Common nutritional supplement might be a total dud, according to researchers
In this DML Report…
Millions of Americans are spending on trivalent chromium supplements, a metal included in multivitamin pills and marketed for improving athletic performance and regulating blood sugar levels. Despite these claims, Neil Marsh, a professor of chemistry and biological chemistry at the University of Michigan, states that eight decades of research provide slim evidence of any significant health benefits from the mineral. Chromium deficiency remains extremely rare, with no clearly defined disease linked to low levels, and U.S. health agencies recommend it as a dietary requirement based on estimates rather than proven necessity.
Additional inflation-tied adjustments for 2026 include upward shifts in long-term capital gains limits, the estate and gift tax exemption, and earned income tax credit eligibility thresholds, though exact figures were not specified in the announcement. A temporary deduction of up to $6,000 applies to individuals aged 65 and older under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. These changes aim to let workers retain slightly more from paychecks by delaying entry into higher brackets, but experts note the benefits are modest and could be eroded by persistent inflation and rising costs for essentials, particularly for lower- and middle-income households. Higher earners gain little, as the expansions only postpone higher taxes amid income growth.
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The IRS announcement came Thursday amid operational disruptions from a government shutdown furloughing nearly half its staff—about 40,000 employees—potentially delaying refunds and taxpayer services, though 40,000 remain on duty for essential functions. Taxpayers with an October 15 filing extension should proceed as planned. Leadership shifts include Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent serving as acting IRS commissioner since August, following President Trump's removal of Billy Long, who was nominated as U.S. ambassador to Iceland; a new top deputy and CEO, Frank Bisignano—the current Social Security commissioner—is set to be announced.