Vitamins and Supplements Medical Reference
- L-citrulline
WebMD explains the uses and risks of the supplement L-citrulline.
- Evening Primrose Oil
WebMD explains the uses and risks of the supplement evening primrose oil.
- Damiana
Damiana comes from a wild shrub that grows in Mexico and Central and South America. Traditionally, people use it to try to boost sex drive.
- Emu Oil
WebMD looks at the possible health benefits of emu oil, which is extracted from the fat of the emu, a large, flightless, Australian bird.
- Chasteberry
WebMD explains the uses and risks of chasteberry, a supplement that has shown promise as a remedy for PMS.
- Cordyceps
Cordyceps fungus is a traditional treatment in Chinese medicine gaining popularity. This adaptogen may boost energy, kill cancer cells, and more.
- Astaxanthin
WebMD explains the risks and uses of the supplement astaxanthin, an antioxidant that can be found naturally in seafood.
- Chitosan
WebMD explains the uses and risks of the supplement chitosan, a fiber taken from crustacean shells.
- Citicoline
Some people take citicoline supplements for memory loss and other thinking problems that may affect us as we age. Some research backs up these uses.
- Tribulus Terrestris
WebMD explains the uses and risks of the supplement tribulus terrestris.
- Choline
WebMD explains the benefits and risks of using choline supplements for conditions like liver disease and for preventing neural tube defects in fetuses.
- Bitter Melon
WebMD explains the uses and risks of the supplement and fruit bitter melon.
- 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)
5-HTP is an amino acid. Amino acids are substances that build proteins in your body. 5-HTP is related to serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood, sleep, and pain.
- Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a plant that's used as a seasoning in the Middle East, Egypt, and India, but is it a good treatment for diabetes and high cholesterol? WebMD explores the medical benefits of this seed.
- Branched-Chain Amino Acids
WebMD explains the uses and risks of the supplement branched-chain amino acids, sometimes used by athletes to prevent muscle breakdown during workouts.
- Guggul
WebMD explains the uses and risks of the supplement guggul.
- Activated Charcoal
WebMD explains the uses and risks of activated charcoal.
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Learn about the uses and risks of the supplement acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC).
- Glutathione: What You Should Know
WebMD explains the uses and risks of the supplement glutathione.
- Barley
Learn the health benefits of barley, including its use to try to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar.
- Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
WebMD explains the uses and risks of the supplement CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid), an essential fatty acid that's important for good health.
- Supplements for Heart Health
From fish oil to stanols, learn about supplements that may lower cholesterol and boost heart health.
- FAQs About Dietary Supplements
Get answers from WebMD to commonly asked questions about using dietary supplements safely.
- Calcium: What You Should Know
How much calcium do you need? It depends. WebMD give you the facts on this essential nutrient.
- Vitamins That Fight Inflammation
The right vitamins can help lower your body's level of inflammation. Find out what you should be eating and what medications might cause problems.
- What to Know About PQQ Supplements
Find out what you need to know about PQQ supplements, and discover the risks, and benefits, and how it may affect your health.
- What Are the Side Effects of Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is vital to bone health, immune support, and the parathyroid glands. Learn about where it comes from, its side effects, and more.
- Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo improves blood flow to the brain and may help ease a number of circulation problems, including vascular dementia and leg pain caused by clogged arteries. WebMD explains the benefits and risks of this popular supplement.
- Coconut Water
Coconut water is a good source of B vitamins and potassium, plus it contains electrolytes, various plant hormones, enzymes, and amino acids. Should you be drinking it?
- Biotin
WebMD explains the supplement biotin, a coenzyme also known as vitamin H, that is sometimes used for diabetes, brittle nails, and other conditions.
- Arnica
Arnica is a toxic herb, but in highly diluted homeopathic doses, it is used for blood clots, diarrhea, swelling, and pain. WebMD tells you more.
- What Is Vitamin A Deficiency?
What are the signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency?
- Beta-Carotene
Beta-carotene is good for vision, immunity, and overall health. WebMD tells you which foods contain this antioxidant and whether to take beta-carotene supplements.
- Vitamins Women Need
Find out which vitamins are important for women to get every day, what kind of food has them, and whether you should consider taking supplements.
- Vitamins and Minerals: How Much Should You Take?
Confused about how much of a vitamin you should take? Learn how to interpret measurements like Recommended Dietary Allowance or Daily Value.
- Fiber
A high intake of fiber, from foods and supplements, lowers the risk of heart disease and may also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Learn more.
- Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that helps keep the immune system strong. It's often used to help battle the common cold. Understand the benefits and side effects.
- Vitamin K
Vitamin K plays a key role in helping the blood clot, preventing excessive bleeding. Are you getting enough?
- What Is A Thiamine Deficiency?
Learn more about the causes and symptoms of thiamine deficiency.
- Creatine Supplements: An Overview
WebMD explains what creatine is, how it's used and if it's safe.
- Supplements for Weight Loss
Find out if weight loss supplements are safe and effective, including chitosan, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), glucomannan, green tea extract, and more.