Another look at supplements

Dear Dr. Roach: I read your recent response to a question about the efficacy of brain supplements. You note there is a paucity of published data, and that there is “no consistent evidence” that supplements help, except perhaps vitamin E.

However, the lack of data may indicate simply that there is too little information. I do not believe the medical community has yet tested adequately the impacts of combined strategies to address dementia over time.

I use moderate- strenuous consistent exercise, plant/ fruit/ bean- based diet, and cognitive activity, with the following supplements: multi- vitamin, fish oil, turmeric, CoQ10 and vitamins C, D and E. My research indicates this has potential to help. My physician agrees. My father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Why shouldn’t people trust their own research? — J. B.

Dear J. B.: I agree they may still be helpful. I also agree that multiple interventions may have a more beneficial effect than just one. However, it is difficult to be objective. To take just one, omega- 3 fish oil, there are no randomized controlled trials showing a benefit in preventing dementia, and a study combining three trials that studied the impact of omega- 3 supplementation on cognitive performance found no effect.

It comes down to a balance of potential benefits against potential harms. Of all the supplements you named, none is likely to cause much harm.

The original column was about advertised supplements with no research to back claims. It makes me angry that people can be misled into thinking these products have been proven useful.