Lack of evidence for dietary supplements improving mental or cognitive health

[Daniel E.]

Cancer Research Points to Key Unknowns about Popular "Antiaging" Supplements

The health promises of boosting an important metabolic molecule may be clouded by its possible role in promoting cancer-cell growth

www.scientificamerican.com

The health promises of boosting an important metabolic molecule may be clouded by its possible role in promoting cancer-cell growth....

Studies show that boosting NAD+ levels can extend life span in yeast, worms and mice. Animal research also indicates NAD+’s promise for improving several aspects of health. Raising levels of the molecule in old mice appears to rejuvenate mitochondria—the cell’s energy factories, which falter over time. Other mouse studies have demonstrated benefits such as improved cardiovascular function, enhanced muscle regeneration and better glucose metabolism with NAD+ supplementation...

Banking on such results, multiple companies currently sell dietary supplements containing NAD+ precursors such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). NR supplements, in particular, have attracted buzz for the scientific star power associated with two major suppliers, ChromaDex and Elysium Health. The companies’ research advisers hail from institutions such as Stanford, Harvard and Columbia University. Elysium’s scientific advisory board currently boasts eight Nobel laureates...

“I don’t know if taking NAD+ precursors makes existing tumors grow faster, but one implication of our work is that we don’t yet fully understand all of the consequences of enhancing NAD+ levels.”

 

[Daniel E.]

Agaricus bisporus - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

In a 100-gram [3.5 ounce] serving, raw white mushrooms provide 93 kilojoules (22 kilocalories) of food energy and are an excellent source (> 19% of the Daily Value, DV) of the B vitamins, riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid (table). Fresh mushrooms are also a good source (10–19% DV) of the dietary mineral phosphorus (table).

Agaricus bisporus, white raw [the most common type of mushroom at grocery stores]

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy	93 kJ (22 kcal)
Carbohydrates	3.26 g
Sugars	1.98 g
Dietary fiber	1 g
Fat	0.34 g
Protein	3.09 g
Vitamins	Quantity %DV†
Thiamine (B1)	7% 0.081 mg
Riboflavin (B2)	34% 0.402 mg
Niacin (B3)	24% 3.607 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5)	30% 1.497 mg
Vitamin B6	8% 0.104 mg
Folate (B9)	4% 17 μg
Vitamin B12	2% 0.04 μg
Vitamin C	3% 2.1 mg
Vitamin D	1% 0.2 μg
Minerals	Quantity %DV†
Iron	4% 0.5 mg
Magnesium	3% 9 mg
Phosphorus	12% 86 mg
Potassium	7% 318 mg
Sodium	0% 3 mg
Zinc	5% 0.52 mg
Other constituents	Quantity
Water	92.45 g
Link to USDA Database entry
Units μg = micrograms • mg = milligrams IU = International units
†Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA FoodData Central

 

[Daniel E.]

Dehydration: Summer is peak season for kidney stones

Summer is peak season for kidney stones By Christopher Wanjek, LiveScience August 17, 2012 Ah, summer. The sun, the sand … and kidney stones. August is peak season for developing kidney stones. Doctors have seen a sharp increase in patients with stones in general — a rise by as much as 30...

forum.psychlinks.ca

Dietary calcium in general reduces the risk [of developing kidney stones] while supplemental calcium increases the risk.

 

[Daniel E.]

Surprising Health Perks of Peppers

WebMD explains how adding peppers to your diet can boost your health and weight loss.

www.webmd.com

Red peppers pack the most nutrition, because they've been on the vine longest. Green peppers are harvested earlier, before they have a chance to turn yellow, orange, and then red. Compared to green bell peppers, the red ones have almost 11 times more beta-carotene and 1.5 times more vitamin C.

 

[David Baxter PhD]

Dehydration: Summer is peak season for kidney stones

Summer is peak season for kidney stones By Christopher Wanjek, LiveScience August 17, 2012 Ah, summer. The sun, the sand … and kidney stones. August is peak season for developing kidney stones. Doctors have seen a sharp increase in patients with stones in general — a rise by as much as 30...

forum.psychlinks.ca

Dietary calcium in general reduces the risk [of developing kidney stones] while supplemental calcium increases the risk.

That's fascinating that the dietary calcium and calcium supplements have opposite effects. I had never heard this before.

 

[Daniel E.]

Cancer Research UK is often refreshingly direct about supplements, many of which are discussed with the following conclusion:

"Many websites promote [this supplement]. But no reputable scientific cancer organisations support any of these claims."

Similarly from the American Cancer Society: "available scientific research does not support claims for the effectiveness of [this supplement] in preventing or curing cancer at this time."

 

[Daniel E.]

10 Foods That Will Boost Your Vitamin B6 Intake

Vitamin B6 is an important component of any diet. Here are 10 great food sources of vitamin B6.

www.byrdie.com

Just one serving of turkey (two to three ounces) contains nearly 50% of your daily requirement of B6. You'll be getting other nutrients at the same time too, including zinc and selenium.

"Not just for Thanksgiving, consider adding turkey to your diet by way of a sandwich, on top of a salad, or turkey burgers and meatballs," Michalczyk suggests.

More on B6:

10 natural beta-blockers

Fish, garlic, berries, and certain vitamins and amino acids are all natural sources of beta-blockers. Learn more.

www.medicalnewstoday.com

Fish, poultry, starchy vegetables, and most types of fruit can contain vitamin B6.

A 2014 study states that vitamin B6 may mimic the effects of hypertension medications such as diuretics, calcium-channel blockers, and central alpha agonists.

Vitamin B6 may also block angiotensin receptors and widen blood vessels.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is abundant in meats, fish, poultry, shellfish, leafy green vegetables, legumes, fruits, and whole grains, so deficiencies are rare. Sometimes people take B6 to treat symptoms related to heart disease, hypertension, nerve pain, and diabetes. But taking high levels of B6 may cause...

www.mskcc.org

Obtaining vitamin B6 through diet may help to reduce the risk of certain cancers, but using B6 supplements does not prevent cancer or reduce chemotherapy side effects. Vitamin B6 is necessary for many physiological processes in the human body.

Higher vitamin B6 intake is associated with lower depression and anxiety risk in women but not in men: A large cross-sectional study - PubMed

<span> <i>Objective:</i> The prevalence of depression and anxiety is increasing worldwide. Diet as a modifiable factor for mental health has received great attention. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of vitamin B6 intake with depression and anxiety. <i>Methods:</i>...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The association of lower intakes vitamin B6 intake with increased risk of depression and anxiety was clearly supported by current study.

 

[Daniel E.]

Milk Thistle

This fact sheet provides basic information about milk thistle—common names, usefulness and safety, and resources for more information.

www.nccih.nih.gov

Results from clinical trials of milk thistle for liver diseases have been conflicting or haven’t been clinically meaningful. Some of the studies have been of poor quality, too.

Although some studies have shown positive results on milk thistle for people with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the overall research does not show a benefit.

A small number of studies have suggested that milk thistle extract might be beneficial for diabetes, but the conclusions about its effectiveness are not definite.

It’s not known whether milk thistle is helpful for other conditions.

 

[Daniel E.]

Dr. Fauci Endorses Vitamin D

grothman.house.gov

“If you’re deficient in vitamin D, that does have an impact on your susceptibility to infection. I would not mind recommending, and I do it myself, taking vitamin D supplements.”

–Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Grothman Spotlights Fast-Acting Vitamin D

grothman.house.gov

According to a study from the British Journal of Nutrition, an estimated 42 percent of American adults have insufficient vitamin D levels.

 

[Daniel E.]

Mushrooms, oregano oil, masks targeted in crackdown on misleading COVID-19 ads

Mushrooms, oregano oil and masks targeted in crackdown on misleading COVID-19 ads by Rachel Ward, CBC News April 8, 2020 Health Canada fields dozens of complaints about products claiming to prevent or treat coronavirus Health Canada has sent compliance notices to a number of companies...

forum.psychlinks.ca

"The damage or the concern here is that people may forgo recommended treatments and may instead pursue these kinds of natural remedies."

 

[Daniel E.]

“The fact that any person or institution, however well respected, praises or adopts something never constitutes proof of anything. It might merely illustrate that even well-educated people or powerful institutions can sometimes commit the silliest and most obvious of mistakes.”

“An uncritical scientist is a contradiction in terms: if you meet one, chances are that you have encountered a charlatan. By contrast, a critical clinician is a true rarity, in my experience. If you meet one, chances are that you have found a good and responsible doctor.”

― Edzard Ernst, A Scientist in Wonderland

 

[Daniel E.]

Vitamin D and marine omega 3 fatty acid supplementation and incident autoimmune disease: VITAL randomized controlled trial

Objective To investigate whether vitamin D and marine derived long chain omega 3 fatty acids reduce autoimmune disease risk. Design Vitamin D and omega 3 trial (VITAL), a nationwide, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial with a two-by-two factorial design. Setting Nationwide in...

www.bmj.com

Vitamin D supplementation for five years, with or without omega 3 fatty acids, reduced autoimmune disease by 22%, while omega 3 fatty acid supplementation with or without vitamin D reduced the autoimmune disease rate by 15% (not statistically significant). Both treatment arms showed larger effects than the reference arm (vitamin D placebo and omega 3 fatty acid placebo).

 

[Daniel E.]

This Eating Habit May Improve Your Mood, New Study Suggests

Your dietary choices play a significant role in your mental health, and sticking to this diet has been shown to improve your mood.

www.eatthis.com

"There is definitely a connection between the food you eat and your mental health, but it isn's always clear-cut. While many studies link mental health conditions like depression to the foods we eat, these results aren't always consistent. Your mental health is also affected by things like your genes, lifestyle, and environment. The foods you eat won't cause or treat mental health conditions on their own, but they can be an important piece of the puzzle."

 

[Daniel E.]

7 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Eat for Long-Term Health and Happiness

Knowing the list of foods to keep handy can help you in reducing chronic inflammation in the body which is linked to major diseases. Learn the wholesome foods with anti-inflammatory benefits.

www.realsimple.com

Last but not least, water: it hydrates us and helps soothe inflammation in the body. For an anti-inflammatory upgrade, make tea. Green or black tea has flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Brew it yourself to avoid any unwanted sugars from packaged versions.

 

[Daniel E.]

Medicinal mushrooms continue to be latest big supplement trend. As with most supplement trends, the claims are more hype than reality:

Agaricus subrufescens - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Used in traditional and alternative medicine for its supposed anti-cancer effects, Agaricus mushrooms have not been assessed by sufficient high-quality clinical research to define safety and biological properties upon consumption as a food, dietary supplement, or drug.[8]

Preliminary research indicates Agaricus products may have toxic effects on liver function marked by increased serum level of liver enzymes, especially in people with ovarian cancer,[8][9] and may cause allergic reactions.[8] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued warning letters to companies marketing Agaricus supplement products with unproven health claims of providing benefits to the immune system.[10][11]

Cordyceps - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Cordyceps are used in traditional Chinese medicine,[9][10] but there is currently no scientific evidence that their use has any clinical effect on human diseases.

Grifola frondosa - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Although under laboratory and preliminary clinical research for many years, particularly for the possible biological effects of its polysaccharides, there are no completed, high-quality clinical studies for Grifola frondosa as of 2019.

Trametes versicolor - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

As a glycoprotein mixture, PSK has been studied in clinical research in people with various cancers and immune deficiencies, but its efficacy remains inconclusive, as of 2021.[11][13][14][15]

Entia Biosciences, Inc - 610493 - 01/06/2021

New Drug/Misbranded

www.fda.gov

Your Lion's Mane -All Natural Supplement, Antrodia Mushroom Powder, Maitake Mushroom Powder, Reishi Mushroom Powder, Cordyceps Mushroom Powder, and Cordyceps -All Natural Mushroom Dietary Supplement products are not generally recognized as safe and effective for the above-referenced uses and, therefore, the products are "new drugs" under section 201 (p) of the Act [21 U.S.C. § 321 (p)].

New drugs may not be legally introduced or delivered for introduction into interstate commerce without prior approval from FDA, as described in sections 301 (d) and 505(a) of the Act [21 U.S.C. §§ 331 (d), 355(a)]. FDA approves a new drug on the basis of scientific data and information demonstrating the drug is safe and effective....

 

[Daniel E.]

World's largest evidence review: Nutritional supplements for mental health

We've all heard that 'food is good for your mood'. Now a new study into mental health and nutrient supplementation has taken a leap forward by establishing the gold standard for which nutrients are proven to assist in the management of a range of mental health disorders.

www.eurekalert.org

Summary of results:

• The strongest evidence was found for omega-3 supplements (a polyunsaturated fatty acid) as an add-on treatment for major depression - reducing symptoms of depression beyond the effects of antidepressants alone.
  
  
• There was some evidence to suggest that omega-3 supplements may also have small benefits for ADHD.
  
  
• There was emerging evidence for the amino acid N-acetylcysteine as a useful adjunctive treatment in mood disorders and schizophrenia.
  
  
• Special types of folate supplements may be effective as add-on treatments for major depression and schizophrenia, however folic acid was ineffective.
  
  
• There was no strong evidence for omega-3 for schizophrenia or other mental health conditions.
  
  
• There is currently a lack of compelling evidence supporting the use of vitamins (such as E, C, or D) and minerals (zinc and magnesium) for any mental disorder.

 

[Daniel E.]

Supplements and cancer prevention: What you need to know

Can supplements help you prevent cancer? It’s a confusing subject because of the number of products out there, and the often extravagant claims about what they can do. Get the facts here from our expert.

www.mdanderson.org

You can supplement your diet every time you eat. And eating essential vitamins, minerals and all the other nutrients in their true form will ensure you get the most benefit.

“The most helpful thing you can do is think about your diet in a little bit of a different way,” says Gale. “Be aware of what your diet looks like most of the time, and know what gaps there might be.”

Omega 3 oils. These healthy fats are found in oily fish like salmon and in seeds like flaxseeds. Omega 3 oils contain two valuable fatty acids: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Studies have shown that EPA and DHA can reduce your risk of cancer and other diseases. They promote brain health and produce compounds in your body that fight inflammation in your cells.

The #1 Best Supplement For Your Brain, According to a Doctor

A doctor tells us about the most common brain-boosting nutrients that many people may be deficient in and could take in supplement form.

www.eatthis.com

"There are many people who are deficient in vitamin D, especially those who live in the far northeast like I do where the climate and the level of sunshine affect vitamin D levels," says Naidoo. Outside of vitamin D fortified foods like milk, it can be difficult to get enough of the vitamin, so she recommends supplements due to their relationship to mood and anxiety disorders. "We're not exactly sure how it works, but it adjusts brain chemistry," she says. "It may increase certain neurotransmitters like dopamine."

Vitamin D and marine omega 3 fatty acid supplementation and incident autoimmune disease: VITAL randomized controlled trial

Objective To investigate whether vitamin D and marine derived long chain omega 3 fatty acids reduce autoimmune disease risk. Design Vitamin D and omega 3 trial (VITAL), a nationwide, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial with a two-by-two factorial design. Setting Nationwide in...

www.bmj.com

Vitamin D supplementation for five years, with or without omega 3 fatty acids, reduced autoimmune disease by 22%, while omega 3 fatty acid supplementation with or without vitamin D reduced the autoimmune disease rate by 15% (not statistically significant). Both treatment arms showed larger effects than the reference arm (vitamin D placebo and omega 3 fatty acid placebo).

Similarly, more props for Vitamin D and omega-3s:

These 3 Habits Can Drastically Reduce Your Risk Of Cancer, New Study Says

Based on a new study, researchers found that combining three regular habits can drastically reduce your risk of cancer by as much as 61%.

www.eatthis.com

"A new report in the Frontiers of Aging journal reveals a combination of three things—exercise, omega-3 supplements, and vitamin D—could lower your probability of developing aggressive cancers by as much as 61%."

Regarding exercise:

I'm a cancer surgeon and survivor and The Happy Pear were wrong about mushrooms

'If what they said was true, then every doctor would tell every parent to feed their children mushrooms and soy and go vegan, but we're not'

www.irishexaminer.com

“We do know that being a healthy weight and that exercising can halve your risk of most common cancers. However, there is no evidence to say that mushrooms will reduce your risk or eating soy will reduce your risk of getting cancer.”

 

[Daniel E.]

 

[Daniel E.]

Cordyceps - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Cordyceps are used in traditional Chinese medicine,[9][10] but there is currently no scientific evidence that their use has any clinical effect on human diseases.

Anti-cancer drug derived from fungus shows promise in clinical trials | University of Oxford

A new industry-academic partnership between the University of Oxford and biopharmaceutical company NuCana as found that chemotherapy drug NUC-7738, derived from a Himalayan fungus, has 40 times greater potency for killing cancer cells than its parent compound.

www.ox.ac.uk

A new industry-academic partnership between the University of Oxford and biopharmaceutical company NuCana as found that chemotherapy drug NUC-7738, derived from a Himalayan fungus, has 40 times greater potency for killing cancer cells than its parent compound...

The naturally-occurring nucleoside analogue known as Cordycepin (a.k.a 3’-deoxyadenosine) is found in the Himalayan fungus Cordyceps sinensis and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years to treat cancers and other inflammatory diseases. However, it breaks down quickly in the blood stream, so a minimal amount of cancer-destroying drug is delivered to the tumour. In order to improve its potency and clinically assess its applications as a cancer drug, biopharmaceutical company NuCana has developed Cordycepin into a clinical therapy, using their novel ProTide technology, to create a chemotherapy drug with dramatically improved efficacy.

 

[Daniel E.]

World's largest evidence review: Nutritional supplements for mental health

We've all heard that 'food is good for your mood'. Now a new study into mental health and nutrient supplementation has taken a leap forward by establishing the gold standard for which nutrients are proven to assist in the management of a range of mental health disorders.

www.eurekalert.org

• Special types of folate supplements may be effective as add-on treatments for major depression and schizophrenia, however folic acid was ineffective.

More reasons to get enough folate:

Folic acid, a B vitamin, lowers stroke risk in people with high blood pressure - Harvard Health

If you’re among the one in three American adults with high blood pressure, be sure you’re getting plenty of the B vitamin known as folate. Doing so may lower your odds of having a strok...

www.health.harvard.edu

Folate, along with other B vitamins, helps break down homocysteine, an amino acid that may damage the inner walls of arteries. Such damage can boost the risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Low fruit consumption and folate deficiency are associated with LINE-1 hypomethylation in women of a cancer-free population - Genes & Nutrition

Several dietary agents, such as micronutrient and non-nutrient components, the so-called bioactive food components, have been shown to display anticancer properties and influence genetic processes. The most common epigenetic change is DNA methylation. Hypomethylation of long interspersed...

genesandnutrition.biomedcentral.com

"A dietary pattern characterized by low fruit consumption and folate deficiency is associated with LINE-1 hypomethylation and with cancer risk."