Supplements
Nutraceuticals, vitamins and supplements versus medicines: how evidence and regulation differ, and which supplements actually help in specific deficiencies
Melatonin and Spain's 1.99 mg cap: the low-dose paradox
Omega-3: why fish on your plate works and capsules often do not
Magnesium and medications: documented interactions and how to avoid them
About this section
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.