Conditions

18 health conditions with evidence-based supplement research

Explore health conditions with evidence-graded supplement recommendations. Each condition page ranks ingredients by the strength of clinical research supporting them.

How We Grade Evidence

Each condition page ranks supplement ingredients by the strength of clinical evidence. Here is what each grade means:

Strong Evidence

Multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses with consistent positive results and large sample sizes.

Good Evidence

At least one RCT with mostly consistent results across studies. Evidence suggests benefit but more research may be needed.

Some Evidence

Small studies or observational data with some positive signals. Promising but insufficient for strong recommendations.

Very Early Research

In vitro studies, case reports, or pilot studies only. Early-stage research that requires clinical validation.

Arterial Stiffness

Universal with aging; 20-30% of adults >60 have PWV >10 m/s

Usually asymptomatic Contributes to isolated systolic hypertension Widened pulse pressure +1

Atherosclerosis

Subclinical atherosclerosis present in >50% of adults over 40

Often asymptomatic until advanced Angina Claudication +1

Cardiac Arrhythmia

Atrial fibrillation: 33.5 million worldwide; PVCs: present in 75% of healthy adults

Palpitations Skipped beats Racing heart +3

Cardiovascular Inflammation

hs-CRP >2 mg/L present in ~25% of US adults

Usually measured by lab markers (hs-CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha) Associated with accelerated atherosclerosis Plaque instability

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

20.5 million US adults; leading cause of death globally (17.9 million deaths/year)

Angina pectoris (chest pain/pressure with exertion) Shortness of breath Fatigue +1

Elevated Homocysteine (Hyperhomocysteinemia)

5-10% of general population; up to 30-40% of elderly

Usually asymptomatic Associated with premature atherosclerosis Thromboembolism

Endothelial Dysfunction

Present in virtually all patients with cardiovascular risk factors

Usually asymptomatic (subclinical) Reduced exercise tolerance Erectile dysfunction +1

Heart Failure

6.7 million US adults; prevalence increases with age (10% in adults >65)

Dyspnea (exertional and at rest) Orthopnea Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea +3

Heart Palpitations

Very common — up to 16% of primary care visits cite palpitations

Awareness of heartbeat Fluttering or pounding sensation Skipping beats +3

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

47% of US adults (116 million); ~1.28 billion adults worldwide

Often asymptomatic ('silent killer') Severe: headache, shortness of breath, nosebleeds Chest pain +2

High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)

38% of US adults have total cholesterol >=200 mg/dL; 12% have LDL >=160 mg/dL

Usually asymptomatic Xanthomas (tendon/skin deposits) in severe cases Corneal arcus +1

High Triglycerides (Hypertriglyceridemia)

25-30% of US adults have elevated triglycerides (>=150 mg/dL)

Usually asymptomatic Very high levels (>500): eruptive xanthomas Lipemia retinalis +1

Metabolic Syndrome (Cardiovascular Aspects)

34% of US adults; prevalence increasing globally parallel to obesity epidemic

Central obesity (waist >40 inches men, >35 inches women) Elevated fasting glucose (>100 mg/dL) Elevated triglycerides (>150 mg/dL) +2

Oxidative Stress (Cardiovascular)

Measurable biomarkers elevated in >80% of CVD patients

Subclinical; contributes to accelerated cardiovascular aging Associated with endothelial dysfunction Arterial stiffness +1

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

8.5 million US adults; 12-20% of adults >60 years

Intermittent claudication (leg pain with walking) Numbness/weakness in legs Cold legs/feet +2

Poor Blood Circulation

Symptoms of poor circulation affect 15-20% of adults >50

Cold hands/feet Numbness/tingling in extremities Slow wound healing +3

Post-Heart Attack Recovery (Post-MI)

~805,000 MIs/year in the US; 200,000 are recurrent events

Fatigue Reduced exercise tolerance Chest discomfort +2

Varicose Veins (Chronic Venous Insufficiency)

20-30% of adults; higher in women (2:1 ratio)

Visible dilated veins Leg heaviness/aching Swelling (worse with standing) +3

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.