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Image of the fly brain (grey) highlighting the population of neurons (pink) to which the gut-secreted peptide CCHa1 signals
A Protein-Rich Diet Helps Mice and Flies Sleep More Soundly: Study
The effect appears to be mediated by a gut-secreted peptide that signals to neurons in the brain that modulate the response to mechanical vibrations.
A Protein-Rich Diet Helps Mice and Flies Sleep More Soundly: Study
A Protein-Rich Diet Helps Mice and Flies Sleep More Soundly: Study

The effect appears to be mediated by a gut-secreted peptide that signals to neurons in the brain that modulate the response to mechanical vibrations.

The effect appears to be mediated by a gut-secreted peptide that signals to neurons in the brain that modulate the response to mechanical vibrations.

dietary supplement

A surgical mask next to an open pill bottle that’s toppled over, spilling out red capsules meant to represent vitamin D supplements.
Vitamin D Likely Doesn’t Prevent COVID-19, Studies Find
Dan Robitzski | Sep 9, 2022 | 2 min read
The results from two large clinical trials don't support the idea that supplements of the vitamin bolster immune defenses against SARS-CoV-2.
Closeup of a person pouring several dietary supplement capsules into their open palm.
Vitamin D Pills Don’t Prevent Bone Fractures, Osteoporosis: Study
Dan Robitzski | Jul 28, 2022 | 2 min read
A large trial adds to a growing list of conditions once thought to be helped by vitamin D supplementation.
A top-down view of bowls filled various high-fiber foods such as rice, corn, seeds, and cereal sitting on a wooden table.
Different Dietary Fibers Affect the Body in Unique Ways
Rachael Moeller Gorman | May 3, 2022 | 4 min read
Acting through the microbiome, the fiber arabinoxylan reduces cholesterol in many people, while another fiber, called long-chain inulin, increases inflammation, a study finds.
Ramified cells in a lilac background
Could Vitamin Supplementation Help Alzheimer’s Patients?
Alejandra Manjarrez, PhD | Apr 11, 2022 | 8 min read
Niacin, a form of vitamin B3 used to treat cardiovascular disease, helps immune cells in the brain fight neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s in mice models, according to recent studies. Researchers hope that human clinical trials will swiftly follow.
a DNA helix made of fruits and vegetables
Personalized Nutrition Companies’ Claims Overhyped: Scientists
Shawna Williams | Aug 21, 2019 | 8 min read
Services promising scientifically tailored supplements or advice abound. Experts say their claims are largely unfounded, although some solid evidence is beginning to emerge.
pill bottles and pills on a wooden table
FDA Cracks Down on “Bad Actors” in Dietary Supplement Market
Shawna Williams | Feb 12, 2019 | 2 min read
The agency sends warning letters to makers of products that claim to prevent or treat Alzheimer’s and other diseases, and announces changes to its enforcement practices.
Hundreds of Supplements Spiked with Pharmaceuticals
Ashley P. Taylor | Oct 14, 2018 | 2 min read
FDA does little about it, study finds.
CDC, FDA Warn Against Kratom Use
Jim Daley | Feb 25, 2018 | 2 min read
The herbal supplement, deemed an opioid by the FDA, was recently linked to a Salmonella outbreak in 20 states. 
Study: Fish Oil During Pregnancy May Lower Asthma Risk in Children
Ben Andrew Henry | Dec 29, 2016 | 1 min read
Pregnant women who took a fish oil supplement during pregnancy were less likely to have children with asthma.
Cysteine Aids Mice with Huntington’s
Kerry Grens | Mar 31, 2014 | 1 min read
Rodent models of Huntington’s disease show dysfunctional cysteine production, and adding the amino acid to their diets seems to relieve symptoms.  
Bodybuilders Take Breast Cancer Drug
Jef Akst | Feb 17, 2014 | 1 min read
Tamoxifen, an endocrine therapy for women with breast cancer, is found in a supplement marketed to bodybuilders.
Omega-3s: Fishing for a Mechanism
Ethan J. Anderson and David A. Taylor | Nov 1, 2012 | 10+ min read
Despite abundant evidence supporting their ability to help prevent and treat cardiovascular disease, the therapeutic effectiveness of fish oil–derived fatty acids remains controversial.
Can Magnesium Magnify Brain Power?
Beth Marie Mole | Oct 28, 2012 | 2 min read
A magnesium supplement thought to improve brain functioning gets a small clinical trial.
Island Disease
Jef Akst | Aug 1, 2012 | 3 min read
People living on islands in the Norwegian Sea suffer from an unusually high rate of certain genetic diseases and health issues, making the population ripe for research.
Polypharmacy
Catherine Ulbricht | Jul 1, 2012 | 3 min read
Dietary supplements can have serious side effects when mixed with prescription drugs, but not all herb-drug interactions are bad.
Resveratrol May Not Extend Life
Hayley Dunning | Jun 20, 2012 | 1 min read
A new meta-analysis finds that resveratrol, currently marketed as a life-extending health supplement, may have a negligible effect on lifespan in humans.
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