June

June 2001: Highlights from the Journal of the American Dietetic Association

Below is a summary of a nutrition research article published in the June 2001 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. For more information, to receive a copy of a JADA article or this issue’s table of contents, or to interview an article’s author(s), please call Bridget McManamon (800) 877-1600, ext. 4769; or e-mail bmcmana@eatright.org.

Do ginseng’s effects live up to the hype? 

It enhances exercise endurance. It’s an energy and mood booster. It’s a heart tonic. It’s an aphrodisiac. These are just a few reasons Americans give for taking the popular dietary supplement ginseng. But are we kidding ourselves? Does ginseng really do all that it claims? According to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, ginseng may be full of nothing but empty promises. 

Researchers from Oregon State University and Wayne State University examined the claims of ginseng’s effects on mood and found that chronic ginseng supplementation is no more effective than a sugar pill in enhancing healthy, young adults’ mental health.

“The results of this study question claims suggesting ginseng can be used to enhance an individual’s psychological well-being,” writes Bradley Cardinal, PhD, lead author of the study and assistant professor at Oregon State University. “In this study, no psychological benefits were observed after eight weeks of chronic ginseng supplementation - at either its clinically recommended level, or at twice that level.” 

According to David Grotto, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, “This study offers more evidence that consumers should consult their physician and a registered dietitian prior to taking supplements. These professionals can advise people on supplements’ health benefits as well as side effects.”

“Herbal products are only minimally regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. A given dose may contain anywhere from a mega dose of an active ingredient to no active ingredient at all,” Grotto said. 

In the study, 83 adults were randomly assigned to one of three groups: placebo, 200 milligrams of ginseng (the clinical recommended level) or 400 milligrams. Each participant was given a 60-day supply of their supplement and instructions for use and storage. Total “mood disturbance” was measured by the researchers before and after the eight-week study. 

Participants in the study were healthy, young adults, with relatively normal psychological profiles. Therefore, the researchers write, the results may not apply beyond this population. They add that altering the dose of ginseng may produce different results and that ginseng abuse has potential adverse side effects. 

The researchers recommend dietetic professionals continue to educate and counsel the public on all forms of nutritional supplementation.