Is Current Dietary Supplement Research Doing More Harm Than Good?
“Massive study casts doubt on health benefits of multivitamins.” “Study says Echinacea has no effect on colds.” “Latest study: Antioxidant supplements may kill you.” In recent years, such grim headlines have fostered skepticism among would-be consumers of dietary supplements and generated concern among industry experts who fear that the research long heralded as key to driving broad acceptance of their products could—if mishandled or conducted inappropriately—do more harm than good for the sale and reputation of dietary supplements. At issue is whether the randomized controlled trial (RCT)—considered the “gold standard” for assessing pharmaceuticals—is appropriate for determining what impact a nutrient or botanical has on human health. Increasingly, many believe it is not. Read More.
