Read other Healthy Skeptic columns
- 1
Capsules may help boost the immune system. But since most studies are done in mice and not men, claims may be a stretch.
- 2
The supplements Zantrex-3 and LipoFuze make that claim, but experts are dubious.
- 3
We rarely stop to think about it, but reading is an amazing accomplishment.
- 4
Anti-aging supplements like Proleva and Vivida boast of customers’ youthful skin, but the lack of well-designed studies makes any purported benefits unclear.
- 5
Studies show that whitening toothpastes mostly work by using abrasives to scrub off stains. Although this is effective, all that polishing has its dark side.
- 6
Lose It! and Thin-Cam claim to help manage diets and lead to weight loss.
- 7
Cheap mouthpieces are no substitute for a doctor’s treatment.
- 8
Studies haven’t verified claims about supplements containing nettles leaf and turmeric or vitamins B6 and B12 help.
- 9
It’s frighteningly easy to drop a couple of hundred dollars on a holiday present.
- 10
FertilAid for Men and FertilityBlend for Men contain lots of nutrients that may help boost male fertility, but they are not proven.
- 11
Products such as Rest Easy and Bed Bug Bully claim to be highly effective at controlling the insects, but researchers say there aren’t yet any consumer products proven to keep bedbugs away.
- 12
CCA Industries, MetaboLife and Mason Vitamins claim their supplements can help fight weight gain. But while green tea has been shown to speed metabolism, its effects on weight don’t yet pan out.
- 13
The dumbbell-shaped device has spring-loaded weights on each end. FitnessIQ claims in six minutes you can get a full upper-body workout. Can you?
- 14
Facilities on U.S. News & World Report’s annual list ride their reputations heavily.
- 15
Studies suggest that ginkgo biloba may offer some relief, but more widely, no evidence confirms reduction or elimination of constant ringing in the ears.
- 16
Milk thistle products contain silymarin, which has shown to be good for the liver in high doses but hasn’t proved effective when taken orally.
- 17
The sinus-clearing devices may just do the trick.
- 18
Though the product has been shown to kill germs, a spritz in the mug after exposure does little to prevent colds and flus. Hand-washing and protective gear are better options.
- 19
The words ‘FDA approved’ or ‘FDA registered’ don’t mean as much as consumers often assume.
- 20
Users say they draw poisons out of the body and even promote weight loss. Scientists say that’s bunk.
- 21
The body-building supplement label and website are short on helpful specifics.
- 22
But the jury’s still out on those claims.
- 23
Beano taken before a meal is supposed to prevent flatulence. It’s hard to know how effective it is, though.
- 24
It’s a good thing dietary guidelines aren’t laws.
- 25
Light therapy generally can help patients, but this device may not be refined enough to provide significant help, experts says.
- 26
Device’s claims raise questions among some scientists.
- 27
Allergists are dubious that the gel prevents airborne allergens from reaching sufferers’ nostrils.
- 28
Revitol Cellulite Solution, Nivea’s Good-bye Cellulite gel-cream and Biobodyslim claim to smooth out the ‘cottage cheese’ look. But an expert says there is no real solution for the battle of this bulg
- 29
Curcumin supplements are hitting store shelves as the compound found in turmeric is being touted as a possible treatment to Alzheimer’s and cancer. But scientists agree more research is needed.
- 30
LashFood’s marketers say the cosmetic is a natural alternative to a prescription medication. But the ingredients differ, and experts aren’t convinced.
- 31
The pill -- which contains compounds designed to recharge mitochondria -- shows promise in slowing aging and memory loss. But the long-term effects have not been determined.
- 32
Popular LaserComb might revive follicles on some men. Maybe.
- 33
The metal is popular in alternative medicine circles, but claims are unproven and large doses can be harmful.
- 34
Experts say not enough toxins can be excreted through the skin to actually improve health.
- 35
Designer Whey and Nitro-Tech Hardcore protein products are among several on the market that benefit endurance athletes, strength trainers and weight lifters.
- 36
The alcohol-free mouthwash is said to work after combining two liquid chemicals and rinsing with the mixture.
- 37
5-Hour Energy, Red Bull and Cranergy pack in the vitamins, but they don’t enhance the power of the already caffeine-laden beverages.
- 38
Cushioned shoe inserts may give a break to tired feet, but they aren’t likely to relieve back pain, experts say.
- 39
Though the pills can spur a small loss in body fat, experts caution that healthful eating and regular exercise are still key.
- 40
Experts say the Obesity Research Institute product doesn’t have enough glucomannan to get the job done.
- 41
But, doctors say, fish oil has no documented benefits for people without a cardiac problem.
- 42
The effect of lavender depends on how well it’s marketed, experts and tests will tell you.
- 43
The devices really don’t improve air quality, and they can release ozone.
- 44
Glucosamine and chondroitin are touted as natural alternatives for arthritis relief. But studies show effectiveness is limited.
- 45
The product: You can bet that lots of couples this Valentine’s Day will be exchanging chocolates, lighting candles and sharing bottles of wine -- time-honored strategies for setting the “mood.”
- 46
A 5-calorie stick of gum is less fattening than a bag of chips. And it might even help suppress the appetite.
- 47
Could you review red yeast rice?
- 48
Zerosmoke relies on acupressure, but research shows it may not live up to its name.
- 49
I see lots of ads for so-called exercise devices that use electric charges to work muscles.
- 50
Do the claims of these potential holiday presents hold up under scrutiny? The experts weigh in.
- 51
Infrared saunas have become a popular option to detoxify. But medical experts say they don’t help much.
