What about that krill oil you’re taking for PMS? The zinc or echinacea that is supposed to minimize or prevent colds? What about St. John’s wort, milk thistle, copper bracelets, green tea, black tea, garlic, gingko biloba, cinnamon, lavender, wheat grass, fish oil, and flaxseed oil? Yes, what about ginseng? Is it effective for the specific reason you take it? Feast your eyes on this infographic. The higher the circle, the greater the evidence in favor of the supplement; the farther down you go past the “Worth-It Line,” the farther you descend into the realm of snake oil. But then again, I don’t see a circle for Placebo, which has been shown to be very effective in almost every clinical study ever conducted. So maybe the lowest tiniest circle on this chart really works for you. Damn the scientific evidence!
For an interactive version of this graphic with additional data and source information, go to http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/play/snake-oil-supplements/
Be sure to click on the “See Data” at the very bottom and go wide screen. This chart may be controversial to some, but it is supported by a mountain of evidence.
