Best Supplements for Improved Quality of Life
Ranked by research evidence. Compare 76 supplements across 104 papers from the biomedical literature, with effect direction, evidence strength, and dose range for each.
Top picks by evidence
- Moderate evidence4 studies
Across 4 studies, all reported beneficial effects on quality of life, with effect sizes ranging from small to large (predominantly moderate). The most robust evidence comes from a large systematic review (n=4477) showing a small but significant improvement. Effects were typically observed at 8-12 weeks in clinical populations with functional dyspepsia, chronic lower back pain, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Doses varied and no specific form was consistently used across studies.
- Low evidence4 studies
Across 4 studies, 3 reported beneficial effects on quality of life (1 large, 2 moderate), and 1 was neutral (small effect, not significant). The evidence shows a predominantly moderate beneficial effect, with benefits observed in clinical populations including women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, IBS patients, and cancer patients receiving home enteral nutrition. Median study duration was 84 days (12 weeks), suggesting effects may take several weeks to emerge, though duration was reported in only one study.
- Low evidence3 studies
Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects on quality of life, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. Two of the three studies reported statistically significant findings. The research primarily involves populations with IBS, psoriasis, and other dermatological conditions; no consistent dose or form data were reported across studies.
- ModerateTurmericAcross 4 studies, all reported beneficial effects on quality of life, with effect sizes ranging from small to large (predominantly moderate). The most robust evidence comes from a large systematic review (n=4477) showing a small but significant improvement. Effects were typically observed at 8-12 weeks in clinical populations with functional dyspepsia, chronic lower back pain, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Doses varied and no specific form was consistently used across studies.4 beneficial4 studies
- LowLactobacillus plantarum 299vAcross 4 studies, 3 reported beneficial effects on quality of life (1 large, 2 moderate), and 1 was neutral (small effect, not significant). The evidence shows a predominantly moderate beneficial effect, with benefits observed in clinical populations including women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, IBS patients, and cancer patients receiving home enteral nutrition. Median study duration was 84 days (12 weeks), suggesting effects may take several weeks to emerge, though duration was reported in only one study.3 beneficial1 neutral4 studies
- LowBifidobacterium plantarumAcross 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects on quality of life, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. Two of the three studies reported statistically significant findings. The research primarily involves populations with IBS, psoriasis, and other dermatological conditions; no consistent dose or form data were reported across studies.3 beneficial3 studies
- LowVitamin DAcross 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation on quality of life, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. The evidence is based on clinical populations including Alzheimer's disease patients, chronic urticaria patients, and breast cancer patients. One study used doses of 4000 IU/day or 60000 IU/week, but dosing was not consistently reported across studies. · Dose: 4000 IU/day or 60000 IU/week3 beneficial3 studies
- Very lowLactobacillus casei PXN 37Across 3 studies (all systematic reviews), all reported beneficial effects of Lactobacillus casei PXN 37 (often as part of synbiotic or probiotic supplementation) on quality of life. Effect sizes were mixed (small to moderate), with the highest-quality study (evidence score 4) reporting a small beneficial effect in colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. No consistent dose, form, or study duration data were available. The evidence base is very small and preliminary.3 beneficial3 studies