Daily Archives: December 19, 2019

Nutriccos countertop Smart Dispenser. Photo: Courtesy.

A new cloud-based countertop smart device developed in Israel will dispense personalized nutrition supplements based on data it receives from a diet tracking app.

After analyzing the data tracked in the app, Nutricco provides supplement recommendations, which are then automatically delivered to the customers home as part of a monthly subscription.

The idea is not to promote supplements, but to encourage users to have a complete diet, Nutriccos CEO and co-founder Leonid Pirogovsky told The Algemeiner. We are providing the tools for smart decision making.

Nutricco, founded in 2018 and based in Raanana, has three components: a diet and health tracking application, a countertop Smart Dispenser and a monthly supplement subscription. That subscription includes expert health analysis, taking into consideration factors such as diet, climate, and lifestyle, as well as monthly supplements. The technology was a finalist at this years FoodTechIL competition in Tel Aviv.

December 19, 2019 4:18 pm

Based on your lifestyle profile, we recommend how to create a nutritional balance, Pirogovsky said.

While Nutricco does not seek to promote nutritional supplements over a healthy diet, there are many who consume them in an uninformed or unhealthy way.

About 160 million people take supplements daily, Pirogovsky noted, and many dont know exactly what they are taking or why.

The market today is controlled by supplement consumption, he said, which can not only be dangerous, but a waste of money.

The app first provides recommendations for a healthy diet, and if thats not sufficient, we offer solutions to close those nutritional gaps, Pirogovsky said. If you dont eat fish, for example, we might recommend that you take omega-3 supplements.

But, the app also provides government health department recommendations to avoid replacing essential diet components with pills.

Chavi Kramer, a dietician and nutrition expert in Tel Aviv, acknowledged she was not against recommending diet supplements, depending on the reason.

While Kramer would not recommend nutritional supplements to everyone, she said the personalized smart model of Nutricco certainly had potential, especially for those with dietary restrictions.

I dont believe that people should be going straight to supplements as a default, and ideally we should be obtaining these nutrients from food, Kramer told The Algemeiner.

The members of the team behind the concept have backgrounds with some of Israels largest pharmaceutical companies, such as Teva, and noticed that while many diet-tracking apps were available, a personalized end-to-end solution was missing on the market.

It is time for people to be able to manage their health and nutrition the same personal way they manage their bank account or any other aspect of their life, with innovative technology, Pirogovsky told The Algemeiner.

In our day and age, said Kramer, people are using apps for literally everything including music, socializing, supermarket shopping and banking so it makes sense that food and health have entered this realm as well. She added that digital health tools were empowering individuals to make their own decisions and enabling everyone to have access to certain information that was out of reach previously.

There are competitive products on the market, but Nutriccos patented Smart Dispenser is unique in its ability to hold up to eight supplements and in their original packaging, and provide a personalized experience for more than one person simultaneously.

Our machine is designed for the user, said Pirogovsky.

Still, Kramer explained that users needed to be cautious in selecting the right tools as some of these may be based on incorrect information, and the constant access to nutrition information and diet tracking could result in obsessive behavior.

Nutricco will launch its three-component platform in January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas alongside the Israeli Export Institute, where it will announce the high-profile supplement providers it has partnered with to provide the last step in their end-to-end model.

With an initial launch in the US, the price of the Smart Dispenser will be $399, and the subscription for personalized analysis and supplements will cost $50 per month.

Down the road, Pirogovsky hopes Smart Dispensers will not only be in homes all over the world, but in public spaces like offices and gyms.

Read more:

Israeli Company Looks to Digitize Diet Tracking and Vitamin Intake With Smart Dispenser - Algemeiner

JSC Grindeks informs that the company has received a certification of Saudi Food and Drug Authority certifying the compliance of Grindeks final dosage forms tablets and capsules with the Saudi Arabias medicines manufacturing requirements.

The supervising institution of medicinal products in Saudi Arabia issued the certificate after a successful multi-step inspection of JSC Grindeks final dosage forms manufacturing site at Krustpils Street 53, Riga.

JSC Grindeks Chairman of the Board Juris Bundulis: The positive assessment of the compliance of Grindeks final dosage forms manufacturing site with the Saudi Arabias pharmaceutical manufacturing standard opens us new export opportunities to the Middle East region. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority is very demanding and rigorous, which is why its certification is highly valued in other Gulf countries."

In recent years, JSC Grindeks has been strategically expanding the range of oncological medicines therefore medicines of this therapeutic group will be the first with which JSC Grindeks plans to enter the Saudi Arabias market.

At the same time, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority is organizing an inspection at HBM Pharma in Slovakia, a subsidiary of JSC Grindeks, to evaluate the compliance of injections solutions with Saudi Arabias medicines manufacturing requirements.

About JSC Grindeks

Grindeks is an international pharmaceutical company focused on research, development, manufacturing and sales of original products, generics and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The Group of Grindeks has four subsidiary companies in Latvia, Estonia, and Slovakia as well as representative offices in 11 countries.

Grindeks specializes in the heart and cardiovascular, CNS, anti-cancer and gastroenterological medication therapeutic groups. A range of products covers a combination of original products Mildronate (meldonium*) and Ftorafur, generics, food supplements and active pharmaceutical ingredients.

In 2018, products of the company were exported to 87 countries with export comprising 93% of the total turnover. The most significant Grindeks markets include the EU countries, Russia and the other CIS countries, the U.S., Canada, Japan and Vietnam.

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To increase production capacity and develop infrastructure, the company has accomplished many significant investment projects, investing nearly 105 million euros over the last 15 years.

*Notice: meldonium is included in the list of substances prohibited in sport.

Further information:

Laila KlavinaHead of the Communications Department, JSC GrindeksPhones: (+371) 67083370, (+371) 29256012Fax: (+371) 67083505laila.klavina@grindeks.lvwww.grindeks.eu

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JSC Grindeks receives a certificate of Saudi Food and Drug Authority - Yahoo Finance

Micronutrient insufficiency and clinical deficiency are more common in middle-aged to older adults, and multivitamin use has been shown beneficial in this population. To gain insight into this demographic, researchers assessed contributions of sporadic and consistent multivitamin use compared to micronutrient intakes as well as associated nutritional biomarkers among middle-aged to older adults based on weight.

Researchers at theGeorge Mason Universityexamined multivitamin use in relation to usual nutrient intakes and nutritional biomarkers in American adults age 51 years, classified by obesity status.

The study, published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements, was led by Taylor C. Wallace, PhD, CFS, FACN, adjunct professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies at George Mason University and CEO at the Think Healthy Group.

The study used combined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from years 20072008, 20092010, 20112012, and 20132014 to analyze micronutrient intake that was self-reported. The study defined dietary supplements as nutrients that provide 100% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), or adequate intake (AI) if no RDA was available, for nine or more vitamins and minerals with established dietary reference intakes (DRIs).

The sample size included 9,901 participants who were 51 years of age, had provided 24 hour dietary intake data, and had complete demographic and anthropometric data. Nutrient biomarkers such as red blood cells, iron, B12, and selenium was also used to make assessments.

Dietary intake and biomarker data were analyzed by weight status (nonobese and obese)per body mass index (BMI).

The frequency of multivitamin use was broken down into three groups: 0 days (nonconsumers), 115 days (sporadic consumers), and 16 days (regular consumers).

Researchers concluded that a portion of the US population aged 51 years experiences nutritional inadequacies, and obesity may somewhat influence and/or contribute to these shortfalls. Sporadic and consistent multivitamin use is associated with more middle-aged to older adults meeting nutritional requirements for most micronutrients, regardless of weight status. Non-obese and obese users of multivitamins were more likely to avoid clinical deficiencies for vitamins B6, B12, and D. The study reports that multivitamins may be increasingly useful for older adults who are obese, as their requirements for vitamins B6 and D may be higher than the established dietary reference intakes (DRIs). The study suggests age-specific multivitamins may serve as a practical means to increase micronutrient status and decrease vitamin deficiency in the middle-aged to older population, particularly those who are obese.

"There has been a lot of scientific commentary (absent of data) suggesting that consumers use multivitamins to compensate for poor dietary habits. The data in this study (among others) suggests exactly the opposite that supplements are used by consumers as part of a healthy lifestyle and not as a compensation," Dr. Wallace told NutraIngredients-USA.

The Council for Responsible Nutrition Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements recently revealed the highest overall dietary supplement usage to date. Underscoring the vital role supplementation plays in the lives of most Americans, the survey found that 77% of Americans report they consume dietary supplements. Despite the health benefits, most people pay out-of-pocket.

The results of this study bolster the argument for getting multivitamins covered by Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts. "To me, this studys findings (among others) imply that multivitamins should be covered by FSA/HSA plans," Dr. Wallace told us.

Currently, nutritional supplements are only be eligible for reimbursement with a FSA, HSA, and HRA with a Letter of Medical Necessity from a doctor. Certain vitamins, such as glucosamine, chondroitin and prenatal vitamins are eligible for FSA, HSA and HRA reimbursement with no restrictions.

Source:

Journal of Dietary Supplements

05 Aug 2019https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2019.1645785

"Multivitamins and Nutritional Adequacy in Middle-Aged to Older Americans by Obesity Status"

Authors: C. Frankenfeld, et al

Continued here:

Consistent multivitamin use positively associated with adequate intake of micronutrients: Study - NutraIngredients-usa.com

Like turmeric, black pepper contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it potentially helpful for managing inflammatory conditions and reducing free-radical damage.

Why pair black pepper and turmeric? Because piperine helps your body absorb more curcumin, according to Dana Angelo White, RD, the owner ofDana White Nutritionin Fairfield, Connecticut.A study published in Planta Medica found that pairing 20 milligrams (mg) of piperine with 2 grams (g) of curcumin increased the amount of curcumin that could be absorbed by the body (a concept known as bioavailability) by 2,000 percent. And piperine increases the bioavailability of many nutrients, by preventing metabolizing enzymes (enzymes that are used to break down drugs, foods, and other substances) from doing their job, according to a review published in Medicinal & Aromatic Plants.

If youre interested in using turmeric and black pepper for health benefits, you may want to opt for a turmeric or curcuminsupplementthat also contains black pepper, as opposed to relying on the ground spices to meet your health goals. The reason: The average portion of curcumin found in the amount of ground turmeric you would use in cooking is pretty minimal, according to the registered dietitian Elizabeth Ann Shaw, RDN, owner of Shaw Simple Swaps Consulting in San Diego. In fact, ground turmeric contains only roughly 3 percent curcumin, according to the third-party supplement testing agency ConsumerLab.

Turmeric and curcumin supplements, meanwhile, typically contain 95 percent curcumin and other curcuminoids, according to ConsumerLab. To put that in more concrete numbers, a supplement with 0.5 g of turmeric extract provides roughly 400 mg of curcuminoids, while the same amount of the ground spice provides only about 15 mg.

Be choosy about your supplement, though. Cheap supplements may contain fillers like wheat, which could cause allergic reactions, Shaw warns. Its also important to note that more studies are needed before curcumin or piperine can be recommended for help with any specific health condition. Check with your healthcare provider before adding this or any other supplement to your routine.

When you find a supplement, make sure its been third-party tested for safety by a reliable agency like NSF International, ConsumerLab, or USP. Start by checking out ConsumerLabs list of top turmeric and curcumin supplements. And of course, make sure the supplement includes black pepper or piperine on the ingredient list.

Turmeric and curcumin supplements with piperine are generally safe, but some populations will have to be especially careful. For example, curcumin in particular may interfere with medications like antidepressants, antibiotics, antihistamines, anticoagulants, cardiac medications, diabetes medications that lower blood pressure, and chemotherapy treatments, according to a review published September 2017 in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

You may also want to steer clear if youre prone to kidney stones or have an iron deficiency, according to some research.And as with any supplement, check with your doctor first if youre pregnant or breastfeeding, says the Chicago-based registered dietitian Maggie Michalczyk, RDN, owner of Once Upon a Pumpkin.

If youre all set to take turmeric or curcumin supplements and have your doctors approval, just be sure not to overdo it. Though there havent been too many negative side effects reported, one small study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that 7 of 24 subjects experienced side effects like diarrhea, headache, skin rash, and yellow stool after taking curcumin in a range of doses (500 to 12,000 mg).

RELATED:Can Too Much Turmeric Pose Side Effects?

Your best bet is to get turmeric in smaller doses. Most studies have looked at 500 to 2,000 mg of turmeric in the form of an extract, Michalczyk says. Its recommended to stay within that range.

If youre interested in trying turmeric and black pepper in food form, mix up one of these tasty recipes incorporating the dynamic duo!

One of the easiest ways to get a feel for the taste of turmeric and black pepper is to blend the two into a latte, and this tasty drink is a snap to make. In addition to turmeric and black pepper, it also incorporates ginger, cayenne, cinnamon, honey, and vanilla for maximum spice and flavor.

Get the recipe at FrontierCoop.com.

Add turmeric and black pepper to oven-scrambled eggs for a new twist on a breakfast classic. The two spices kick up the flavor a notch without adding unnecessary fat, salt, or sugar. Plus, you can make a whole dish of these bright yellow eggs ahead of time and be set for days.

Get the recipe at CotterCrunch.com.

Shake up your usual salad dressing by blending together turmeric and black pepper. This anti-inflammatory dressing also incorporates tahini and lemon juice for a zesty kick. It also works great as a sauce or dip.

Get the recipe at EatingBirdFood.com.

RELATED: 8 Flavor-Packed Turmeric Tea Recipes to Try

Turmeric and black pepper are powerful, flavorful spices on their own. Both offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, which may help ease or prevent inflammatory conditions and lessen free-radical damage.

But turmeric and black pepper are even more formidable when theyre paired. Piperine, the main active ingredient in black pepper, enables your body to absorb more of the curcumin in the golden spice.

You can try cooking with turmeric and black pepper (check out the recipe ideas above), but youll likely reap even greater anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits by taking a turmeric supplement with added black pepper or piperine. Buy a quality supplement thats been third-party tested for safety, and stick to the dosage recommended on the bottle. And always be sure to check with your healthcare provider before adding any new supplements.

Approach these spices and supplements with caution if you take any medications, are prone to kidney stones, have an iron deficiency, or if youre pregnant or breast-feeding. When in doubt, ask your doctor or registered dietitian for guidance.

Excerpt from:

Why Turmeric and Black Pepper Are Better Together - Everyday Health

DUBLIN, Dec. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Plant-based Protein Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2020-2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Plant-Based Protein Market is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of Over 8% During the Forecast Period 2019-2025.

Key Market Insights

The growing health consciousness trend among people is expected to influence the global plant-based protein market. Millennial, especially, is highly interested in pursuing a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, they are one of the major consumers of healthy products, including plant-based variants. Consumers are increasingly adopting these products as they offer the same taste, flavor, and nutritional value as natural sources provide. Hence, a gradual shift of consumers from animal-based products to vegan products is likely to boost the market.

The rise of the vegan population is another key factor encouraging the growth of the market. Vegan diets contain antioxidants, fiber, and beneficial plant compounds. They are also rich in folate, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and E. The vegan population is, thus, increasing due to the growing awareness of the benefits of vegan diets in lowering heart and other lifestyle-related diseases. Several sports professionals and athletes are adopting vegan diets, which are breaking the myth related to plant-based proteins.

Market Dynamics

Growth Enablers

Growth Restraints

Opportunities and Trends

Market Segmentation

This research report includes detailed segmentation by products, source, application, and geography.

Protein powder supplements are one of the effective ways to bolster the protein content. Several plant-based supplements contain 15-30 grams of protein that is equivalent to whey supplements. An increase in lactose intolerance, the growing awareness of plant-based cheese products, and the growth in the vegan population are propelling the growth of the plant-based protein powder market.

The demand for protein bars is not only growing among athletes, however, but the majority of the population also consumes them as an energy-boosting quick meal. The rise in the number of fitness clubs and weight management programs is boosting demand and is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. Ready-to-drink (RTD) is popular among health-conscious people and millennials. The fast-paced and busy lifestyle is the primary factor accelerating the growth of RTD. However, the demand can also be contributed to the fact that these beverages can replace meals and take less time in consumption.

Soy-based protein is considered to be a complete diet as it contains essential amino acids that play an important role in muscle building and can be a useful supplement for weight loss. The rapidly growing vegan population in countries such as the UK and Portugal is driving the demand for soy nutrients. China, India, Japan, and South Korea are expected to support the growing demand with rising health awareness.

The sports nutrition segment dominates the market. The hike in demand for protein bars, energy drinks, and other supplements among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and bodybuilders is driving the demand. The growing number of endorsements for plant-based products is likely to propel growth.

The additional nutrition segment is expected to accelerate its share due to the increasing awareness of additional nutritional supplements among consumers for maintaining a healthy diet. Driven by rising disposable income, increased urbanization, growing aging population, coupled with increasing health awareness, the demand for such supplements is increasing across the world.

Insights by Geography

In North America, consumers are adopting plant-based food diets on account of their health benefits and high nutritional values, and the trend is likely to increase during the forecast period. The US plant-based protein market is expected to grow as 39% of the consumers in the country are actively seeking vegan products in their diets. In Europe, the increasing preference for plant-based products is increasing because these supplements help in weight management and aid in reducing the risk of chronic diseases. The increased focus on animal safety and well-being are driving the demand for plant-based meat products. Similarly, APAC is a key region in driving the growth on account of the surge in the population, increased high disposable income, and high adoption of vegetarian diets.

With the growing urbanization, changing lifestyles, dietary changes, and rapidly expanding retail chains, the demand for vegan products in Latin America is expected to rise during the forecast period. The rising health awareness in Latin America is expected to drive the market for alternative non-dairy milk products as these products contain low-levels of lactose and saturated fat. In the MEA region, the growing health-conscious population is primarily driving the growth. Another major factor is the high prevalence of lactose intolerance among people, which is also encouraging consumers toward the consumption of lactose-free products.

Insights by Vendors

The global plant-based protein market is fragmented in nature, and vendors are competing based on product quality, new products, and competitive pricing. R&D teams need to continuously analyze trends and design, develop, and manufacture new product categories with distinctive features, size, taste, and shelf life. The competition is expected to intensify further during the forecast period with an increase in product innovations, milk production, technological innovations, and mergers and acquisitions. Moreover, the improving global economic conditions are likely to fuel the growth, thereby increasing attractiveness for new products launches.

Key Topics Covered

1 Research Methodology

2 Research Objectives

3 Research Process

4 Scope & Coverage4.1 Market Definition4.2 Base Year4.3 Scope of the Study4.4 Market Segments4.4.1 Market Segmentation by Products4.4.2 Market Segmentation by Source4.4.3 Market Segmentation by Application4.4.4 Market Segmentation by Geography

5 Report Assumptions & Caveats5.1 Key Caveats5.2 Currency Conversion5.3 Market Derivation

6 Market at a Glance

7 Introduction7.1 Overview7.2 Why Shift from Animal-based Diet?7.3 The Future of Protein Market

8 Market Dynamics8.1 Market Growth Enablers8.2 Market Growth Restraints8.3 Market Opportunities & Trends

9 Global Plant-Based Protein Market9.1 Market Overview9.2 Market Size & Forecast9.3 Five Forces Analysis

10 By Product Type10.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine10.2 Market Overview10.3 Powder Supplements10.4 Bar10.5 RTD10.6 Others

11 By Source11.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine11.2 Market Overview11.3 Soy11.4 Pea11.5 Rice11.6 Others

12 By Application12.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine12.2 Market Overview12.3 Sports Nutrition12.4 Additional Nutrition

13 By Distribution13.1 Market Overview

14 By Geography14.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine14.2 Overview

15 North America

16 Europe

17 APAC

18 Latin America

19 Middle East & Africa

20 Competitive Landscape20.1 Competition Overview20.2 Market Strategy, Promotion & Development20.2.1 Brand Image20.2.2 Online Presence20.2.3 Innovative Marketing Strategies

21 Key Company Profiles21.1 Glanbia Nutritionals21.1.1 Business Overview21.1.2 Major Product Offerings21.1.3 Key Strengths21.1.4 Key Strategies21.1.5 Key Opportunities21.2 Danone

22 Other Prominent Vendors22.1 Tone it Up22.1.1 Business Overview22.1.2 Major Product Offerings22.2 Orgain22.3 KOS22.4 Garden of Life22.5 Your Super22.6 Nuzest22.7 No Cow22.8 Kind22.9 GoMacro22.10 SimplyProtein22.11 Naked Nutrition22.12 Bulk Supplement22.13 PlantFusion22.14 Growing Naturals22.15 Sunwarrior

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/6r9a6d

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com

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Global Plant-based Protein Market Forecasts, 2020-2025 - Rising Demand for Plant-Based Products in Sports Nutrition is a Key Opportunity - PRNewswire

Want to start a brawl at your next vegan potluck dinner? Mention you take a supplement to make sure you get enough B vitamins. The ensuing argument will rage between never! and take the damn supplement. Why is this such a controversial topic?

The heart of the conflict over vitamin B supplements lies with vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin. You can get all seven of the other B vitamins from a well-planned vegan diet, one thats rich in dark green leafy vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. The only way to get vitamin B12 from your diet, however, is by eating animal foods or by eating plant foods that have been fortified with vitamin B12.

Confusing the issue are persistent myths claiming that plant foods such as spirulina, natto, nutritional yeast, and nori and other seaweeds contain vitamin B12. They do, but in the form of pseudovitamin-B12, a form thats not biologically active in humans. The only forms of vitamin B12 that are bioavailable (your body can use them) are methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin.

Another persistent myth about vitamin B12 is that your gut bacteria make it, so you dont need any from other sources. The problem here is that the bacteria that make vitamin B12 are in your colon, but the absorption points for the vitamin are upstream, in your small intestine. And you dont get any vitamin B12 from the soil bacteria that cling to unwashed fruits and vegetables.

The amount of vitamin B12 you need each day is very smallits measured in micrograms, or millionths of a gram. The RDA for men and women aged 14 years and older is 2.4 micrograms (mcg) a day. For pregnant women, who need more to help prevent neural tube defects in the fetus, the RDA is 2.6 mcg. For women who are breastfeeding, the RDA is 2.8 mcg. Thats because breast milk is very low in vitamin B12, but your baby needs enough of it from you for normal neurological development.

When you dont get the vitamin B12 you need, you risk the serious health consequences of deficiency. These include pernicious anemia, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, balance problems, fatigue, and cognitive impairment.

According to Jackie Arnett Elnahar, RD, founder of TelaDietitian (now part of TelaDoc Health), As a vegan you have to proactively add vitamin B12 to your diet. You can eat fortified foods that have added vitamin B12, or you can take a dietary supplement. But even when you eat fortified foods, the amount per serving varies, so you cant be sure of getting enough B12 .

Plant foods that are commonly fortified with B12 and other B vitamins include nondairy milk, most packaged breakfast cereals, some meat substitutes, and some nutritional yeast. (Nooch has all the other B vitamins, but it has B12 only if its added for fortification.) Vitamin B12 is also found in energy bars and drinks, usually in amounts many times the RDA. If you dont consume these foods on a regular basis, you probably wont get adequate vitamin B12 from them. And if you eat them rarely or not at all, youll have to find your vitamin B12 somewhere else.

That leaves supplements as your best source. To some, taking a supplement to get enough of the B vitamins is equivalent to saying that a vegan diet is unhealthy. A more realistic perspective is that taking a supplement is good insurance for your health. And as Jackie Elnahar points out, If youre a woman of childbearing age, you really need to be certain youre getting enough of all the B vitamins, but especially folate and vitamin B12. If you get pregnant, the growing fetus needs them to develop properly, especially in the early weeks, when you might not even know yet that youre pregnant. She also stresses that older adults can become deficient in B vitamins even when they eat well. With age, the ability to absorb all the B vitamins from food naturally diminishes. For older adults, especially menopausal women, taking a supplement is a good way to keep B vitamin deficiency from creeping up on you.

What type of supplement and how much? Supplements containing all eight B vitamins usually come as B-50 or B-100 formulas. The B-50 contains 50 percent of the RDA for each vitamin; the B-100 contains 100 percent. If you want to supplement only vitamin B12, look for a product that contains either cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin. You could start another brawl by claiming that natural methylcobalamin is better than synthetic cyanocobalamin, but theres not a lot of research to show that either form is superior. Choose a product from a reputable manufacturer that contains 1,000 mcg per dose (youll absorb far less than that). If you have trouble absorbing vitamin B12, choose sublingual lozenges that dissolve in the mouth.

Read the original:

Do You Really Need to Take Vitamin B12 When You Go Plant-Based or Vegan? - The Beet

You have probably heard of B-complex. Maybe youve even taken a few B-complex capsules now and again. But what is B-complex, and just how many B vitamins are there to form a whole complex?

The simple answer is eight. (No, they dont run from B1 through B8. The eight B vitamins are B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12).

Representational image. Image source: Getty Images.

Each of the B vitamins plays a crucial role in keeping us in brilliant health. While most of heard of folic acid and its benefits during pregnancy, few of us know about the other seven Bs.

In this second article in a two-part series on vitamin and mineral supplements, we take a close look at the role each of the B's plays in proper brain functioning, maintaining energy levels and promoting cell growth and whether we need to take supplements for any (or all) of them:

Thiamine is an essential vitamin which helps the body to change carbohydrates into energy at the cellular level.

Food sources:Plant foods that are rich in vitamin B1 are asparagus, sunflower seeds, green peas, flaxseed, spinach, cabbage, eggplant, whole grains, and legumes. Tomatoes and onions also have a small amount of vitamin B1 in them. Animal sources of B1 include pork and offal.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 1.2 milligrams (mg). For women: 1.1 mg. For pregnant women: 1.4 mg, and for lactating women: 1.5 mg. For children, 0.2-1.2mg.

Verdict on supplements:You get tiny amounts of vitamin B1 from practically every (healthy) thing you eat. So you dont need to take supplements if youre taking a proper diet or unless your doctor prescribes.

The coenzymes present in riboflavin play a major role in energy production (by breaking down carbohydrates), cellular growth and function and the metabolism of fats, drugs, and steroids.

Food sources:All the cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, kale, garden cress, bok choy, broccoli and Brussels sprouts are rich in riboflavin. All these vegetables should be lightly steamed and not cooked to a pulp to extract the maximum riboflavin from them.

Other food sources of riboflavin include chicken, liver, meat, pork, dairy products, nuts, mushrooms and asparagus.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 1.3 mg. For women: 1.1 mg. For pregnant women: 1.4 mg, and for lactating women: 1.6 mg. For children: 0.3-1.3 mg.

Verdict on supplements:If you are lactose intolerant or if you have a gut infection, then you need to take B2 supplements. The reason: our intestines are not very good at absorbing it from food.

Niacin helps in cutting down bad cholesterol (LDL), thus lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Food sources:Grilled chicken breast, liver, turkey breast, red salmon, cooked brown rice, enriched breakfast cereals (muesli), dry roasted peanuts, grains and legumes are rich sources of niacin.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 16 mg NE. For women: 14 mg NE. For pregnant women: 17 mg NE, and for lactating women: 18 mg NE. For children: 2-16 mg NE.

NE stands for niacin equivalent. An amino acid called tryptophan does a similar job to this vitamin, but you need it in higher quantities: 1 mg NE = 1 mg niacin or 60 mg of the essential amino acid tryptophan.

One cup of cooked brown rice contains 5.2 mg NE whereas 84 grams of grilled chicken breast has 14.9 mg NE.

Verdict on supplements:One bowl of chicken and rice is enough to give you your daily dose, so avoid supplements unless your doctor recommends otherwise: high-dose niacin is sometimes prescribed by doctors to lower cholesterol levels. You should not take niacin supplements without a doctors prescription.

Vitamin B5 keeps our energy up by metabolising carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It is rich in coenzyme A which helps in the synthesis of fatty acids, which are required for energy production in the body.

Food sources:Mushrooms, avocados, broccoli, sweet potatoes, corn, cauliflower, yeast, peanuts, sunflower seeds, whole-grain cereals, dairy products, legumes and animal sources like pork, chicken and liver are rich in vitamin B5.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 5 mg. For women: 5 mg. For pregnant women: 6 mg, and for lactating women: 7 mg. For children, 1.7-5 mg.

Verdict on supplements:People must stick to dietary sources for meeting the recommended dose, as taking vitamin B5 supplements without prescription may cause harm to your body. An overdose of vitamin B5 can cause diarrhoea and increase the risk of bleeding.

Also read: Not just weight loss:An avocado a day keeps diseases away

Pyridoxine helps the central nervous system pass messages through neurotransmitters like serotonin - the happiness hormone. It also helps in improving brain function.

Food sources:Chickpeas, yellowfin tuna, chicken breast, tofu, avocados, brown rice, milk, potato, spinach, and whole-grain cereals are rich sources of vitamin B6.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 1.3-1.7 mg. For women: 1.3-1.5 mg. For pregnant women: 1.9 mg, and for lactating women: 2 mg. For children: 0.1-1.3mg.

One cup of chickpeas contains 1.1 mg of vitamin B6 whereas 84 grams of grilled chicken breast contains 0.5mg of vitamin B6.

Verdict on supplements:You can get your daily fix of vitamin B6 from food. Take supplements only if your doctor recommends them, as an overdose may cause temporary peripheral neuropathy (loss of feeling in the arms and legs).

Good nails, hair and skin, and a great metabolism are the chief health benefits of vitamin B7. It also helps in metabolizing fats and carbohydrates for energy.

Food sources:peanuts, milk, cereals, beans, organ meats like liver, whole cooked eggs, sunflower seeds, sweet potato, almonds, wheat bran, cheddar cheese, mushrooms and cauliflower are rich sources of biotin.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 30 micrograms (mcg). For women: 30 mcg. For pregnant women: 30 mcg, and for lactating women: 35 mcg. For children: 5-25 mcg.

One large cooked egg contains 10 mcg of biotin. About 84 grams of cooked chicken liver contains 30.8 mcg of biotin.

Verdict on supplements:If you eat a balanced diet, it is unlikely that you will have a biotin deficiency. However, conditions like seborrheic dermatitis (a skin condition that causes a scaly, itchy rash), heavy drinking and surgical removal of the stomach can cause biotin deficiency. Supplements must be taken after seeking medical advice.

Just like the other B vitamins, folate helps in metabolising fats and proteins in the body. It also plays a major role in clearing out high levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that may lead to the development of various diseases including heart disease.

Folate is the naturally occurring vitamin B9, and folic acid is the synthetic or manmade form of vitamin B9.

Food sources:mushrooms, broccoli, lentils, beans, spinach, lettuce, avocados, beans, egg yolk, garden asparagus, beetroot and organ meat like liver are rich sources of folate.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 400 mcg. For women: 400 mcg. For pregnant women: 600 mcg, and for lactating women: 500 mcg. For children: 80-400 mcg.

Half a cup of boiled spinach gives you about 131 mcg of folate.

Verdict on supplements:Food should be your primary source of B9, unless youre planning to get pregnant or going through menopause - in both cases youll need to take supplements as prescribed by your doctor.

Vitamin B12 helps in energy production in the body. It is also essential for proper brain function and the synthesis of red blood cells.

Food sources:vitamin B12 is naturally found in fish, meat, eggs, and dairy products like cheese, milk, yoghurt.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 2.4 mcg. For women: 2.4 mcg. For pregnant women: 2.6 mcg, and for lactating women: 2.8 mcg. For children: 0.4-2.4 mcg.

Verdict on supplements:vegetarians, people above the age of 50 years, people with gastrointestinal diseases like Crohns disease and people who consume alcohol regularly are more prone to vitamin B12 deficiency. They must seek medical advice before starting any supplements.

This is the second article in a two-part series. Thefirst articlein this series talked about vitamins - A, C, D, and minerals like calcium and iron.

For more information, please read our article onVitamin B: Benefits, Sources, Dosage.

Health articles in Firstpost are written by myUpchar.com, Indias first and biggest resource for verified medical information. At myUpchar, researchers and journalists work with doctors to bring you information on all things health.

Updated Date: Dec 17, 2019 19:10:16 IST

Tags : b12 Deficiency, Folate Deficiency, Folic Acid, Health Supplements, NewsTracker, Riboflavin Uses, Should You Take Supplements, Thiamine Uses, Vitamin Deficiency, Vitamin Supplements, Vitamins For Pregnancy

Original post:

Do we really need vitamin supplements (Part 2): Everything you wanted to know about B vitamins, starting... - Firstpost

The number of households that include a four-legged, furry friend (or several) is at an all-time high. A whopping 68 percent of U.S. households have a pet, the American Pet Products Association (APPA) found in its 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey.

A 2011 Harris poll found that 90 percent of American pet owners consider their dogs and cat members of the family. This view is mirrored across the pond; 93 percent of pet owners in the UK say having a companion animal makes them feel happy, and 88 percent say it improves their overall quality of life.

People want to do right by their animals. This might explain why Christmas stockings designed for pets are now a thing, or why you can buy a two-story puppy penthouse on Amazon. But while some focus on spoiling their pets, many are unaware of the impact of the food they feed their beloved animals. And this lack of awareness may be the pet food industrys greatest deception.

Commercials and packaging often make pet food out to be carefully-cooked and lovingly-prepared, but thats rarely the case. PetMDs Dr. Donna Spector a veterinary internal medicine specialist explained that pet food relies on leftovers from the meat industry. When animals are killed for meat, the lean muscle is cut off for human consumption and the remaining body (including blood, bones, organs, and beaks) is made into pet food.

In addition to the carcasses described above, other leftovers from the human food industry (restaurant grease, out-of-date supermarket meat, etc) and 4D livestock animals (dead, dying, diseased, disabled) may also be found in pet food through a process called rendering, Spector wrote.

The FDA confirmed this in 2016: Were going to allow animals that have died other than by slaughter that are further processed; we will allow those ingredients in pet food.

The FDA issued a warning to pet owners about the presence of pentobarbital, a drug used to euthanize livestock. The agency discovered the sedative in multiple dog food products. The discovery forced major pet food company J.M. Smucker Company to withdraw shipments of brands including Gravy Train, Skippy, and Ol Roy.

Veterinarians have been concerned about pentobarbital in pet food for decades. After veterinarians reported that the sedative was losing its effect on dogs, the FDA began looking into euthanasia drugs in pet food in 1990. Many of the FDAs tests for the drug came back positive.

Animal-based pet food can also leave its mark on the planet. According to the Guardian, pet food accounts for a quarter of the environmental impact of meat production. This is because of its land use, water use, fossil fuels, phosphates, and pesticides.

A 2017 study published in PLOS One found that U.S. pet food production generates up to 70 million tons of carbon every year.

Bioscience startup Because Animals wants things to change for your pets. The company is helping build a world where pet food production doesnt harm other animals or the planet. But most of all, it wants to make safe and healthy food for our furry family members.

Because Animals will debut its cultured cat food in 2021. Cultured mouse tissue, based on the ancestral diet of the cat, is used to make the food. Because Animals cultured meat will be grown without antibiotics, growth hormones, and without contributing to the animal cruelty of traditional animal agriculture.

Because Animals is the first company to create cultured meat technology in pet food without using fetal bovine serum (FBS).The inhumane practice of extracting blood from pregnant cows at slaughter is the source of FBS. Its the most widely used serum-supplement for the in vitro cell culture of eukaryotic cells.

Because Animals developed a proprietary media that provides the nutrients and growth factors needed for tissue growth, without the requirement of FBS.

The company makes certified organic dog cookies, too. The human-grade treats Noochies are made with peanut butter, banana, ancient grains, coconut oil, flaxseed, applesauce, and nutritional yeast (nooch). Nutritional yeast is a complete, sustainable protein that contains the 10 essential amino acids that dogs need. It also contains essential B vitamins. The treats also offer omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants. Theyre rich in fiber, which encourages healthy digestion.

Because Animals also offers two superfood and probiotic supplements: one for dogs and one for cats. The supplements contain more than 250 million probiotics per gram, assisting with digestive, cardiovascular, immune, and gut health. The supplements can also give your pets coat an extra shine. The organic ingredients include seven different species of seaweed, pumpkin, wheatgrass, and coconut flour.

Staying true to its commitment to the planet, Because Animals also uses entirely compostable, plastic-free packaging. We are creating the most sustainable pet food humanly possible, and so it only makes sense that we dont use plastic, Because Animals CEO Shannon Falconer, PhD, said in a statement. Our end goal is to nurture and protect all animals from those swimming in the ocean to our fellow humans. And for us that means a strict no plastic policy for any of our products.

You can find Because Animals Superfood & Probiotic Supplements and Noochies Organic Dog Cookies on its website.

This is a sponsored post.

Summary

Article Name

What the Pet Food Industry Doesn't Want You to Know

Description

Because Animals is changing the pet food industry with healthy pet food made from only healthy, humane-grade ingredients.

Author

Jemima Webber

Publisher Name

LIVEKINDLY

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What the Pet Food Industry Doesn't Want You to Know - LIVEKINDLY