Between 2005 and 2009, EFSA carried out a comprehensive assessment of substances that are permitted to be used as sources of vitamins and minerals in food supplements in the EU. The assessment included both the evaluation of the safety of a nutrient source at the intake levels suggested by the applicant, and the bioavailability of the nutrient from the source i.e. the effectiveness with which the mineral or vitamin is released into the body.

Companies wishing to market a nutrient source not included in the permitted list have to submit an application to the European Commission. Under Directive 2002/46/EC, EFSA then prepares a scientific opinion to support the European Commissions evaluation of the request. Based on EFSAs work, the European Commission reviews and updates the list of vitamin or mineral substances that may be used in food supplements.

If a substance intended to be used in food supplements does not have a history of safe use in the EU before 1997, EFSA is requested to provide a scientific opinion on its safety according to Regulation (EC) No 2015/2283 on novel foods.

Moreover, EFSA has performed a comprehensive evaluation of the possible adverse health effects of individual micronutrients at intakes exceeding the dietary requirements and, where possible, established tolerable upper intake levels (ULs) for different population groups. ULs represent the highest level of chronic daily intake of a nutrient that is not likely to pose a risk of adverse health effects to humans. The ULs defined by EFSA and by the former Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) are used as a reference in EFSAs evaluations of the safety of nutrient sources added to food supplements. Throughout this work EFSA provides support to the European Commission in establishing maximum limits for vitamins and minerals in food supplements and fortified foods.

For all substances added to foods, including food supplements, that are claimed to have an effect on the nutritional or health status of consumers, EFSA carries out an assessment in line with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims.

Under the circumstances described in Art. 8 of Regulation 1925/2006, i.e. where a substance other than vitamins or minerals is added to foods under conditions that would result in the ingestion of amounts of this substance greatly exceeding those reasonably expected under normal conditions and/or would otherwise represent a potential risk to consumers, EFSA may be requested by the European Commission to assess the available information to support a decision on the safety of the substance. Based on EFSAs assessment the European Commission may decide to include the specific substance in a list of substances whose use in foods in the EU is prohibited, restricted or under scrutiny (see Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006).

Originally posted here:

Food supplements | EFSA

What a food supplement is

A food supplement is defined as 'any food the purpose of which is to supplement the normal diet and which is a concentrated source of a vitamin or mineral or other substance with a nutritional or physiological effect, alone or in combination and is sold in dose form'.

A wide range of nutrients and other ingredients might be present in food supplements.These can include

Food supplements are intended to correct nutritional deficiencies, maintain an adequate intake of certain nutrients, or to support specific physiological functions. They are not medicinal products and as such cannot exert a pharmacological, immunological or metabolic action. Therefore, their use is not intended to treat or prevent diseases in humans or to modify physiological functions.

In the UK, food supplements are required to be regulated as foods and are subject to the provisions of general food law.In Northern Ireland, EU food law relating to food supplements will continue to apply, as listed in the Northern Ireland Protocol.

To sell food supplements you must register as a Food Business Operator (FBO) with your local authority.

It is your responsibility to ensure that food supplements you sell are safe for consumption. There are certain things you should do to make sure they are safe.

Your supplier should be registered as a business with their local authority and provide fully referenced invoices and receipts.

Dont buy supplements over the internet unless you are confident the supplier is reputable.

Beware of counterfeit products, particularly if you are buying products on the internet and the product price is cheaper than other suppliers.

It is illegal to sell 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) for human consumption in the UK. It has been sold as a diet pill for weight loss however, it is a highly toxic industrial chemical and is not fit for human consumption.

You should report anyone selling DNP immediately to the local police, the local authority, Crimestoppers or through the National Food Crime Unit. Our page on DNP has further information on the dangers of this chemical.

Keep records so you can identify the business you bought food supplements from and who you sold them to. You must also keep documents like invoices and delivery notes and produce these documents if they are requested by enforcement authorities.

Make sure the food supplements you sell are labelled correctly. If they are not, contact you supplier and arrange for return of the products or do not accept them in the first place.

The product must be labelled as 'food supplement'and not 'dietary supplement'.

The product label must include:

(a) the name of the business whose name the food is marketed under; or

(b) the address of the business that has imported the food

Food supplements sold in NI must include a NI or EU address for the food business. If the food business is not in NI or EU, they must include the address of the importer, based in NI or the EU. Food businesses can continue to use an EU, GB or NI address for the FBO on food supplements sold in GB until 30 September 2022. From 1 October 2022, food supplements sold in GB must include a UK, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man address for the food business. If the food business is not in GB, they must include the address of the importer, based in the UK, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

This information must be either on:

If you import supplements into the UK, you are legally responsible for all aspects of those goods, including composition, safety and labelling of the products.

In addition to these requirements, you must comply with specific food labelling and supplements legislation.

Here is the original post:

Food supplements | Food Standards Agency

This section contains FDA guidance and regulatory information with links to Federal Register documents. You can also access information about food safety programs, manufacturing processes, industry systems, and import/export activities.

For more information, see

FSMA is the most sweeping reform of FDA's food safety authority in more than 70 years. This act gives FDA new and enhanced mandates and authorities to protect consumers and promote public health.

Information on the requirement that owners, operators, or agents in charge of domestic or foreign facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for consumption in the United States must register with FDA.

Descriptions of the methods, equipment, facilities, and controls for producing processed food and dietary supplements. Following CGMPs ensures the quality of processed foods and dietary supplements. It also ensures that processed food or dietary supplements are packaged and labeled as specified in the master manufacturing record.

HACCP is a management system in which food safety is addressed through the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards. This includes raw material production, procurement and handling, manufacturing, distribution, and consumption of the finished product.

More than 3,000 state, local, and tribal agencies have primary responsibility to regulate the retail food and foodservice industries in the United States. FDA assists regulatory agencies and the industries they regulate by providing a model Food Code, guidance, training, program evaluation, and technical assistance.

Information on:

Information about milk and seafood safety cooperative programs with FDA and state and local health and regulatory agencies.

FDA developed the Food Protection Plan to address the changes in food sources, production, and consumption. The plan presents a robust strategy to protect the nation's food supply from both unintentional contamination and deliberate attack.

Information about the Federal Register, the Code of Federal Regulations, and how to submit public comments.

06/29/2021

See original here:

Guidance & Regulation (Food and Dietary Supplements) | FDA

ByGrace Fernandez

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted food supplies, health systems, and global nutrition programs, 800 million around the world were undernourished (supplied with less than the minimum amount of the nutrients or foods essential for sound health and growth). Children were especially vulnerable: 144 million children under five were stunted (low height-for-age). 47 million children were affected by wasting, a life-threatening form of malnutrition.

As nutrition policy expert Rebecca Heidkamp and co-authors wrote in a Nature study, "the world was already not on track to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2to eliminate hunger and all forms of malnutrition by 2030."

The goal of their study was to model the potential short- and long-term impacts the pandemic would have on nutrition and recommend policies to mitigate damage.

With modeling tools, they were able to determine potential impacts under optimistic, moderate, and pessimistic scenarios from 2020 to 2022. One big challenge was that the pandemic itself interfered with capturing critical datain this case, an exact count of wasted and stunted children.

"We've been struggling to know what the actual impacts have been," says Heidkamp, an associate scientist in International Health who specializes in developing nutrition policy in low- and middle-income countries. At the start of the pandemic, UN agencies, including WHO and UNICEF, were dependent on phone surveys to collect data. This meant researchers "couldn't go out and actually measure women and children," she says, and "that's what we care about in nutrition."

The study points to evidence from phone surveys in Asia and Africa revealing disruptions in food supply chains and a spike in food prices resulted in dramatic increases in poverty and food insecurity in 2020, forcing families to shift to poorer diets.

Since the start of the pandemic, countries like India and Brazil have adapted and scaled up government assistance programs and social safety net programs, such as social protection and cash and food transfers, but public health experts predict these efforts will be insufficient to return to living standards seen prior to the pandemic.

Standing Together for Nutrition: A Trusted, Unified Voice

Early in the pandemic, lockdowns especially posed a threat to global nutrition efforts, including the disbursement of iron supplements through prenatal care for pregnant people at high risk of anemia; food assistance for families, such as staples like flour, cereal, beans, and lentils; and routine interventions to prevent and treat acute malnutrition. In addition, school closures halted school feeding programs.

The crisis led to the creation of a research and advocacy consortium involving several Bloomberg School faculty including Heidkamp, called Standing Together for Nutrition, or ST4N.

The group includes nutrition, economics, and food and health systems experts. Their goal: to identify the potential impacts of COVID-19and now the war in Ukraineon food security and nutrition in low- and middle-income countries, and ultimately recommend nutrition interventions to mitigate excess stunting and child mortality.

"Now rising costs of products used to treat malnutrition are threatening to interrupt those programs as they cannot reach as many, even as the need goes up," says Heidkamp.

The study reports that in 2019, the UN World Food Programme estimated that 150 million people in 81 different countries needed food assistance. In February of 2022, it rose to 276 million people. The agency predicts that number to increase to 323 million this year alone.

Heidkamp anticipates that 2022 will be a big advocacy year for nutrition. "There are many challenges as we look ahead, but we need to keep shining the light on these issues and figure out who the right global players will be," she says.

In the Nature piece, Heidkamp and co-authors urge "governments, donors, and the UN to help prevent a major exacerbation of malnutrition." They recommend succinct steps these players must take to build more sustainable food systems that can help support affordable and nutritious diets for all:

Heidkamp says donors and affluent groups like the World Bank have the power to strongly influence other countries toward ending trade restrictions, implementing social protection programs, and activating humanitarian assistance in order to end food insecurity and malnutrition.

See more here:

Food insecurity amid the COVID-19 pandemic | Hub - The Hub at Johns Hopkins

Life may start shaping up in your late twenties and early thirties, but unfortunately, this is when bone growth comes to a halt. Even though your bone mass may have reached its peak by age 30, there's still plenty you can do to prevent bone lossor speed it up if you're not careful.

Most people aren't aware of low bone mass until they end up with a broken bone. While many drinking and eating habits can speed up bone loss, there's one sneaky habit that can be causing damage without you even knowing: skimping on your calcium and vitamin D.

Some ways you can be doing this is by replacing all dairy products, which are good sources of both calcium and vitamin D, with plant-based alternatives that are not fortified with these two nutrients. You may also be making red meat the center of your plate regularly rather than incorporating vitamin D-rich fish, which experts recommend you to eat 2-3 servings per week.

However, if you're too focused on what you shouldn't be eating for optimal bone health, you'll miss out on the foods you should be eating more of. Calcium and vitamin D are two nutrients that work together for strong, healthy bones.

Almost all of the calcium in your body is found in your bones. Sixty-six percent of bone is made up of a mineral known as calcium hydroxyapatite. Your bones will pay the price if you're not eating enough calcium.

So, how much do you need? The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for calcium for adults is 1,000 milligrams each day. This amount increases to 1,200 milligrams daily for women after age 51. Up to 40% of the US population doesn't meet the recommended requirements for calcium with diet alone.

RELATED:Eating Habits to Avoid That Speed Up Bone Loss, Says Dietitian6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Include foods high in calcium like milk, tofu, sardines, yogurt, or foods fortified with calcium in your diet each day. If you can't meet your needs with food alone, ask your doctor about taking a supplement to support your bone health.

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But, it's not just calcium you need to be worried about. Without vitamin D, your body can't use the calcium you're eating to strengthen your bones. Vitamin D is unique since your body can make it through sun exposure, but because of time indoors, living north of the equator, and the decreased ability to produce vitamin D as we age, food and supplements can help you get enough.

RELATED:Surprising Side Effects of Not Taking Vitamin D Supplements, Says Dietitian

Naturally, vitamin D is only found in fatty fish and wild-grown or UV-treated mushrooms. Fortified foods and supplements can help you reach the recommended 15 micrograms of vitamin D daily.

Skipping foods high in calcium and vitamin D can speed up bone loss, increasing your risk for osteoporosis and fractures as you age. If you need ideas on incorporating these foods into your daily diet, try some of these top foods for healthy bones.

Kelsey Lorencz, RDN

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The #1 Worst Eating Habit Speeding Up Bone Loss, Says Dietitian Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Beauty is an iron mine, once remarked the Australian mining magnate, Gina Reinhart. She was talking about a precious resource, but iron is also profoundly important to living organisms: from bacteria and fungi, to mammals like us.

Iron acts as a key to numerous metabolic functions within our bodies. But iron deficiency remains as one of the top global health risks recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Iron deficiency has become the most prevalent micronutrient disorder worldwide, and COVID may be worsening the problem.

The type of iron we mine is different from the free-form iron that can be used biologically. Free-form iron has a propensity to jump between two chemical states, allowing it to bind to various molecules, and participate in all sorts of essential reactions within our bodies.

But we see a different story again during food digestion. Inside our upper small intestine where iron is most effectively absorbed, free-form iron tends to bind to oxygen, other minerals and food components. This often results in rock-like, insoluble clumps (which are like the ones we mine!). These are too big to pass through or between our cells.

This means that even when we consume enough iron, typically only ~1535% of it is absorbed. It also means iron availability can be improved, or inhibited depending on how we eat it or what we eat it with.

For example, heme iron from animal flesh has a cage-like structure, which carries the iron in a soluble form that prevents it from clumping during absorption. In many Western countries, heme iron only accounts for 10% of the iron eaten, but two thirds of the total iron absorbed.

Getting sufficient iron sounds like simple maths: we want to add enough to our dietary intake to make up for the iron being lost from the body, such as through faeces, skin shedding, menstruation (for women) and sweat. But the two sides of the equation can change depending on who and where we are throughout our lifetime.

Generally, iron deficiency occurs when our bodys stores of iron are depleted from not having consumed or absorbed enough iron to meet our needs.

This can happen when people restrict their diets, such as for religious, social or medical reasons. Some people also have a tough time keeping up when their iron needs increase, such as pregnant women and growing children.

But iron deficiency can also happen when the body has enough iron, but cant effectively transport it into cells. This is common in those with both acute and chronic infections, heart and autoimmune conditions, and cancers. In these cases, the underlying disease needs to be treated first, rather than improving iron intake.

The table below summarises some common causes of iron deficiency. Sometimes multiple causes may occur simultaneously for example, for many elite athletes (35% of women and 11% of men), iron deficiency results from reduced absorption due to inflammation, on top of increased loss through sweat and breakdown of blood cells.

The ongoing COVID epidemic has also introduced multiple risk factors for iron deficiency.

We know severe infection with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID) may change the way some people metabolise iron, leading to lower iron levels up to two months after infection. This contributes to symptoms commonly reported after infection, such as fatigue and lethargy.

Recovery from the pandemic itself has also exacerbated food supply issues, as well as the rising global income inequality.

This means more people face barriers to food security and the nutrient-dense foods that help boost our iron intake like red meat or leafy greens may be unavailable or unaffordable for them.

Read more: Why we should take a women-centred approach to diagnosing and treating iron deficiency

It may be tempting to pick up one of the many widely available iron supplements to attempt to boost your intake. However, we have to keep in mind that conventional iron supplementation is associated with some negative side effects.

These include damage to our gut lining, nausea, diarrhoea and constipation. Iron supplementation has also been linked to changes in the gut microbiome, a critical determinant of health.

The WHO has recommended two other approaches: diet diversification and food fortification.

Diet diversification is exactly as it sounds: having a diet with a variety of wholefoods such as fruits and vegetables, grains and legumes, meat, dairy, and nuts and seeds.

This approach not only ensures sufficient levels of iron are found in the foods we eat, but also that they come with different forms or vehicles to improve absorption. This approach works even with plant-based foods.

Read more: What to drink with dinner to get the most iron from your food (and what to avoid)

Food fortification, where iron is added to processed foods, is also a fairly safe yet accessible option due to its lower dose. In Australia, iron is commonly fortified in products such as bread, cereals and ready-to-drink mixes.

It can be challenging to get the iron into our body and where its needed. But before turning to supplements, we must remind ourselves that food sources should always be first-in-line. In cases of diagnosed deficiencies, your healthcare professional will provide you with further information where supplements are necessary.

Read more: Lemon water won't detox or energise you. But it may affect your body in other ways

Original post:

Low iron is a health risk made worse by COVID. How to get more without reaching for supplements - The Conversation Indonesia

Beirut / Sanaa / Aden, 8 July 2022 As we face an unprecedented global hunger crisis, concerns for the 16.2 million people who have long been food insecure in Yemen are at an all-time high. While the crisis in Yemen is one of the most dire, brought on by protracted conflict, droughts, and floods intensified by the climate crisis, COVID-19, and other diseases, it has failed to attract adequate support from donors for years. Now it risks slipping further into oblivion.

IFRC Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Dr. Hossam Elsharkawi, made a field visit to Sanaa, Aden, Amran, and Lahj this week, where he witnessed first-hand the immense unmet needs for nutritional supplements and medicine, and the many cases of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

Im extremely heartbroken at the devastating level of hunger and severe malnutrition of babies, children, and women in Yemen, he said. As I looked in the eyes of those suffering mothers and children, I was at a loss for words This is plain wrong and unnecessary suffering for innocent civilians.

There are already massive gaps in funding the humanitarian response for the 20.7 million people in need of assistance in Yemen, including clean water and healthcare as well as food and nutrition. Now, as the conflict in Ukraine pushes up the prices of food, fertilizer and fuel, the situation is likely to worsen. Meanwhile, the rapidly increasing needs of people around the world will also spread humanitarian resources even thinner.

IFRC Regional Director for MENA, Hossam Elsharkawi, visits a newly opened solar water pumping station in Amran, Sanaa in July 2022 operated by Yemen Red Crescent with the support of the IFRC

Photo: Yemen Red Crescent /Jamal Altwaity

Currently, the IFRC delegation in Yemen provides financial, material, and technical support to the Yemen Red Crescent (YRCS) in Disaster Preparedness and Management, Water Sanitation and Hygiene, Health, and National Society Development.

Dr. Elsharkawi met with YRCS leadership and volunteers as well as Yemeni officials around Sanaa, Aden, and Lahj to discuss the humanitarian response gaps as well as the programmes supported by the IFRC.

He saluted the extraordinary efforts of the thousands of dedicated staff and volunteers of the Yemen Red Crescent:

These men and women are working tirelessly on the front lines to support the people in need and to preserve their dignity despite the complex situation. But our moral responsibility demands more urgent action to save lives now. The international community and donors must immediately scale up support to address the widespread hunger and malnutrition.

Key figures on Yemen for editors: (Based on the 2022 HNO analysis)

To schedule an interview or for further information:

In Beirut, IFRC-MENA: Mey Al Sayegh, +961 03229352, [emailprotected]

In Yemen -YRCS: Nesreen Ahmed, +967 775322644, [emailprotected]

Originally posted here:

Yemen: As global food insecurity crisis escalates, hope shrinks for millions already suffering from extreme hunger - International Federation of Red...

Its probably safe to say that the majority of us desire strong nails, glowing skin, and shiny hair as these things have become a standard of beauty in our society. But did you know that how these features look on the outside is often a reflection of whats going on inside your body, and your hair, skin, and nails can say a lot about your health?

While a lack of proper vitamins can show up in your outward appearance resulting in dry, brittle hair, dull or dry skin, and changes in texture or appearance of your nails, eating a well-balanced diet can dramatically improve the health of your hair, skin, and nails. By incorporating the right nutrients into your diet, you can have the healthy hair, skin, and nails youve been lusting after.

Here are all the best foods and vitamins you should be eating for beauty from the inside out.

Biotin

The crme de la crme of hair, skin, and nail vitamins, if you had to choose just one vitamin to take for optimal hair, skin, and nail health, biotin is it. This B-complex vitamin can strengthen brittle nails, promote hair growth, and maintain healthy, glowing skin. While there are numerous biotin supplements out there, you can also get a healthy dose of biotin from your diet. Binge on biotin by eating liver, sweet potato, egg yolks, and salmon, as well as nuts and seeds.

Vitamin A

A form of retinol and beta-carotene, vitamin A is famed as a skincare ingredient, present in many skin care products, and its equally beneficial for your hair and nails too. While its often applied topically, you can get your daily dose of vitamin A in a variety of food. When it comes to Vitamin A, think of orange fruits and veggies like carrots, sweet potato, squash, and cantaloupe. Youll also find it in tuna, liver, and broccoli,

Folate & Other B Vitamins

Folate and other B vitamins like B-12 are essential for maximum hair, skin, and nail health. These vitamins boost the development cells responsible for bringing oxygen to your hair, skin, and nails, promoting optimal health, regeneration, and growth. To get more folate in your diet, eat things like dark, leafy greens, lentils, avocado, beans, and citrus, as well as nuts and seeds. To boost B-12, eat more animal products like meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs.

Protein

Because hair skin and nails are made up predominantly of keratin and protein increases keratin production in your body, ensuring you get enough protein in your diet is paramount for healthy hair, skin, and nails. For maximum protein, eat more animal products like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy, or add a scoop of protein powder to a morning smoothie. For those who are plant-based, eat more lentils, soy, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Omega 3s

Omega 3s are natures moisturizer and are well-known to lubricate and nourish your hair, skin, and nails. For shiny hair, smooth nails, and youthful, bouncy skin, eat more fatty fish like mackerel, salmon, and sardines or other things like eggs, spinach, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E, also known as alpha-tocopherol, is an antioxidant essential to cellular function and cell turnover, which can greatly impact the overall health of your hair, skin, and nails. This antioxidant combats free radicals known to damage the cells of your hair skin and nails while also restoring previously damaged cells. Vitamin E also replenishes lost moisture and increases circulation which is key for strong nails, longer thicker hair, and smooth, glowing skin. Increase your Vitamin E intake by eating things like sunflower seeds, almonds, wheat germ oil, spinach, and avocados.

More Tips For Healthy Hair, Skin, and Nails

While eating a healthy, well-balanced diet full of vitamins and nutrients is essential, Its equally important to take care of your hair, skin, and nails from the outside as well. Routine hair treatments, manicures, and a daily skincare regime are all things you can integrate into your lifestyle to always look your best. Choosing high-quality products that contain healthy ingredients to promote the health of your hair, skin, and nails can make a huge difference in your appearance. Product lines like SNS formulate their products with nutrient-rich ingredients like Vitamin A, E, B5, D3, and Calcium that nourish the nail beds, promoting healthy growth and strong, resilient nails. Using healthy products like these along with eating a nutrient-rich diet will ensure your hair, skin, and nails always look healthy and beautiful.

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The Best Foods and Vitamins for Healthy Hair, Skin, and Nails - UrbanMatter

A rise in Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections has prompted a warning by health officials in the Czech Republic.

The National Institute of Public Health (SZU) reported that in the first six months of this year 25 cases have been recorded and 15 of them occurred in the past two months.

Eight were reported in May and seven in June. That is more than half of all cases so far in 2022. The majority of those sick are children under the age of five. In 2021, 46 cases were recorded.

Sick people come from across the country but mostly Prague, the South Moravian and South Bohemian regions. Twelve infections were caused by E. coli O26 and six by E. coli O157.

People can become infected by contact with animals, eating insufficiently cooked meat, drinking unpasteurized milk, or by contact with an infected person.

Summer increaseSZU said the disease is often associated with seasonal activities, such as barbecues, or visits to animal farms or zoos.The agency urged people to pay attention to hygiene and correct food preparation.

Since 2018, 165 STEC infections have been reported in the Czech Republic, and 47 people were hospitalized. Of these, 37 were children under 5 years old and one died.

Symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. The time it takes to start having symptoms after being infected is usually three to four days and most patients recover within five to seven days.

About 5 to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening kidney failure complication, known as a hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, decreased frequency of urination, small unexplained bruises or bleeding, and pallor.

This condition can occur among people of any age but is most common in children younger than five years old because of their immature immune systems, older adults because of deteriorating immune systems, and people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients.

SZPI annual reportMeanwhile, the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (SZPI) has disclosed almost a quarter of foodstuffs checked were non-compliant in 2021.

The annual report covers food supplements, checks of online food sales, honey, olive oil and saffron authenticity and ethylene oxide in spices and sesame seeds.

The agency found 3,202 non-compliant lots of food and other products. Almost 27 percent of foodstuffs from non-EU countries failed to comply with national or European legislation. Nearly 20 percent of lots from EU countries had violations as well as 16.2 percent of domestic products. The highest percentage ofnon-compliant batches was chocolate and confectionery; dehydrated products, liquid flavorings, dressings, salt and mustard.

The main category found tobe microbiologically unsafe were meat products, followed by milk products and bakery. The top safety violation was the growth ofvisible mold and spoiling due tomicrobial activity.

Salmonella was discovered infive batches offresh chicken and two batches ofmeat-based ready-to-cook food. Vibrio parahaemolyticus was found intwo batches ofshrimp. Listeria monocytogenes was detected inthree batches ofdelicatessen products from aproduction plant.

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli or enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) was found inthree batches ofsteak tartare on the market and also inone cold dish of steak tartare from arestaurant. EPEC was also detected insprouted radish seeds from the market. Campylobacter was detected intwo batches ofready-made hot kebab and doner meals.

In 2021, 2,407 administrative proceedings against food businesses were concluded, in which fines totaling $3.8 million were handed out. SZPI imposed 11,285 bans on the marketing of foodstuffs this past year, and the value of the banned items amounted to $2.5 million.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News,click here.)

Excerpt from:

Officials warn of increase in E. coli infections - Food Safety News

Whether you took a short exercise hiatus or haven't stepped foot in the gym in ages, the thought of getting back into the gym scene can be a daunting one. You may think to yourself, "How do I prepare? What exercises should I do? And how long should I do them?" You may even start to doubt yourself and ponder the question, "Do I even want to work out at all?" While it's understandable to have some anxious thoughts swirling around in your head, we're here to alleviate your worries.

To gain some insight on how to get back into the gym when you're feeling unmotivated, we consulted Matt Morris, NASM-CPT, Master Trainer and Programming Manager at Burn Boot Camp. Read on to discover the trainer's tips, and for more, check out Tips for Effectively Working With a Personal Trainer, Expert Says.

"When someone is lacking the motivation to start a new workout regimen or habit, I always say find an accountability partner," Morris tells us. "You will create your habit if you go to the gym starting with someone and holding each other accountable. Then, once it's a habit, you can go by yourself as needed."

When seeking out an accountability partner, Morris recommends finding someone who has a positive outlook and energy. This person should motivate you to "work a little bit harder" and can be a friend, coworker, family member, etc.

Additionally, Morris suggests holding yourself accountable by scheduling your workouts on your calendar to block out time for exercise.

Taking deep breaths and listening to music are not only celebrated for their ability to put your mind at ease, but they can also help boost your motivation. To encourage a strong mindset, one of Morris' go-to tips is taking deep breaths for 30 to 60 seconds either before or during a workout. And while many enjoy listening to music while they exercise, Morris also advises people to do it before they work out. "Listen to what will set you up for success. Music goes a long way to help your mental aspect," he says.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

To keep your workouts consistent without becoming monotonous, Morris emphasizes the importance of designating certain days of the week for strength training and others for conditioning.

One way you can ensure your exercise regimen stays fresh is by doing what Morris refers to as "Stack" and "Unstack" workouts. Here's how they work:

"Your six exercises can vary from things like squats, push-ups, reverse crunches, bicep curls, burpees, pull-ups, lunges, and more," Morris says.

Related: The Most Popular Exercises People Are Doing To Stay Fit, Survey Says

Another element of exercise that Morris highlights is the importance of your mental and physical health working together. One way to do this is by getting your heart rate to over 100 beats per minute.

"When elevating your heart rate, there's a physical response. Endorphins release in your brainwhat many call a 'runner's high,'" he explains. "It's the same with high-intensity workoutsyou elevate your heart rate, and you're a different person after the 45-minute workout." To increase your heart rate, Morris suggests doing exercises such as running, jogging, rowing, or biking.

"Pre-workouts" are supplements designed to improve energy levels and better your overall performance. Although they're typically taken as a powder mixed into water, they can also come in the form of capsules and energy chews. Ingredients vary depending on the product, but many of them contain caffeine, creatine, amino acids, and beta-alanine.

One product Morris favors is Burn Boot Camp's Ignite Pre-Workout, which he says is chock-full of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids). According to Medical News Today, these amino acids, which can be obtained through food or supplements, can help enhance exercise performance and muscle growth, in addition to reducing body fat. If you have any health conditions, it's always the right move to consult with your doctor before taking a pre-workout supplement.

It's no secret that the social media content we consume can affect how we feel about ourselves. Therefore, Morris stresses the importance of filtering out sources of negativity. "In terms of social media, my number one tip is to unfollow anyone that makes you feel [down]," he says. "Only follow people who motivate you and are positive in their message."

Brianna Ruback

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05 Jul 2022 --- Alt-protein start-up Back of the Yards Algae Sciences Inc. (BYAS) has received a new investment from Japanese fine chemicals company DIC Corporation. BYAS owns proprietary zero-waste technology for extracting biobased food ingredients from microalgae and mycelia.

Financial terms of the new investment have not been disclosed.

BYAS currently produces products such as food colorants, food additives and biostimulants for improving vertical farming yields. The companys spirulina (cyanobacteria) microalgae-based Heme Analog (BYAS-AHA) is receiving intense interest for its ability to enhance the alternative meat taste and aroma, without using genetically modified organisms.

Through this alliance, DIC and BYAS will share algae mass-culture technology and functional component extraction technology that DIC has long-cultivated in the spirulina business to develop new products, further improve production efficiency, reduce waste and improve sustainability through the more-effective use of natural resources, DIC states.

Burger patties made with spirulina-based heme (Credit: BYAS).Opportunities in plant-based arenaThe best known plant-based heme analog on the market is leghemoglobin, produced by Impossible Foods through an insertion of DNA from soy plants into genetically engineered yeast. This yeast is fermented in a similar way beer is made to produce heme.

As Impossible Foods heme is not on the market as a standalone ingredient, BYAS has targets to become a large-scale supplier to other producers seeking to branch out selections along the dynamic plant-based aisle.

The BYAS heme analog is produced from organic spirulina and is non-GMO. The heme analog was discovered during the companys food colorant research, where one of its extracts was observed to have a strong meaty odor.

Besides conferring a natural umami and meaty taste, the BYAS algal heme analog browns when heated and can be used to give plant-based meat a gradation of color when grilled similar to animal-based meat.

Of particular interest from a sustainability perspective is the fact that the BYAS heme analog can be combined with other BYAS extracts such as the companys F602 spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass and mushroom extract to improve the organoleptic properties of plant-based meat.

Furthering the spirulina ingredient pipelineThe microalgae market is expected to be worth US$1.8 billion by 2028 and record a compound growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% for the same timeframe, according to forecasts.

Driving this growth is the microalgae trend in food supplements, natural food colors,vegetarian products and nutraceuticals.

Since becoming the first company in the world to successfully commercialize spirulina production in the 1970s, the DIC Group has been scaling its research in finding safe ways to use spirulina powders.

The manufacturer produces spirulina-derived edible pigment and natural blue food colorant Lina Blue.

In collaboration with US-based Sun Chemical Corporation a DIC Group member company operating in the US and Europe DIC plans to expand product sales globally while developing new applications.

This progress builds on developments across the sector over the past year. In one instance, researchers have developed high-protein microalgae strains with improved taste, upscaled as part of the EU-funded project ProFuture. In other moves, Israeli marine ingredient start-up Yemoja unveiled its red microalgae Ounje to infuse bloody juiciness to plant-based burgers and steaks for an authentic medium-rare experience.

By Benjamin Ferrer

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Back of the Yards Algae Sciences to scale biobased microalgae and mycelia ingredients - Food Ingredients First

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Saturday issued advisories to healthcare professionals and the general public against buying and consuming unregistered food products and food supplements in the market.

In five separate advisories, the FDA said the following products do not have Certificates of Product Registration:

Pursuant to the Republic Act No. 9711, otherwise known as the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009, the manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offering for sale, distribution, transfer, non-consumer use, promotion, advertising or sponsorship of health products without the proper authorization is prohibited, the FDA said.

The agency added that it cannot assure the products safety and quality since these have not been evaluated.

All concerned establishments are warned not to distribute, advertise, or sell the said violative food products until CPR are issued, otherwise, regulatory actions and sanctions shall be strictly pursued, it said.

It also reminded concerned establishments and the public to check for the FDA registration number of a product via the FDA Verification Portal.

The FDA also requested law enforcement agency and local government units to ensure that these products are not sold or made available in the market or areas of jurisdiction.

It also urged the Bureau of Customs to prevent the entry of unregistered imported products. KG, GMA News

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FDA warns vs. unregistered food products and supplements - GMA News Online

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Curious about apple cider vinegar? There are more than a handful of good reasons to be intrigued: It can help you lose weight, your cholesterol numbers may become lower, and your insulin response can be moderated, to name a few.

Commonly referred to as ACV, many are turning to the pungent elixir for its purported good-for-you qualities. "ACV has received significant attention recently for its numerous health benefits. Acetic acid, the active ingredient in ACV, has the potential to lower your blood sugar levels, stimulate weight loss, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, regulate inflammation, and reduce your risk of several chronic illnesses," says Kristin Gillespie, MS, RD, LD, advisor for Exercisewithstyle.com, adding that it's also a rich source of antioxidants, which help combat oxidative damage in the body.

Lyssie Lakatos, RDN, CDN, CFT & Tammy Lakatos, RDN, CDN, CFT, The Nutrition Twins, founders of 21-Day Body Reboot, and members of the Eat This, Not That! Medical Expert Board also highlight that ACV "may aid in appetite suppression, weight loss, and in belly fat reduction." They add that "there's been encouraging research linking apple cider vinegar with increased nutrient absorption," but they are also sure to point out that despite all these benefits of ACV, it isn't a cure-all: "there is still no substitute for a healthy, balanced diet."

To really get the most out of any supplement, "it is important to pair them with a generally healthy diet as ACV supplements are lacking a variety of nutrients that should be obtained through your diet," adds Gillespie.

With all these benefits in mind, you're probably wondering how you can start adding this ingredient to your diet. While bottled apple cider vinegar is the most obvious and common way to do that, there are now many different types of apple cider vinegar supplements that can also serve up some similar benefits as the liquid version.

Below, check out these six amazing ways to get your ACV fix, according to dietitians. As always, consult with your doctor or nutritionist before adding a new supplement to your routine, and for more on how to eat healthy, don't miss the 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.

The oldie but goodie, folks. "If you want to consume your ACV the old-fashioned way, this is perhaps the best option. The only ingredient in the product is organic apple cider vinegar, and it contains The Mother, which is the part of it that makes the product cloudy and provides most of the health benefits," says Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, a plant-based registered dietitian and owner of Plant-Based Eats in Stamford, CT. "To get benefits from the product, you can take one tablespoon daily. I definitely wouldn't recommend taking it without food because it's so acidic," she continues, adding that she loves adding it to this homemade salad dressing recipe.

Echoing Gorin, Gillespie says her preferred ACV supplement is this product, too, and she recommends diluting it with water. "As with many foods, plain old ACV is likely better absorbed within the body than in supplement form (although there is minimal research to support this)," she says. "Additionally, diluting ACV is preferred over drinking it straight in the form of a shot because it lessens the risk of damage to tooth enamel."

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If capsules are more your speed, these are among the best. "Bragg just came out with apple cider vinegar capsules, and the company did a good amount of research before creating this product that has a clinically effective dose of acetic acid in a serving size of three capsules," says Gorin, further noting that the product contains 1,200 IU vitamin D and 13 milligrams of zinc.

RELATED: Best Supplement Brands for Multivitamins, Recommended by Dietitians

"What I love about these ACV gummies is that they're filled with Vitamin B12, which helps support cellular energy production in your body," says Courtney D'Angelo, MD, RD, author at Fit Healthy Momma and Goli ambassador, adding that they're also gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, gelatin-free and only contain 1 gram of sugar per serving.

Gillespie especially likes this option for people unable to tolerate the acidic taste that comes with drinking ACV. "Goli gummies are an excellent choice for that group. Not only are they more palatable, but they also contain pomegranate and beetroot for additional antioxidants and vitamins," she says.

Melissa Mitri, MS, RD of Wellness Verge, is also a fan of these gummies for their great flavor, as well as the fact that "they contain added B-vitamins which most other brands do not contain, which can provide energy."

RELATED:The #1 Best Supplement for Energy, Says Dietitian

"These gummies are 100% organic, non-GMO, and vegan," says Mitri, highlighting the fact that this product contains "the mother," which are health-promoting bacteria present that many other brands do not have. Bonus: "They are low in sugar and contain added antioxidants," she adds.

Gillespie calls these ACV gummies a winner, and we like what we see, too. "In addition to containing apple cider vinegar, they contain added probiotics and vitamin B12 to help with your overall health," she says. "The B12 in these gummies comes from whole food sources, resulting in a higher bioavailability than that of synthetic B12 supplements," she elaborates, noting that gummy supplements often contain other (potentially unhealthy) additives and ingredients to make them more palatable but that this product is colored and flavored with natural flavoring agents like green apple, cherries, carrots, and blackcurrant.

"We like Vermont Village Organic Apple Cider Sipping Vinegar with the Mother. Since it contains the 'mother' it means it's been fermented and contains good-for-you bacteria (probiotics), protein, and enzymes that help you to produce gastric juices that aid in boosting the absorption of nutrients that tend to lessen with age," say The Nutrition Twins. "Probiotics also help with maintaining a healthy gut, healthy brain, and healthy body," they continue, adding that they also like that it's organic and that the various flavors contain anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric and blueberries.

"Just be sure to stick to a serving to keep sugar intake in check," they caution. Bottoms up, ACV crew.

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Workout supplements are popular but won't magically burn fat or build muscle.

Instead of spending money on supplements, focus on diet and exercise, said Chris Hemworth's personal trainer.

Good nutrition from whole foods and consistent workouts are the biggest factors in fitness, he said.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Chris Hemsworth is known for building muscle worthy of the God of Thunder in his role as Thor in the Marvel film series.

If you're trying to bulk up like the actor, you don't have to spend money on supplements like protein shakes to get the gains you desire, according to Luke Zocchi, Hemsworth's longtime personal trainer and friend. He most recently trained Hemsworth for his role in "Thor: Love and Thunder."

"Eating good food and having a calorie surplus are more important," Zocchi told Insider in an interview coordinated by Centr, Hemsworth's wellness app that offers 10 week programs for all skill levels based on his specific training and diet for the film.

He said the star makes most of his gains through a combination of good nutrition and a rigorous workout routine.

While some supplements have benefits for fitness and fat loss, they can be expensive and unreliable due to lack of regulation. Rather than shelling out money for pills and powders, stay consistent with a healthy diet and a focused exercise program, Zocchi recommends.

Zocchi said people over rely on products like protein shakes or creatine to build muscle and burn fat.

"People think things like protein shakes and creatine make a big difference, but that's only about 5% of the equation," Zocchi said.

Creatine, BCAAs, and similar products can give you an edge, but only if you've already nailed down the basics of eating well and working out consistently.

There's also nothing magical about protein shakes, the main advantage of which is to provide concentrated nutrients to help round out your diet if you can't get enough from whole foods.

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For Hemsworth's 4,500 calorie a day bulking plan, that can be helpful, but it's a small portion of his overall training and diet.

And for the average person who isn't eating 4,500 calories, supplements are significantly less important than high-quality food and regular gym sessions.

"It's dialing in the basics and sticking to the program to get results," Zocchi said.

It can also be difficult to know what you're getting in supplements since they don't need to be FDA approved, so products may contain fillers, unreliable doses, or ingredients not on the label.

Whether you're supplementing or not, Zocchi said no approach is going to magically make you look like Thor unless you happen to be Chris Hemsworth himself. As such, it's important to set goals that prioritize your own progress, rather than comparing yourself to a Hollywood star.

"Everyone's body is different. I do the same workouts as Chris and eat the same, and I don't look like him," he said.

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Chris Hemsworth's 'Thor' trainer says protein shakes and creatine are a waste of time if you want to build muscle and burn fat - Yahoo News

Out of all the nutrients that we need to consume, vitamin D tends to be one of the most controversial. Extensive research and expert opinions have been thrown into the mix regarding vitamin D consumption, deficiency, and if you are in need of supplementation. But rarely are people talking about taking too much vitamin D, which, thanks to supplementation, can be happening easily.

According to the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI), established by the Institute of Medicine and the Food and Nutrition Board, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin D on a daily basis is 15 micrograms per day for adults under 70, and 20 micrograms for adults older than 70.

While reaching toxic levels of vitamin D in your system is quite rare, the DRI does set a tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 100 micrograms per day for anyone over the age of 19.

To put this into perspective, a majority of vitamin D supplements on the market range between 1,000 international units (IU) to 10,000 IU, which equates between 25 micrograms to 250 micrograms per supplement.

So can this negatively affect your body if you hit over the UL amount of vitamin D needed for the day? We dove into the research behind taking too much vitamin D and the side effects you may not have known about if you supplement.

Oh, and don't worryyou can still hang out in the beautiful sunshine! Experts claim hanging in the sun won't overdo it on vitamin D in your system.

Here's what you need to know, and for even more healthy tips, be sure to read up on our list of The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps with calcium absorption in your body. Hence why many people say vitamin D is important to consume when you're older given the nature that calcium is a mineral that strengthens your bones. However, if you are overconsuming calcium (the DRI says between 2,000 to 2,500 milligrams UL a day depending on your age), your body could be at risk of developing hypercalcemia, according to the National Institute of Health.

Again, while reaching toxic levels of vitamin D is rare, the effects of hypercalcemia can be severe and lead to these other symptoms.

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Nausea and vomiting are both symptoms that come with taking too much vitamin D and hypercalcemia.

Feeling fatigued? Your vitamin D supplement may be to blame. Taking too much vitamin D can result in feelings of tiredness, which also are linked to hypercalcemia.

Irritability is also a common symptom of hypercalcemia and taking too much vitamin D. If this is something you are feeling regularly while taking a vitamin D supplement, it may be time to start evaluating your vitamin D consumption and ensuring you're not overdoing it.

Lastly, one of the biggest side effects of hypercalcemia is developing kidney stones. One study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that when the body experiences an increase in calcium (around 2,100 milligrams per day) with moderate amounts of vitamin D, the risk of developing kidney stones significantly increases. Plus, the study also shows that while hip bone density did increase for participants, the risk of hip fractures did not.

There can be many circumstances where one person may not get enough vitamin D. First, sun exposure may be limited, or even protection from the UV rays by using sunscreen can create a barrier in getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D in a day.

Second, the foods that provide vitamin D are few and far between. Eggs, fish, mushrooms, fortified soy milk, fortified orange juice, as well as fortified dairy products, are sources of vitamin D. But if you follow a plant-based diet, getting enough vitamin D from dietary intake can become complicated.

In order to get a sufficient amount of vitamin D from the sun, you need to expose your skin to sunlight twice a week for 5 to 30 minutes at the sun's strongest timesbetween 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you find that you are getting enough through dietary sources as well as semi-regular exposure to the sun, then you likely don't need supplementation at all.

However, if this is difficult for your lifestyle, talk to your doctor about your current vitamin D intake and if supplementation is neededespecially given that a true vitamin D deficiency can cause an increased risk of colon cancer, cardiovascular disease, falls at an older age (due to weaker bones), and even higher risk of mental illness.

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What you body needs in terms of nutrition will change as you get older. Essential vitamins and minerals become even more crucial to your overall health and immunity.

Mary Claire Haver, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist based in Galveston, Texas, recently took to TikTok to share five nutritional elements your body craves to support healthy aging. Dr. Haver, who has studied the link between diet and menopause, names five vitamins and minerals as well as gut-healthy probiotics.

Magnesium is a mineral that promotes bone strength and protein production. It also helps to regulate blood sugar stable levels. "Older people tend to take less of it, and they're more likely to have to have long-term health conditions if they're taking any medications that lower their magnesium levels," explains Dr. Haver in the video.

If you want to increase your daily magnesium intake, look for plant-based food high in fiber, like leafy greens, lentils, legumes, and whole grains.

Here's what a dietitians says about the benefits of lentils:

In addition to supporting overall gut health, probiotics also protect against allergies, alleviate the symptoms of IBS, and can help with weight management down the line.

While you can buy probiotics as a supplement, you can easily incorporate them into your natural diet as well. Fermented foods, like kimchi and kombucha, are delicious sources of probiotics that help fight inflammation to boot. Other foods, like yogurt, soft cheeses, and tempeh are good for the gut, too.

Here's a dietitians guide to gut health:

Your body is less likely to absorb vitamin D from the sun as you get older. For some, that might mean doubling down on your daily vitamin D intake, whih Dr. Haver says helps to absorb calcium and support bone, muscle, and immunity function.

To store up that sunshine vitamin, add some vitamin D-rich foods to your diet. Egg yolks, for example, are a great source of vitamin D. Fish like sockeye salmon and tuna are good sources, too. Mushrooms, 2 percent milk, and cheese contain plenty of vitamin D.

These are a dietitian's favorite foods with vitamin D:

"With age, you're going to start losing more of this mineral than you absorb," explains Dr. Haver. "Women over 50 should get 20 percent more [calcium] than other adults."

If you're dairy free or vegan, there are plenty of other ways to up your calcium intake. Fortified alt-milks, especially coconut, rice, and almond, can have up to 450 mg of calcium per cup. Other plant-based foods, like white beans, collard greens, and figs, contain it, too.

Here's what you need to know about calcium and alternative milks:

Omega 3 fatty acids (the good fats) support brain and eye health. Dr. Haver says they can help lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, and impaired vision.

As for good sources of these healthy fats, oily fish, like mackerel and salmon, are some of the easiest to find. If fish doesn't float your boat, chow down on some plant-based foods like chia seeds, walnuts, and edamame for a boost of omega-3s.

What you need to know about fish oil, according to a dietitian:

Each of these vitamins and minerals are part of a healthy diet. Can you obtain them with supplements? Sure. But, according to Dr. Haver andother experts, you should first focus on nutrition with naturally rich food sources and consult your doctor before considering a supplement regimen.

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Since the days when milk-mustached celebrities graced magazine pages, most of us have understood that calcium and strong bones go together like, well, milk mustaches and famous people. And for many of us, calcium supplements are a surefire way to reach our goals. Yes, we need calcium to keep our bones strongbut before you reach for calcium supplements, there are a few things to consider. Why you need calcium

In the land of calcium benefits, bone health is king. After all, calcium supports skeletal health, the National Association for Osteoperosis says. But your body actually needs the nutrient for a number of equally important functions. In addition to your bones, your heart, muscles, hormones, and nerves all require calcium to function properly.

The mineral also provides a host of benefits outside of maintaining your bodys status quo. Not only does it fend off osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, but studies show calcium can help lower blood pressure and decrease your risk for diabetes and colon cancer.

That said, yourbody doesnt produce calcium on its own, and if you dont consume the amount you need, your body will take it from your bones, weakening them and putting you at risk for fractures.According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, women who are 50 and younger require 1,000 milligrams of calcium each day. Women 51 and older should aim for 1,200 milligrams each day. Men younger than 70 need about 1,000 milligrams, and those who are 71 and over should aim for 1,200 milligrams each day.

It might seem that calcium supplements are a simple way to ensure youre getting enough of the bone-loving nutrient, but they aren't a panacea. Even though many of us don't get enough calcium each day, supplementation is most beneficial for people being treated for osteoporosis or who are at high risk for calcium deficiency, including postmenopausal women and people who avoid dairy, the Mayo Clinic explains. But if you dont fall into one of those categories, or if youre getting a good amount of calcium through your diet, your calcium chew may not be your safest option.

Why? When it comes to calcium, more doesnt mean better. According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), the absorption rate of calcium drops drastically when you consume more than you need. What happens to all the extra calcium? Research shows it accumulates in body tissues (aka soft tissue calcification), which can create a myriad of health issues including kidney stones, constipation, and heart issues, the Cleveland Clinic explains. Thats why, in addition to daily intake recommendations, calcium also comes with upper limits. According to the ODS, adults between the ages of 19 and 50 shouldn't exceed more than 2,500 milligrams per day, and older adults should cap their consumption at 2,000 milligrams.

Additionally, a 2016 report published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests a link between calcium supplements and an increased risk of calcium buildup in the coronary arteries. While the research shows coronary artery disease is only associated withnot caused bytaking calcium supplements, no such relationship exists when calcium is consumed through food alone.

Other studies have linked calcium supplements to an increased risk for colon polyps, kidney stones, and cardiovascular events. Although more research is needed to fully understand the risks associated with calcium supplements, its important to talk to your doctor to see if your daily calcium intake needs a supplemental boost.

The good news is you dont need supplements to get enough calcium. Most adults can meet their calcium intake through food and fortified foods depending on their current eating pattern and food preferences, says Candace ONeill, RD, a dietician with the Cleveland Clinics Executive Health Program in Florida.

If milk is what immediately comes to mind when you think calcium, its for good reason. Commonly known calcium-rich foods are dairy, such as, milk, yogurt, and cheese, says ONeill. But if your meal plans exclude dairy, she recommends fortified nut milk, tofu made with calcium, beans, canned sardines, salmon, almonds, and chia seeds.Dark leafy greens can also do the trick, but not all of them, she says. Kale, broccoli, and bok choy are standouts, but some greens, like spinach, contain calcium but it is poorly absorbed due to an antinutrient called oxalates, says ONeill.

Heres the kicker: getting enough calcium is actually a two-step process. First, you must eat foods that contain calcium, and then your body must absorb the nutrient. For optimal calcium absorption, it is important to have sufficient levels of Vitamin D, explains ONeill. And, well, Vitamin D isnt easy to get either. Only a handful of foods contain vitamin D, says ONeill. And although most people do not consume enough vitamin D, you can always try increasing your time in the sun.

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If you're feeling less than confident because of cellulite dimples on your thighs, butt, stomach, or arms, you're not alone. According to a 2015 review published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, up to 90 percent of women develop cellulite after puberty, and many men find themselves dealing with the appearance of dimpled skin, as well.

If you find yourself struggling with lumps and bumps you're eager to get rid of, read on to discover the best supplements for cellulite, according to dietitians. And if you want to slim down, start with these 15 Underrated Weight Loss Tips That Actually Work.

If you want to reduce the appearance of cellulite, adding a multivitamin to your regular routine is a good place to start, according to Shannon Henry, RD, a dietitian with EZCare Clinic in San Francisco. "Vitamin B6 reduces fluid formation in the skin, vitamin E promotes blood circulation, and calcium reduces fat in the body and reduces the appearance of cellulite," explains Henry. And for more ways to get your skin healthier than ever, check out these 22 Foods That Will Immediately Improve Your Skin, According to Dermatologists.

Fish oil isn't just good for your heart healthit may be beneficial when it comes to reducing the appearance of cellulite, too.

"Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help in blood circulation, reduce high blood pressure, and lower cholesterol. All these benefits keep the cell wall of your skin healthy. And the healthier your cell walls are, the less likely you are to develop cellulite," Henry explains.

If you're struggling with cellulite, adding some antioxidant-rich chokeberry to your regular routine might be just the thing to help.

"Chokeberries contain one of the highest levels of antioxidants and powerful phytonutrients of any fruit. It's thought that these compounds play a role in increasing microcirculation and improving cellulite," explains Rebecca Washuta, MS, CNS, LDN, founder of Happy Healthy Bites, citing a study in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that drinking chokeberry juice over a 90-day period reduced the appearance of cellulite.

Collagen isn't just beneficial in topical skincare: experts say it can also have major benefits for individuals with cellulite when taken in supplement form.

"The first supplement I would recommend taking in order to fight cellulite is collagen," says Alexandra Soare, RD, of Food on Mars. "It allows your skin to be elastic and fresh. When it comes to cellulite, this elasticity pushes the fat cells back, creating smooth skin."

For more ways to ditch that dimpling once and for all, check out the 18 Best and Worst Foods for Cellulite, and for the latest healthy living news delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter!

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Probiotics are defined as live microbial food ingredients that provide several benefits to human health by improving the balance of bacteria in the intestines. These probiotic supplements are available in a variety of forms such as liquid, tablet, powder, and capsule. Ingredients in the food can stimulate the digestive system through the release of natural juices & enzymes and can also be taken in supplement form to ensure the bodys functioning is optimized.

The rise in healthcare awareness among the population and increasing inclination towards healthy lifestyle are the leading factors for the growth of the global probiotics dietary supplement market. Probiotics have many strong benefits related to the human digestive system. In recent times, the millennial generations attention has been drawn to healthy probiotic dietary supplements to enhance the immunity. Additionally, the leading players operating in the market are focusing on innovation and new product development to create a strong consumer base.

All these factors are fueling the market growth. Further, changing lifestyle, increasing awareness of the need for alteration of probiotic content and immune system is contributing to the growth of the probiotic dietary supplements market. In addition, increasing investment in research & development and capacity expansion is anticipated to augment the market growth. Furthermore, the rising adoption of new delivery technologies by key players and the introduction of new consumption formats for the dietary supplements are anticipated to offer lucrative opportunities to the probiotic dietary supplements market in the forecast period. However, stringent government regulations related to food safety are expected to hamper the growth of the probiotics dietary supplement market.

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The global probiotics dietary supplement market is divided based on product type, application, and region. Based on the product type, the global market is split into liquids, tablets, and paste bodies. The application segment consists of nutritional supplements, specialty nutrients, and infant formula.

Geographically, the European region is expected to dominate the global probiotics dietary supplement market and is projected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. Factors such as the rising health concerns among consumers, increasing probiotics awareness, and willingness to spend on dietary supplements are driving the growth of the market in this region. Spain, the UK, Italy, France, and Germany are the frontrunners of the market growth in the European region. Asia Pacific region is estimated to hold the second position in the market and is anticipated to account for a significant share over the forecast period. This is attributed to the rising demand from emerging countries like India and China. On the other hand, the expanding middle-class population with rising spending of South America and Africa is expected to fuel the market growth.

The global probiotics dietary supplement industry is highly competitive and is characterized by the presence of a large number of leading participants. NutraScience Labs, ProbioFerm, Probium, Nutraceutix, Nebraska Cultures, UP4 Probiotics, Vitakem Nutraceuticals Inc, UAS Labs, Protexin, Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, Mercola Probiotics, and Custom Probiotics Inc are some of the major players that are operating in the global probiotics dietary supplement market.

In June 2019, the Chr. Hansen Holding A/S announced a collaboration with Chaban Medical for the new product development in the kefir and bio yogurt having probiotic strains of Lacto-bacteria.

Having a Masters Degree in Brewing Technology and overall experience of 6 years in the field of writing, Jerri has been one of the most workaholic and dedicated team members of thefoodbeveragenews.com portal. She has been a part of this portal for 4 years now. Jerri started a career in writing with freelancing and the journey has been worth watching and appraising. She handles the Beverage Industry domain of the portal and along with her team provides all the vital and up-to-the-minute news and reports to the readers in a simple and comprehensible manner.

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(Bloomberg) -- China Evergrande New Energy Vehicle Group Ltd.s expansive pop-up showroom sits at the heart of Shanghais National Exhibition and Convention Center. With nine models on display, its hard to miss. The electric car upstart has one of the biggest booths at Chinas 2021 Auto Show, which starts Monday, opposite storied German automaker BMW AG. Yet its bold presence belies an uncomfortable truth -- Evergrande hasnt sold a single car under its own brand.Chinas largest property developer has an array of investments outside of real estate, from soccer clubs to retirement villages. But its the recent entry into electric cars thats captured investors imaginations. Shareholders have pushed Evergrande NEVs Hong Kong-listed stock up more than 1,000% over the past 12 months, allowing it to raise billions of dollars in fresh capital. It now has a market value of $87 billion, greater than Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co.Such exuberance over an automaker that has repeatedly pushed back forecasts for when it will mass produce a car is emblematic of the froth that has been building in EVs over the past year, with investors plowing money into a rally that briefly made Elon Musk the worlds richest person and has some concerned about a bubble. Perhaps nowhere is that more evident than in China, home to the worlds biggest market for new energy cars, where a mind-boggling 400 EV manufacturers now jostle for consumers attention, led by a cabal of startups valued more than established auto players but which have yet to turn a profit.Evergrande NEV was a relatively late entrant to that scene.In March 2019, Hui Ka Yan, Evergrandes chairman and one of Chinas richest men, vowed to take on Musk and become the worlds biggest maker of EVs in three to five years. Tesla Inc.s Model Y crossover had just had its global debut. In the two years since, Tesla has gained an enviable foothold in China, establishing its first factory outside the U.S. and delivering around 35,500 cars in March. Chinese rival Nio Inc. earlier this month reached a significant milestone when its 100,000th EV rolled off the production line, prompting Musk to tweet his congratulations.Read more: Nio, Xpeng Exude Optimism as EVs Boom: Shanghai Auto ShowDespite his lofty ambitions and Evergrande NEVs rich valuation, Hui has repeatedly pushed back car-production targets. The tycoons coterie of rich friends, among others, have stumped up billions, but making cars -- electric or otherwise -- is hard, and hugely capital intensive. Nios gross margins only flipped into positive territory in mid-2020, after years of heavy losses and a lifeline from a municipal government.Speaking on an earnings call in late March after Evergrande NEVs full-year loss for 2020 widened by a yawning 67%, Hui said the company planned to begin trial production at the end of this year, delayed from an original timeline of last September. Deliveries arent expected to start until some time in 2022. Expectations for annual production capacity of 500,000 to 1 million EVs by March 2022 were also pushed back until 2025. Still, the company issued a buoyant new forecast: 5 million cars a year by 2035. For comparison, global giant Volkswagen AG delivered 3.85 million units in China in 2020.Its not just Evergrandes delayed production schedule thats raising eyebrows. A closer look under the companys hood reveals practices that have industry veterans scratching their heads: from making selling apartments part of car executives KPIs, to attempting a model lineup that would be ambitious for even the most established automaker.Weird CompanyIts a weird company, said Bill Russo, the founder and chief executive officer of advisory firm Automobility Ltd. in Shanghai. Theyve poured a lot of money in that hasnt really returned anything, plus theyre entering an industry in which they have very limited understanding. And Im not sure theyve got the technological edge of Nio or Xpeng, he said, referring to the New York-listed Chinese EV makers already deploying intelligent features in their cars, like laser-based navigation.A closer look at Evergrande NEVs operations reveals the extent of its unorthodox approach. While its established three production bases -- in Guangzhou, Tianjin in Chinas north, and Shanghai -- the company doesnt have a general car assembly line up and running. Equipment and machinery is still being adjusted, according to people who have seen inside the factories but dont want to be identified discussing confidential matters.In a response to questions from Bloomberg, Evergrande NEV said it was preparing machinery for trial production, and would be able to make one car a minute once full production is reached.The company is targeting mass production and delivery next year of four models -- the Hengchi 5 and 6; the luxe Hengchi 1 (which will go up against Teslas Model S); and the Hengchi 3, according to people familiar with the matter. The company has told investors it aims to deliver 100,000 cars in 2022, one of the people said, roughly the number of units Nio, Xpeng Inc. and Li Auto Inc., the other U.S.-listed Chinese EV contender, delivered last year, combined.Its workers are also being asked to help sell real estate, the backbone of the Evergrande empire.New hires are required to undergo internal training and attend seminars that drill them on the companys property history and have nothing to do with car making. In addition, employees from all departments, from production-line workers to back-office staff, are encouraged to promote the sale of apartments, whether through posting ads on social media or bringing relatives and friends along to sale centers to make them appear busy. Managerial-level staff even have their performance bonuses tied to such endeavors, people familiar with the measure said.Meanwhile, the ambitious targets have Evergrande NEV turning to outsourcing and skipping procedures seen as normal practice in the industry, people with knowledge of the situation say.While its hiring aggressively and recently scored Daniel Kirchert, a former BMW executive who co-founded EV startup Byton Ltd., the firm has contracted most of the design and R&D of its cars to overseas suppliers, some of the people said. Contracting out the majority of design and engineering work is an unusual approach for a company wanting to achieve such scale.14 Models At OnceOne of those companies is Canadas Magna International Inc., which is leading the development of the Hengchi 1 and 3, one of the people said. Evergrande NEV has also teamed with Chinese tech giants Tencent Holdings Ltd. and Baidu Inc. to co-develop a software system for the Hengchi range. It will allow drivers to use a mobile app to instruct the car to drive via autopilot to a certain location and use artificial intelligence to switch on appliances at home while on the road, according to a statement last month.A spokesperson for Evergrande said it was working with international partners including Magna, EDAG Engineering Group AG and Austrian parts maker AVL List GmbH in developing 14 models simultaneously. Representatives from Magna declined to comment. A Baidu spokesperson said the company had no further details to share, while a representative for Tencent said the software venture is with a related firm called Beijing Tinnove Technology Co. that operates independently. Tinnove didnt respond to requests for comment.Rather than staggering model releases, Evergrande NEV appears to be rolling out every type of car all at once under its Hengchi brand, which sports a roaring gold lion on the badge and translates loosely to unstoppable gallop. The nine models being launched span almost all major passenger vehicle segments from sedans to SUVS and multi-purpose vehicles. Prices will range from about 80,000 yuan ($12,000) to 600,000 yuan, although the final costs could change, a person familiar said.Thats a completely different product development strategy to EV pioneers like Tesla, which only has four models on offer. Nio and Xpeng have also chosen to focus on just a handful of marques, and even then are struggling to break into the black.The market has proved the effectiveness of the one product in vogue at one time strategy, said Zhang Xiang, an automobile industry researcher at the North China University of Technology. Evergrande is offering many products and expects a win. Theres a question mark over whether this will work.Without any long-term carmaking nous, Evergrande has issued uncompromising directives to meet its latest production targets, according to the people. Two models, including the Hengchi 5, a compact SUV that rivals Xpengs G3, are targeting mass production in a little over 20 months. To hit that timing, certain industry procedures, like making mule cars, or testbed vehicles equipped with prototype components that require evaluation, may be skipped, people familiar with the situation said. Evergrande told Bloomberg it has entered a sprint stage toward mass production.As it is, Bloomberg could only find one instance where the Hengchi 5 has been showcased in public, in photos and grainy footage released by Evergrande in February as the cars drove around a snow-covered field in Inner Mongolia. The companys shares surged to a record.Glossing over those steps is unusual, said Zhong Shi, a former automotive project manager turned independent analyst.Theres a standard engineering process of product development, validation and verification, which includes several laboratory and road tests in China and everywhere else, Zhong said. Its hard to compress that to shorter than three years.While theres no suggestion Evergrandes approach violates any regulations, its stock-market run could be in for a reality check. After similarly hefty market gains, some EV startups in the U.S. that have yet to prove their viability as revenue-generating, profitable entities have lost their shine over the past few months amid concern about valuations and as established carmakers like VW move faster into EV fray.Read more: The End of Teslas Dominance May Be Closer Than It AppearsThe industrys multi-billion dollar surge also hasnt escaped Beijings attention. Evergrande NEV shares dipped lower last month after an editorial from the state-run Xinhua news agency highlighted concerns about how the EV sector is evolving. Of particular worry are companies that are shirking their responsibility to build quality cars, a blind race by local governments to attract EV projects, and high valuations by companies that have yet to deliver a single mass-produced car, according to the missive, which named Evergrande specifically in that regard. The huge gap between production capacity and market value shows there is hype in the NEV market, it said.Still, Evergrande NEVs stock has gained 18% since then, buoyed by the outlook for Chinas electric-car market. EVs currently account for about 5% of Chinas annual car sales, BloombergNEF data show, with demand forecast to soar as the market matures and electric-car prices fall. EV sales in China may climb more than 50% this year alone, research firm Canalys said in a February report.With competition also on the rise, some outside Evergrande NEVs loyal shareholder base remain skeptical.The market is getting crowded but unless you have a preferred lane, theres not much chance to win, Automobilitys Russo said. Maybe theres some synergy with the property businesses but right now its an EV story, and a pretty expensive one.For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P.

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