Supplements

Zinc Lozenges May Help Colds Go Away 3 Times Faster

Zinc lozenges may triple the rate of recovery from the common cold, according to a new meta-analysis of three studies. However, the promising results come with a caveat: the studies looked at doses much higher...

By Amanda MacMillan May 16, 2017

How Vitamin C May Help Cancer Treatments Work Better

Chemotherapy and radiation can be even more effective in destroying tumor cells — if they’re paired with the popular vitamin

By Alice Park April 5, 2017

What You Need to Know About Vitamin D and Cancer

Vitamin D helps build healthy bones, but that's not all it can do. More recent data point to other potential benefits, including staving off dementia and protecting against certain cancers, such as colon and breast...

By Alice Park March 28, 2017

Here's How to Avoid Catching Colds and the Flu

The key is vitamin D

By Amanda MacMillan February 16, 2017

You Asked: Should I Take Nutrition Supplements?

In some cases, absolutely. But experts say you have to treat supplements as if they were prescription drugs.

By Markham Heid September 21, 2016

B12 Shots: Should You Get One?

They’re safe. Whether you actually need one is another matter.

By Markham Heid May 18, 2016

Taking Vitamin D May Not Reduce Risk of Falls

Falls and fractures are big risks for the elderly, but the latest study shows that high doses of a common vitamin used to prevent them may not help

By Alice Park January 4, 2016

FDA Warned of 'Herbal Viagra' Before Lamar Odom Incident

Supplements for sexual enhancement can be dangerous

By Alexandra Sifferlin October 15, 2015

Supplements Cause More Than 23,000 ER Visits a Year

A new study from federal researchers shows thousands of Americans visit emergency departments every year for health problems related to dietary supplements.

By Alexandra Sifferlin October 14, 2015

Calcium Supplements Aren’t Doing Your Bones Any Good, Studies Say

Two new studies suggest a lack of evidence to support taking calcium for better bone health or to prevent fractures

By Alexandra Sifferlin September 29, 2015

How Vitamin D Affects Alzheimer’s Risk

Getting too little vitamin D can contribute to faster cognitive decline in older adults, according to the latest study

By Alice Park September 14, 2015

Should I Eat Nutritional Yeast?

5/5 experts say yes. You've seen nutritional yeast, affectionately known as nooch (really), in health food stores and vegan eateries. (Or maybe you have no clue what the heck we’re talking about, in which case,...

By Mandy Oaklander September 3, 2015

Omega-3 Supplements Don't Improve Memory

Popping fish oil pills may not be a boon to the brain, according to the latest study

By Alice Park August 25, 2015

You Asked: Should I Take Turmeric Supplements?

The root’s potential health benefits are powerful. But questions remain about how best to take the stuff.

By Markham Heid August 5, 2015

Many Probiotics Contain Traces of Gluten, Study Says

55% of the samples tested had gluten—sometimes even when labeled gluten-free

By Alexandra Sifferlin May 15, 2015

Health Stores Often Promote Diet Pills to Minors

Despite warnings that they are intended for adults

By Alexandra Sifferlin April 27, 2015

4 Health Products You Should Never Buy Online

Beware these sketchy online purchases

By Health.com April 24, 2015

Dr. Oz Responds to Critics: 'We're Not Going Anywhere'

The physician and TV personality slams his critics and responds to their critiques

By Dr. Mehmet Oz April 23, 2015

Can Probiotics Improve Your Mood?

There's a big difference between thinking you're taking a probiotic—and actually taking one

By Mandy Oaklander April 10, 2015

Weight Loss Supplements Contain Amphetamine-Like Substance, Research Finds

Many supplements contain a potentially dangerous ingredient, a new study says

By Alexandra Sifferlin April 8, 2015

How Fish Oil Makes Chemo Less Effective

“You lose at least half the effect of the chemotherapy” because of the fish oil, the scientist says

By Alice Park April 2, 2015

GNC Will Start DNA Testing Its Products

The company's new testing procedures will be more rigorous than required by federal law

By Arpita Aneja March 30, 2015

Foods You Should Eat Instead of Taking Vitamins

If you're eating a healthy diet, you shouldn't need all those bottles of vitamins

By Alexandra Sifferlin March 30, 2015

Who Should—And Who Shouldn't—Take Vitamin D

Here's what experts say, based on the latest evidence

By Alice Park March 27, 2015

8 Things You Don't Know About Supplements

The author of a new book about vitamins shares some tips

By Alexandra Sifferlin February 26, 2015

You Asked: Should I Take Probiotics?

From strengthening your brain to slimming your belly, you've likely heard the promises of probiotics. Headlines call them the future of preventive medicine and disease treatment. But for now, the key word is future. “For...

By Markham Heid February 18, 2015

Why Doctors Should Start Prescribing Downward Dog

Complementary medicine is gaining traction with adults and kids alike

By Alexandra Sifferlin February 10, 2015

Weight Loss Supplements Don't Work for Most People, Study Finds

A Consumer Reports survey shows that most people who use weight loss supplements aren’t aware of how potentially unsafe or ineffective they are

By Alice Park December 30, 2014

9 Things to Know Before Buying Another Supplement

A guide to avoiding sketchy ingredients and choosing the most trusted brands

By Health.com November 8, 2014

Supplements Often Contain Recalled Ingredients

Two thirds of recalled supplements still contain the substance banned by the FDA

By Justin Worland October 22, 2014

This Kind of Tea Lowers Blood Pressure Naturally

The best brew for your heart

By Mandy Oaklander October 21, 2014

Natural Depression Supplements' Dangerous Drug Interactions

St. John's wort can interact dangerously with many common drugs

By Abby Abrams July 1, 2014

Too Much of a Good Thing: Kids Get Too Many Vitamins and Minerals

Foods fortified with extra vitamins and minerals may be doing more harm than good

By Alice Park June 24, 2014

Nestlé Is Developing an Instant-Nutrient Food Machine

The 'Iron Man' device could work like Nespresso

By Sarah Begley June 23, 2014

The King of Natural Food Takes Some Questions

TIME spoke to Dan Fabricant, who recently became the head of the Natural Product Association (NPA) after serving as director of the dietary supplement programs at the FDA. Fabricant is no newbie to the NPA,...

By Alexandra Sifferlin June 10, 2014

Unsaturated Fats May Not Be As 'Good' As We Thought

Recent analyses don't support the current logic that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are far better for us than those with saturated fats, but that doesn't mean hamburgers are instantly healthier than lean cuts of salmon

By Alice Park March 17, 2014

What You Don’t Know About Your Vitamins

Supplements are good for you, right? Maybe not so much.

By Alice Park February 27, 2014

Want to Build Endurance? Cut Back on Vitamin C and E Supplements

Many fitness fanatics turn to supplements to help them train and stay in shape, but not all of the vitamins and minerals deliver on those benefits

By Alexandra Sifferlin February 3, 2014

Supplements

CVS Will Only Sell Supplements That Have Been Third-Party Tested for Safety

The FDA Is Warning People to Steer Clear of Sunscreen Pills

Here's How to Tell Whether Your Supplements Are Dangerous

Herbal Supplements May Be Dangerous When You Take Certain Prescription Drugs