#534: Supplements in Primary Care

#534: Supplements in Primary Care

Author: The Curbsiders Internal Medicine Podcast July 27, 2026 Duration: 1:19:43

Separating Signal from Hype

Patients bring us lists. Greens powders, magnesium for everything, vitamin D “for immunity,” fish oil, creatine, curcumin… so how do we separate signals from hype without becoming the office that just says “no” to everything? In this home-grown deep dive, we build a practical, patient-centered framework for evaluating any supplement, then pressure-test it against the products patients actually take. Learn a five-question approach to any supplement, how to judge product quality in an industry the FDA does not pre-approve, and where the evidence actually lands on greens powders and multivitamins, magnesium, creatine, vitamin D, fish oil (and why cod liver oil is not the same thing), turmeric/curcumin, and glucosamine/chondroitin.

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Show Segments

  • Intro
  • Ask These Five Questions: A Framework for Any Supplement
  • Supplement Quality and Regulation
  • Greens Powders and Multivitamins
  • Magnesium
  • Creatine
  • Vitamin D
  • Fish Oil and Cod Liver Oil
  • Turmeric and Curcumin
  • Glucosamine and Chondroitin
  • Simplifying the Regimen
  • Take-Home Points

Credits
  • Writer and Producer, Show Notes, Cover Art, Infographic: Paul Wurtz MD.
  • Hosts: Matthew Watto MD, FACP; Paul Williams MD, FACP   
  • Reviewer: Sai S Achi MD, MBA, FACP
  • Showrunners: Matthew Watto MD, FACP; Paul Williams MD, FACP
  • Technical Production: PodPaste


Disclosures

The Curbsiders report no relevant financial disclosures. 

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Tune in to The Curbsiders Internal Medicine Podcast for a direct line to practical clinical knowledge and the ever-evolving art of patient care. This isn't a dry lecture series; it's a dynamic conversation among practicing physicians who break down complex topics into actionable insights you can use. Each episode delves into the nuances of internal medicine, from managing common chronic conditions to interpreting the latest guidelines and navigating diagnostic dilemmas. You'll hear honest discussions about challenges at the bedside, evidence-based debates, and expert interviews that go beyond textbook summaries to reveal how medicine works in the real world. The podcast serves as both a continuing education resource and a professional companion, offering thoughtful analysis and clinical pearls that resonate whether you're a seasoned hospitalist, a resident in training, or a primary care provider. The focus is consistently on deepening understanding and improving daily practice, making the rounds or the clinic day feel a little less daunting and a lot more informed. Listen for a blend of curiosity, camaraderie, and a genuine commitment to mastering the craft of medicine, all delivered through engaging dialogue that feels like consulting with a trusted colleague.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Curbsiders Internal Medicine Podcast
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