Supplements
Nutraceuticals, vitamins, supplements vs medicines: differences in evidence and regulation.
This section covers dietary supplements, vitamins, minerals, and nutraceuticals. The key difference between a supplement and a medicine is the evidence requirement. Medicines undergo three phases of clinical trials and are registered for specific indications; supplements are registered as food products without an RCT efficacy requirement. As a result, identical compounds – omega-3, melatonin, vitamin D, metformin in supplement forms – are sold as drugs in one country and as supplements in another. Articles here show which supplements have proven benefit in specific deficiency states (e.g., folic acid before pregnancy, B12 in vegans, vitamin D3 in confirmed deficiency) and which are marketing wrappers around unproven effects.
- Featured#melatonin#sleep#supplements
Melatonin and Spain's 1.99 mg cap: the low-dose paradox
Spain caps over-the-counter melatonin at 1.99 mg per dose. The US sells 5 and 10 mg bottles in any supermarket. Trials show low doses work as well as high ones, and sometimes better. Inside: the regulatory logic, the dose-response evidence and a sane way to use it.
- Featured#omega-3#cardiology#supplements
Omega-3: why fish on your plate works and capsules often do not
Two servings of fatty fish per week reduce cardiovascular mortality. Fish oil capsules at the same dose in healthy adults do not (Cochrane 2020, 162,000 participants). A trial-by-trial breakdown and the narrow cases where capsules are still warranted.