The same protein ingredients marketed as dietary supplements can be incorporated into meal replacement and medical food products, but those are regulated and labeled differently from supplements. In the United States, "meal replacement" products are foods and are labeled as such. These typically contain protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals.
Other research has found that vitamin D supplementation may help regulate mood and ease depression, especially if you are deficient.
Other research found that B2 supplementation may reduce the duration and frequency of migraine attacks, while different studies suggest that it may play a role in preventing cognitive decline.
Figuring out whether these ingredients really help you lose weight safely is complicated, though. Most products contain more than one ingredient, and ingredients can work differently when they’re mixed together.
L-carnitine is another ingredient with research to support its weight loss claims. Your body actually makes carnitine, and it’s found naturally in foods such as dairy products, fish, and poultry.
This means that supplement manufacturers can make marketing claims that may not be substantiated by research evidence. It’s also up to manufacturing companies to ensure that their products aren’t adulterated or contaminated.
Probiotics may be especially helpful in preventing and treating diarrhea related to antibiotic use or Clostridium difficile
NSAIDs can be effective. They work quickly and generally have fewer side effects than corticosteroids, which also lower inflammation.
Some research suggests that vitamin D and calcium supplementation together may help prevent osteoporosis, an age-related disease that weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures or breaks.
Nevertheless, before you use an NSAID, you should know about the possible side effects and drug interactions. Read on for this information and tips on how to use NSAIDs safely and effectively.
Pyruvate is naturally present in your body. Pyruvate in weight-loss supplements is claimed to increase fat breakdown, reduce body weight and body fat, and improve exercise performance.
Pharmacies and supermarkets in the U.S. sell a large variety of vitamin dietary supplements. A vitamin is an organic compound diet supplement required by an organism as a vital nutrient in limited amounts.[12] An organic chemical compound (or related set of compounds) is called a vitamin when it cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities by an organism and must be obtained from the diet. The term is conditional both on the circumstances and on the particular organism. For example, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a vitamin for anthropoid primates, humans, guinea pigs and bats, but not for other mammals. Vitamin D is not an essential nutrient for people who get sufficient exposure to ultraviolet light, either from the sun or an artificial source, as they synthesize vitamin D in skin.
You might be surprised to learn that makers of weight-loss supplements rarely carry out studies in people to find out whether their product works and is safe. And when studies are done, they usually involve only small numbers of people who take the supplement for just a few weeks or months.
If a magnesium supplement sounds like it may make sense for you, but you're not sure which one to buy, we can help. Our list of the best magnesium supplements, recommended by experts, is a great place to start.