Are NuBest (Nutritional Supplement) claims valid?

From the Guidelines

NuBest's claims about their supplements are not supported by scientific evidence, and their effectiveness for weight loss or obesity management is not proven. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2024 in the journal Diabetes Care 1, states that despite widespread marketing and exorbitant claims, there is no clear evidence that nutrition supplements, such as herbs and botanicals, high-dose vitamins and minerals, amino acids, enzymes, antioxidants, etc., are effective for obesity management or weight loss. Several large systematic reviews show that most trials evaluating nutrition supplements for weight loss are of low quality and at high risk for bias, and high-quality published studies show little or no weight loss benefits.

Key points to consider:

• Comprehensive weight loss maintenance programs that provide at least monthly contact with trained individuals and focus on ongoing monitoring of body weight, nutrition, and behavioral changes, and participation in high levels of physical activity, are recommended for weight loss and obesity management 1.
• Structured, very-low-calorie meals, typically 800–1,000 kcal/day, utilizing high-protein foods and meal replacement products, may increase the pace and/or magnitude of initial weight loss and glycemic improvements, but should be provided only by trained practitioners in medical settings with close ongoing monitoring and integration with behavioral support and counseling 1.
• Vitamin/mineral supplementation may be indicated in cases of documented deficiency, and protein supplements may be indicated as adjuncts to medically supervised weight loss therapies, but there is no clear evidence that nutrition supplements are effective for obesity management or weight loss 1.

In real-life clinical practice, it is essential to prioritize evidence-based approaches to weight loss and obesity management, and to be cautious of unproven supplements and commercial programs that may promote unscientific and possibly dangerous practices. Therefore, it is recommended to focus on proven approaches, such as comprehensive weight loss maintenance programs, structured lifestyle management, and medically supervised weight loss therapies, rather than relying on unproven supplements like NuBest.

From the Research

NuBest Claims Validity

The validity of NuBest nutritional supplement claims cannot be directly assessed based on the provided evidence, as none of the studies specifically mention NuBest. However, the studies provide information on the safety and efficacy of various dietary supplements and their potential interactions with medications.

Dietary Supplement Safety and Efficacy

• The safety and efficacy of dietary supplements can vary widely, and some may interact with medications or have adverse effects 2, 3, 4.
• Certain supplements, such as St. John's Wort and goldenseal, are known to cause clinically important drug interactions and should be avoided by most patients receiving pharmacologic therapy 2.
• Other supplements, such as curcumin, echinacea, and green tea extract, may be safe with certain medications but can cause interactions with others 2, 3.
• Some supplements, like black cohosh, cranberry, and valerian, have a low likelihood of drug interactions and can be safely taken with most medications 2.

Dietary Supplement Use and Health Conditions

• Patients with certain health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders, may use dietary supplements as an alternative to prescription medications 5.
• Certain supplements, like St. John's Wort and kava kava, have been shown to be effective in treating depression and anxiety, respectively 5.
• The use of dietary supplements is associated with certain demographics, such as age, gender, and race, and with the presence of certain health conditions, like eye disease, high cholesterol, and arthritis 6.

Clinician-Patient Communication

• Clinicians should discuss dietary supplement use with patients to assess potential risks and interactions with medications 2, 3, 4.
• Patients may not disclose their use of dietary supplements to clinicians, highlighting the importance of developing a trusting relationship to encourage open communication 2.