Could aggravate prostate cancer. May increase ovarian and breast cancer risk in women with strong family histories of those diseases. May increase heart disease risk in women. The body's natural supply of this substance plays a role in cartilage growth. Synthetic supplement to help repair and replace worn or arthritic joints.
Dietary supplements range in quality.
Ginkgo for fading memory, St. John's wort for mild depression, saw palmetto for swollen prostate, and so on. Touted as cheaper and milder than drugs with fewer side effects. Data back up some claims. But research is contradictory and positive effects are seldom clear-cut. New study debunks garlic pills' cholesterol-busting effect, but herb blend for menopause may cool hot flashes.