Monthly Archives: September 2022

There are several specific nutrients that are involved in female fertility.

Not only is vitamin D important for maintaining the health of your bones and immune system, it may also be involved in fertility. In fact, a small study in Fertility and Sterility found that women with low levels of vitamin D were less likely to conceive compared to those with normal levels. Additionally, a new 2022 meta-analysis found that vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are associated with miscarriage.

Because vitamin D is found naturally in few food sources and is usually obtained through sun exposure, supplementation may be recommended for those at risk for deficiency.

Folic acid is a B vitamin frequently found in prenatal supplements and fortified foods. Interestingly, folic acid has also been shown to increase the chances of conception, especially in women with irregular cycles.

Eli Reshef, M.D. a reproductive endocrinologist at the Integris Bennett Fertility Institute in Oklahoma City, recommends folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. Specifically, he recommends taking an over-the-counter prenatal supplement that contains at least 800 milligrams of folic acid to support fertility.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that women of reproductive age should get at least 400 micrograms of folate per day, which can come from a combination of foods or supplements. Leafy greens, legumes and whole grains are all excellent sources of folate.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral needed for the production of hormones and selenoproteins, a type of protein involved in reproductive health. Not only can a deficiency in selenium impair fertility, but it could also increase the risk of miscarriage and other pregnancy complications.

Most people can get enough of this important micronutrient by following a balanced diet that contains selenium-rich foods like meat, fish and eggs. Its also commonly added to multivitamins and prenatal supplements.

Though most well-known for its positive effects on heart health and inflammation, omega-3 fatty acids may have an impact on fertility as well. In fact, studies show these healthy fats can help balance levels of reproductive hormones, regulate menstruation and improve egg quality and implantation.

Enjoying a few weekly servings of fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines or tuna, is a great way to bump up your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. If you dont regularly eat fish, consider taking a supplement sourced from fish oil or algal oil instead.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a type of antioxidant that is produced naturally by the body and found in many foods, including organ meats and fish. Some studies have found that CoQ10 could improve ovarian response and increase rates of conception in women undergoing fertility treatments.

As we age, the bodys production of CoQ10 slows down, making it increasingly challenging to protect eggs from oxidative damage and making it harder for women to conceive, notes Rosmy Barrios, M.D., a regenerative medicine specialist at the IM Clinic in Belgrade, Serbia.

Consider asking your doctor if a CoQ10 supplement might be right for you.

Read the original post:

Fertility Supplements And Vitamins For Women: What You Need To Know - Forbes

The International Testing Agency (ITA) webinar series goes into the next round. The ninth webinar of 2022 is all about supplements and informed decision-making. It will take place on Wednesday 28 September, at 14:00 CEST.

"Supplements are one of the leading causes of inadvertent doping, yet studies have estimated that supplement use among athletes ranges anywhere from 40% to 100% (Garthe & Maughan, 2018). Athletes use supplements for a multitude of reasons, such as to support basic nutritional needs, manage nutritional deficiencies, improving and/or sustain health, and enhance physical performance. Supplements can offer the prospect of bridging the gap between success and failure, but often come with health risks and can contain substances prohibited in sports," the ITA says about their webinar.All athletes and their support personnel are invited to join the webinar, which is the first of two lessons designed to support informed decision-making around supplement use.Experts for part one are Carina Horn, an international track and field athlete from South Africa, who tested positive for a prohibited substance from supplement use, and nutrition expert Lillian Morton, who has worked with multiple elite athletes across different sports. They will not only share their experiences but also provide practical tips on a food-first approach to nutrition.As always, the webinars will be available in English with simultaneous translation to four additional languages Arabic, Spanish, French and Russian.

To register for the webinar, click here.

Visit link:

ITA offers webinar focusing on supplements and informed decision-making (part 1) - IHF

LOS ANGELES On September 15, the Pet Independent Innovation Awards, a platform that recognizes the most innovative pet care companies, services and products, announced the results of its fourth annual awards. The Pet Innovation Awards strives to honor innovation and the best in various pet food, supplies and service categories.

The 2022 awards received more than 2,000 nominations worldwide.

Its hard to put into words how important and irreplaceable pets are when it comes to our families and lives, said Travis Grant, managing director, Independent Innovation Awards. Pet parents are willing to pay for quality products that help improve the health and wellbeing of their beloved pets. Weve received nominations from incredible companies and technologies that are truly raising the bar when it comes to pet centric products.

In pet food, notable winners include:

Cat Food Functional Diet Product of the Year

JAC Pet Nutrition won Cat Food Functional Diet Product of the Year for its Air Dried Superfood Crumbles cat food topper. The multi-functional topper is formulated with superfoods and TruMune Postbiotics, a blend of pro- and prebiotics by Cargills brand Diamond V, to help support digestive, joint, microbiome, skin and coat health in cats.

Most treat companies dont test for, or list, anything other than protein, crude fat, fiber and things like that, Grant said. The right amount of protein, fat, fiber, moisture, ash, vitamins, minerals and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids can make a huge difference in the dietary intake of cats as well as other pets. JAC Pet Nutrition uses a holistic approach to pet health by actually using food science to create their recipes. Their commitment to the highest quality pet treats and food toppers using all natural, premium ingredients makes them our choice for Cat Food Functional Diet Product of the Year.

JAC Pet Nutritions topper contains more than 390 mg of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids per serving, offering an extra boost of health benefits. According to the company, Omega 3s have a variety of anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce blood pressure and control blood sugar, and Omega 6s provide nutrients to help reduce itchy skin and support a shiny coat.

Were thrilled by this recognition from Pet Innovation, said Charlie Bachkora, founder of JAC Pet Nutrition. I started my own pet company after working with and studying pet nutrition for years. We remain committed to providing innovative, healthy and functional pet products.

What sets us apart is that we send our products to a lab to test for vitamins, minerals, and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that promote feline health, Bachkora added. Postbiotics has scientific data from Cargill that supports the claim. We put the results on the back of every bag. With all the unvalidated claims you see on packages today, we are committed to this mandate: if we claim it, we guarantee it.

JAC Pet Nutrition launched the functional cat food topper in August.

Cat Food Wet Product of the Year

Kit Cat international won Cat Food Wet Product of the Year for its Kit Cat Complete Cuisine. Developed by nutritionists, the cat food product is a complete-and-balanced diet in a meat flake-only format and made with fresh, natural ingredients. The recipe does not contain grains, artificial flavors or preservatives.

Kit Cat Complete Cuisine is the first format of its kind that meets European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) standards, according to Kit Cat International.

We are truly honored to be recognized by Pet Innovation and be among the winners circle, said Kenneth Koh, co-founder of Kit Cat International. Our passion for animal welfare, shelters and stray cats has been the main catalyst to starting our company. We are advocates for cats and pets on every level.

Source: Kit Cat InternationalProviding a wholesome and natural cat product made up of the freshest raw materials has been our goal from the start, Koh added. We strive to create simple, yet high quality and nutritious meals that even the most discerning cat will enjoy. After all, cats are an integral part of our families, and they deserve the best that we can offer them to ensure they have a long and pawspurrous life.

Kit Cat Complete Cuisine is available in 14 recipes, including Chicken and Goji Berry in Broth, Chicken and Skipjack in Broth, Chicken and Salmon in Broth, Tuna and Chia Seed in Broth, and others. According to Pet Independent Innovation Awards, Kit Cat Cuisine was chosen for its commitment to ingredient transparency and high quality.

It's important to be transparent about the sources of products when it comes to pet food, Grant said.Particularly wet food. Ensuring high quality that is both wholesome and natural in the ingredients that go into cat products makes a difference in the health and well-being of our feline friends. You can tell Kit Cats line of high-quality and nutritious cat food was created by cat lovers. Its simple to serve but packed with the essential ingredients that cats need and meets the highest level of industry standards while ensuring the health of even our fussiest eating cat companions.

Cat Food Freeze-Dried Product of the Year

Purpose Pet Food, a New Jersey-based manufacturer of premium freeze-dried raw pet food and treats, has won Cat Food Freeze Dried Product of the Year. The companys cat food, along with all its freeze-dried formulas, are formulated using farm-raised, pasture-fed, free-range and humanely reared protein sources, without any added hormones or antibiotics, as well as organic produce.

Manufactured in a USDA-certified facility, the companys cat foods consist of 99% meat fortified with natural vitamins and minerals. The companys cat food line includes chicken, duck, turkey and rabbit recipes.

Source: Purpose Pet FoodThank you to the 2022 Pet Independent Innovation Awards for recognizing our commitment to excellence and changing the pet food industry for good, said Josephine Zee, owner of Purpose Pet Food. Purpose started with the belief that wellness is not a one-way street, and that pet parents want to feed their pets better food that reflects their own ethical values so that, together, we can make a difference. In addition to our core values as animal lovers who want to feed our pets the best, natural ingredients, we also believe in making a difference by supporting independent, ethically run, American farms.

According to the Pet Independent Innovation awards, Purpose Pet Foods products were chosen for its high commitment to food quality.

Freeze-drying is the gold standard when it comes to food preparation since once the moisture is removed, the nutrients remain, Grant said. Freeze drying results in some of the highest quality pet food. However, there are so many freeze-dried raw pet food diets on the market today, its hard to know where true quality resides.

Purpose Pet Foods really is a company with a purpose with a company ethos that is setting the new standard within the pet food industry, Grant added. Their conscious sourcing model and quality ingredients set themselves apart. Their product is also irresistible to our furry loved ones. We are proud to award Purpose Pet Food with this years Cat Food Freeze Dried Product of the Year Award. It is also in the top three finalists in dog food.

Cat Treat Product of the Year

Paw CBD, a brand of cbdMD Inc., won Cat Treat Product of the Year for its soft CBD cat treats. Formulated with broad-spectrum CBD, the soft hemp chews are THC-free and can help cats manage daily stress by supporting calmness and comfort.

Source: Paw CBDAt every age, our kitty companions need wellness support, Grant explained. From helping them stay happy and active when theyre young to keeping them calm and comfortable as they age, their health and wellbeing are a top priority. The CBD chews from Paw CBD provide even the finickiest of felines the love and support they deserve in one easy-to-use, flavorful bite.

The soft treats are flavored using real chicken and catnip ingredients and are certified by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC). Paw CBDs cat treats are available in two strengths based on a cats weight: 150 mg and 300 mg.

Paw CBD was founded by pet lovers for pet lovers to help our best friends live their best lives, said Matt Coapman, chief marketing officer of cbdMD. We are proud to offer superior Broad Spectrum CBD oil products for pets. From everyday wellness to those extra stressful times like riding in a carrier, trips to the vet, or nail trims and grooming, these CBD cat chews are the purr-fect option.

Dog Calming Product of the Year

Paw CBD was also selected by the Pet Innovation Awards as the winner of Dog Calming Product of the Year for its Paw CBD Calming Oil for canines.

Being in the winners circle for the Pet Innovation Awards twice this year is thrilling and a vindication of our dedication to our furry companions, Coapman said.

Source: Paw CBDFormulated with broad spectrum hemp, chamomile, passionflower and melatonin, the oil can serve as a sleep aid for dogs experiencing stressful situations.

Of all the reasons dog owners seek out CBD products, one of the most common is for help with stress and anxiety issues, Grant said. In fact, 20% to 40% of dogs seen by veterinarians and behavioral specialists suffer from separation issues. Whether its separation, noise aversion, or other fear behaviors, desperate owners are eager to find ways to help their anxious pups. Paw CBD Calming Oil addresses this specific wellness issue, especially for dogs, with one product. With its innovative blend of ingredients and care, this amazing oil deserves recognition in the Dog Calming Product of the Year category.

The Calming Oil is also NASC certified and is available in a blueberry flavor. The oil can be served as a stand-alone treat or drizzled onto and regular treat or meal.

Its an honor to receive this category award for a second time from Pet Innovation, Coapman said. Of course, many options are available to calm and soothe our canine friends. But not all of them are created equal. While there are CBD products for dogs and there are calming products for dogs, very few combine the powerful properties of both into one easy solution. Because our pets are all these things and more, Paw CBD was created to provide safe, versatile CBD oil products for the ongoing wellbeing and happiness of the cats and dogs we call family.

Dog Food Product of the Year

Solid Gold was awarded Dog Food Product of the Year by the Pet Independent Innovation Awards for its NutrientBoost line of products.

The line features premium recipes and food toppers developed to improve nutrient absorption and provide a boost to a dogs immune and gut health. Solid Golds NutrientBoost line is formulated with plasma, protein and a proprietary blend proven to help promote a healthy gut and immune system in dogs, according to the company.

We are delighted to have our innovative NutrientBoost line recognized as one of the best products for dogs, said Steve Ball, chief executive officer of North America at H&H Group, parent company of Solid Gold. Over the last 40 years, Solid Gold has continued to disrupt the holistic pet food category with new innovations that support a pets wellness and we are eager to continue to introduce exciting and beneficial products for pets and pet parents in years to come.

Dog Food Freeze-Dried Product of the Year

Tuckers won Dog Food Freeze Dried Product of the Year for its freeze-dried dog food formulas, which can be served as complete-and-balanced meal, food topper or treat. Comprised of 95% meat, bone and marrow and 5% pumpkin, which can help support digestive health, Tuckers freeze-dried dog food is suitable for dogs of all ages.

In the ever-expanding world of the pet care industry, stores and consumers are being inundated with SKUs, making it difficult to find what you're looking for, Grant said. There are a number of freeze-dried options but they are usually a part of a multi-step diet for pets. This can be confusing for consumers and not ideal for pets when it comes time for feeding. Tucker's Freeze-Dried Raw Formulas solve that problem and conserve valuable retailer shelf space by being a three-in-one product. By offering a product that is meant to feed, top or even treat, Tucker's has created an innovative and nutritious product for pets that you can trust.

As well as offering pet parents convenience, the freeze-dried formulas also support maximum nutrient absorption. By emulsifying its entire formulas, Tuckers expands the surface area of its freeze-dried products, providing dogs with the ability to absorb more nutrients from the food in a short period of time. According to the company, it is the only raw pet food company to emulsify its entire product.

Tuckers freeze-dried dog foods are available in 12-oz and 14-oz bags, suitable for traveling or on-the-go pet owners. The dog food comes in a variety of flavors, including Chicken-Pumpkin, Pork-Beef-Pumpkin, Salmon-Pumpkin, Pork-Bison-Pumpkin and Pork-Duck-Pumpkin.

Were so excited to receive this recognition from Pet Innovation, said Jeff Kalish, founder of Tuckers. We obviously love pets and believe that they are an extension of our lives and our biggest fans. With that said, they deserve the best that raw nutrition has to offer. All our meats are human-grade and sourced exclusively in the United States. In developing our formulas, we work with three out of the 10 zoological nutritionists in the world and it's these leading experts that have helped us create our 95/5 raw diets. We also feel it's important to take into account our retailer partners and their needs when creating our products.

Dog Treat Functional Product of the Year

Pets Best Life won Dog Treat Functional Product of the Year for its Yummy Combs Dog Treats. Yummy Combs are an oral care treat for dogs made in a patented honeycomb shape. According to Pets Best Life, the treat is the first thin-walled treat that can help floss and scrub a dogs teeth from every angle and from the gum line to the upper and lower jaw.

With periodontal disease being the number one disease in dogs, in the advanced stages dogs may be in significant pain, Grant said. However, pets tend to hide this out of instinct. Unfortunately, the effects of periodontal disease dont remain confined to the teeth and gums this disease can lead to problems with a dogs organs and even cause heart disease if the bacteria enters the bloodstream.

Revolutionary Yummy Combs Dog Treats are changing the way people treat their dogs, Grant explained. Yummy Combs is the perfect combination of revolutionary oral care, nutrition, advanced safety and wellness all for the pets best life. With its great taste, its the easiest, most fun way to floss and brush your dogs teeth.

Formulated with 47% protein, with chicken listed as the first ingredient, Yummy Combs provides nutritional, as well as oral benefits. The treat provides all essential amino acids dogs need, as well as vitamins, minerals, and twelve wellness ingredients to support digestion, cognitive function, skin and coat, and dental, heart and joint health. Yummy Combs are gluten- and grain-free, non-GMO and made with less starch compared to standard treats.

As well as an innovative, patented shape, the treats also feature a patent pending ingredient called Slick M, which makes the treat slippery when touched by saliva, water or gastric acid, allowing for easier digestion.

Were so honored that Yummy Combs have won this award from Pet Innovation, said Joe Roetheli, PhD, co-founder of Pets Best Life. Along with Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist Dr. Jan Bellows and Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist Dr. Lon Lewis, we set out to create a unique treat that encompasses the best in oral care, nutrition, enjoyment and safety. Its the revolutionary shape that makes all the difference. Pet owners love to watch their pups get excited and dance, wiggle and waggle waiting for a Yummy Combs dog treat.

Vitamin/Supplement Product of the Year

Ultimate Pet Nutrition won Vitamin/Supplement Product of the Year award for its Nutra Thrive For Dogs supplement, which supports overall dog health. Developed by veterinarians, Nutra Thrive comes in a powdered form and can help support muscle, teeth, digestive and bone health.

Our pets' overall health and wellbeing are always at the forefront of an owners mind, Grant said. Ultimate Pet Nutrition Nutra Thrive For Dogs is paving the way for a new era of conscious pet health to help our furry friends and companions thrive. With a delicious taste dogs enjoy and their personal guarantee standing behind each product, Ultimate Pet Nutrition formulates some of the most advanced pet food, supplements and treats currently on the market.

Nutra Thrive is formulated with a blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, digestive enzymes, probiotics and phytonutrients and made without added fillers or artificial ingredients. The supplement can be added to a dogs food for a nutrient boost.

We are proud to accept this 2022 Pet Innovation Award for Nutra Thrive For Dogs, our first-of-its-kind canine supplement, said Gary Richter, Ph.D., founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition. When we started Ultimate Pet Nutrition, our goal was to create a place where pet lovers can go for a premium, veterinarian-approved solutions for their furry friends. Nutra Thrive supports the overall health of our favorite companions.

Among the above, several other pet food companies received awards:

As well as innovative pet food, treats and supplements, the Pet Innovation Awards also recognized pet apparel, bowls, feeders, waterers, collars, leashes, harnesses, grooming, cleaning, health, housing, litter, toys and training products, as well as pet services and insurance.

To be an Innovator takes passion, creativity and hard work, Grant said. Our 2022 winners are revolutionizing and advancing the pet industry through goods, services, and technology. Were proud to announce the class of 2022 with their incredible innovative products and services.

View the full2022 winners of the Pet Innovation Awards.

Stay up to date on thelatest pet food processing industry headlineson our News page.

Read this article:

Awards recognize the latest innovative pet food products - Pet Food Processing

27-Sep-2022

Global cases of anxiety and depression jumped 25% in the first year of the pandemic.1 Its a startling fact but one that explains why, in 2022, consumers are prioritising mental well-being as much as physical health, reportsSophie Zillinger Molenaar,Global Marketing Lead, Biotis,FrieslandCampina Ingredients

Today, consumers are prioritising holistic health as they increasingly focus on the inextricable link between mental and physical well-being. This all has, of course, led to a significant shift in the way we talk about and support mental health.

Once-taboo topics are now being discussed more openly, the prevalence of mental health issues is more widely understood and our physical status is championed as a key contributor to good mental health. Its no surprise then that 53% of consumers are taking proactive steps to improve their mental and cognitive health.2

This is good news for the nutrition industry; when it comes to brain health supplements, increased demand is leading to an expected CAGR of 8.3% from 2022 to 2030, showing clear growth and plenty of potential within this market.2

But in an ever-crowded marketplace, how can brands formulate mental well-being solutions that stand out? And what scientifically backed ingredients can help brands to promote the efficacy of their products?

Although growing research sheds light on the relationship between physical and cognitive health, clinical studies have also been highlighting the important role that the gut can play in overall health potentially unlocking significant opportunity for brands.

Gut-brain axis: on consumers mindsIn recent years, scientific research has made it increasingly clear that overall health can be greatly affected by the composition of our gut microbiota. Specifically, research into the gut-brain axis an intricate communication network that connects the gut and the brain could be a potential game changer when managing mental health symptoms.

And its not just scientific research thats beginning to unravel the importance of gut health consumers are too.

Fuelled by interest in holistic health, todays tech and research-savvy consumers are educating themselves on the benefits that a healthy gut can offer. Now, not only do 64% understand the concept of bacteria within the digestive system, but two in three also recognise that gut health is the key to achieving overall well-being.3

As a result, consumers are seeking gut health solutions to support more than just digestion. In 2021, 66% of consumers were interested in digestive health products, even if they werent suffering from digestive health concerns.4

This not only signifies a shift towards making proactive changes to support physical and mental health it also provides an opportunity for brands to create innovative products positioned around both the physical and mental benefits of a healthy gut.

Formats and flavours: whats trending in mental well-being?Regular exercise and eating healthily can help to combat some mental health symptoms, such as feelings of stress. But with todays increasingly busy lifestyles and consumers trying to juggle many different responsibilities family, social and work it can be incredibly difficult to find the time to focus on nutrition.

In fact, with 24% of consumers skipping breakfast and 26% missing lunch at least three times a week, convenience is key when it comes to formulating cognitive well-being products.5 And snacks and drinks that pack multiple different benefits can give consumers the nutritional boost they need, quickly.

However, its essential that these products arent just functional; they must taste good too. One reason for drinks being popular in the cognitive well-being space is that they can easily be infused with flavours that people associate with calming feelings, such as florals and botanicals.

And as 71% of consumers find food and drinks positioned around improving cognitive health attractive, we can expect to see more tasty products such as chocolate bars with relaxing label claims appear on shelves tapping into the time-old tradition of using chocolate as a relaxing treat.6

Supplements, too, are seeing growth in popularity, partly because they are easily incorporated into daily routines; 21% of consumers are already using nutritional supplements to boost their health.7 Nutritional gummies, in particular, are set for a popularity boom, with an expected CAGR of 4.88% from 20222027.8

Developments in ingredient science such as novel, high-purity prebiotics are enabling brands to create on-trend and innovative formats including gummies, capsules and tablets.

Although smaller applications were traditionally difficult to formulate, research has highlighted that galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are effective in a 2 g dose, making them an ideal way to meet consumer demand for convenience.9

In focus ingredientsTo create on-trend cognitive well-being applications, brands need to use ingredients that consumers trust. Natural, recognisable and non-addictive products are hugely important to consumers and demand has grown sharply in recent years.

When it comes to creating appeal through ingredient claims particularly if using an emerging or unfamiliar ingredient its essential that brands choose those with strong scientific backing and take the time to educate their consumers about the products benefits.

For gut health products, probiotics are the reigning leader, with 84% of consumers already aware of probiotic ingredients and their benefits.4

But emerging ingredients are stepping up to the plate. For example, prebiotics such as GOS are increasingly popular thanks to their efficacy; they have been shown to increase the relative abundance of Bifidobacteria in the gut, which has, in turn, been shown to correlate with a reduction of stress and anxiety symptoms via the gut-brain axis.

And because health-conscious consumers are staying on top of the latest ingredient research, awareness of prebiotics is on the rise. Today, more than half of consumers now have an awareness of prebiotics as a beneficial gut health ingredient and 15% are aware of synbiotics, which combine both pre- and probiotics.4

For brands, theres an undeniable opportunity to tap into this awareness of prebiotics to create on-trend, easy-to-consume and efficacious products that are proven to deliver the health benefits consumers want.

Prebiotics can easily be formulated into functional foods with ingredients such as protein to promote both physical and mental resilience or combined with vitamins and minerals to make relaxing RTDs to support better sleep.

Whats next for cognitive well-being?With consumer interest in mental health on the rise, there are plenty of opportunities for brands to create solutions to meet growing demand. Looking ahead, we are likely to see even more interest in products that can support cognitive well-being, as well as combined applications that support other aspects of mental and physical health.

But formulating on-trend, easy-to-consume and scientifically proven products that stand out in a busy market is no small feat. Trusted and reputable partners can not only provide brands with high-quality, efficacious and clinically researched ingredients, they also know what consumers want next from cognitive well-being products.

Together, these elements will empower brands to create nutritional mental well-being solutions that could make a real difference to consumers lives.

References

Original post:

On-mind and on-trend: formulating products for cognitive well-being - Nutraceutical Business Review