BY CHEW-HOONG KOH, MEMBER PROGRAM AND MARKETING SPECIALIST
On October 9, 2024, the Massachusetts Medical Society’s (MMS) Committee on Senior Physicians hosted an insightful webinar titled “Dietary Supplements: Considerations for Safety and Efficacy — Science or Snake Oil?” The virtual event brought together
health care professionals and guests to explore the complexities of dietary supplements, their safety, and their effectiveness in promoting healthy aging.
The webinar covered a broad range of topics that are particularly relevant as people age and their nutritional needs shift. The discussion was led by Phil Yeager, PhD, JD, DABT, CHRC, director of the Division of Research and Evaluation at the
FDA’s Office of Dietary Supplement Programs; Uma Naidoo, MD, director of Nutritional & Lifestyle Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital and renowned author; and Andrew Budson, MD, chief of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology at VA Boston
Healthcare System, professor at Boston University, and international author, each bringing unique perspectives from their fields of research and expertise.
From left to right: Dr. Phil Yeager, Dr. Uma Naidoo, and Dr. Andrew Budson.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
1. FDA Guidelines and Supplement Safety
Dr. Yeager provided a foundational overview of the regulatory landscape for dietary supplements. He outlined the role of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in overseeing supplement
safety and discussed how consumers can assess product claims, bioavailability, and potential risks. Dr. Yeager emphasized the importance of understanding that not all supplements are created equal, urging attendees to be savvy consumers by verifying
scientific backing for any health claims.
2. Supplements for Sleep, Anxiety, and Depression
Dr. Naidoo explored how certain dietary supplements can impact mental health. She shared valuable insights into the use of supplements for managing sleep disorders, anxiety,
and depression, particularly in older adults. Dr. Naidoo’s background as a psychiatrist, nutritional biologist, and professional chef allowed her to approach the topic holistically, offering practical recommendations while cautioning against the
potential for adverse interactions with medications.
3. Vitamins, Supplements, and Lifestyle Factors for Cognitive Health
Dr. Budson discussed current research on how certain vitamins and lifestyle factors can influence brain health, particularly in the context of aging and
diseases like Alzheimer’s. He emphasized that while some vitamins may offer benefits, maintaining a balanced lifestyle — including proper diet, physical activity, and mental stimulation — is key to supporting cognitive health.
The webinar concluded with a reminder that while dietary supplements can be useful tools for enhancing health and well-being, they should be approached with caution and knowledge. The event underscored the necessity of being informed consumers and
consulting health care professionals before introducing new supplements into one’s regimen.
A recording of the webinar is available to registrants and MMS members and can be found here.
For further questions, please reach out to Chew-Hoong Koh, member program and marketing specialist at ckoh@mms.org or by calling (781) 434-7312.
Stay tuned for similar events that support healthy aging and informed decision-making in health care.
