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Beyond the Hype - Three Hot Sellers

While most of the new dietary supplements are herbs, several are not, including these three, which appear to be among the hottest selling pills in health-food stores. Here is what is known about their properties.

Melatonin

This year's craze. Synthetic versions of this human hormone are said, by the more conservative promoters, to fight insomnia and jet lag. The more daring promoters also claim that it can slow aging, fight disease, and enhance one's sex life. The authors of several new books are spreading the word.

The hormone is produced during the night by the pineal gland at the base of the brain. Studies have found that taking a fraction of a milligram can, in fact, hasten sleep; the evidence for the other claims is weak, however. Several pharmaceutical companies are hoping to turn melatonin into a prescription drug, but you can already buy melatonin in the store. The drawbacks: No one knows the right dosage, the interactions with other drugs, or the long-term effects. One brand lists extensive cautions, including warnings addressed to people with diabetes, depression, leukemia, epilepsy or autoimmune diseases, and to women who are pregnant or nursing.

Chromium picolinate

This patented form of chromium, a trace metal, is promoted for weight loss--it's claimed to target fat, spare muscle, and increase strength. Chromium helps bind insulin to cell membranes and thus may play a role in how the body uses carbohydrates. Much of the research has been done by the patent's holder; independent research does not support the claims. Picolinate's promoters say that most Americans don't get enough chromium in their diet. But documented cases of chromium deficiency are rare. In fact, animal experiments suggest that too much chromium can be harmful. And some picolinate pills, if taken as directed, would deliver several times the daily limit of chromium--200 micrograms --considered safe for people. The FDA says it has "safety concerns" and that it has received reports of adverse effects, including irregular heart beat.

CoQ10 (Conzyme Q10)

Sellers claim the supplement can "strengthen the heart" and inhibit the aging process." Produced in virtually every cell of the body, this substance helps convert food into energy; it's also an antioxidant. But there's disagreement over whether it works when it's swallowed.

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