Success or Snake Oil? The Rundown on Health Supplements

By: Sage Magee

First off, it is important to note that getting any nutrient through food is preferable to a powder or pill because it’s easier for your body to absorb. Dietary supplements have different regulations compared to the rest of the food and drug industry, so you should be cautious, do your research, and always talk to a doctor before making any medical decisions. Now that we’ve got the disclaimers out of the way, let’s go! Here is the down-low on a couple of popular supplements on the market and whether or not they actually live up to their claims.

Creatine

Claim: Helps build muscle mass.

Verdict: Yep!

Studies have found that creatine is the real deal, which is why it is so popular among bodybuilders. This is a naturally-produced molecule created in the liver and kidneys, and is stored in your muscles. Creatine is great for or activities that require short bursts of power, like sprinting or weightlifting.

Silver

Claim: Prevents or cures coronavirus.

Verdict: No. Just….no.

According to the FDA, there are currently no known products or supplements to prevent or cure coronavirus. In fact, colloidal silver can actually be dangerous to your health.

Beet Juice

Claim: Aids in athletic performance and lower blood pressure.

Verdict: True!

Beets are high in nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide. This then stimulates blood vessels to widen, allowing more blood and oxygen to get to your muscles. It lowers blood pressure for the same reason, thanks to all those dilated blood vessels. But do note, your number ones might turn a bit pink if you really pound back those glasses of beet juice. (But if you think the idea of pissing pink is cool, carry on.)

Vitamin C

Claim: Helps prevent the common cold.

Verdict: Mom was wrong...sort of.

Cultural wisdom teaches us that all we have to do is chug OJ and trust the magic of Vitamin C will wipe away our colds. But numerous studies have shown there is nothing to prove it can prevent the common cold. However, it has been shown to slightly shorten the duration of a cold once you’ve caught it.

Melatonin

Claim: Makes you fall asleep and stay asleep.

Verdict: Get ready to snuggle up under the covers because this one is real.

Researchers say melatonin is primarily useful for people who have irregular or atypical sleep patterns, such as frequent travelers or night shift workers. The hormone helps reset your “internal clock” so you can have a restful night’s sleep.

Yohimbe Bark

Claim: A secret African aphrodisiac.

Verdict: Alas, no.

Now is a good time to mention that almost all aphrodisiacs are snake oil, a mere substance with no real medicinal value, but is marketed as a remedy for ailments. Human sexual desire is about interpersonal connection, mood, and even pheromones. But this one is particularly dangerous because it has been shown to cause heart attacks and seizures. So just don’t even chance it. Looking for some natural aphrodisiacs you can use to spice up your interpersonal connection without concern for your health? Look no further!

Fish Oil

Claim: Cures everything.

Verdict: No. But also yes. Sort of.

Fish oil is packed with Omega-3s and is naturally occurring in - you guessed it - fish. It’s a nutrient the human body can’t produce on its own so food and supplement intake is the only way to get it. Many people boast fish oil’s powers, believing it does everything from lowering cholesterol to increasing longevity. Like most outlandish health claims, if it promises the world in one tiny capsule, it is likely false. However, there are some things fish oil is proven to help with, such as swelling related to rheumatoid arthritis. But its most popular claims of preventing heart attack and stroke (unfortunately) have no evidence to support them.

At the end of the day, health comes down to two major things. There are no cheat codes or fast-acting pills to do the trick. The hard answer is what experts have been telling us for decades: to be healthy you have to eat a balanced diet and exercise.