Which Nutrients and Vitamins Are Scientifically Proven to Work?

This really neat flow chart was created by David McCandless and Andy Perkins over at InformationIsBeautiful.net. It is meant to demonstrate which supplements, nutrients and vitamins have actually been backed by scientific evidence rather than empty claims from manufacturers.

The larger the circle, the more popular the product is. The higher towards the top, the more it has been scientifically proven to have positive effects. Topping the chart are probiotics (for digestive health), folic acid (birth difects), green tea (cholesterol), omega 3 (cholesterol) and Vitamin D (general health and cancer).

At the bottom of the table you’ll find gikgo biloba, beta carotene and Vitamin A. This doesn’t mean that these nutrients are detrimental, just that there is little to no scientific support backing their claims. Take a look for yourself:

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