This is the fifth in a series of six articles to discuss the major classes of dietary supplements (vitamins; minerals; amino acids; herbs or botanicals; and metabolites/constituents/extracts). The major focus is on efficacy of such dietary supplements to enhance exercise or sports performance.

OBJECTIVE To determine the extent to which differences in sociodemographic, dietary and lifestyle characteristics exist between users of different types of dietary supplements and supplement non-users. DESIGN We analysed cross-sectional data obtained from self-administered questionnaires completed at baseline by participants in The Tomorrow Project; a prospective cohort study in Alberta, Cana...

BACKGROUND The use of dietary supplements and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is increasing, and there is adequate concern about potential harmful effects. However, there are limited reports on the concurrent use of nonprescription medications with prescription medications in elderly patients. Therefore, this study was conducted to describe the use of dietary supplements and OTC drugs, and to iden...

In one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, one portly police sergeant has more to worry about than crime. His doctor had been encouraging him for years to lose weight, and like millions of other Americans, he decided to try a weight-loss supplement to help him shed his extra pounds. But instead of losing weight, he lost his job. According to the label, his diet pills, which were ...

BACKGROUND The consumption of dietary supplements is highest among athletes and it can represent potential a health risk for consumers. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of consumption of dietary supplements by road runners. METHODS We interviewed 817 volunteers from four road races in the Brazilian running calendar. The sample consisted of 671 male and 146 fem...

Omega-3 fatty acid products are available as prescription formulations (icosapent ethyl, omega-3-acid ethyl esters, omega-3-acid ethyl esters A, omega-3-carboxylic acids) and dietary supplements (predominantly fish oils). Most dietary supplements and all but one prescription formulation contain mixtures of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Produ...

BACKGROUND Compliance with conventional weight-management programs is notoriously poor, and a plethora of over-the-counter slimming aids are sold with claims of effectiveness. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to assess the evidence from rigorous clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses on the effectiveness of dietary supplements in reducing body weight. DESIGN The stud...

OBJECTIVES To help athletic trainers promote a "food-first" philosophy to support health and performance, understand federal and sport governing body rules and regulations regarding dietary supplements and banned substances, and become familiar with reliable resources for evaluating the safety, purity, and efficacy of dietary supplements. BACKGROUND The dietary supplement industry is poorly r...

Over one-half of U.S. adults use dietary supplements, so federally supported research into the safety and effectiveness of these compounds is important for the health of many Americans. Data collected in the Computer Access to Research on Dietary Supplements database, which compiles federally sponsored dietary supplement-related research, are useful to scientists in determining the type of diet...