logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2022
35 m

Vitamin X

Vox
About this episode

Millions of Americans take dietary supplements — everything from vitamins and minerals to weight loss pills and probiotics. But because supplements are loosely regulated in the US, their makers don't have to prove that they work, or even that they are safe.

For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainable

It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show.

Also, email us! unexplainable@vox.com

We read every email.

Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Up next
Jul 2
A magical world at the ocean’s edge
In coastal California, researchers grapple with potentially losing a landscape they love. Guests: Rebecca Johnson, Director of the Center for Biodiversity and Community Science at the California Academy of Sciences; Peter Roopnarine, Curator of Invertebrate Zoology & Geology at t ... Show More
38m 42s
Jun 30
Ruff translation
We love our pets. And think we understand them. Are we fooling ourselves? Guests: ⁠Alexandra Horowitz⁠, dog cognition researcher at Barnard College; ⁠Holly Molinaro⁠, animal welfare scientist; ⁠Jared Martin⁠, filmmaker and dog owner For show transcripts, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠vox.com/ ... Show More
35m 47s
Jun 25
Sick of “morning” sickness
If pregnant people need to eat for two, why do so many of us puke morning, noon, and night? Guests: Marlena Fejzo, Ph.D., geneticist, and Research Director at the HER Foundation. For show transcripts, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠vox.com/unxtranscripts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠vox.com ... Show More
33m 40s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2017
Vitamins & Supplements - Are They Worth It?
Americans spend billions of dollars on vitamins and supplements, but are they worth it? We look at the science behind some of the most popular supplements with nutritional epidemiologist Prof. Katherine Tucker, neuroscientist Dr. Simon Dyall, and medical researcher Dr. Mark Bolla ... Show More
39m 38s
Mar 2022
Side Effects of Aging (with Zerandrian Morris)
This week we talk to the Ignant Intellectual aka Zerandrian Morris, about feeling the effects of these mortal frameworks.~For more content, subscribe to our Patreon (patreon.com/smartfunnyandblack)!~It's time to reclaim your health and arm your immune system with convenient, dail ... Show More
48m 37s
Sep 2016
Do Supplemental Vitamins Actually Work?
A vitamin a day keeps you healthy to play. Or does it? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
7m 26s
Mar 2024
Lip gloss, gum, and the Pill
Soon you can buy them all at your local drugstore. The FDA approved an over-the-counter birth control pill that will be available later this month. Journalist Lux Alptraum and Megan Kavanaugh of the Guttmacher Institute explain why available doesn’t necessarily mean more accessib ... Show More
25m 48s
May 2024
How To Eat To Boost Your Body’s Natural Defences & Avoid The Foods That Weaken Them with Dr William Li #450
Today’s guest passionately believes that the decisions we make every day about what we eat, have a huge influence on our overall health. Dr William Li is a medical doctor, internal medicine specialist, research scientist and the author of the 2 international bestsellers, Eat to B ... Show More
1h 29m
Jul 2023
5 things you may not know about organic food that will surprise you
Organic food marketing has led to many to believe that it is superior to non-organic foods; but this is not necessarily the case. On this episode, I welcome Dr. Jess Steier and Dr. Andrea Love, hosts of The Unbiased Science Podcast. Dr. Jess has a doctorate in public health with ... Show More
40m 21s
Feb 2024
What Ozempic can't fix
Fat women make less money than thin women and get fewer raises and promotions. It’s going to take more than a wonder drug to fix fatphobia in America.This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Anouck Dussaud and Laura Bullard, enginee ... Show More
25m 38s
May 2024
The world after Ozempic
Ozempic and other new weight loss drugs are being touted as potential miracle cures for diabetes and obesity. Journalist Johann Hari experimented with the drug and dropped 40 pounds. In his new book, Magic Pill, Hari discusses his experience with Ozempic and speaks to many of the ... Show More
50m 53s
Jun 2024
Ozempic Economics: Your Questions Answered
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound have been revolutionary for weight loss. They’re also sparking big changes in many industries – from food to medicine. Wall Street Journal tech editor Bradley Olson – who himself took a GLP-1 drug – and audio reporter Jessic ... Show More
13m 59s
Jun 2024
Moment 167: 6 Foods You MUST Eat To HEAL Your GUT!: Dr Will Bulsiewicz
In this moment, the world-renowned gut-health expert Dr Will Bulsiewicz discusses the relationship between your gut health and overall well-being, including your mental and physical health. According to Dr Will, our gut is like a muscle that we can strengthen by eating a range of ... Show More
14m 37s