Evidence-Based Reviews

Table of Contents

• Description
• Nutrition Research Methodology Reports & Publications
• Completed Evidence Reports
• Full List of Evidence Reports & Publications

Description

In FY 2001, the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) received a Congressional mandate to review the current scientific evidence on the efficacy and safety of dietary supplements and identify research needs. ODS responded by developing an evidence-based review program using the Evidence-based Practice Centers Program established by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to conduct systematic reviews of the scientific literature and prepare reports of their findings.

Nutrition Research Methodology Reports & Publications

• Balk EM, Armour TA, Newberry SJ, et al. A collaborative effort to apply the evidence-based review process to the field of nutrition: Challenges, benefits, and lessons learned. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007; 85:1448-56.
• Chung M, Balk EM, Ip S, Lee J, Terasawa T, Raman G, Trikalinos T, Lichtenstein A, Lau J. Systematic review to support the development of nutrient reference intake values: challenges and solutions. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;92(2):273-6.
• Chung M, Balk EM, Ip S, Raman G, Yu WW, Trikalinos TA, Lichtenstein AH, Yetley EA, Lau J. Reporting of systematic reviews of micronutrients and health: a critical appraisal. Am J Clin Nutr 2009;89:1099-113.

Technical Reports

• Lichtenstein AH, Yetley EA, Lau J. Nutritional Research, Volume 1: Application of Systematic Review Methodology to the Field of Nutrition. (Prepared by the Tufts Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. 290-02­ 0022). AHRQ Publication No. 09-0025. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. January 2009.
• Russell R, Chung M, Balk EM, Atkinson S, Giovannucci EL, Ip S, Lichtenstein AH, Taylor Mayne S, Raman G, Ross AC, Trikalinos T, West KP Jr, Lau J. Nutritional Research, Volume 2: Issues and Challenges in Conducting Systematic Reviews to Support Development of Nutrient Reference Values: Workshop Summary. (Prepared by the Tufts Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. 290-02-0022). AHRQ Publication No. 09-0026-2. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. March 2009.
• Chung M, Balk EM, Ip S, Raman G, Yu WW, Trikalinos TA, Lichtenstein AH, Yetley EA, Lau J. Nutritional Research, Volume 3: Reporting of Systematic Reviews of Micronutrients and Health: A Critical Appraisal. (Prepared by the Tufts Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. 290-02-0022). AHRQ Publication No. 09-0026-3 Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. March 2009.
• Trikalinos TA, Lee J, Moorthy D, Yu WW, Lau J, Lichtenstein AH, Chung M. Nutritional Research, Volume 4: Effects of Eicosapentanoic Acid and Docosahexanoic Acid on Mortality Across Diverse Settings: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials and Prospective Cohorts. (Prepared by the Tufts Medical Center Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. HHSA 290-2007-10055-1.) AHRQ Publication No. 12-EHC040-EF. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; February 2012.
• Trikalinos TA, Moorthy D, Chung M, Yu WW, Lee J, Lichtenstein AH, Lau J. Nutritional Research, Volume 5: Comparison of Translational Patterns in Two Nutrient–Disease Associations. (Prepared by the Tufts Medical Center Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. HHSA 290-2007-100551.) AHRQ Publication No. 11(12)-EHC084-EF. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. October 2011.

Methods Research Report & Associated Publication

• Shekelle PG, Newberry SJ, Wu H, Suttorp M, Motala A, Lim Y-W, Balk EM, Chung M, Yu WW, Lee J, Gaylor JM, Moher D, Ansari MT, Skidmore R, Garritty C. Identifying Signals for Updating Systematic Reviews: A Comparison of Two Methods. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. June 2011. Methods Research Report. AHRQ Publication No. 11-EHC042-EF.
• Chung M, Newberry SJ, Ansari MT, Yu WW, Wu H, Lee J, Suttorp M, Gaylor JM, Motala A, Moher D, Balk EM, Shekelle PG. Two methods provide similar signals for the need to update systematic reviews. J Clin Epidem 2012;65:660-8.

Completed Evidence Reports

• B Vitamins and Berries
• Ephedra
• Multivitamin/Mineral Supplements
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• Probiotics
• Soy
• Vitamin D

ODS, in collaboration with other NIH institutes and centers, has found these reports invaluable in presenting what is and is not known in a research area, thus laying a sound foundation for identifying gaps in knowledge and providing a strong scientific basis for the development of a research agenda.

ODS-sponsored evidence reports have resulted in the publication of a number of articles in the peer-reviewed literature, and have helped NIH make decisions on research priorities in these areas. The reports and associated publications are available through the links above by topic.

Full List of Evidence Reports & Publications

B Vitamins and Berries

Evidence Report

• Balk E, Chung M, Raman G, Tatsioni A, Chew P, Ip S, DeVine D, Lau J. B Vitamins and Berries and Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disorders. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 134. (Prepared by Tufts-New England Medical Center Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. 290-02-0022). AHRQ Publication No. 06-E008. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. April 2006.

Associated Publication

• Raman G, Tatsioni A, Chung M, Rosenberg IH, Lau J, Lichtenstein AH, Balk EM. Heterogeneity and Lack of Good Quality Studies Limit Association Between Folate, Vitamins B-6 and B-12, and Cognitive Function. J Nutri. 2007 July;137(7):1789-1794.

Ephedra

Evidence Report

• Shekelle P, Morton S, Maglione M, et al. Ephedra and Ephedrine for Weight Loss and Athletic Performance Enhancement: Clinical Efficacy and Side Effects. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 76 (Prepared by Southern California Evidence-based Practice Center, RAND, under Contract No 290-97-0001). AHRQ Publication No. 03-E022. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. March 2003.

Associated Publication

• Shekelle P, Hardy ML, Morton SC, Maglione M, Mojica WA, Suttorp MJ, Rhodes SL, Jungvig L, Gagne J. Efficacy and Safety of Ephedra and Ephedrine for Weight Loss and Athletic Performance: A Meta-analysis. JAMA, 2003 Mar 26; 289 (12) 1537 45. Epub 2003 Mar 10.

Related Information on Ephedra

Multivitamin/Mineral Supplements

Evidence Report

• Huang HY, Cabellero B, Chang S, Alberg A, Semba R, Schneyer C, Wilson RF, Cheng TY, Prokopowicz G, Barnes GJ, Vassy J, Bass EB. Multivitamin/Mineral Supplements and Prevention of Chronic Disease. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 139. (Prepared by The Johns Hopkins University Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. 290-02-0018). AHRQ Publication No. 06-E012. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. May 2006.

Associated Publications

• Huang HY, Cabellero B, Chang S, Alberg AJ, Semba RD, Schneyer CR, Wilson RF, Cheng TY, Vassy J, Prokopowicz G, Barnes J, Bass EB. Mulltivitamin/Mineral supplements and prevention of chronic disease: executive summary. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Jan;85(1):265S-268S. No abstract available.
• Huang HY, Cabellero B, Chang S, Alberg AJ, Semba RD, Schneyer CR, Wilson RF, Cheng TY, Vassy J, Prokopowicz G, Barnes J, Bass EB. The efficacy and safety of multivitamin and mineral supplement use to prevent cancer and chronic disease in adults: a systematic review for a National Institutes of Health state-of-the-science conference. Ann Intern Med, 2006 Sep 5; 145(5):372-85. Epub 2006 Jul 31.

Related Information on Multivitamins/Mineral Supplements

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Asthma

  Evidence Report

  • Schachter H, Reisman J, Tran K, Dales B, Kourad K, Barnes D, Sampson M, Morrison A, Gaboury I, and Blackman J. Health Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Asthma. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 91 (Prepared by University of Ottawa Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. 290-02-0021). AHRQ Publication No. 04-E013-2. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. March 2004.

  Associated Publication

  • Reisman J, Schachter HM, Dales RE, et al. Treating asthma with omega-3 fatty acids: where is the evidence? A systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2006; 6:26.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Cancer

  Evidence Report

  • MacLean CH, Newberry SJ, Mojica, WA, Issa A, Khanna P, Lim YW, Morton SC, Suttorp M, Tu W, Hilton LG, Garland RH, Traina SB, Shekelle PG. Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Cancer. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 113. (Prepared by the Southern California Evidence-based Practice Center, under Contract No. 290-02-0003.) AHRQ Publication No. 05-E010-2. Rockville, MD. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. February 2005.

  Associated Publication

  • MacLean CH, Newberry SJ, Mojica WA, et al. Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on cancer risk: a systematic review. JAMA. 2006; 295(4):403-15. Review. Erratum in: JAMA. 2006; 295(16):1900.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Cardiovascular Disease

  Evidence Reports

  • Balk E, Chung M, Lichtenstein A, Chew P, Kupelnick B, Lawrence A, DeVine D, Lau J. Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Intermediate Markers of Cardiovascular Disease. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 93 (Prepared by Tufts-New England Medical Center Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. 290-02-0022). AHRQ Publication No. 04-E010-2. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. March 2004.
  • Jordan H, Matthan N, Chung M, Balk E, Chew P, Kupelnick B, DeVine D, Lawrence A, Lichtenstein A, Lau J. Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Arrhythmogenic Mechanisms in Animal and Isolated Organ/Cell Culture Studies. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 92 (Prepared by Tufts-New England Medical Center Evidence-based Practice Center, under Contract No. 290-02-0022). AHRQ Publication No 04-E011-2. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. March 2004.
  • Wang C, Chung M, Lichtenstein A, Balk E, Kupelnick B, DeVine D, Lawrence A, Lau J. Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Cardiovascular Disease. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 94 (Prepared by Tufts-New England Medical Center Evidence-based Practice Center, under Contract No. 290-02-0022). AHRQ Publication No. 04-E009-2. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. March 2004.Research and Quality. March 2004.

  Associated Publications

  • Balk EM, Lichtenstein AH, Chung M, et al. Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on serum markers of cardiovascular disease risk: A systematic review. Atherosclerosis. 2006;189:19-30. Epub 2006 Mar 9.
  • Balk EM, Lichtenstein AH, Chung M, et al. Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on coronary restenosis, intima-media thickness, and exercise tolerance: a systematic review. Atherosclerosis. 2006; 184(2):237-46. Epub 2005 Aug 9.
  • Wang C, Harris WS, Chung M, et al. n-3 Fatty acids from fish or fish-oil supplements, but not alpha-linoleic acid, benefit cardiovascular disease outcomes in primary- and secondary-prevention studies: a systematic review. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006; 84(1):5-17.
  • Matthan NR, Jordan H, Chung M, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on selected arrhythmia outcomes in animal models. Metabolism. 2005; 54(12):1557-65.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Child and Maternal Health

  Evidence Report

  • Lewin GA, Schachter HM, Yuen D, Merchant P, Mamaladze V, Tsertsvadze A, et al. Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Child and Maternal Health. Summary, Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 118. (Prepared by the University of Ottawa Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. 290-02-0021.) AHRQ Publication No. 05-E025-2. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. August 2005.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Cognitive Function with Aging, Dementia, and Neurological Disease

  Evidence Report

  • MacLean CH, Issa AM, Newberry SJ, Mojica WA, Morton SC, Garland RH, Hilton LG, Traina SB, Shekelle PG. Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Cognitive Function with Aging, Dementia, and Neurological Diseases. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 114 (Prepared by the Southern California Evidence-based Practice Center, under Contract No. 290-02-0003.) AHRQ Publication No. 05-E011-2. Rockville, MD. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. February 2005.

  Associated Publication

  • Issa AM, Mojica WA, Morton SC, et al. The efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids on cognitive function in aging and dementia: a systematic review. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2006;21(2):88-96.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Eye Health

  Evidence Report

  • Hodge W, Barnes D, Schachter H, Pan Y, Lowcock E, Zhang L, Sampson M, Morrison A, Tran K, Miguelez M, Lewin G. Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Eye Health. EvidenceReport/Technology Assessment No. 117 (Prepared by University of Ottawa Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. 290-02-0021.) AHRQ Publication No. 05-E008-2. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. July 2005.

  Associated Publications

  • Hodge WG, Barnes D, Schachter HM, et al. The evidence for efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in preventing or slowing the progression of retinitis pigmentosa: a systematic review. Can J Ophthalmol. 2006; 41(4):481-490.
  • Hodge WG, Schachter HM, Barnes D, et al. Efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in preventing age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review. Ophthalmology. 2006; 113(7):1165-72.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Lipids and Glycemic Control in Type II Diabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome and on Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Renal Disease, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and Osteoporosis

  Evidence Report

  • MacLean CH, Mojica, WA, Morton SC, Pencharz J, Hasenfeld Garland R, Tu W, Newberry SJ, Jungvig LK, Grossman J, Khanna P, Rhodes S, Shekelle P. Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Lipids and Glycemic Control in Type II Diabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome and on Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Renal Disease, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and Osteoporosis. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment. No. 89 (Prepared by Southern California/RAND Evidence-based Practice Center, under Contract No. 290-02-0003). AHRQ Publication No. 04-E012-2. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. March 2004.

  Associated Publication

  • MacLean CH, Mojica WA, Newberry SJ, et al. Systematic review of the effects of n-3 fatty acids in inflammatory bowel disease. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005; 82(3):611-9.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Mental Health

  Evidence Report

  • Schachter H, Kourad K, Merali Z, Lumb A, Tran K, Miguelez M, et al. Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Mental Health. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 116. (Prepared by the University of Ottawa Evidence-based Practice Center, Under Contract No. 290-02-0021.) AHRQ Publication No. 05-E022-2. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. July 2005.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Organ Transplantation

  Evidence Report

  • Bonis PA, Chung M, Tatsioni A, Sun Y, Kupelnick B, Lichtenstein A, Perrone R, Chew P, DeVine D, Lau J. Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Organ Transplantation. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 115 (Prepared by Tufts- New England Medical Center Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. 290-02-0022). AHRQ Publication No. 05-E012-2. Rockville, MD. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. February 2005.

  Associated Publication

  • Tatsioni A, Chung M, Sun Y, et al. Effects of fish oil supplementation on kidney transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2005 Aug;16(8):2462-70.

Related Information on Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Probiotics

Evidence Report

• Hempel S, Newberry S, Ruelaz A, Wang Z, Miles JNV, Suttorp MJ, Johnsen B, Shanman R, Slusser W, Fu N, Smith A, Roth E, Polak J, Motala A, Perry T, Shekelle PG. Safety of Probiotics to Reduce Risk and Prevent or Treat Disease. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 200. (Prepared by the Southern California Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. 290-2007-10062-I.) AHRQ Publication No. 11-E007. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. April 2011.

Associated Publication

• Hempel S, Newberry SJ, Maher AR, Wang Z, Miles JNV, Shanman R, Johnsen B, Shekelle PG. Probiotics for the Prevention and Treatment of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea. JAMA, 2012 May 9; 307(18):1959-1969.

Soy

Evidence Report

• Balk E, Chung M, Chew P, Ip S, Raman G, Kupelnick B, Tatsioni A, Sun Y, Wolk B, DeVine D, Lau J. Effects of Soy on Health Outcomes. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 126. (Prepared by Tufts-New England Medical Center Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. 290-02-0022.) AHRQ Publication No. 05-E024-2. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. August 2005.

Vitamin D

Evidence Reports

• Cranney A, Horsely T, O'Donnell S, Weiler H, Puil L, Ooi D, Atkinson S, Ward L, Moher D, Hanley D, Fang M, Yazdi F, Garrity C, Sampson M, Barrowman N, Tsertsvadze A, Mamaladze V. Effectiveness and Safety of Vitamin D in Relation to Bone Health. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 158. (Prepared by Ottawa Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. 290-02-0021). AHRQ Publication No. 07-E013, Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. August 2007.
• Chung M, Balk EM, Brendel M, Ip S, Lau J, Lee J, Lichtenstein A, Patel K, Raman G, Tatsioni A, Terasawa T, Trikalinos TA. Vitamin D and Calcium: Systematic Review of Health Outcomes. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 183. (Prepared by Tufts Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. 290-2007-10055-1). AHRQ Publication No. 09-E015, Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. August 2009.
• Newberry SJ, Chung M, Shekelle PG, Booth MS, Liu JL, Maher AR, et al. Vitamin D and calcium: a systematic review of health outcomes (update). Evidence report/technology assessment No. 217 prepared by the Southern California Evidence-based Practice Center under contract No. 290- 2012-00006-I. AHRQ Publication No. 14-E004-EF. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2014.

Associated Publications

• Cranney A, Weiler HA, O'Donnell S, Puil L. Summary of evidence-based review on vitamin D efficacy and safety in relation to bone health. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008; 88: 513S-519S.
• O’Donnell S, Cranney A, Horsley T, Weiler HA, Atkinson SA, Hanley DA, Ooi DS, Ward L, Barrowman N, Fang M, Sampson M, Tsertsvadze A, Yazdi F. Efficacy of food fortification on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations: systematic review. Am J Clin Nutr 2008;88:1528-34.
• Chung M, Balk EM, Ip S, Lee J, Terasawa T, Raman G, Trikalinos T, Lichtenstein A, Lau J. Systematic review to support the development of nutrient reference intake values: challenges and solutions. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;92(2):273-6.