CRN releases comprehensive book tracking clinical studies for dietary supplements

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition on Wednesday released its comprehensive report titled "The Benefits of Nutritional Supplements (4th Edition)." The updated book, which assesses the current state of the science on the health benefits associated with select nutritional supplements, finds consistent and adequate use of these products contributes to overall health and wellness throughout all age groups, lifestyles and life stages.



“What is so important about this book is that instead of looking at individual studies, one at a time, and asking consumers to make decisions based on what often is a flip-flop of results, this book tracks the research so that individual studies can be placed in an overall context, more effectively reflecting the overall state of the science,” stated CRN president and CEO Steve Mister, who wrote the introduction to the book. “Science is complex and constantly evolving, at times in unpredictable ways. The book addresses that evolution.”

 

Specifically, the report addresses the current state of the science regarding multivitamins and other supplements, including antioxidants (vitamins C and E), calcium, long chain omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils), vitamin D, vitamins B-6 and B-12, fiber and folic acid. It includes studies that demonstrate benefit as well as studies with null results and also addresses studies that purport to have found harm.



The report also addresses who needs dietary supplements, who takes dietary supplements and who recommends dietary supplements, to include primary care physicians, OB/GYNs, cardiologists, dermatologists, orthopedists, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and registered dietitians.

 

“In updating the fourth edition of the report, we highlighted current research demonstrating the health benefits provided by consistent use of many of these nutrients," stated the report's author Annette Dickinson, past president and current consultant for CRN. "And because we evaluate relevant scientific studies throughout the report, it was essential for us also to delve into the current debate over nutrient benefits — what is working, what could be improved and what many experts in the field suggest.”

 

The updated report also reviews issues surrounding supplements and mortality, as well as the importance of select nutrients during key life stages, including during pregnancy and throughout the aging process.



CRN has made "The Benefits of Nutritional Supplements" available at no charge here.

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