Daily Archives: November 21, 2022

Health & Food Supplements Information Service – HSIS

Posted: November 21, 2022 at 2:27 am

gMicrogram a measurement of weight equal to one millionth of a gram (or one thousandth of a milligram). Microgram (g or mcg) is used for a number of nutrients found in food supplements.Amino AcidThe building blocks of protein, there are eight essential amino acids which cannot be synthesised within the body and therefore must come from the diet. These are: isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. In addition arginine and histidine are amino acids required by infants and young children which supports their rapid growth.AntioxidantA substance or nutrient which helps to protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals, damaging molecules which are found in pollution and tobacco smoke. Our bodies also produce free radicals as part of the normal biochemistry of living.DeficiencyA lack of essential macronutrients or micronutrients which results in malnutrition and or disease. This may be the result of inadequate intakes or absorption issues associated with gastrointestinal disease. There are a number of recognised deficiency diseases including (but not exclusively): scurvy (vitamin C deficiency); rickets (vitamin D deficiency); anaemia (iron deficiency, but also deficiencies in B12 and folic acid) and Kwashiorkor (protein deficiency).DHThe Department of Health is a UK Government department. It has responsibility for nutrition legislation and sets health policy for nutrition.DHADocosahexaenoic acid; one of the key omega-3 fats that provides health benefitsDietitianAn individual qualified in nutrition and dietetics who can assess, diagnose and treat health issues associated with nutrition and diet. Dietitians are governed by law with a statutory code of practice; they often work within the health service although increasing numbers are also working in a freelance capacity.EFAEssential fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6) cannot be synthesised by the body and must be derived from the diet. EFAs do not provide fuel for energy production and are required for vital biological processes which support growth, development and health.EFSAEuropean Food Safety Authority; the European Union food risk management agency which scientifically evaluates safety across all areas of food.EPAEicosapentaenoic acid; one of the key omega-3 fats that provides health benefits.Fat soluble vitaminThe fat soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E and K. Because they are fat soluble these substances can accumulate in the body, often being stored in fat cells, or in the liver. This can create health issues, particularly if intakes have been high for a prolonged period of time. For example, long term high intakes of vitamin D may lead to the laying down of calcium in tissues such as liver and kidneys which can cause nausea and vomiting.Food supplementA food supplement is a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect which is sold in small, measured unit doses.FSAThe Food Standards Agency is a non-ministerial UK Government department responsible for food safety and food hygiene.GLAGamma-linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid (an essential fatty acid considered to be necessary for human health which must be derived from the diet). GLA is most commonly found in evening primrose oil (EPO), borage or starflower oil and blackcurrant seed oil.Health claimA health claim is any claim which states, or implies, that consumption of a specific food will have a beneficial effect on health. Claims may be written, verbal or pictorial.Herbal medicine (herbal remedy)A product is considered to be a herbal medicine if the main active ingredient/s are only herbal substances or preparations. Not all herbal products are medicines, some may be food supplements and some may be cosmetics. What determines if a product is, or is not a medicine is complex but generally rests with how the product is presented (i.e. does it make medicinal claims to treat, prevent or cure any disease) and what it does (i.e. does it have a physiological impact on, or alter, any body functions).MacronutrientDietary constituents which are needed in significant amounts, generally protein, fat, carbohydrate, fibre and water.MalnutritionMalnutrition is a state in which the deficiency of nutrients such as energy, protein, vitamins or minerals results in measurable adverse effects on the body. Malnutrition may refer to insufficient intake of protein, carbohydrate and fats (macronutrients) which can result in overly low BMI. It may also be insufficient intake of vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients, which can impact on overall health and could include obese individuals with poor diets.MgMilligram is a measurement of weight equal to one thousandth of a gram. Mg is used for a number of nutrients found in food supplements.MicronutrientA substance derived from food which is needed in extremely small amounts for the normal growth and development of living beings. Micronutrients are vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids (omega-3 fats)MineralInorganic micronutrient essential to health and wellbeing. Minerals are absorbed from soil by plants which are in turn eaten by animals or humans. Minerals may be split into minerals which are needed in relatively high amounts (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chloride and potassium) and trace elements (iron, zinc, cobalt, copper, chromium, fluoride, iodine, manganese, molybdenum, boron and selenium) which are needed in very small quantities.MultivitaminA product which contains more than one vitamin, often multivitamins will contain all 13 vitamins although some may contain only the eight B vitamins, or a combination of some of the vitamins and some additional minerals.NDNSThe UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey is a continuous rolling survey of the dietary habits and nutritional status of adults and children in the UK. The results are used to assess whether intakes of food and nutrients are adequate across different ages and population groups.NRVNutrient Reference Value is the amount set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), primarily to support food labelling, which the majority of the population requires to maintain health. Previously known as RDANutrientA substance derived from food which provides nourishment to the body and is essential for the maintenance of life and for growth and development.NutritionistNutritionists generally work for public bodies or governments, although some do work with private clients. They tend to look at large populations to determine risk factors and make dietary recommendations that are applied at population levels. For example, evidence on the incidence of type II Diabetes led public health nutritionists to determine that some populations are more at risk of developing this disease, and to make recommendations for dietary changes to either reduce the risk or manage the disease. However, public health nutritionists do not practice with individual patients.Omega-3 fatsEssential fatty acids which cannot be synthesised by the body and must be derived from the diet. Primary sources for omega-3 fats are oily fish and fish oil supplements with some also coming from enriched eggs and fortified foods. There are a number of scientifically proven health benefits for omega-3 fats including supporting the health of the eyes, brain and heart, maintaining an appropriate balance of triglycerides in the blood and reducing blood pressure.Omega-6 fatsEssential fatty acids which cannot be synthesised by the body and must be derived from the diet. Primary sources for omega-6 are vegetable oils such as sunflower and corn oils as well as nuts and seeds. There are a number of health benefits associated with omega-6 fatty acids; they are thought to be beneficial in the management of premenstrual syndrome and in some skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis.PAGBProprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB) is the UK trade association which represents the manufacturers of branded over-the-counter medicines, self care medical devices and food supplements.PrebioticsFoods which promote the growth of probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that inhabit our gut. Prebiotics are generally fibres such as inulin, which our bodies cannot digest and absorb but which provide a food source for probiotics.ProbioticsLive bacteria (and some yeasts) which inhabit the digestive tract which are viewed as being beneficial to human health. There are thousands of different bacterial strains; some are resident in specific areas of the digestive tract whilst others are transient, simply passing through.Public Health England (PHE)Public Health England is an agency of the Department of Health responsible for improving public health. They work with local government, the NHS and non-governmental organisations as well as communicating public health messages to the general public.PUFAPolyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are found in nuts, seeds, fish (and fish oil), krill and some algae, small amounts are also found in leafy greens. The omega-3 and omega 6 fats are PUFAs, which are generally associated with health.RDARecommended Daily Amount; previously used terminology for the amount set, primarily to support food labelling, which the majority of the population require to maintain health. Now described using nutrient reference value (NRV)SULSafe Upper Levels of vitamins and minerals were established by the Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals who published a report in 2003 (https://cot.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/cot/vitmin2003.pdf). The UK food supplements industry works to the levels set in this report.VitaminOrganic micronutrient essential to health and wellbeing. Vitamins cannot be synthesised in sufficient amounts by the animal or human body and must therefore be obtained from the diet. Plants manufacture vitamins which move up the food chain as the plants are consumed by animals or humans. Vitamins can be divided into fat soluble (vitamins A, D, E and K) and water soluble (vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, biotin, folic acid and vitamin C).Water soluble vitaminThe B vitamins and vitamin C are water soluble. They are not stored in any significant quantities within the body and are generally either utilised or excreted in the urine. As they are not stored in the body, they tend to have low toxicity and are needed on a daily basis.

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Health & Food Supplements Information Service - HSIS

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Food Security Community Food Security Coalition

Posted: at 2:27 am

Dr. David Sinclair has revolutionized the way that people view aging. As a scientist and pioneer in genetics and longevity research, hes been listed by TIME as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, has received more than 35 awards and honors, and is currently working as a professor in the Department of Genetics and co-director of the Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging at Harvard Medical School.

Sinclair is also the author of a New York Times bestseller, Lifespan: Why We Age And Why We Dont Have To, published in 2019. His book presents scientific research in a way that is understandable and its inspired people of all ages to strive for a longer, healthier life.

In his book, he talks about the history of longevity research, current developments and the future of the field. He shares his unique views on aging, which has people rethinking their own outlook on it.

He believes that aging is a disease, its treatable and that we can treat it within our lifetimes.

According to Sinclair, There is no biological law that says we must age.

Sinclairs work involves focusing on aging as the cause of most diseases, while figuring out how the process can be slowed down and reversed. He states that people have longevity genes, which are built-in defenses against aging.

The discovery of longevity genes showed that it is possible to greatly slow the pace of aging and disease by manipulating just one central pathway. This raises the possibility that we can find small molecules that can treat multiple, seemingly unrelated diseases with a single medicine. (The Sinclair Lab)

If interested in the supplements and medications that David Sinclair takes, here is the most up-to-date list, as of 2022.

For more details about the supplements Sinclair takes, check out our post on David Sinclairs Anti-Aging Supplement, Diet & Lifestyle List 2022, which contains regularly updated information on his diet, fitness and lifestyle choices, which are also important when it comes to health and longevity.

David Sinclair has a new podcast, co-hosted by Matthew LaPlante. LaPlante is the co-author of his book. Every week, a new video is released, sharing up-to-date information on longevity research & discoveries. Here are summaries of the first two podcasts.

Podcast # 1: The Science Behind Why We Age | Lifespan with Dr. David Sinclair

In the episode, Sinclair explains why people age, the differences between chronological and biological age and how to measure biological age through the DNA methylation clocks. He talks about genes which control aging (mTOR, AMPK and Sirtuins) and how the genes are epigenetic regulators of aging. They discuss how certain organisms have extremely long lives and why that is. They explain how the process of ex-differentation occurs, when cells begin to lose their identity and how this makes up the Information Theory of Aging. They cover a lot of interesting topics related to the science behind aging, but explain it all in a way that is understandable.

Podcast #2: What to Eat & When to Eat for Longevity | Lifespan with Dr. David Sinclair

In this episode, Sinclair discusses what and when to eat, as it relates to longevity. He provides some tips on fasting and on foods to avoid. He also talks about drugs that mimic fasting and their importance for long-term health. They discuss the science behind a low energy state that is induced by fasting and how it helps combat aging and improves health. He briefly mentions NAD+ boosting supplements, like NMN and how some doctors dont agree with a self-experimentation approach. They discuss different fasting regimens like intermittent, one meal a day and the Fasting Mimicking Diet. They also share Sinclairs current diet and preferences.

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Food Security Community Food Security Coalition

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