Daily Archives: April 22, 2023

Probiotic supplements may do the opposite of boosting your gut health according to an article inThe Washington Post. The article advises readers to "beware of the hype" and cautions: "Taking gummies, powders and capsules of live microorganisms can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the intestinal tract of healthy people and lead to less microbial diversity." Going beyond that, the article contends that studies show that taking probiotic supplements can reduce the levels of microbial diversity in your gut, "which is linked to a number of health problems.

The International Probiotics Association (IPA) critical response teamissued a response to the article, noting that the "hype" surrounding probiotics is actually backed by research. "Underpinning this multibillion-dollar industry are over 1,600 registered probiotic clinical studies, over 700 indications for probiotic supplements, and millions of probiotic doses taken daily around the world by a variety of individuals, with no reported deaths in healthy people due to probiotic supplementation to date. Probiotic foods and dietary supplements are regulated around the world with a variety of safe lists, and a number of quality and manufacturing procedures. This is not hype, this is a science-backed, established industry."

Regarding the idea that probiotics damage the microbiome, IPA saidscientific evidence does not support that assertion. "Microbiome profiling is often performed in probiotic studies, but is not a clinically accepted biomarker, and varies greatly in how it is performed, analyzed, and interpreted," IPA explained. The association also pointed to a recent scientific review paper on safety of probiotics that discourages relying on microbiome profiling as a safety assessment. "Thus, while lower diversity in the gut microbiota is generally linked to several health problems, no evidence has been provided by the author to demonstrate that probiotics can lower the diversity and thus cause health problems."

Dissecting the Washington Post article, IPA raised several concerns, and made counter arguements, including:

IPA concludes by noting that probiotics have documented health benefits for healthy individuals. "Within the probiotic industry, there is generally a lack of longitudinal studies on safety, efficacy, and nutri-vigilance, and this is typically due to the high cost and low return on investment for low margin products in the food and dietary supplement categories. That being said, the probiotic industry is moving towards interconnected standards and best practice guidelines not only for manufacturing and production, but also for scientific and technical aspects. As health issues worsen within the U.S. and globally, the negative focus on 'beneficial biotic' ingredients should instead give rise to the benefits of probiotics, fermented foods, and all other biotics. The Washington Post should focus their efforts to highlight positive research regarding immunity, gastrointestinal, and overall health instead of relying on social media evidence to fear monger amongst consumers who seek to derive benefit for their gut and overall health."

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Probiotic supplements may do the opposite of boosting Gut Health ... - WholeFoods Magazine

Hangover remedies are as old as hangovers themselves. After a night of too much merriment, the ancient Romans made a habit of consuming raw owl eggs; meanwhile, the 1878 World Exposition in Paris saw the introduction of the prairie oyster. Some swear by staples like fried food, tomato juice, or even more alcohol. The one thing these remedies all share is that none of them are rooted in science.

But now, emerging research has identified a number of science-backed ingredients that actually show evidence of easing the symptoms of a hangover. Here are a few with scientific backing.

Botanical Rehydration Formula Promotes Liver Health

One emerging hangover remedy targets a well-known hangover culprit: dehydration. Alcohol consumption reduces the amount of vasopressin in the body; in turn, this causes the kidneys to excrete more urine, causing fluid loss. This dehydration is responsible for several hangover symptoms, including headaches and fatigue.1

In fact, every standard serving of alcohol causes a net fluid loss of 3.5 fl oz, says Andreea Simo, manager of quality and regulatory for hydration-supplements brand HydraLyte. A 5-fl-oz glass of wine, for instance, causes 8.5 fl oz of fluid loss. Simo explains that HydraLytes formulation uses a precise ratio of water, electrolytes, and glucose to cause rapid rehydration, enabling the body to absorb water as soon as one starts drinking alcohol. HydraLyte also offers HydraLyte Plus Liver Support, which combines rehydration with antioxidants and vitamins that support liver function.

The formula includes botanicals like milk thistle, which is popular for its liver health benefits, Simo says. Milk thistle has been recognized around the world for its beneficial impact on the liver and has been studied extensively in several human clinical trials. HydraLyte Plus Liver Support helps lower oxidative stress and combat free radicals, both of which have been shown to increase with alcohol consumption.

Nutraceutical Gummy Bears Change the Pre-Game Routine

When it comes to hangovers, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Sean ONeill, founder of Toast! Supplements, says most hangover remedies fail because consumers take them at the wrong time.

By the time youre hung over, theres nothing that can help you, ONeill says. Not all the hydration and greasy food in the world can save you.

Thats why Toast! Supplements created Before You Drink, a hangover remedy designed to be taken, as the name says, before one drinks. Before You Drink gummies consist of milk thistle, matcha green tea, Opuntia cacti (prickly pear cactus) powder, and L-cysteine, plus a variety of nutrients like zinc, niacin, and thiamine.

Before You Drink is rooted in research conducted by the Alcohol Hangover Research Groups (AHRG) founder Joris Verster, PhD. AHRG was founded to promote research on alcohol-related hangovers.

The AHRG has found that alcohol metabolism and the inflammatory response associated with alcohol consumption appear to be the [cause of hangovers], ONeill explains. Research shows a significant relationship between cytokines and the severity of hangovers. Research has also found that individuals with higher levels of zinc and niacin report less-severe hangovers. Similarly, another study found prickly pear reduced hangover symptoms, seemingly through its anti-inflammatory effects.

Nicotinamide Tablets Break Down Alcohol Byproducts

At least one hangover remedy is targeting alcohol directly with an enzyme-based approach. Sober Rush is a hangover remedy containing 60 mg of reduced beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), or nicotinamide, per serving. The product was developed at the UCLA Cancer Center.

The root cause of a hangover is the buildup of acetaldehyde, Sober Rush said in a press release. The enzymes in Sober Rush break down acetaldehyde before it has an opportunity to cause hangover symptoms.

NADH is the first discovery in the world that can be applied to unravel alcohol-induced liver damage, said Sober Rush Founder Yong Wu, MD, PhD, in a press release. By preventing most of the negative effects from alcohol from ever occurring, Sober Rush allows people to experience and enjoy alcohol more positively.

Emerging Hangover Remedies Embrace Science

Gone are the days of old home remedies and folk cures. Whether its by reducing acetaldehyde, calming inflammation, or rapidly rehydrating the body, modern hangover supplements are demonstrating that they are effective because theyre rooted in science.

References

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Do hangover supplements actually work? - Nutritional Outlook

You may be forgiven if you are unfamiliar with Aquaman, a superhero who breathes underwater, communicates with sea creatures, and possesses superhuman strength and agility. But revisit past columns if you havent learned that fish are the real superheroes. Why? Because when mere mortals consume fish, their bodies gain extraordinary powers to fight the arch-nemesis of illness.

Studies have repeatedly shown that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have remarkable health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, improving cognitive function, and reducing inflammation throughout the body.

To gain these benefits, eating enough fatty fish, like salmon and mackerel, isnt easy, especially with high food prices. For a fraction of the cost, fish oil supplements are a no-brainer.

Whats preventing some people from taking this superhero of supplements?

Some people suffer from fish burps. Its what happens when your digestive system lets out a little aquatic airfare, and a pungent reminder of your fish oil supplement.

The prevalence of burping or other gastrointestinal side effects when taking omega-3 fish oil supplements can vary depending on the individual. Some studies report that 30% of individuals may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as burping, heartburn, or diarrhea. Most people experience no effects at all.

Why do people burp from fish oil? The main reason is that fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can be difficult for the body to digest, leading to the release of gas, which causes burping.

For those who are affected by burping, taking fish oil supplements can be a real problem. Not only is the burping unpleasant and embarrassing, but it can dissuade people from taking fish oil altogether, leaving them without the health benefits.

The likelihood of experiencing burping or other gastrointestinal side effects may also depend on the dose and formulation of the supplement being used.

And thats where there is a good solution to the burping problem. Look for a fish oil supplement that offers a form more readily accepted by the stomach. One example to be found at health food stores is Certified Naturals Omega3X fish oil containing MaxSimil, which is pre-digested with enzymes, leading to better absorption and making it much less likely to cause burps.

To explain, omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that are often found in the form of triglycerides. Triglycerides are the main form of fat in the human body and in the food we eat. They consist of a glycerol molecule and three fatty acids. In consuming omega-3 fatty acids, the role of the digestive system is to capture them for use as energy.

But our bodies contain a lot of water, and these oily triglycerides therefore can pass right through the bodys digestive system and out the other end, all benefits missed. The purpose of using enzymes is to convert the fats from a triglyceride to a monoglyceride. Monoglycerides are the form of fat that our body must convert fish oils into, so having it pre-digested into a monoglyceride makes it easier for our system to absorb, and thus less burping.

In another approach to reduce burping, some supplements involve gelcaps that are enteric-coated for delayed release, but these can contain undesirable plasticizers.

For some, no matter how good the supplement, burping can remain a problem. Try refrigerating the capsules and taking them with food. Remember, accepting a little burp is better than forgoing the benefits.

If persistent or severe burping persists, talk to your healthcare provider, as these symptoms may indicate an underlying health condition or allergy.

Dr. W. Gifford-Jones is a graduate of the University of Toronto and the Harvard Medical School. For more than 40 years, he specialized in gynecology, devoting his practice to the formative issues of womens health.

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Common Sense Health: Fish oil is the superhero of supplements - The Independent

Red yeast rice, or RYR, is a unique supplement or ingredient created by culturing and fermenting rice with specific strains of yeast.

The fermented product includes bioactive compounds that have a physiological effect and a red color that results from the fermentation process.

RYR has gained attention for its role in cholesterol reduction and cardiovascular disease risk reduction.

When whole, it contains carbohydrates, protein and a small amount of fat as well as pigments, sterols and isoflavones.

The exact composition of RYR depends on the type of rice and yeast. Theres a degree of variability in function and safety.

Several types of bioactive compounds known as monacolins are found in RYR. The most effective of these is monacolin K, which is structurally identical to the statin lovastatin. As with its pharmacological twin, monacolin K inhibits cholesterol production in the liver. But monacolin K from RYR has a wide range of efficacy, which makes its effects less predictable than a statin.

Clinical studies have been conducted on RYRs lipid-lowering effect. A review of 20 clinical trials found that it had an LDL cholesterol-lowering impact similar to low-intensity, low-dose statins such as pravastatin, simvastatin and lovastatin. A reduction of 15% to 25% was reported in subjects of different ethnicities, demonstrating the benefits of this supplement.

Other markers of cardiovascular disease health have been measured, too, including triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, C-reactive protein, flow-mediated dilation and pulse-wave velocity. All of these improved with RYR supplementation, though the magnitude of improvement varied among studies.

The federal Food and Drug Administration issued warnings in 2007 and 2013 regarding the use of RYR that focused on its safety, effectiveness and a lack of product standardization. Because the efficacy of RYR varies depending on the product, the cholesterol-lowering benefit also varies.

One disadvantage to RYR is the presence of potentially harmful compounds like citrinin, which can harm kidney function and impair fertility. So if youre considering RYR supplements, look for one thats certified as citrinin-free.

Clinical research has settled on effective doses of three to 10 milligrams of monacolin K from RYR per tablet.

RYR and RYR extract are commonly found as dietary supplements. These can be combined with other nutritional and bioactive compounds that aid in cholesterol lowering such as soluble fiber, plant sterols, probiotics and phytochemicals. Talk with your doctor before taking RYR.

Environmental Nutrition is a newsletter written by experts on nutrition.

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Red yeast rice nutritional supplements health benefits, risks ... - Chicago Sun-Times

The challenge for the food-producing economy in the coming decade will be to produce enough safe and nutritious food for future generations without running out of resources and destroying the earths ecosystems. Although it is estimated that in OECD countries the demand for animal protein sources will decrease by two thirds by 2050, this trend does not apply to emerging economies and lower income countries. To be able to feed the worlds population in the future, it is therefore of the utmost importance to protect the planet and preserve the environment by prudently using its limited resources, producing less greenhouse gas emissions and waste, promoting (or at least stabilising) biodiversity and avoiding deforestation.

These are all strong arguments for promoting the circular economy, which will lead to improved efficiency in resource utilisation. A crucial challenge is the fact that animals performing at high levels need high-quality products that could also be used by humans, which in turn increases competition between feed and food. Indeed, compared to feed, the impact of plant-derived feed additives on feed-to-food competition is negligible, but nevertheless it is good to know that there is one source of additives which does not negatively impact feed-to-food competition while combining other aspects of sustainability: supplements derived from wood. These contribute to sustainable livestock production via improved gut development, allowing better nutrient absorption. Consequently, the animals feed conversion will be improved, and higher production yields will be achieved.

As the most popular wood-derived supplement, lignocellulose, if produced from fresh wood as a by-product of the timber industry, may act as a role model for the circular economy and sustainable use of resources. Lignocellulose is processed wood and contains, depending on the product quality, wood from different species of trees or a combination thereof or even different parts of the tree (trunk and bark). In general lignocellulose is understood to be a source of dietary fibre. Although historically considered as antinutritive ingredient, dietary fibre, when applied in a balanced way, delivers various positive effects in monogastric nutrition, as scientific studies in recent years have shown. Hence, the sceptical view of the inclusion of different fibre sources has gradually been replaced by interest in proper fibre supply and it is now increasingly a focus of animal nutritionists. Today it is generally accepted that a balanced inclusion of fibre contributes directly and indirectly to healthy intestinal functions.

In this context, the most important criterion is the quality of the supplemented fibre. A highly insoluble, but slowly fermentable fibre source will stimulate gut motility and development, allowing for efficient use of feedstuff. These properties are combined in so-called eubiotic lignocellulose. This is derived from fresh wood, is purely insoluble and acts physically, optimising its peristaltic activity. Moreover, it contains a fermentable fraction, which is degraded microbially after passing through the small intestine and entering the caecum and/or hindgut. Within this fermentation process the formation of volatile fatty acids causes lower intestinal pH, providing an unfavourable milieu for pathogenic bacteria and may be directly used by colonocytes as a source of energy, allowing for improved gut development. Consequently, intestinal villi become significantly longer, which improves the intestinal absorptive surface and facilitates the uptake of nutrients and minerals.

An additional value of eubiotic lignocellulose is the presence of wood derived polyphenols as bio-active molecules. Those molecules allow eubiotic lignocellulose to act also as a functional additive, influencing the oxidative status, and elicit gut protective effects.

In addition to the classic lignocellulosic products, a suitable selection of wood sources has made it possible to develop products that can be used in animal nutrition due to their high content of certain bioactive molecules. One of these wood-derived products (agromedROI, agromed Austria GmbH) comprises a bark containing species-specific lignans, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Lignans are natural polyphenols that are found in many plants, where they have protective effects. For the use of wood lignans in animals, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects have been scientifically described: they reduce gene expression of various proinflammatory cytokines and bind free radicals and thus reduce lipid peroxidation and diminish the formation of hydroxyl radicals. The combination of those effects attenuates inflammatory processes, which are energy demanding: this can be seen as a cost-saver and, consequently, the saved energy will be channelled into performance, as seen in a scientific trial on aged laying hens in Germany.

Layers in the late laying phase show a decrease in performance and egg quality, which is related to the ageing of oviducts. Age increases oxidative stress, while the efficiency of the antioxidant acting system declines, with close connection to chronic inflammatory responses compared to young layers. The addition of the a wood-derived supplement to laying hens diet at a late phase in their production cycle caused no changes in body weight, while feed efficiency was significantly improved (by 8.5%) compared to birds in the control group (Table 1). Moreover, the inclusion of the wood-derived supplement improved egg numbers and egg mass in a dose-responsive manner. Due to the positive effects of the wood-derived supplement on laying performance, reduced feed intake is not likely to be due to reduced feed acceptance. Improved laying performance and a trend towards higher eggshell stability suggest that wood-derived supplements are part of the solution of prolonging the productive life of laying hens in future and, consequently, this will further contribute to a prudent use of resources.

Feed additives, especially those derived from wood, have a huge potential for reducing the environmental impact of livestock production. Their sustainable production is an almost negligible part of the contribution to resource conservation, but wood-derived additives have the potential to use our limited resources more efficiently.

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From forest to fork - All About Feed

For a phenomenon that affects roughly 75 percent of menopausal American women, hot flashes are still surprisingly mysterious, with little known about how they work or what to do about them.

We dont have exact answers just several theories and questions, said Dr. Arianna Sholes-Douglas, an obstetrician-gynecologist and author of The Menopause Myth: What Your Mother, Doctor and Friends Havent Shared About Life After 35. With the decline in estrogen during the menopause transition, the bodys internal thermostat sometimes registers the body as hotter than it is and sets off rapid sweating and a dilation of blood vessels in an attempt to cool down.

But what triggers that process and why? Its unclear. How are hot flashes connected with other health issues, like cognitive concerns and cardiovascular disease? Also hazy. Treatment options are limited to hormones and just one non-hormonal drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration. All of which, Dr. Sholes-Douglas added, is a clear reflection of the scant attention and little funding devoted to medical research into this phase of a womans life.

In the last two decades, researchers have started to investigate another potential source of relief: diet. The idea stems from studies that have found that hot flashes differ across cultures and might be a largely Western experience. With that in mind, researchers have hypothesized that environmental factors, like diet, might play a part in this difference.

But many of the studies on dietary interventions are small or inconclusive, said Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for the North American Menopause Society and a director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Womens Health. In studies that have suggested certain foods reduce hot flashes, the mechanisms at work are not fully understood, she added.

Still, there is no harm in adjusting your diet to see if it might help manage your hot flashes, Dr. Faubion said.

Soy products, like tofu and soybeans, contain isoflavones, which are chemicals that can bind to estrogen receptors in the body, said Neal Barnard, an adjunct professor of medicine at the George Washington School of Medicine. For that reason, the thinking goes, soy may mimic estrogen. Its one of the most-studied foods in connection to menopausal symptoms, and theres some evidence that eating it might be associated with fewer hot flashes. But its unclear whether thats because of the soy itself or another mechanism.

In a pair of recent studies, Dr. Barnard and his team randomly assigned 84 postmenopausal women who reported moderate to severe hot flashes to either their regular diets or a low-fat vegan diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, including a daily half-cup of cooked soybeans. Moderate to severe hot flashes decreased by roughly 80 percent in both studies.

The caveat there is that this was essentially two different interventions they were on a whole-food, plant-based diet and they had high soy, said Dr. Faubion. So what part of that was responsible for those results? We have no idea. The women in the study also ended up losing weight, which Dr. Faubion said is noteworthy because some studies have shown a correlation between increased body fat and hot flashes, particularly during certain stages of menopause.

Also of interest to researchers are omega-3 fatty acids. But while some studies have found that taking omega-3 supplements seems to reduce the frequency of hot flashes, others found that they make no difference. Supplements aside, the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in foods containing omega-3s like flaxseeds, walnuts and fatty fish like salmon has been shown in some studies to be associated with fewer hot flashes and other menopause symptoms.

Theres some evidence that a diet high in sugar and fat is associated with worse hot flashes. Beyond that, doctors often suggest avoiding certain foods and drinks that seemingly trigger a hot flash, said Dr. Hoosna Haque, an OB-GYN at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, such as spicy food, caffeine, alcohol and also really high-concentrated sugary foods and highly processed foods.

But, she said, that recommendation is often based just on anecdotal evidence, and its not fully understood why those foods and drinks might trigger a hot flash.

It might just be because they can cause spikes and drops in energy levels, Dr. Haque said. Or because something like caffeine can dilate blood vessels much like hot flashes do and may set off a similar chain of events.

Ultimately, we counsel patients that a balanced, healthy diet may help relieve symptoms, but it isnt a treatment, Dr. Haque said. And healthy diets can also have beneficial effects down the line, when it comes to things like bone health, weight gain and cardiovascular health.

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Could Certain Foods Help With Hot Flashes? - The New York Times

NEW YORK After the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers have realized the importance of taking care of both their cognitive and immune health, and supplements have become a sought-after way to do so, according to a study conducted by Kyowa Hakko.

With the launch of two white papers Evolving Consumer Attitudes About Immunity Support and New Survey Reveals Whats Driving Consumers to Energy Drinks and Supplements Kyowa Hakko found 40% of consumers report taking supplements to support immunity in the past 12 months and of those, more than three-in-four do so as part of their regimen for long-term immune support.

This renewed focus on immune health indicates that consumers are looking for new solutions to ensure theyre feeling and performing their best every day, said Karen Todd, RD, vice president of global brand marketing, Kyowa Hakko USA, Inc. Thats where ingredients like our Immuse postbiotic come into play, those that present a new mechanism of action for immune health and are backed by numerous clinical studies.

The survey also states that among US supplement consumers, four-in-five said it is important to their quality of life to have mental focus, mental energy, and the ability to concentrate.

So many of us experience a number of different stressors throughout our day that are jeopardizing our ability to focus, think clearly, and keep our mental energy up, Ms. Todd said. Consumers want more products that include ingredients that are clinically researched to help us overcome those challenges and improve brain health, like Cognizin citicoline.

In addition to seeking the need for more supplements, nearly one-third of supplement consumers said they feel underserved and unsatisfied with the current market for both immune- and cognitive-boosting drinks.

Our surveys are telling us that beverages are a major white space for product development, as consumers look for more opportunities to get functional ingredients into their bodies through their diets, Ms. Todd said.

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Consumer interest in cognitive, immune health rising - Food Business News