Randomized Controlled Trial

Chamomile extract may improve sleep among the elderly: RCT

11-Dec-2017 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplements of a chamomile extract may improve sleep quality in the elderly, according to results of a randomized trial that supports the efficacy of chamomile.

$40 million judgement lodged against Hi Tech Pharmaceuticals executives

12-Oct-2017 By Hank Schultz

The legal troubles of Hi Tech Pharmaceutical CEO Jared Wheat continue to worsen with the unveiling of a judgement against him in federal court that has imposed sanctions of more than $40 million.

As curcumin demand increases, Sabinsa parent company opens new extraction facility

12-Oct-2017 By Adi Menayang

Sami Labs, parent company of botanical specialist Sabinsa, inaugurated a second ‘Continuous Extraction Plant’ to meet demand for its Curcumin C3 Complex ingredient.

Can prebiotics help tackle obesity? New systematic review questions available evidence, draws criticism

05-Sep-2017 By Adi Menayang

In a systematic review, researchers in Brazil concluded that with the science available, “it would not be appropriate to recommend, at the moment”, the clinical use of prebiotics, or its combination with probiotics, to tackle obesity-related health risks.

High-dose supplementation cuts vitamin D deficiency in severely premature babies

17-Aug-2017 By Tim Cutcliffe

Preterm infants given the highest daily doses of vitamin D3 saw significant reductions in deficiency prevalence, say researchers.

BCAA supplementation may beat simple rest for muscle recovery among athletes, meta-analysis suggests

03-Aug-2017 By Adi Menayang

Branched-chain amino acid supplementation is better than rest to reduce muscle soreness after exercise, according to a meta-analysis of eight studies conducted on athletes.

Protein intake above recommended level may benefit bone health, says study

11-Jul-2017 By Adi Menayang

Though protein is popular among consumers as a nutrient for muscles, researchers at George Mason University review existing literature on its benefit for the bones and hip fracture prevention. They found that consuming more than recommended dietary allowance...

Soy intake may slash heart disease risk by 12%, but only for equol producers

09-Feb-2016 By Stephen Daniells

Soy supplements may reduce the risk of cardiovascular risk for people able to produce equol, a microbial-derived metabolite of the isoflavone daidzein, but equol supplements themselves may not have the same effects, says a new study.

Bayer vs FTC: Not the battle of the experts many were expecting…

05-Oct-2015 By Stephen Daniells

The Bayer vs FTC case in the US District Court of New Jersey is full of lessons, including what does and does not constitute ‘competent and reliable scientific evidence’, and the importance of having experts who know the space.

Human data supports salmon oil’s ability to reduce oxidative stress

27-May-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplements of salmon oil may reduce markers of oxidative stress, with no effects from additional multivitamins, says a new study from Australia.

Single multivitamin-mineral dose may boost mood in older people

12-May-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

A single dose of a multivitamin and mineral and herbal supplement may reduce stress in healthy older women, says a new study from Australia.

Cochrane review should ‘end all the debates on chondroitin’s efficacy for osteoarthritis’

06-Feb-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

Chondroitin sulfate is safe and efficacious for improving pain and functional capacity in people with osteoarthritis, says a new review from the prestigious Cochrane Collaboration.

Serial killer’s creatine use no link to ‘roid rage’

28-May-2014 By Shane STARLING

The European sports nutrition sector has defended EU-backed creatine after a friend of Elliot Rodger, the Brit who killed six people at the weekend in California, said the 22-year-old was ‘hooked’ on the workout supplement.

Mediterranean diet may have cognitive benefits, review finds

07-Oct-2013 By Nathan Gray

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet may be associated with better cognitive functions and lower rates of cognitive decline, a systematic review of the evidence reveals.

Vitamin D may decrease lung infection risk in children: Study

21-Aug-2012 By Nathan Gray

Supplementation with vitamin D has been shown to slash the risk of winter time respiratory infection by half, according to a new randomised trial.

Experts call for trials to demonstrate non-bone benefits of vitamin D

21-May-2012 By Nathan Gray

Large scale trials are needed to ‘definitively’ show that vitamin D can offer benefits across a wide range of health states other than bone disorders, according to experts at the Endocrine Society.

Multivitamins may boost memory: RCT data

14-Nov-2011 By Stephen Daniells

A daily multivitamin and mineral supplement with added herbal ingredients may boost memory in older women, but no effects were seen for other mental processes, suggest data from a randomized controlled trial from Australia.

Beyond RCTs: In search of a new evidence-based nutrition paradigm

14-Dec-2010 By Stephen Daniells

An alternative to the exclusivity of randomized clinical trials as the proof of a nutrient's efficacy must be found to advance nutrition research, say two new commentaries; one by academia, one from industry.

Experts slam calls for vitamins to be OTC

12-Jan-2010 By Stephen Daniells

Vitamins A, E, D, niacin and folic acid should be regulated as over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, according to a review of adverse events from Canada.

Measuring wellness, and other testing challenges

26-Oct-2009 By Guy Montague-Jones

How much wellness do you get out from dietary supplements? Measuring the efficacy of supplements is a tricky business that needs more discussion time, according to CRN.

Milk protein may protect premature babies from infection

07-Oct-2009 By Stephen Daniells

Supplements of the milk protein lactoferrin alone or in combination with a probiotic the reduced incidence of infection in pre-term babies, says a new study.

New analysis reignites antioxidant efficacy debate

05-Dec-2007 By Stephen Daniells

Positive results for vitamin E and beta-carotene from observational studies are continuing to be cited in the literature despite contradictory evidence from randomised trials, says a new analysis.

Echinacea variety appears to impact efficacy

25-Jan-2006 By staff reporter

Current evidence on Echinacea preparations cannot support the
efficacy of the wide variety of Echinacea products on the market,
concludes a review.

Little scientific support for weight loss programs

04-Jan-2005

There is little evidence to support the use of many commercial
weight loss programs, according to a study in the US, which
suggests that the search for new, more effective methods will
continue to preoccupy dieters.