radicals need extra electrons and will steal these
supplements, which reduce their childs risk from other molecules in the cell, oxidising them
of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. and leaving them in need of extra electrons
themselves. This can start off a chain reaction
people aged 65 and over should take and damage cell components, and this damage
vitamin D supplements accumulates with ageing. Antioxidants are capable
of safely donating electrons to free radicals
people with darker skin and people who
without becoming free radicals themselves. They
are not exposed to much sun should take
can therefore fight the oxidative stress caused
vitamin D supplements
by excess free radicals, which has been implicated
all children aged six months to five years in diseases including cancer and heart disease16.
should be given a supplement containing
vitamins A, C and D Several lab-based studies have indeed shown that
Your GP may also recommend supplements certain vitamins can mop up these free radicals
if you need them for a medical condition and fight oxidative damage. They include vitamins
A, C and E (as well as selenium, a trace element).
If you fall outside of these groups and buy
Several observational studies have also shown
vitamin pills then the chances are that you will
that a higher intake of antioxidant-rich fruit and
be spending your money on surplus amounts of
vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of
vitamins youve already gained through your diet.
chronic disease. These findings have led to claims
that antioxidant supplements can slow ageing,
Vitamins as antioxidants
reduce the risk of chronic disease and reduce the
While it has been known for some time that
risk of dying early.
most people can meet their daily requirement of
vitamins through their diet, in recent years there
What can vitamin supplements really do?
has been particular interest in supplements that
An extensive review by the respected Cochrane
will provide high doses of antioxidant vitamins.
Library (published in 2008) assessed trials
Antioxidants have become a bit of a buzzword in
comparing the effects of a range of vitamins (as
recent years, with all sorts of products proclaiming
well as selenium) on death rates17. It was one
that they are a good source of antioxidants.
of the biggest reviews of the effects of vitamin
supplements on mortality to date, pulling in
Of course, this raises the question what exactly is
the results of 67 trials and data on more than
an antioxidant? In basic terms an antioxidant is
232,000 people. Despite the seemingly plausible
a substance that can interfere with the chemical
mechanism, the results do not provide the
process of oxidation, in which an atom or molecule
reassurance that many taking antioxidant
gives electrons to another substance. While this
vitamins would wish to hear.
10
Weight-loss
supplements
Shedding Ibs or shedding s?
Obesity is one of the most serious health issues proven, 100% natural weight-loss pills sold over
in the UK. In England alone, more than one-third the internet come with no guarantees, have no
of adults are overweight and nearly one-quarter evidence behind them and could be packed with
obese, with obesity rates predicted to rise by 60% potentially harmful substances.
over the next 40 years20. Its widely recognised that
obesity is linked to major health problems such as
Am I overweight?
heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
Adults are defined as being overweight
Beyond the important health implications, being
or obese using a measure called the body
overweight can also be a source of unhappiness,
mass index (BMI). It is a way of assessing
particularly if nothing seems to help shift that
extra weight. whether your weight is appropriate for
your height by calculating the ratio of
Given the unfortunate fact that its generally much your mass (your weight in kilograms)
easier to gain weight than it is to lose it, its not to your height (in metres squared).
surprising that growing numbers of people are The following table categorises weight
turning to over-the-counter slimming supplements according to BMI:
and internet wonder pills. There are dozens, if Classification BMI (kg/m2)
Indeed, in 2005 the Advertising Standards Agency Potential problems such as heart palpitations,
looked at the way a range of slimming products stomach pain and throat blockage are not
were marketed in regional papers and womens particularly pleasant, and these are just those
associated with herbal products being sold
legitimately. The Medicines and Healthcare
Manufacturers cherry-pick and only ever
Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which is responsible
mention the positive trials they then also for ensuring that medicines work and are
fail to mention the mostly poor quality of acceptably safe, frequently issues warnings about
their studies. Desperate people are being some products being sold on the internet as
misled to buy unproven treatments at herbal slimming aids. These are often presented
considerable expense, Professor Edzard as 100% natural or completely safe, but testing
Ernst, professor of complementary medicine has revealed that some contain undeclared
pharmaceuticals, banned substances or toxic
ingredients that pose a serious risk to health4.
Table 1 Common ingredients in popular weight-loss supplements, categorised by purported mechanism of action
Purported mechanism of action Ingredients in weight-loss supplements Reported adverse side effects at recommended intakes
Enhance fat or carbohydrate metabolism Hydroxycitric acid Stomach pain
Conjugated linoleic acid Insulin resistance
Green tea Drug interactions, potential liver damage for green tea extract
Licorice Pseudoaldosteronism, hypertension and hypokalaemia
Pyruvate None to date
Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) Excess pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) (e.g. 59 g) is widely known
to cause nausea, headaches, diarrhoea and a lack of energy
L-carnitine None reported
Chromium picolinate None reported
Calcium None reported
White kidney bean extract None reported
Block dietary fat absorption Chitosan (polyglucosamine) Gastrointestinal symptoms
Stimulants or energy enhancers Ephedra (ma huang) or ephedrine Increased heart palpitation, psychiatric,
autonomic and gastrointestinal adverse effects
Bitter orange Increased blood pressure, possible drug interactions
Caffeine, theophylline or theobromine Irritibility, heart palpitations, anxiety and other
(from kola nut, guarana or mat) central nervous system events
Promotes satiety Guar gum Blockage of the throat, oesophagus or intestine if taken without
Sodium alginate ~ 250ml of water or other fluid
Glucomannan (Konjac extract)
Psyllium
Reduce stress- or depression-related eating St Johns Wort Drug interactions, gastrointestinal symptoms,
dizziness, confusion, tiredness and sedation
Ginko biloba Headaches, dizziness, possible increased risk of bleeding,
gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea,
heart palpitations and restlessness
Laxative Cascara Potential for usual laxative adverse effects (e.g. dehydration
Rhubarb root and electrolyte imbalance)
Flaxseed
Sale prohibited in the USA since April 2004.
Sarma et al. (2008).
Sources: Dwyer et al. (2005); Pittler and Ernst (2004); Pittler et al. (2005); Rogovik and Goldman (2009); Saper et al. (2004).
12
For example, a banned substance called
sibutramine was recently found in two Chinese
herbal supplements, Paiyouji tea and Pai You Guo
capsules22. Sibutramine was a prescription-only
medicine until it was withdrawn from the market
in January 2010 following a warning from the
European Medicines Agency that it increased the
risk of heart attacks and strokes. The MHRA has
officially warned people not to use these products.
Despite this, there are still weight-loss sites
marketing these dangerous supplements in the UK.
14
Supplements for colds
Vitamin C wont keep the doctor away
Vitamin C is the UKs most popular single vitamin the high doses used in some of the trials
supplement, with annual sales adding up to about (1,000mg or more) you would have to eat an
36 million. Other supplements that people often awful lot of oranges.
turn to when they have a cold include zinc and
echinacea. All of these have been found to have
antiviral properties in animal or laboratory studies, The recommended daily allowance of
but do they work for people? vitamin C in the EU is 80mg and most
people will achieve this by eating a
Vitamin C sensible diet
Researchers have been interested in using vitamin
C to prevent and treat colds for more than 60
years. Some animal studies have found that
vitamin C strengthens resistance to infections. One In the doses that are available (generally up to
theory for this is that the vitamin protects cells 1,000mg daily) vitamin C is safe for most people.
against oxidative stress. However, the results from The exceptions are mentioned below. However,
trials in people have so far had inconclusive results. vitamin C is water-soluble, and the body cannot
store excess amounts. What it doesnt need it will
The latest position on vitamin C and colds comes just get rid of when you go to the toilet, raising
from a systematic review from the Cochrane the question of whether these supplements are
Library26, generally considered to be one of the worth the expense.
most respected sources of systematic review
evidence. The review concluded that there is little Possible harms of vitamin C
evidence that vitamin C supplementation (0.2g Vitamin C is not suitable for everyone. It
per day or more) is beneficial within the general can cause dangerous rises in the blood
community in terms of preventing infection. sugar levels of people with diabetes.
Even higher doses of 1g per day or more did not It can also be dangerous for people with genetic
prevent colds in the general population. conditions that cause an excessive build-up of
iron in their body, such as haemochromatosis.
The same review did find that regular high doses Large doses may cause nausea, diarrhoea and
of vitamin C (1g per day or more) seem to reduce stomach cramps. If you intend to take vitamin C
the duration of colds a little, by 8% in adults and supplements, it is best to discuss this with your
13% in children. The researchers also found that doctor, particularly if you have any medically
vitamin C supplements seemed to have a greater significant conditions.
effect for people who were undergoing extreme
An orange contains about 70mg of vitamin C
physical stress, such as marathon runners. In
these groups, the supplements halved the risk
of getting a cold, and didnt necessarily need
to be taken in high doses.
Echinacea
Echinacea, a group of plants with pinkish-purple
flowers, is a popular herbal remedy in the UK.
Two echinacea products ranked in the top three
supplements sold to support the immune system in
20092. There are many echinacea preparations on the
market, including tablets, drops, capsules, tincture
and loose tea. The herb also comes in a wide range
of doses from 400 to 4,000mg.
Taking zinc regularly may prevent you from catching a cold
As with vitamin C, laboratory studies have shown
The possible side effects of zinc the plant contains substances that can affect the
If you decide to take zinc supplements, immune system, but the results from research in
buy them from a reputable outlet and people have been mixed. One large systematic
keep to the recommended dosages review undertaken by the Cochrane Collaboration
(available with the pack). The correct dose is in 2009 found 16 clinical trials that investigated
important and there may be side effects including different echinacea preparations for both
nausea and an unpleasant taste in the mouth, or preventing and treating the common cold29. The
more serious events such as vomiting, diarrhoea review found that echinacea did not prevent colds,
and abdominal pain. but some preparations containing a particular
16
species of echinacea plants (Echinacea purpurea)
might reduce the duration and severity of colds
in adults. The reviewers did add, however, that
the results are not consistent and so should be
treated with some caution.
A 2010 trial found that echinacea did not reduce the A flower from the Echinacea purpurea plant
duration or severity of colds30. This large randomised
controlled trial (RCT) in more than 700 participants
Key points about cold supplements
found that people who took a standardised dose of
echinacea had no significant improvement in either Vitamin C There is no conclusive evidence
the duration or the severity of their colds compared that regular vitamin C supplementation,
with those taking a placebo. at moderate or high doses, has any effect
on reducing the general populations risk
of getting a cold. In people who undergo
Herbal remedy really does cure a cold, extreme physical stress, such as marathon
The Times June 25 2007 runners, there is some evidence that
There is some evidence that preparations supplementation (not specifically with high
doses) reduces the risk of getting a cold.
based on the aerial parts of E purpurea
Regular vitamin C may slightly reduce the
might be effective for the early treatment
length of a cold in some people.
of colds in adults but the results are not
fully consistent, Cochrane Library 2009 Zinc There is evidence that taking zinc
within a day of developing symptoms
of a cold reduces the duration of the
cold by about a day and that regular
Possible side effects of echinacea supplementation (for at least five months)
Echinacea is thought to be safe when protects people against catching colds.
used in the short term, although For many people, the limited benefit seen
some side effects have been reported, here may not seem worth the expense and
including fever, nausea and stomach pain31. possible side effects of taking zinc.
There is not enough information to know if it
is safe for long-term use. The Cochrane review Echinacea There is a lack of evidence that
recommended not taking echinacea for longer echinacea in general can prevent or
than eight weeks at a time. In trials, the herb treat colds. There is some evidence that
has been well tolerated, with the only side effect preparations from Echinacea purpurea
being a rash in some children. might reduce the duration and severity of
colds in adults. However, the reviewers that
concluded this also added that results in this
area are not consistent.
17
The ageing population
Ginkgo, ginseng and glucosamine
According to the FSA, most people who buy The Daily Telegraph had picked up which found
supplements are over 55 years old, so its not that ginkgo biloba does not prevent dementia.
surprising that some of the most popular The trial tested whether ginkgo could prevent
supplements are bought in the hope of preserving dementia in healthy, elderly people, but found
memory, joint health and general vitality. Here, limited usefulness of the supplement for this
we discuss three big sellers ginkgo, ginseng and purpose. It was a large, good-quality study in 3,000
glucosamine. In 2009, consumers spent more than people, so we can be confident in the findings.
82 million on these three supplements alone. There seemed to be a small protective effect
for vascular dementia (caused by damaged blood
Ginkgo vessels in the brain), a finding that would fit with
The leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree are used the theory that ginkgo may widen blood vessels.
in traditional Chinese medicine, in particular
for circulatory problems. Here in the West there It wasnt the first time ginkgo had been in the
are claims that ginkgo extracts help a range news for this reason. In June 2008, a smaller study
of conditions, including memory problems, (including 176 people) also found that ginkgo
sexual performance problems and eye disorders. didnt benefit people with existing dementia.
Laboratory studies have suggested that some of
the active compounds in ginkgo may dilate blood A systematic review published by the Cochrane
vessels, reduce blood viscosity (thickness), modify Library in 2009 provides a robust round-up of the
neurotransmitter systems and reduce free radicals32. evidence34. It considered whether ginkgo had any
effect on dementia and cognitive decline, and
concluded that, although it appears to be safe,
evidence that it has any benefit is inconsistent
and unreliable.
20
NICE does not recommend glucosamine Key points about ageing supplements:
supplements either39. It says: Ginkgo This supplement is generally
The use of glucosamine or chondroitin thought to be safe for most people,
products is not recommended for the but there is very little evidence that it
treatment of osteoarthritis. Many people actually does you any good. A recent
take over-the-counter nutraceutical large review found only inconsistent
products and may benefit from clear, and unreliable evidence that it has
evidence-based information. It would be any effect on the risk of dementia or
beneficial to advise people who wanted cognitive decline.
to trial over-the-counter glucosamine
Ginseng The evidence for ginseng
that the only potential benefits identified
remains inconclusive and more high-
in early research are purely related to quality studies are needed to examine
a reduction of pain (to some people, its effects. A recent review found that
and to only a mild or modest degree) there may be some beneficial effects
with glucosamine sulphate 1,500mg on cognition, behaviour and quality
daily. Because only one glucosamine of life, but the level of evidence is not
hydrochloride product is licensed, it convincing and there is no evidence
would not be cost effective to prescribe that it can prevent or treat dementia or
glucosamine on the NHS cognitive decline. The quality of products
on the market also varies greatly.
21
Fish oils
Brain food in a pill?
Omega-3 fatty acids (called polyunsaturated Fish oils for adults
fatty acids, or PUFAs) are important for the Two of the most important omega-3 fatty acids
maintenance of good health. Theyre found in contained in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid
oily fish such as fresh tuna, mackerel and herring (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Several
(as well as in some plants). Omega-3 fats are animal, laboratory and population studies have
essential fatty acids, meaning that the body found an association between omega-3 fats
cant make them and they must be obtained and healthier cholesterol levels, a lower risk
from the diet or other external sources. of dementia and reduced vascular risk,
inflammation and oxidative damage.
Fish oil has been associated with numerous
health benefits and often features in the press, Yet, so far, the evidence from clinical trials of
with stories about its ability to help prevent omega-3 supplements in humans is far from
heart problems, cancer, dementia, asthma, joint conclusive. A 2006 Cochrane review that looked at
problems and psychosis. Some studies have looked all available trials up to 2005 found no evidence
at whether omega-3 can protect against heart that omega-3 supplements reduce the risk of
disease and lower fats in the body (triglycerides). cognitive impairment or dementia41.
Others have looked at their use in people with
established heart disease. It is recommended that
people who have had a heart attack eat two-four
portions of oily fish a week.
23
The risks of fish oils
Omega-3 fats are generally regarded as Key points about fish oils
safe when taken in low doses (3g or less The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils
a day)45. But fish liver oil tablets (such are important for good health and cannot
as cod liver oil) should not be taken by pregnant be made by the body they must be
women as they also contain vitamin A, which can obtained from the diet. Eat two portions
harm the unborn baby. Omega-3 supplements of fish a week, one of which should be oily,
may also be unsuitable for people with certain such as fresh tuna, mackerel and herring.
conditions and may interact with some medicines
including those that control high blood pressure. Studies have looked at their possible
If you are thinking of taking a fish oil supplement, benefits in people with heart disease
its best to speak to your doctor. and high cholesterol, but government
bodies advise that current evidence does
not support the use of supplements to
prevent cardiovascular disease. However,
research continues into their use by people
who have already had a heart attack. For
such people, consumption of two to four
portions of oily fish per week is ideal,
though omega-3 may be recommended
as a supplement.
24
Body building
Getting ripped or getting ripped off?
Protein supplements are marketed as being Do the products work and are they safe?
able to promote your bodys muscle growth, aid So whats in these sports nutrition supplements?
metabolism (helping with weight loss), reach peak Protein powders are one of the most popular
physical performance, boost energy and fight muscle building supplements. Whey protein
the ageing process. The supplements are widely is a by-product of cheese-making and sold as
available and sold through magazines, gyms containing high levels of essential amino acids,
and personal trainers, and are available over the the compounds that form protein.
counter in many high-street stores and on internet
sites. Some are ready mixed with water, milk, Protein is a crucial element in our diets and is key
juice and flavouring to create a shake, and the to building and maintaining all types of body
range of products includes protein bars, gels and tissue, including muscle. Protein-rich foods such
capsules. These products are usually recommended as meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, beans and tofu all
to be taken before and after exercise. supply amino acids, the building blocks used for
muscle growth. We need a certain amount of
Body-building products are growing in popularity protein to stay healthy, and serious athletes, such
and not just among athletes or body builders. as endurance runners, may need more.
Muscle supplements are also being bought by
teenagers who want a buff body. A study of
American teenagers found that about 5% of
boys and 2% of girls, aged 12 to 18, used protein
powders and shakes or other supplements to
improve their appearance or strength46.
Other products
There are numerous other products on the
market that claim to build muscle. They contain
substances such as glutamine (an amino acid),
essential fatty acids, creatinine (a naturally
occurring organic acid that supplies energy
to muscle cells), thermogenic products (any
Even athletes can get the protein they need from their diet product that claims to increase body temperature,
metabolism and the rate at which the body burns
26
fat), naturally occurring testosterone boosters
and prohormones. Prohormones are reputedly
converted by the body into natural hormones
such as testosterone and are promoted as a safe
alternative to anabolic steroids.
One study that looked at the content of 634 Too much protein can carry some risks,
nutritional supplements bought in shops from and heavy metals in some supplements
around the world and on the internet found that are of concern.
nearly 15% of them contained illegal anabolic
steroids not declared on the label53. More than a Claims that protein supplements improve
fifth of supplements from the companies selling muscle mass and strength for athletes and
prohormones contained anabolic steroids that others are largely unsubstantiated.
could lead to positive doping results. The sports The public are warned against any body-
community should be aware that some ingredients building supplements, which may be
are not listed on the labels of these products. more likely to do harm than good.
Given the possible risks and the lack of any Some body-building supplements contain
evidence for their effectiveness it seems wise illegal anabolic steroids not declared on
to avoid these products and rely on something the label.
cheaper and far more enjoyable decent food.
27
Conclusion
While this report should not be taken as a Also, given the time it takes to build up a decent
definitive review of individual supplements, it is body of evidence on a supplement it can be
clear that the perceived benefits of many popular too late to change the publics opinion. Once a
products have not been confirmed through robust supplement is already taken by millions and sold
research. In some cases these supplements may everywhere from the chemist to the corner shop,
even be harmful. Overall, it is clear that we may are people going to be put off using it by the
be placing our hope in products that still require results of a robust scientific study? The fact that
far more testing. we may only study supplements once they are in
use is in contrast to the development of licensed
Of course, thats not to say that there arent any medicines, which have to provide evidence of
supplements that work, or that all are harmful. being sufficiently safe and effective before people
There are some products that have been found to are allowed to use them.
have clear benefits and many have been found to be
generally safe for use. The key point is that we cant
be certain that they are necessarily effective or safe People should be able to buy
until they have been put through robust testing. supplements if they wish to. But they need
good information to make an informed
Why do we take supplements if they are choice and they shouldnt be put at risk,
unproven? Sue Davies, chief policy adviser, Which?
There are lots of reasons why someone might
decide to start taking a supplement. They might
do so based on recommendations from friends and Are supplements worth the money?
family, opinions on the internet or having seen it While different supplements can greatly vary in
displayed in a shop. their effects, the one common effect they share
is upon your wallet. Take zinc, for example
There can also be media flurries surrounding many although it has been found to have some benefits
supplements and, on occasions, newspapers have you would need to take it for at least five months
proclaimed that a supplement works based on the to reduce your chances of catching a cold, at a cost
results of a single, flawed study, possibly alongside of around 35.
a photo of a celebrity fan or glowing reports
from some new convert. Thats not to say that As weve said before, some supplements do have
the media is solely to blame, but its certainly benefits and may be of use to you depending on
easier to fall into the trap of assuming a your personal circumstances. We cant tell you
supplement works if magazines, newspapers and how to spend your money, but we do recommend
television keep telling us it does. that you look at the evidence and seek reliable
information, including your doctors advice, before
To their credit, newspapers do cover robust you splash the cash.
research, including studies that contradict the
results of earlier trials. However, news articles
dont always stress the scientific merits of each
study, meaning that readers may not understand
that the results of a well-conducted systematic
review should be considered to be more reliable
than those from an earlier cohort study. Without
knowing that one set of results is more reliable
than another a reader may assume that two
studies are of equal weight, leading them to
believe that they simply cancel each other out,
that the results are unclear or that scientists just
cant make their minds up. Pharmacists can offer advice about supplements
28
Supplement your knowledge Although we are probably a little biased, we would
The Behind the Headlines team firmly believes in recommend initially turning to sources such as our
the importance of evidence, and ideally people Behind the Headlines service to help answer these
should be fully informed about what they are questions. We have already covered news stories
taking, whether it has proven benefits and about dozens of supplements and will continue to
whether it could harm them. do so whenever they appear in the news. There is
also a great deal of reliable information available
When considering using a supplement we think a from the MHRA, the Department of Health and,
little bit of scepticism is usually a good thing and, most importantly, your GP.
as consumers, we should get into the habit of
asking some questions and doing some research
before we even consider parting with our cash.
Good sources of information about
You would do this if you were shopping for other
products such as a mortgage or a mobile phone,
supplements:
and it is even more important when choosing NHS Choices: www.nhs.uk
products that may affect your health. Behind the Headlines: www.nhs.uk/
news
In the first instance, there are some simple MHRA: www.mhra.gov.uk
questions you should ask yourself before buying Food Standards Agency: www.food.
a supplement, including the rather obvious one gov.uk
of do I really need it?. The answer to this will US Food and Drug Administration:
depend on the product in question and what www.fda.gov
you hope it will do. It may also be useful to ask
yourself:
What do I think this product can actually do? Science moves quickly and relevant studies are
being published all the time, including systematic
Is there solid evidence suggesting it will work? reviews by respected organisations such as the
Is it likely to cause me harm? Cochrane Collaboration. Supplementation is
likely to come up as a research topic time and
What do reliable sources of information say time again, and as the body of evidence behind
about this product? particular products evolves the balance of
evidence may shift, meaning that a product that
Even if it could be of benefit, is it worth the
had appeared to have merit in initial research may
money?
eventually be found to be lacking when given a
Is this a problem my doctor can help me with more robust analysis. We recommend reading not
instead? only the available research, but also information
on the way that research itself is conducted, which
can help you understand which types of results are
more likely to be reliable.
29
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