Berkeley Wellness Alerts

Dietary Supplements Alerts

A Cold Remedy That Works?

Cold-fX, a patented extract of American ginseng root, has been tested in several studies, with promising results.

Sizing Up St. John’s Wort

Many people with depression turn to St. John’s wort, an herbal supplement. Despite the promising research, there are some caveats to keep in mind.

Açaí: The Ponzi Berry

Offers for açaí juice and supplements have flooded the nation’s email boxes and airwaves. Don’t get hoodwinked by the claims and "free trials."

How to Choose a Vitamin D Supplement

Because of growing evidence about the benefits of vitamin D—for bone health, muscle function, and possibly even prevention of some cancers and other illnesses—many people are rushing out to buy vitamin D pills. Here’s what to look for.

Vitamin A and Your Bones

News that vitamin A can weaken bones caused shock eight years ago and continues to cause confusion, leading many people to wonder if they should toss their multivitamins.

Ginkgo: An Herb to Remember?

Many people take ginkgo to sharpen their memory and concentration, as well as for other positive effects on mind and body. Should you believe these claims or forget about them?

When Niacin Is a Drug

The B vitamin niacin can improve blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels dramatically. Statins are usually the first choice, but niacin is also worth considering, especially if your HDL is low.

Sizing Up St. John’s Wort

Many people with depression turn to St. John’s wort, an herbal supplement. Despite the promising research, there are some caveats to keep in mind.

A Supplement to Save Your Vision?

Some eye supplements are promoted to protect against age-related macular degeneration, a major cause of vision loss among older people. Do they work?

The Creatine Craze

Creatine is one of the most popular sports supplements on the market. It’s also one of the most researched. But that hardly means you should jump on the creatine bandwagon.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Real or Placebo Effect?

Millions of Americans take glucosamine, often with chondroitin sulfate, for the aches and pains of osteoarthritis. Over the years, research has yielded inconsistent findings, but more recent studies have made things clearer.

Carnitine Claims: Real or Hyped?

Many claims are made for carnitine—that it can treat heart disease, boost energy, improve memory, and promote weight loss, for example. But that doesn’t mean you need a supplement.

Resveratrol—The Secret to Longevity?

Many eminent scientists are interested in resveratrol, and some findings have been tantalizing. But is it really the “Holy Grail of aging research,” as a Harvard researcher described it?

Do You Need Extra Enzymes?

Your body makes and uses thousands of enzymes every day—so it may seem odd that many enzymes are sold as dietary supplements. Is more better?

An “Energy” Glut

Typically marketed as dietary supplements, "energy drinks”—such as Red Bull, 5-Hour Energy, and Wired—are a fast-growing billion-dollar industry. Before you get buzzed, read on.