Risk vs. Reward Ratings

Every supplement, medication, food or therapy we cover gets a simple Risk vs. Reward rating, so you can see at a glance whether it’s worth a closer look.

Risk: what it could cost you
Risk includes side effects, interactions with other medications and the price.

• Low: safe for most people, few side effects and affordable.
• Medium: some side effects, possible interactions or a noticeable cost.
• High: serious side effects or interactions are possible, or it’s very expensive.

Reward: how well it works
Reward is based on how strong the research is.

• High: strong evidence from good human studies.
• Medium: some good evidence, but results are mixed.
• Low: little or no evidence that it works.

Our bottom line

• 🟢 Worth a try: low risk with a good chance of benefit.
• 🟡 Ask your doctor first: it may help, but the risk or cost is worth discussing.
• 🔴 Not worth it: the risk or cost outweighs the likely benefit.

Our ratings are a starting point for a conversation with your doctor or pharmacist, not a personal recommendation. We update them when new research changes the picture.

Natural Health Record is for education only and is not medical advice. Always talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any supplement, medication or therapy.