The Medical Advisor

Review by: ChatGPT | Last Updated: April 2026 Medically Reviewed by: OneDayMD editorial team Are vitamins a scam—or just misunderstood? A recent viral article, “ Vitamins and Supplements Reconsidered ,” challenges the very foundation of modern nutrition. It argues that vitamins may not truly exist as we understand them, that deficiency testing is flawed, and that the supplement industry is built on shaky science. That framing is compelling—but it’s also incomplete. This evidence-based review separates what’s true, what’s overstated, and what actually matters for your health in 2026. The Big Idea: Why This Debate Matters The supplement industry is worth over $150 billion globally , yet: Many supplements show limited benefits in large trials Others are lifesaving when used correctly Consumers are caught between blind trust and total skepticism The truth is not binary. 👉 Vitamins are neither miracle cures nor meaningless constructs. They are biochemically essential compounds with contex...

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), with the chemical formula (CH₃)₂SO, is a colorless, polar aprotic solvent that is miscible with water and a wide range of organic solvents. It has a high boiling point (189°C) and a relatively low melting point (19°C), and is known for its ability to penetrate biological membranes, including skin, without causing damage. DMSO is produced industrially from dimethyl sulfide, a byproduct of paper manufacturing, via oxidation. Historically, it was first synthesized in 1866 by Russian chemist Alexander Zaytsev, but its modern applications as a solvent emerged in the mid-20th century. In medicine, DMSO gained attention in the 1960s for its membrane-penetrating properties, leading to its use as a vehicle for drug delivery, anti-inflammatory agent, and cryoprotectant. It is FDA-approved only for the symptomatic relief of interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as bladder pain syndrome (BPS), but has been explored off-label for various conditions. This systematic revi...