Supplement Research: Evidence Hierarchies and What They Mean #SupplementResearch #NutritionScience

Disclaimer: This video is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information presented here is based on publicly available research and is intended to provide an overview of scientific study types used to assess supplements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, as individual needs and health conditions vary. The creators of this video are not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on this information. For personalized health advice, please consult a licensed medical professional.

Summary
The article details the hierarchy of evidence used to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of nutritional supplements, ranging from the strongest and most reliable evidence to the least. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), considered the gold standard, randomly assign participants to receive a supplement or placebo, allowing for reliable conclusions. Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses summarize multiple RCTs, offering a higher level of evidence, while Cohort Studies follow groups over time to assess long-term effects. Other types, including Cross-Sectional Studies, Case-Control Studies, Animal Studies, and Observational Studies, are less reliable because they are observational, retrospective, or conducted on animals. Preclinical Studies, conducted in a lab or on cells, are the least reliable as they examine the effects at a molecular level and cannot confirm human effects.

#SupplementEvidence #ResearchHierarchy #RCTs #SystematicReviews #MetaAnalysis #CohortStudies #CrossSectionalStudies #CaseControlStudies #AnimalStudies #PreclinicalResearch #NutritionalSafety #ScienceExplained #HealthInfo