Monthly Archives: September 2022

You likely don't need as many supplements as you think you do.

Healthy adults should prioritize eating balanced diets instead of scarfing down supplements, according to the country's top nutrition experts.

Some dietitians recommend people speak to a clinician before taking any nutritional supplements because overuse can lead to serious health complications.

Still, some supplements may be worth the hype depending on your needs.

The chart below breaks down which supplements healthy adults should stay away from, and which they might consider in certain circumstances. It's based on interviews with registered dietitians and doctors, and reviews of up-to-date research on dietary supplements.

The advice provided in this chart applies only to healthy adults. Pregnant or lactating people will likely require additional nutrients, and people who have certain health conditions or take specific medications might also be more prone to deficiencies.

Nutrition experts previously told Insider to talk to a doctor about deficiencies before taking supplements.

It's better to get vitamins and minerals through food rather than pills whenever possible, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Vitamins and minerals found in foods come with additional fiber and biochemicals that are "difficult to manufacture" in a supplement, Emma Laing a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, previously told Insider. Plus, eating a balanced diet has been shown to prevent chronic disease and help with weight management.

Many people may not even realize they are already consuming the daily allowance of vitamins and minerals through everyday foods like bread, tomatoes, peppers, and milk. For instance, Americans spend millions each year on high-dose vitamin C supplements even though only about 6% of Americans are deficient in the nutrient and studies show taking vitamin C supplements won't prevent a cold.

Still, there is merit to certain vitamins and supplements.

Dermatologists recommend using topical retinoids, which are derivatives of vitamin A, to increase skin cell turnover, improve discoloration, and plump the skin all ways to improve signs of aging. Numerous retinoid serums are available over-the-counter and via prescription.

Vegans, vegetarians, and others without access to animal products might consider taking vitamin B12, said Dr. Eduardo Villamor, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan.

The nutrient is primarily found in animal products, and deficiencies in B12 can cause serious problems like anemia and nerve damage.

Sports nutritionists previously told Insider that creatine supplements can help build muscle. Research has not yet found serious health complications from adult melatonin overuse, though too much of the supplement can cause fatigue and mood change.

Research suggests zinc supplements may slightly reduce the length or symptoms of a cold when taken early, but Mayo Clinic still recommends consulting a doctor as too much of the mineral can damage the nervous system.

Many doctors caution against unsupervised supplementation because taking too many supplements can damage the body.

A man in Australia lost his ability to walk after taking 70 times the recommended amount of vitamin B6. A man in the UK went to the hospital after shedding 28 pounds in three months due to vitamin D overuse.

Iron supplements may contain more than 100% of your daily allowance, and taking too much iron can cause irreversible damage to the liver and brain. Some supplements can interact with prescription medicine, causing problems with the heart and the body's ability to clot blood.

A cardiologist who has seen a rise in heart problems stemming from herbal remedies told Insider she would never recommend a person take supplements without consulting a doctor.

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Dietary supplements that are safe to take, which to avoid: experts - Insider

Fiber is an essential carbohydrate that our bodies can't break down. It passes through our system undigested, which helps our body regulate how it uses sugar and preserves digestion function. Unfortunately, most people don't get enough of it. It's estimated that only 5% of people consume the recommended amount of fiber daily. Women should try to eat at least 21 to 25 grams of fiber a day, while men should aim for 30 to 38 grams a day.

Fiber supplements help regulate digestion, prevent constipation and manage glucose and cholesterol levels. But before we jump into the picks for the best fiber supplements, there's an important distinction that you need to know.

There are two types of fiber -- soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and helps lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Insoluble fiber is the type that helps move food through your digestive system.

Benefiber Original is wheat dextrin, a byproduct of milling wheat. It takes our spot as the best budget fiber supplement thanks to its low cost and versatility. Note that the low price means that this fiber supplement has less fiber per serving than other brands. Depending on your goal dosage per serving, this is something to consider.

Benefiber only has soluble fiber, which makes it a great option for people who want to use a fiber supplement to manage their blood sugar. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and is good for both diarrhea and constipation, while insoluble fiber helps with constipation. This fiber supplement is tasteless and dissolves easily in cold and hot liquids. Or you can add it to food while you cook -- it won't thicken or add a flavor.

Benefiber is also available in convenient on-the-go packets that offer a single serving of fiber supplement. Not all brands offer this; it's a great perk for people who want to take their fiber supplement with lunch.

Cost: $11.82 for 8.7-ounce container (62 servings)

Fiber per serving: 3 grams of soluble fiber per 2 teaspoons.

Benefiber Original's best features:

Things to consider:

Vitafusion Fiber Well Fit Gummies is one of the best gummy fiber supplements you can get for children or people who have trouble swallowing pills. These gummies are sugar-free and come in natural berry, peach and strawberry flavors. User reviews rave about the taste and how easy these gummies are to chew. They also praise the effectiveness of this product.

With each serving, you also get essential B vitamins, folic acid and biotin. Many fiber supplements don't have other vitamins or minerals included.

Cost: $9.83 for 90 gummies

Fiber per serving: 5 grams of soluble fiber per two gummies

Vitafusion Fiber Well Fit Gummies' best features:

Things to consider:

If you're looking for a food-source fiber supplement, consider Spectrum Essentials Organic Ground Chia Seeds. These ground chia seeds are a whole food form of fiber. They're a little less versatile than other fiber supplements, as they have a nutty taste and don't dissolve into drinks. So you'll always know the chia seeds are there, but if you like the taste, they can give water, smoothies or food a boost of fiber.

Chia seeds are full of fiber and offer a great way to aid digestion. As a bonus, chia seeds also have omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to decreasing the risk of heart attacks or strokes.

Cost: $11 for 10-ounce pack

Fiber per serving: 4 grams of dietary fiber per 2 tablespoons

Spectrum Essentials Organic Ground Chia Seeds' best features:

Things to consider:

Metamucil sugar-free fiber powder is a natural psyllium husk powder four-in-one fiber supplement that's meant to help digestive health, control appetite and lower cholesterol and sugar levels. A review of research supports the claims that psyllium husk has cardiovascular, cholesterol and blood sugar benefits.

You can choose from either unflavored, berry or orange powders. Note that reviews suggest that the strong orange flavor can be polarizing -- you either like it or you don't. However, other users say that Metamucil is smooth and easier to drink than other brands, allowing you to add it to water, juice or smoothies without issue.

Cost: $29 for a 2.3-pound container

Serving size: 6 grams of soluble fiber per 2 teaspoons

Metamucil Sugar-Free Powder's best features:

Things to consider:

Garden of Life Organic Fiber Supplement contains no added sugars. It's made from five natural ingredients, including acacia fiber, organic orange peel, organic baobab fruit, apple peel and cranberry seed. Each serving delivers 5 grams of prebiotic fiber.

This fiber supplement includes both soluble and insoluble fiber, making it one of the best fiber supplements for constipation. Garden of Life is a certified B corporation. This means that all of its products produced comply with social and environmental standards.

You can choose from unflavored powder or citrus. If you want to mix in the powder with drinks or food, we recommend the unflavored version.

Cost: $19.97 for a 10-serving container

Fiber per serving: 5 grams of insoluble fiber and 4 grams of soluble fiber per tablespoon.

Garden of Life Organic Fiber Supplement best features:

Things to consider:

If you're looking for a budget-friendly fiber supplement that includes both soluble and insoluble fiber, consider NOW supplements psyllium husk powder. It's a good addition to your diet if you struggle with constipation. You can bake it into food or add it to your daily smoothie.

This fiber supplement has the highest fiber concentration on the list, with seven grams of dietary fiber, one gram of insoluble fiber and six grams of soluble fiber. You also get eight percent of the recommended daily value of iron for the day.

Cost: $11 for a 12-ounce container

Fiber per serving: 7 grams of dietary fiber, 6 grams of soluble fiber and 1 gram of insoluble fiber

NOW Supplements Psyllium Husk Powder's best features:

Things to consider:

When choosing the best fiber supplements for this list, we considered the price, type of fiber supplement and ingredients. Additionally, as the supplement industry isn't well regulated by the FDA, we relied on additional certifications that vouch for the quality and purity of products. We did not test these fiber supplements in-house.

There are a lot of fiber supplements on the market, all varying by price, type and form. When you start your search, keep these key factors in mind:

Fiber is an essential carbohydrate that our bodies use to manage the body's sugars, hunger and digestion. Our bodies can't break down fiber, so it passes through our digestive systems undigested. This adds weight and softens stool, making it easier to pass.

Fiber-dense foods:

Despite fiber being present in so many foods, many people don't get enough of itfrom their diet. That's where fiber supplements come in.

How often should you take fiber supplements?

Fiber supplements are generally considered safe for everyday use. But you should only take them if you're not getting enough fiber from your food.

There are side effects to fiber supplements that shouldn't be ignored, however. Your fiber supplement can cause constipation if you take too much too quickly or if you aren't drinking enough water. When you start your fiber supplements, it's best to start slowly and at a lower dose, then work your way up.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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6 Best Fiber Supplements That Will Keep Your Gut Happy - CNET

For some, taking a multivitamin is a long-instated habit implemented as part of an everyday health routine, a handy little pill designed to deliver a plethora of vitamins and nutrients your body may be lacking. And while this may be an act of good measure or a result of years of conditioning (remember Flintstones vitamins?), it begs the question: Do you actually need to take a multivitamin? Well, it seems the answer it not so cut and dry as theres a hefty amount of opinions out there about whether or not you actually need these magical pills.

To start, Dr. Erin Barrett explains that your body makes many of the things it needs to carry out its functions, but there are some things that our bodies just cant make, like vitamins, minerals, omega-3s and some amino acids which are the building blocks of protein. These nutrients are considered essential because our bodies need them to survive, but also because our bodies cant make them, which means we must somehow work them into our diet.

Despite your diet and efforts to eat healthy, Barrett shares that up to 90% of people aren't getting what they need from the food they eat. This explains why so many people rely on supplements such as multivitamins to give their body nutrients. But in some cases its unnecessary for an individual to take a multivitamin. Registered dietitian Jean Hanks shares that those with no significant dietary restrictions who eat a varied healthy diet do not need to take a multivitamin as they are likely properly nourishing their bodies with food.

But how do you know if you should be taking a multivitamin? Ahead, a few experts help unpack this hot topic once and for all.

Multivitamins serve as a dietary supplement containing water-soluble vitamins (all eight B vitamins and C), fat-soluble vitamins (A, D , E, K), and minerals (iron, zinc, calcium, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, iodine, potassium, molybdenum and magnesium). You can often find them in the form of tablets, capsules, powders, and liquids. Nutritionist Melissa Morris likes to think of a multivitamin as an extra insurance policy. While it should not replace a healthy diet, it can be a supplement to a healthy diet, she adds, A multivitamin can help you get the nutrients that might be missing from your foods or beverages.

Those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, and those who avoid dairy might need the assistance of a multivitamin supplement to help ensure they are getting enough iron, B12 and vitamin D. But, taking a specific supplement to address those targeted concerns or deficiencies would be more productive than taking a multivitamin, shares Hank, as you man not need everything in a catch-all pill.

For example, as you age, your body may not absorb vitamins and minerals as well, Morris shares, so a multivitamin may be essential at this point (as instructed by a medical professional of course). A multivitamin is also recommended by doctors for women before they get pregnant and during their pregnancy to ensure theyre getting enough nutrients.

Also, if your diet is less than nutrient-rich (think full of processed, refined, and sugar-filled foods), you may be lacking essential nutrients as well. So, a multivitamin could ensure youre properly fueling your body and getting all of the vitamins you need.

To really get to the bottom of whether youre the right candidate for a multivitamin, its best to consult with your doctor. They will be able to check the amount of certain nutrients in your blood. While there really are no tell-tale symptoms of whether or not your body is in serious need of vitamins and minerals, feeling more fatigued than normal is often a key indicator.

If you look down the vitamin aisle in any drug store, youll notice the wide variety of supplements you can choose from. While the more aesthetically pleasing or more popular ones may capture your attention, make sure youre selecting a brand that is third-party tested. This will ensure that your product actually is made of whats listed on the label, and not contaminated with possible harmful substances.

Hanks shares that its a good idea to avoid gummy versions of vitamins, as these tend to have added sugars and extra ingredients like sodium and dyes that are not necessary. Also, multivitamins with any herbs or extracts should be avoided unless cleared with a doctor, as these are not as well researched. Looking for a USP verification (meaning that a supplement is pure and actually contains what the bottle says), is also important when taking a multivitamin. Hanks says you should also steer clear of megadoses of vitamins (over 100% of the RDA) as there is no benefit to overdoing it with the vitamins, and in some cases, too much of a nutrient can be harmful.

Well, this depends. Hanks says that she follows the food first approach to health. With some exceptions, humans can get all of the vitamins and minerals they need from food alone, she shares. Taking a multivitamin can cover the bases and generally wont be harmful, its really not necessary if youre intentional about following a diet that is varied and full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and animal products. Multivitamins should not be used in place of consuming foods like fruits and vegetables, because with these foods comes fiber, water and antioxidants that pills obviously do not have, Hanks says.

Theres been a handful of studies on whether or not taking a daily multivitamin provides benefits to your body and protects your health. But, despite claims that multivitamins are good for your health, they aren't entirely backed by research. Hanks says this is due to the supplement industry doing a great job at marketing the multivitamin. I think consumers are swayed by the many health benefits that these products supposedly provide, and taking a pill that covers all the bases for many people is a lot easier than putting effort into eating a balanced diet. So while there isn't enough significant research on multivitamins, many doctors prescribe multivitamins or other supplements to patients instead of educating them about diet.

While there is no real harm in taking multivitamins, and they may provide potential benefits for your health, none of these benefits are certain yet. As mentioned above, there are a specific group of people that would benefit from taking a daily multivitamin. But, for those who dont have any significant dietary restrictions or have health issues that cause depletion of any essential nutrients, focusing on meeting nutritional needs with the food you are eating is ideal.

Your doctor or dietitian may recommend a supplement regimen tailored to any specific nutrients you are lacking which may be more helpful than a generic multivitamin that contains extra nutrients you may not need. With any sort of supplement youre taking, its important to speak with your doctor as they will be able to recommend a multivitamin that works best for you.

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Do You Actually Need To Take A Multivitamin? The Answer May Surprise You - The Zoe Report

| 20 September 2022 | By George Paraskevakos, MBA | This article discusses current diverging regulations for probiotics as ingredients in foods and dietary supplements and the trends and translational science that have demonstrated probiotic benefits. It emphasizes how aligning a global probiotic harmonized regulatory framework can help navigate the confusion around the regulations to ensure global consumer access to beneficial products of quality.Keywords Codex, harmonization, regulations, probiotics, probiotic foods, supplementsIntroductionBackground Probiotics are one of the more intensely researched dietary ingredient categories, and their benefits have been supported in translational science. However, current diverging global regulations present challenges to ensuring consumer access to safe probiotic products of quality, highlighting the need for clear, harmonized regulations and claims to facilitate delivery of foods and dietary supplements with probiotics to consumers worldwide.In 2001 and 2002, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) published two joint reports with guidelines and recommendations for governments around the globe for the evaluation of the safety and nutritional aspects of probiotics.1 These recommendations are widely respected and have been extremely helpful to governments, shaping regulations for probiotics internationally. The regulations set a baseline for the probiotic industry but have been interpreted independently, creating gaps as governments developed different requirements at the national levels.These guidelines and the definition shaped the future trajectory of the industry and the global probiotics market is now dynamic and diverse. Continued growth, coupled with increasing consumer demand over the years, offers many opportunities for food, beverage, and dietary supplement organizations. The guidelines and FAO-WHO definition have resulted in a complex mosaic of diverse global regulatory frameworks, which presents challenges when commercializing probiotic products but may also be seen as opportunities.Current landscapeThe global probiotics market continues its upward ascent. A 2021 report noted that the total probiotic market was worth more than US$48 billion (Figure 1).2 The market grew 8% globally from 2020 to 2021, supported by the research and science tying probiotics to gastrointestinal-related issues and immune support, coupled with an increasing public demand for products for health promotion. Probiotics offer many opportunities both in food, beverage, and dietary supplement applications.Figure 1. Global retail value of probiotic supplements2Source: Euromonitor InternationalDuring the past 2 years, while facing the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers were looking to minimize vulnerability to disease and illness, with an increased focus on disease prevention, health, and overall well-being. Optimizing health goals, including supporting immunity and digestive health and helping with allergies and weight management are a few areas consumers have been researching on-line. Figure 2 shows the proportion of consumers reporting that they have become more conscious about the relationship between a healthy lifestyle and preventing health issues. Another 2021 report, evaluating opportunities for probiotics in a postpandemic society, outlined how consumers seeking probiotics for prevention far outweighed interest in treating illness.3Figure 2. Consumer perceptions of probiotic supplements3Source: FMCG GurusThe ever-increasing e-commerce markets cannot be ignored when discussing market and consumer demand for probiotics. Higher demand, coupled with the more free-flowing virtual commerce space, bring a sense of urgency to the regulatory environment. Probiotic regulations are reasonably aligned within the none-commerce space, but when discussing e-commerce, regulatory oversight is evident. The EU is a good example of this. No probiotic claims are allowed on the food supplements on store shelves, but more than US$120 million of probiotic products still enter the EU via e-commerce platforms, and a majority of these products have claims on the package (Figure 3).4Figure 3. e-Commerce market size for probiotic supplements4Source: Lumina IntelligenceIt is important to also outline the largest global dietary supplement markets. The US leads, the way followed by China and Italy (Figure 4). At its current 11% year-on-year growth rates, China will be making significant gains as a global player. APAC as a region continues to grow across all probiotic segments and represents more than 55% of the global probiotic category.2Figure 4. Global market size of probiotic supplements2Source: Euromonitor International, for IPAWhat about the science?Probiotics have become one of the most researched supplements both by scientists and by online consumers. Probiotics are recognized as having strong supporting evidence amongst the large amount of ingredient supplements available to consumers.5 Furthermore, an online PubMed search reveals over 38,000 publications as of July 2022 (Figure 5). There is a significant amount of scientific research into the crucial role of probiotics and their beneficial effects on a variety of indications. In addition to classic indications, such as gastrointestinal and immune health, other areas addressed include the gut-brain axis, metabolic syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and atopic dermatitis. Dronkers and colleagues have reported more than 1,600 human clinical trials from two databases they reviewed and they are now analyzing more than 700 indications noted from those clinical trials.6Figure 5. Results of PubMed search for probiotics, July 2022Source: International Probiotics AssociationSystematic reviews combine results looking at all studies performed for a certain indication. These can be useful tools, giving overviews of the amount of research performed in a given area (Table).The amount of research is widespread in many areas of human health. The meta-analyses, reviews, and published articles highlight new targets in emerging areas of health that may be supported with probiotics in addition to the core historical applications. Zommitti et al published a detailed overview of select probiotic clinical studies and their specific effects on human health.17The published science for probiotic applications is abundant. Nonetheless, probiotics used in the researched applications have to meet minimum criteria before a micro-organism can be deemed probiotic. IPA18 and IPA EU19 have published comprehensive papers on the topic. Moreover, when using probiotics for specific conditions in humans, the products must have sufficient study with the specific strain and are required to be sufficiently researched for their intended use, as outlined by Sanders and colleagues.20 Global policy on probioticsThe FAO-WHO collaborationIn view of the growing popularity of probiotics and the lack of international consensus on the methodology to assess their efficacy and safety, the FAO and WHO began collaborating about 20 years ago to examine the scientific evidence on the functional and safety aspects of probiotics in food. In 2001, the two organizations convened an expert consultation on the health and nutritional properties of powder milk with live lactic acid bacteria in Cordoba, Argentina, and an expert working group was established in 2002 to develop guidelines for the evaluation of probiotics in food.1The FAO-WHO expert consultation evaluated available information on the functional and safety aspects of probiotics in powdered milks and examined the products dietary impact, properties, benefits, safety, nutritional features, adverse effects, and health claims, among other attributes. In addition, it identified priorities for evaluation of safety and nutritional aspects.The FAO-WHO working group followed up with a proposed methodology to evaluate probiotics and defined criteria for health claims for probiotics. As a result of their joint work, the FAO-WHO recommended adoption of the current widely used definition for probiotics: Live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. However, despite the outstanding work by FAO-WHO with expert recommendations, considerable work is still needed to reach global harmonization of probiotic regulations.Codex AlimentariusThe Codex Alimentarius standards and guidelines are the international reference point for food regulations and therefore, have the potential to help in the global harmonization of probiotic standards and regulations. There are Codex commodities standards for food categories, including probiotics, in areas such as fermented milk, food supplements, infant formula, and follow-up formula products. In addition, there are horizontal standards and guidelines for food hygiene, food additives, contaminants, labelling, and nutrition and health claims, that apply to food and dietary supplements in general. However, there are no specific provisions for probiotics. It is in this context that a proposal was presented for Codex guidelines for probiotics for use as an ingredient in foods and food supplements. Codex standards are not obligatory but are used by many national authorities as a starting point to build regulations within their own countries. In the spirit of harmonizing the definition for probiotics, the minimum requirements for their use, as well as specific labelling provisions for probiotics, the IPA proposed the Codex Guidelines for Probiotics initiative in 2017.21The proposal was submitted to the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU). A decision on whether to begin developing Codex guidelines for probiotics is expected at the next CCNFSDU meeting in March 2023. Due to a very heavy workload, this committee is required to prioritize its work against specific criteria. These criteria are based on demonstrating impact on public health, food safety, and fair-trade practices, among other considerations. If the committee agrees to prioritize the new work proposal on probiotics, the proposal will be reviewed and the process of exchange and discussion toward harmonization will begin.Probiotics in foods and dietary supplementsAt the national level, we see divergent regulatory approaches for probiotics on aspects such as product classification, definition, permitted probiotic microorganisms, conditions of use and labelling requirements, use of health claims and substantiation requirements, and classification as market access administrative requirements. The same probiotic product can be regulated as a food in one market, a supplement in another, and may require drug type registration in yet another. This makes for an assortment of regulations that oblige industry to navigate regulatory differences to commercialize finished probiotic products globally.Product classification. In most countries, foods and dietary supplements with probiotics are classified under food law. These may also fall under certain categories that have their own specific regulations. Examples of these include, Foods with probiotics (Argentina), Food products with additions (Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Morocco), Foods with function claims (Japan), Health functional food (South Korea), or Dietary supplements (US and/or Canada) to name a few.However, there are some cases in which products containing probiotics are categorized as drugs. This may be because of the form in which they are presented, the microorganisms used, the health claims used or, in some cases, where dietary supplements are regulated under drug law (South Africa and/or Australia).Definition. Despite the existing FAO-WHO definition on probiotics, most countries have not yet adopted a legal definition at national or regional levels. Some countries have adopted either broad definitions, referring to probiotics that confer health benefits based on the FAO-WHO definition, or literally, the FAO-WHO definition in their national regulations. Examples of this can be found in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Brazil, and Canada.Similarly, there are some countries that have adopted a definition of probiotics focused on digestive health. Examples of such countries include Italy, referring to the balance of intestinal flora, or Colombia, with a reference to microbial balance. It is also worth highlighting that in several countries, probiotics are included as an ingredient, and are part of the definition of certain food categories and/or dietary supplements.Permitted probiotic microorganisms. The regulatory approaches taken to permit probiotic microorganisms in foods and dietary supplement will vary from country to country. Some countries, mainly from Asia, have adopted positive lists of probiotic microorganisms that are allowed to be added to foods and dietary supplements. These countries would include China, India, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. Others, such as Malaysia, have adopted positive lists only applicable to foods. In yet other countries, dietary supplement regulations include positive lists of permitted probiotic microorganisms in dietary supplements, such as Brazil and South Africa.Conversely, other types of lists include probiotic species/strains rather than an exhaustive positive list to be used by regulatory authorities. An example of this is the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) list in the EU.22 This list includes microorganisms that have been assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as not raising any safety concerns. Probiotic microorganisms included therein are therefore regarded as safe by regulatory authorities in the EU.Although the QPS system was developed within EFSA joint working committees and scientific experts, it is important to discuss the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) guidelines for food additives in the US. These guidelines were developed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an amendment in 1958 to the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 responding to concerns of safety of new food additives.23 QPS and GRAS are often considered as being synonymous, but there are distinctions between them, for example:

References

2022Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society.

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Global overview for probiotics: Trends, markets, and harmonization - Regulatory Focus

If you have medications that you need to take regularly, you're hardly alone. More than 131 million Americansor about 66 percent of all U.S. adultsuse prescription drugs, according to Georgetown University's Health Policy Institute (HPI). But despite being a vital component of healthcare, prescription drugs can also be quite dangerous. It's not only an issue of potential overuse either, as many people accidentally mix their medications in ways they don't realize are harmful. To combat this, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently sought to raise awareness about one potentially deadly combination. Read on to find out what the agency is warning against.

READ THIS NEXT:I'm a Pharmacist, and These Are the Medications You Should Never Mix.

The FDA says it has approved "over 20,000 prescription drug products." Almost all of these medicines can interact differently when combined with outside elements, which is why it's so important to listen to your healthcare providers and pay attention to the instructions listed with anything you're taking. For instance, certain prescription medications like Zocor, a statin used to lower cholesterol, and Procardia, a drug to treat high blood pressure, include warnings advising users not to drink grapefruit juice while taking them.

In the same vein, specific prescription meds can also interact negatively with a number foods, like dairy, leafy greens, or even bananas, per AARP. And health officials have long warned about the dangers of mixing prescription drugs with alcoholic drinks. "Drug interactions may make your drug less effective, cause unexpected side effects, or increase the action of a particular drug," the FDA says. "Some drug interactions can even be harmful to you."

Now, the FDA is warning about a harmful drug interaction that's a lot less well known.

The FDA released a consumer update in June, alerting Americans to a medication mistake that could have negative health consequences. If you're someone who takes prescription medications alongside dietary supplements, you should be aware that this combination can actually "endanger your health," according to the agency.

"Certain dietary supplements can change absorption, metabolism, or excretion of a medication," the FDA explained. "If that happens, it can affect the potency of your medication, which means you may get either too much or too little of the medication you need."

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Don't assume you're not at risk. Dietary supplements are "widely used," and "tens of millions of people in the U.S. take some kind of dietary supplement along with a prescription medication," according to the FDA. The agency explained that these supplements "include vitamins, minerals, and other less familiar substancessuch as amino acids, botanicals, and botanical-derived ingredients."

The FDA recommends that Americans talk to a healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplement or medicationwhether it's over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription. "Every time you visit a health care professional's office, bring a list of all the dietary supplements and medications you are currently taking. Include the dosages and how many times a day you take them," the agency said. "If you're thinking of adding a dietary supplement to your daily routine, call your health care professional first, and let them know what other supplements and medications you're taking."

This bad habit can have severe consequences. "Dietary supplements and medications could have dangerous and even life-threatening effects," the FDA warned. For instance, taking the herbal supplement St. John's wort can make drugs for HIV/AIDS, heart disease, depression, treatments for organ transplants, and birth control pill less effective, according to the agency.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

At the same time, certain dietary supplements like ginkgo biloba and vitamin E can thin your blood. So if you were to take either of these supplements with a medication like warfarin, which is a prescription blood thinner, the results could be particularly scary. "Taking any of these products together may increase the potential for internal bleeding or stroke," the FDA warned.

With that in mind, it's important to heed the agency's advice about mixing anything you're taking, even if it's something "all natural."

Best Life offers the most up-to-date information from top experts, new research, and health agencies, but our content is not meant to be a substitute for professional guidance. When it comes to the medication you're taking or any other health questions you have, always consult your healthcare provider directly.

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Combining Your Medication With This May Have "Life-Threatening Effects" - Best Life

The French brand, which specializes in aromatherapy, natural and do it yourself beauty, has opened a 180 m2 store at the Forum des Halles in Paris, France. On this occasion, Aroma-Zone is launching a new concept, designed to facilitate the customers journey and the discovery of the brands three main families: Beauty, Health & Well-Being and Home. This is the tenth boutique of the brand in France (after Lyon, Montpellier, Toulouse, Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Lille, et Strasbourg), and the third in Paris, after those of the Odon district and Boulevard Haussmann

"We were looking for a location that would be easily accessible from the entire Paris region, because our customers sometimes come from very far away to find our products," explains Sabrina Herlory, CEO of Aroma-Zone, to Premium Beauty News.

With more than 2,300 references of natural products, the shop gives access to the Aroma-Zone team of natural beauty advisers, to freely accessible digital tablets that enable consumers to consult the brands recipes for making their own cosmetics, QR codes placed on all the products and giving access to their details on the Aroma-Zone website, as well as two bulk bars a liquid soap bar and a vegetable oil bar.

The opening of this new Parisian location comes with the launch of several new products: a CBD oil titrated at 12% and the brands first food supplements in the form of eight 100% natural and organic superfoods powders (alfalfa, baobab, chlorella, turmeric, ginkgo biloba, Brazilian ginseng, guarana, matcha) and Curcumin and Spirulina tablets.

While they currently only operates in France, Aroma-Zone is resolutely preparing its internationalization and will open a new store on October 20 in Brussels, Belgium.

There is a strong international demand for our natural, simple and affordable products. Although it is only written in French, 15% of orders on our online store already come from abroad, emphasises Sabrina Herlory.

This first foray outside France will be followed by an opening in Italy. Switzerland and Spain are expected to follow in 2023.

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Aroma-Zone opens a new store in Paris and prepares to grow abroad - Premium beauty