Are nutraceuticals (nutritional supplements) effective?

From the Guidelines

Vitaceuticals are not proven to be effective for any specific health condition, and their use is not recommended due to a lack of sufficient scientific evidence to support their marketing claims. The term "vitaceuticals" is primarily a marketing concept, suggesting pharmaceutical-like benefits without the same level of scientific validation 1. While they may contain vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients that have known health benefits individually, the specific formulations sold as "vitaceuticals" have not undergone the rigorous clinical trials required for medications.

Key Considerations

• The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against the use of vitamin, mineral, and multivitamin supplements for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer, except for specific groups such as women who are planning to or may become pregnant, who should receive a daily supplement containing folic acid to help prevent neural tube defects 1.
• A study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a specific medical food product, Souvenaid, which contains a combination of nutritional compounds, did not show a significant benefit in cognitive function or quality of life in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease 1.
• Other nutritional products, such as those containing phytochemicals, alpha lipoic acid, N-acetyl-cysteine, or phosphatidylserine, have also been studied, but there is no clear evidence to recommend their use for prevention or correction of cognitive decline in patients with dementia 1.

Recommendations

• If you're considering taking supplements for a health concern, it's better to consult with a healthcare provider who can recommend evidence-based options tailored to your specific needs.
• Many people can meet their nutritional requirements through a balanced diet rather than supplements, and some supplements may interact with medications or have unexpected side effects.
• In the absence of strong evidence, it's essential to prioritize a balanced diet and consult with a healthcare provider before using any supplements, especially for individuals with specific health conditions or concerns.

From the Research

Effectiveness of Vitaceuticals

The effectiveness of vitaceuticals is a topic of ongoing debate, with various studies providing insights into their benefits and drawbacks.

• The use of vitamin and mineral supplements by healthy individuals does not lower their risk of cardiovascular diseases or prevent the development of malignancies 2.
• Omega-3 fatty acids may lower blood triglycerides, but their effectiveness in preventing heart disease is less clear-cut 2.
• Taking weight loss supplements is not an effective method of fighting obesity, and some supplements may be adulterated with banned substances, making them potentially life-threatening 2.
• Supplements are necessary in cases of nutrient deficiency, but their use should be recommended and monitored by a physician 2.

Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has concluded that:

• The harms of beta carotene supplementation outweigh the benefits for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer 3.
• There is no net benefit of supplementation with vitamin E for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer 3.
• The evidence is insufficient to determine the balance of benefits and harms of supplementation with multivitamins for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer 3.
• The evidence is lacking to determine the balance of benefits and harms of supplementation with single or paired nutrients (other than beta carotene and vitamin E) for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer 3.

Global Overview of Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements offer the potential to improve health if appropriately targeted to those in need, particularly in cases of inadequate nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies 4.

• Supplementation with vitamin A and iron in developing countries, folic acid among women of reproductive age, and vitamin D among infants and children may be beneficial 4.
• Daily low-dose multivitamin supplementation has been linked to reductions in the incidence of cancer and cataracts, especially among men 4.

Characterization and Bioavailability of Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements

Multivitamins and multiminerals have no standard scientific, regulatory, or marketplace definitions, and their composition and characteristics can vary widely 5.

• The bioavailability of vitamins and minerals in dietary supplements lacks a standard scientific and regulatory definition, and systematic information on bioavailability and bioequivalence is scarce 5.