Research Keyword: supplement safety

Benefits and risks of hair, skin, and nail supplements in older adults

This article reviews popular supplements that older adults, especially women, take to improve their hair, skin, and nails. While some supplements like nicotinamide show promise for sun-damaged skin, most lack strong evidence of benefit in healthy people. Important risks include biotin interfering with heart and thyroid tests, too much zinc causing copper deficiency, and excess vitamins A and E building up to toxic levels. Doctors should talk to older patients about these supplements and help them make informed decisions based on scientific evidence rather than marketing claims.

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Addressing Patient Requests to Add Dietary Supplements to Their Cancer Care—A Suggested Approach

Cancer patients often want to use dietary supplements alongside their conventional cancer treatments to manage side effects, boost immunity, and feel more in control of their health. Many patients don’t tell their doctors about supplement use because they worry about judgment or think doctors won’t understand their interests. This paper suggests doctors should have open, non-judgmental conversations with patients about supplements, evaluate their safety and effectiveness using reliable information sources, and work together with patients to make informed decisions that keep them safe while respecting their choices.

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