Category Archives: Food Supplements

This article was published in the June 2022 issue ofPet Food Processing. Read it and other articles from this issue in ourJune 2022 digital edition.

The humanization of pets has it perks, dangers and many unknowns. When out on the trails together, the pet parent can nibble on the human-grade peanut butter treats along with their furry companion. But, when sitting back and chilling at the end of the day, the pet parent better make sure no sips are snuck of that cold hard seltzer. In fact, there are numerous substances approved for human use and not considered safe for pets. Chocolate and caffeine, for instance, are toxic to both cats and dogs. Macadamia nuts are one of the most poisonous foods for dogs, while tomato plants can be fatal to cats. Then theres hemp-derived cannabis ingredients showing up in all types of products.

COVID accelerated the humanization of pets, said Bill Bookout, president of the National Animal Supplement Council, Sun City West, Ariz. At the end of the day, pet parents want to accomplish the same thing for their pets as for themselves, and that is to live a long, happy, healthy life.

Thats where cannabidiols (CBD) enter the picture. In December 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized hemp-derived cannabis ingredients with less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on a dry weight basis and CBD as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for human products such as tinctures and extracts. The THC are psychoactive compounds, while the CBD compounds are associated withrelaxation, pain relief, improved sleep, positive mood,bettermemory andstressresponse.

This GRAS list does not transfer to pets. Further, the Dietary Supplement Health and EducationAct (DSHEA) of 1994 also does not apply to animals. And while hemp-derived CBD is not legally (at the federal level) allowed in human foods and beverages, it is being used in states that have approved marijuana, and its also being incorporated into pet treats and supplements without any regulatory approval. And pet parents are buying them.

AmericanMarijuana.org, an online medical marijuana resource, surveyed 1,061 US CBD consumers in 2021 about their experience using CBD on their pets. Thirty-five percent of respondents said their vets advised them to do so. Before administering CBD, 61% were worried about its safety; however, after using it, 40% were no longer concerned. Further, nine out of 10 indicated they would recommend CBD for pets to others.

More than three out of five (63%) respondents said they tried other medications before using CBD on their pets, with 83% agreeing that CBD was more effective. An impressive 81% agreed that CBD was safer, but there remains some confusion. Of the 92% of pet parents who often read the labels on CBD products before purchasing it for their pets, nearly one out of five (19%) indicated they were not sure they understood the information on the label.

"A quick internet search will pull up hundreds of animal treats and snacks containing hemp and hemp derivatives, such as CBD and various oils, said Louise Calderwood, director of regulatory affairs, American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), Arlington, Va. There is only one problem: there is no legal way to offer hemp in animal food or treats.

Dana Brooks, president and chief executive officer, Pet Food Institute, Washington, DC, said, Cannabis-containing and cannabis-derived products, like CBD oil, have become the topic of conversation for both humans and pets. However, the FDA has not approved these products for inclusion in either human food or pet food and prohibits the addition of CBD to prepared foods. While the FDA determines a new ruling on ingredients, such as CBD, research is underway among regulatory bodies, academia and pet food makers to confirm the benefits and safety of CBD for pets.

Why CBD?

CBD is being included in pet treats and supplements for the same reason they are being produced for human consumers, for their purported health benefits, said Hilary Brown, director of research and development, SRSE Technology, Seattle. Consumers are typically interested in using CBD for their animals general wellness.

They are also looking to give CBD to their pets for the following conditions: cancer; epilepsy and seizures; stress and anxiety; digestion and nausea; pain and inflammation due to joint problems; aging and degenerative diseases; and skin inflammation and allergies.

Until more research is done on the impact CBD and other cannabinoids have on animals or humans, it is best practice for companies producing products for consumption not to make medical claims that cannot be proven without the data to back up the claims, Brown said.

While medical claims should not be made, scientists do understand how CBD functions in the body. Through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), CBD can help the body maintain balance.

The ECS has three components: endocannabinoids, receptors and enzymes, Brown said. Endocannabinoids are molecules produced by the body that help keep internal functions running smoothly. The body produces them as needed, making it difficult to know what typical levels are for each. They are similar to the phytocannabinoids like CBD produced by cannabis plants.

Endocannabinoid receptorsare found throughout your body, Brown added. Endocannabinoids bind to them in order to signal that the ECS needs to take action. Enzymes are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids once theyve carried out their function.Phytocannabinoidsare the active chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with a human or animals bodys endocannabinoid receptors.

"Unscrupulous, opportunistic suppliers are the greatest concern, said Bill Bookout, president of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC).

CBD is only one of more than a hundred different phytocannabinoids that reside in the flowers of the cannabis plant. Knowing how CBD functions is a good thing; however, understanding possible interactions with other medications and overall health and safety remain a concern. In terms of safety, theres also the concern of toddlers or other uninformed humans getting their hands on the product and experiencing a deleterious effect.

Regulatory hurdles

There is quite a bit of research on the non-nutritional benefits of CBD on pets, Bookout said. Safety, however, still needs to be studied, as well as if the CBD ingredient is efficacious and provides a benefit.

His concern is that some players in this space have a sort of gold-rush mentality. They are producing or using poor quality CBD ingredients just to make money.

Unscrupulous, opportunistic suppliers are the greatest concern, Bookout said.

To move forward, more safety studies are necessary, he said. It will also be paramount to have an audit process with a verification of trust seal.

We believe that robust safety research into possible novel pet food ingredients will help to ensure a better understanding of any possible impacts on pet health and nutrition, Brooks said. Regulatory bodies can then make sound decisions regarding ingredient definition and approval when presented with the available science. At the same time, this can also help support a regulatory environment that is predictable for pet food manufacturers so they will not depend upon a patchwork ingredient approval system that varies state-by-state within the US.

In February 2022, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), Champaign, Ill., initiated an effort to address the growing use of illegal hemp products in animal snacks and treats. In collaboration with 16industry organizations, AAFCO sent an open letter to lawmakers and other agricultural leaders regarding the trend of state legislatures introducing bills that allow the use of hemp and hemp byproducts in commercial livestock feed and pet food.

This CBD oil can be added to pet food, treats or fed directly to dogs, cats or horses. (Source: NuLeaf Naturals)

It is confusing for consumers to see hemp-based products offered for sale for their pets or livestock, and the hodgepodge of state legislation allowing it creates an unlevel playing field for other ingredients that follow the proper regulatory pathways, Calderwood said. The letter highlights concerns that hemp and hemp by-products (e.g., CBD) are being used in animal food before federal approval affirms they are safe and legal to use. Some in the hemp industry are actively lobbying legislators and state departments of agriculture to support legislative pathways for the sale of hemp and hemp derivatives for use in animal food, rather than following recognized regulatory structures.

The letter states, Currently, no hemp ingredients have been approved through the established animal feed ingredient review pathways. It would be imprudent to bypass these established procedures needed to protect both human and animal health and unilaterally legislate approval of animal feed ingredients at the state level.

CBD given in an edible delivery system offers an easy way for pet parents to administer to their pets. That is why the trend is becoming so popular, said RaChelle Baca-Lobre, founder and global director of sales at Rovers Wellness.

The letter encourages proponents of hemp-based animal foods to support research through universities or private labs so that the safety and utility of hemp can be fully understood before it is allowed for commercial purposes.

This is what companies do when they want to have new ingredients approved, Calderwood said. They dont circumnavigate regulations and move straight to store shelves. They spend the money and time, and have their new products undergo the appropriate testing and review before they are put in animals mouths.

Delivery methods

There are a number of CBD suppliers, as well as pet treat and supplement companies, doing their due diligence. Take note, dosing is an important consideration. That makes treats and oils the more common delivery vehicles, as these formats make it easier to control and regulate the quantity of CBD the pet ingests.

There remains, however, a lack of quality, peer-reviewed research regarding pets consuming CBD. Published studies are focused more on perceived effects versus quantifiable data.

Data that looks at more empirical evidence and can point to specific interactions within an animals endocannabinoid system would be very helpful, Brown said. Looking at cannabiss interactions with other ingredients in the animals diet and the safety of consumption are areas where we will hopefully begin to see further research.

SRSE Technology markets water-soluble hemp-derived CBD emulsions in liquid and powder forms. Heirloom Pet Products, Richmond, Va., uses it in an array of pet products, including food toppers, bone broth and stick snacks. Free from THC and its psychoactive effects, the broad-spectrum, water-soluble ingredient is optimized for rapid bioavailability, according to the company.

CBD extracts are oils, and oils can be tricky to work with [in treats] depending on the product being created, Brown said. The extracts are viscous and do not always disburse evenly, which can make accurate dosing difficult. The oil also takes more effort and time to digest.

Oil supplements are a precise way of dosing for pets and humans; however, people typically consume oil by dipping it under their tongue. This is an effective way for the active compounds to enter the endocannabinoid system, but is not so effective with a dog or cat.

CBD given in an edible delivery system offers an easy way for pet parents to administer to their pets, said RaChelle Baca-Lobre, founder and global director of sales, Rovers Wellness, Franklin, Tenn., a manufacturer of broad-spectrum oil.That is why the trend is becoming so popular.Finding a clean delivery system is key. However, they do have to dose a bit higher, as the CBD/hemp oil/cannabinoids do not travel to the endocannabinoid system the same way that administering oil directly under the tongue or in the mouth would. Also, it is not possible to dose a medication in the pets food because you will be left wondering whether the pet got the proper dose if they do not eat the entire portion which happens a lot.

Broad-spectrum CBD contains CBD and other cannabinoids but no THC, while full-spectrum CBD contains CBD and all other cannabinoids, including trace amounts of THC (0.3% or less). Isolate CBD contains just CBD.

NuLeaf Naturals, Denver, markets full-spectrum CBD pet oils. This whole-plant extract contains all of the naturally occurring synergistic cannabinoids and terpenes. The company uses US-grown organic hemp plants harvested at peak perfection. The company controls the entire farming and production process from seed to shelf to guarantee quality. Further, NuLeaf Naturals uses independent labs to confirm purity and potency, ensuring pets are ingesting safe and effective ingredients.

Regulations and education are critical in this space. Pet parents need to know that products they may be using can be dangerous to their pets. In addition, with relaxed laws around cannabis in many states, humans may be less concerned with leaving it out. Unfortunately, this means pets may be getting into their owners stashes and the results can be harmful.

Trupanion, a Seattle-based medical insurance provider for pets, is experiencing more than five-times the number of claims that involve cannabis ingestion than that of alcohol.THC can cause balance problems, irregular heartbeat, incontinence or worse. Even inhalation through second-hand smoke can be very dangerous to pets. Trupanion has also found that nearly 10% of marijuana toxicity claims for pets are paired with chocolate toxicity.

While there remain many questions regarding CBD and pets, most players in this space support regulations and certifications to ensure safety. For now, pet parents must decide if the purported health benefits outweigh the unknowns.

Keep up with the latestpet food trendson our Trends page.

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Formulating with hemp-based ingredients - Pet Food Processing

Sedgwick is a global provider of technology-enabled risk, benefits, and integrated business solutions with more than 30,000 employees across 80 countries. It reports quarterly on everything recalled around the world.

The Sedgwick recall indexes are lengthy, colorful, and very comprehensive. Automotive, consumer products, medical devices, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage recalls are all included in the quarterly Sedgwick indexes.

The Sedgwick index includes food and beverage recalls by the U.S. Food and Drug and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Mandatory recalls are rare, but both the USDAs Food Safety and Inspection Service and the FDA recalls for the businesses under their regulation are logged.

According to Sedgwick, the number of FDA recalls increased 9.1 percent during the second quarter, which ended on June 30. The recall increase to 120 reflects a rise from 110 events during the first quarter.

For USDA-regulated establishments, total recalls were up 62.5 percent in 2022s second quarter, up from eight in the previous period to 13. Sedgwick also tracks the number of units recalled and reports that USDA-regulated businesses recalled 973,374 pounds of meat during the period, a 1,391.3 percent increase.

USDA recalls were for no inspections, bacterial contamination, foreign materials, under-cooking, and undeclared allergens.

Two recalls totaling 615,315 pounds were caused by undercooking and involved chicken breasts from the same manufacturer. That undercooking was responsible for the greatest number of pounds recalled during the period.

No pork was recalled during the first quarter, but there were five recalls involving pork during the second quarter.

All USDA recalls were Class 1 events, meaning human health was at risk. The quarter also saw three poultry recalls, one for seafood and multiple types of meat.

Although the overall number of recalls went up in the food industry from the first quarter of 2022, there was a significant drop in the number of impacted units, the new data from the recently releasedSedgwick Brand Protection Q2 2022 recall indexreveals.

Sedgwick predicts that combining operational difficulties and abrasive safety regulators will undoubtedly result in more recalls and enforcement actions across industries as 2022 finishes up.

Overall, recalls surpassed1 billion productsthis year for only the third year on record, and it expects that 2022 will be a record-setting year for recalled products.

Regulators and lawmakers alike have increased their scrutiny of every industry, introduced new guidelines and rules, and started to call out companies they believe to be non-compliant publicly,said Chris Harvey, senior vice president at Sedgwick. Add to the mix the current geopolitical issues and ongoing public health crises, and businesses face new risks that are increasingly difficult to address.

Sedgwick also commented on the controversial recall and shortage of infant formula. It reports that during the week of July 3, the out-of-stock rate for powdered infant formula was more than 30 percent, while the regular rate is 10 percent.

According to some reports, the dire infant formula shortage was underway by February and maybe earlier. No one has made a solid prediction about when the need will end.

Other trends mentioned by Sedgwick in their current index are litigation involving bioengineered food, new food supplier verification regulations, and changes in dietary supplements.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News,click here.)

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Sedgwick index reports on recent food and beverage recall trends - Food Safety News

In this series of articles, NutraIngredients discusses some of the key issues and challenges facing the nutraceutical and food ingredient industry today. In this article, we hear fromMartin Ham, business development manager at NIZO.

NutraIngredients (NI): Why is the gut health market hot right now?

Martin Ham (MH): There are a number of factors combining to drive growth in the gut and digestive health market. One is that consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of gut health and comfort, and that they can, to some extent, manage that themselves through food choices and supplements. This is linked to the fact that global populations are ageing, and more and more people are living with chronic gastric disorders. At the same time, scientists are gaining better understanding of both the importance of the gut (microbiome) on human health and how we can influence it.

NI: How does the gut (microbiome) affect health?

MH: Most obviously, a healthy gut can promote digestive health such as reducing constipation and bloating. But it also has more systemic effects. For example, gut health plays a vital role in our immune system whether by inhibiting pathogens from binding to cells in our digestive tract or through direct modulation of immune cells. Moreover, the concept of the gut-brain-axis, or microbiota-gut-brain-communication, has become largely accepted over the last decade. This two-way molecular communication between the gut and the brain is suspected of impacting our mood, ability to deal with stress, sleep patterns and even behaviour.

NI: What kind of functional ingredients are important in the market?

MH: Currently, the largest area is probiotics microbes that have a positive effect, for example, by metabolising otherwise undigestible food components or producing beneficial compounds such as neurotransmitters or short-chain fatty acids. Then there are prebiotics, substances such as certain fibres or oligosaccharides that promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. These two areas can be combined into one food product or supplement, delivering both the beneficial bacteria and the foodstuff to help it grow in the gut. An emerging area is so-called postbiotics, which contain inactivated microbial cells or cell components, with or without metabolites, that contribute to observed health benefits. Then there are various food enzymes, bioactive proteins and peptides.

There are also a wide variety of phytochemicals including various polyphenols and polysaccharides. Many of these could be extracted from side streams from other industries, which also brings a wide range of environmental benefits including reducing waste and carbon footprints.

NI: Which bioactive molecules can be sourced from side streams?

MH: In a previous column, my colleague Guus Kortman and Jos Maria Pinilla of Natac Biotech talked about the OLEAF4VALUE. This is looking to identify potentially health-boosting polyphenols and triterpenoids, amongst other molecules, in olive leaf biomass from the olive oil industry. Such compounds may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, prebiotic or antimicrobial effects.

Earlier this year, Dutch health ingredients company NutriLeads launched an immune health ingredient based on carrot polysaccharides. This ingredient is derived from carrot pomace, which is a side stream of carrot juice production. Indeed, such potentially prebiotic polysaccharides can be found in many fruits, grains, fungi and even yeasts, and there are many efforts ongoing to find and extract polysaccharide-containing fractions from side streams of appropriate industries. For example, brewing giant AB InBev is looking at the possibility of extracting the hemicellulose arabinoxylan from brewers spent grain, a by-product of beer production. Arabinoxylan may boost levels of bifidobacteria in the human gut.

NI: How do we identify the actual health benefits of such compounds and probiotics?

MH: To be seen as a serious player in this market, it is absolutely essential to provide evidence that substantiates the health benefits of a new product or ingredient. The gold standard for health benefit substantiation is obviously a properly designed clinical trial. But these are costly and can take a long time to perform.

So, the first step is usually one or more in vitro studies, where the compound, microbe or product is introduced to relevant human cells (aka a model). In vitro models are an essential part of the discovery phase, helping identify new functional components and the impact of various types of processing on those components. They can also be used to provide credibility for claims that a food component is biologically active, uncover the mode of action and evaluate potential interactions between components that could either enhance or suppress the desired health benefit. Whats more, the insight gained can guide the design of later human intervention studies to increase the chances of a significant result, which saves time and money.

NI: How do you usein vitro models?

MH: In vitro models aim to mimic the conditions of a certain environment within the human body. To apply them effectively, you have to think about the type of functional component you are investigating and where it will act then pick your in vitro model accordingly. Until recently, these models would use just one cell type, such as epithelial cells, immune cells or samples of the gut microbiota. But increasingly, people are combining different types of cells into a single model to give a more complete picture of how a food component interacts with the human body. For example, combining digestion, gut fermentation and intestinal models may give a more realistic picture of how certain peptides, oligosaccharides or other food components are metabolised and absorbed. Taking this idea further, so-called organoid models combine relevant cell types into a kind of miniaturized organ.

Choosing the right model depends on the specifics of the question you want to explore. More complex models can mimic the environment inside our bodies more realistically but take longer to deliver results. So simpler, high-throughput models are best used in early explorations when you are screening multiple or very novel components to narrow down promising candidates for further investigation. The more complex models are useful later for precise validation of previously identified components and their specific effects.

Together, these models provide the basis for identifying and validating novel compounds, microbes and products or new benefits of existing components to improve gut health and general wellbeing.

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Gut health: A market on the rise - NutraIngredients.com

Collagen has gotten a lot of hype over the past few years, and for good reason: Several studies have found that adding collagen-rich foods orsupplementsto your diet offers a number of benefits and really does help improve the health of your skin, joints, hair and bones.

However, there are a few things you should know about collagen before incorporating it into your daily wellness routine.

Below, you'll find an in-depth explanation about collagen, including what it is, where to find it and how you might benefit from it -- plus the drawbacks you should be aware of. In addition, be sure to check out the best food sources for every vitamin and mineral you needand 10 tips for budget-friendly meal prepping that's still healthy.

Before discussing its benefits, what is collagen? In short, collagen is the most plentiful protein in the human body and accounts for one-third of all protein. It serves as a connective building block that holds together your muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and skin.

There are nearly 30 known types of collagen, but type I is the most prevalent (it exists in all connective tissue and makes up 90% of all collagen in the body). Types II, III and IV are also common and found in various parts of the body including your joints, kidneys, ears and blood vessels.

All of this leads us to another pertinent question: What is collagen good for? Your body naturally makes collagen by combining multiple amino acids (like proline and glycine) with zinc, vitamin C and copper. However, as you get older, production slowsand the existing collagen in your body starts to break down at a faster rate.

When that happens, you may notice your skin getting wrinklier, your tendons and ligaments becoming less flexible and shrinking muscles. To prevent or delay these effects, some people consume collagen (either via food or supplements) to make up for what their body has lost.

If you're looking to amp up your collagen production, you should ensure that your diet includes foods with these essential ingredients:

Eating a well-balanced combination of these foods is the best way to boost your collagen levels. However, you can also consider taking supplements (typically in powder or capsule form) if you aren't getting enough collagen from diet alone.

For best results, experts advise taking a collagen supplement one hour before working out, but always check the label and speak with your doctor before starting any new wellness routine.

Now that we've covered the fundamentals, let's explore some of the benefits of collagen.

Bones are full of collagen, but as you get older, the protein starts to deteriorate. In turn, this can lead to a decrease in bone strength and density. However, by incorporating collagen supplements into your diet, you may be able to prevent some bone loss and reduce your risk of bone-related problems, including osteoporosis and fractures.

Collagen also works together with cartilage to keep your joints properly functioning. Over the years, as it wears down, it can lead to stiff and achy joints and put you at a higher risk for osteoarthritis. The good news is that taking collagen has been found to reduce joint pain in physically active people. It may also serve as a pain reliever for people with existing joint problems.

Your skin also contains collagen, which gives it elasticity and hydration when you're young. But as you mature, your skin becomes saggier and more wrinkly due to depleting collagen levels. Interestingly, studies have shown that adding more collagen to your diet can boost skin firmness and hydration, visibly reducing the effects of aging.

Collagen is created with some of the same amino acids that are used to build keratin, the protein that makes up your hair. Because of this connection, there is some evidence that consuming more collagen may help with your hair health by promoting growth, reducing thinning and slowing graying.

Muscle tissue consists of as much as 10% collagen. When the collagen in your body begins to break down, you could lose muscle mass and potentially develop a condition called sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss). Fortunately, studies have shown that collagen supplements, along with increased protein intake and routine resistance exercise, may help people with sarcopenia build back muscle strength.

Despite these benefits, there are also a handful of drawbacks to collagen supplements that you should bear in mind before incorporating them into your routine.

Traditional collagen supplements, and all dietary supplements in general, are made from animal products, so they aren't suitable if you follow a plant-based diet. While there are some vegan collagen options on the market, it's unclear how they compare to the ones made from animal products. Similarly, if you have any food allergies, make sure to read the label on your collagen supplements thoroughly. In some cases, they may contain common allergens like fish or eggs.

Collagen supplements are regulated as food (not drugs) by the US Food and Drug Administration, meaning their ingredients and production aren't monitored by an official governing body. These products aren't subject to the same regulations and stringent approval process as pharmaceuticals, so it can be tricky to find out about the quality, purity and safety of the ingredients.

Although there have been studies about the effectiveness of collagen (many of which we've cited above), more research needs to be done. Also, some of the existing studies have been funded by companies that produce collagen supplements, which may raise ethical questions about bias.

It's difficult to find other supplements that replicate the effects of collagen because its amino acid makeup is different from other proteins. However, you could try boosting your intake of glycine and proline, the key amino acids that are involved in creating collagen. They're most often found in protein-rich foods like meat and poultry, but they're also available in supplement form.

If you're most interested in how collagen can help improve your hair, nails and skin, you could consider keratin or biotin, which typically come in the form of shampoos and salon treatments but are also sold as dietary supplements. Biotin is also found in certain foods, including legumes, egg yolks, nuts and avocados.

For more advice on supplements, here are five fitness supplements that are proven to work. Plus, check out these three alternatives to melatonin for better sleep without drowsiness the next day.

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.

Excerpt from:

Collagen: What It Does and Everything You Should Know Before Trying It - CNET

Mens Open standout Brett Wilkin is attacking his off-season with a chip on his shoulder. In a recent YouTube video, The Butcher walked his followers through a 6,000-calorie bulking diet and his full off-season supplement stack.

To become an elite Open class competitor, bodybuilders have to adhere to a strict diet, training regimen, and supplementation. This is the case for Brett Wilkin, who continues to show promise in the IFBB Pro League. Despite having less experience than some of his competition, Brett has proven he has the tools to stand against the best.

Last year, he placed second at the 2021 Chicago Pro contest behind champion Hunter Labrada. Many were taken aback by Bretts performance as he brought a seasoned and conditioned package to the stage. However, there were fans who thought his size was holding him back. Nevertheless, Wilkin prepared diligently to take on all comers at the 2022 Arnold Classic back in March, though finished the show in sixth place.

Instead of continuing to grind at various IFBB Pro League shows like Justin Rodriguez did this year, Wilkin took a step back and refocused his efforts on building an improved physique in the off-season.

Thus far, Brett has trained back alongside three-time Classic Physique Olympia Chris Bumstead and most recently smashed a high-volume shoulder workout with fellow RAW athlete Charles Griffen. Wilkin walked his fans through a day in the life of his bulking diet, which amounts to a staggering 6,000 calories.

Check Out this: Calorie Calculator: Find Your Daily Calorie Intake for Reaching Your Ideal Weight

With his first meal of the day, Brett makes sure to consume two oz of lemon juice with REVIVEs GI plus and greens powder because hes not eating vegetables during this stage of his off-season. In addition, he adds REVIVE collagen powder for skin and bone/joint health as well as EAS and REVIVE fiber to his morning shake.

Its vital to make sure everything is point with the stomach and the GI tract. Brett Wilkin said. I always do extra fiber in the morning to get things kicked off.

He ingested supplements to aid with liver and kidney function, like K2 and D3, vitamin C, and an immune mutli-vitamin.

After finishing with some product meetings, Wilkin shares his pre workout meal.

I want to carb-load and more protein during the workout because Im going to digest that faster. Im not doing any fats right now. Im not against fats. You can add fat to your pre workout. It kind of slows down the digestion through the workout.

Wilkin explained what his plan has been for this years off-season.

Ive been doing this all off-season. My pre workout and post workout consist of just protein and carbs so I can burn through those really quick and get on to those bigger meals.

Before, during, and after training sessions, Brett prioritizes carb and protein intake so his body can digest the nutrients faster than consuming foods that are rich in fats.

I want to mainly get protein and carbs here around the workout. This one is going to be another blaster of carbs and protein. Wilkin shared. Honestly, its probably going to be 125 grams of carbs, 130 and then 50 grams of protein. I want to get that down immediately post workout, within 30 minutes to an hour.

The Butcher proceeds with his fourth meal of rice and beef, which happens to be his favorite because its so easy to get down. He opts to enjoy his food without peppers and onions.

Were looking at about 130 grams of total carbs. Looking at about 50-60 grams of protein with the beef and then probably 14 or 15 grams of fat from the beef as well. says Wilkin.

Wilkins fifth meal consisted of another MegaFit meal prep option, this time he went with the sweet and sour chicken course.

Ive been loving this stuff. Wilkin said. I was able to just ship it here to Dallas. So, when I got here, it was already at the hotel.

Wilkin said MegaFit meal prep options have made it easier this off-season to keep his weight really high.

This is going to be about 100 grams worth of carbs and rice. Its going to be about 8oz of chicken. They add pineapple in there too and a little sweet and spicy seasoning on that chicken.

For his last meal of the day, Brett attended a party at his friends house. His plate showed chicken, orange salmon and a couple pieces of bread.

So, Ill show you, were doing kind of a free meal every other night right now anyway. So, this will be perfect to show you five base meals with the cheat meal at the end. Wilkin shared. Orange salmon is on the menu here. I just went with the chicken and the bread because we ate last tonight, so there wasnt too many options.

In addition to Wilkin, fellow Open class standout William Bonac recently shared his bulking diet. After a runner-up finish at the 2022 Arnold Classic, Bonac hopes his demanding diet will help him add extra mass to combat other top athletes at Olympia.

As of this writing, Brett Wilkin has yet to qualify for 2022 Mr. Olympia. Should he win a pro show and punch his ticket to the event, it will be his first time competing in the contest. The marquee show is scheduled to take place from December 15th to 18th later this year.

RELATED: Bodybuilder Brett Wilkin Shares a Gains-Unlocking Chest and Shoulders Workout

Wilkin hasnt committed to any shows this year, but if that changes, Fitness Volt will keep you updated on his next move. Given his whopping 6,000-calorie diet, Brett will be a force to be reckoned with at his next contest.

Excerpt from:

Brett Wilkin Shares Massive Off-Season 6000-Calorie Bulking Diet and Full Supplement Stack Fitness Volt - Fitness Volt

What vitamins should not be taken together? If you take any medications, you might be aware that some substances interact within the body or interfere with one another, but is this true for vitamins? With many of us taking supplements to support our health and wellness, it can sometimes be confusing to see medical experts disagreeing on the value of some of these dietary boosters. How safe are they? Is there anything we should know?

Weve spoken to some medical experts to get their views on which vitamins you might want to avoid combining and how they interact with one another to sometimes cause problems. If you live in a colder climate, weve also rounded the best vitamin D supplements to help support you through the winter months.

(Image credit: Getty)

While we should rely primarily on a healthy, balanced diet to support good health, sometimes we might need to take a vitamin supplement in order to ensure that we are getting enough of a vitamin. This is of particular concern if you have one of the most common vitamin deficiencies.

Dr. Sarah Brewer, a GP and Medical Director of Healthspan (opens in new tab) tells us more about why you might want to take a vitamin supplement. By definition, vitamins are essential for life as we cannot make them all in the body (e.g. vitamin C) or in sufficient amounts to meet our needs (e.g. vitamin D), she says. Diet should always come first, but the National Diet & Nutrition Studies show that significant numbers of people do not get all the micronutrients they need from their food. A multivitamin then acts as a nutritional safety net.

A review carried out by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (opens in new tab) indicated that multivitamin and mineral supplements might help reduce the risk of cancer development in malnourished individuals, however, this very rarely applies in the USA.

Dr. Fiona Barry (PhD BSc Lic Ac MBAcC) from Revive Active (opens in new tab) explains that your diet should be the first port of call for vitamins and minerals and that you should only supplement if you have consulted a doctor. Ideally, all our nutrition should come from our food and there shouldnt be a need for vitamin supplements. However, for a variety of reasons most of us need to supplement at some point in our lives, this can be due to extra demands on our health or by virtue of our geography. For example, most people living in Ireland and Great Britain are vitamin D deficient for at least half of the year, she says. In this technological age, we are constantly on, leading to chronically high stress levels. This, in turn, leads to poor sleep, poor digestion, less downtime, and less time in nature, all of which impact our ability to absorb nutrients. Supplements can provide a segway to better overall health if used appropriately, but they are not the solution to better health long term.

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While most vitamins come to us neatly packaged as part of a meal, you might want to be careful if you are combining certain vitamins as dietary supplements.

Dr. Brewer says that if the majority of vitamins coexist with each other in food sources, we dont need to worry too much about combining them to adverse effects. As all vitamins are found in various combinations in food there is no robust reason why particular vitamins should not be taken together at normal intakes and all vitamins are found in a multivitamin supplement, for example, she says. Once you get into the realms of super dosing, however (which I do not advise) then some minerals should not be combined as they can interfere with each others absorption. For example, the risk of copper deficiency is greater when zinc intakes are high. The ideal dietary ratio of copper to zinc is 1:10.

A review in the journal Nutrition (opens in new tab) highlights that while we dont know much about the impact caused by vitamin deficiencies, mineral deficiencies show a very clear drop in performance, affecting muscle function and work capacity.

Dr. Barry encourages caution when combining fat-soluble vitamins E and K, and vitamins B12 and C for proper absorption. Some vitamin combinations are best avoided, such as Vitamin E and Vitamin K. Vitamin K is sometimes prescribed by doctors to help with blood clotting. Vitamin E increases bleeding time and can therefore counteract the effect of Vitamin K, she says. Vitamin C and Vitamin B12 are another pair of vitamins that may be best taken apart as Vitamin C reduces the absorption of Vitamin B12. Often these vitamins are seen in combination in a multivitamin supplement and, if they are, vitamin B12 is usually at quite a high concentration to overcome this.

A review in Nutrition Reviews (opens in new tab) also mentions that Vitamin E and Vitamin K interactions are not yet understood and impacts are dramatic in some people and not others.

For more on supplements, find out; do anti-aging vitamins work? Or, discover the best B12 supplements.

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What vitamins should not be taken together? - Fit and Well

The need for iron increases considerably in the body during pregnancy. This mineral helps in the oxygen transportation that is required for the healthy growth and development of the baby. If your iron intake is not enough you and your baby, both might suffer from anaemia.

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Pregnancy is also a time when the body goes through several changes. The body might need several nutrients and you might also have to discard a lot of food that your body doesnt need. During pregnancy, your doctor might advise you to take certain supplements because your body might need extra portions of those nutrients. While on the other hand, your doctor might also advise you not to take certain supplements as your body and baby might not need them. Take a look at the supplements that one should take and avoid during pregnancy.

Supplements to take during pregnancy:

Supplements to avoid during pregnancy:

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

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Pregnancy: Supplements that you should take and avoid during this period - Times Now

Does it matter when you take your supplements? Taking vitamins first thing in the morning before having breakfast could be a big no-no, according to doctors. "Taking vitamins on an empty stomach can frequently upset the GI tract," says gastroenterologist Christine Lee, MD. "Many people experience stomach pains, nausea and even diarrhea." Here are five vitamins never to take in the morning. Read onand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

Multivitamins should be taken with food, doctors recommend. "The best time to take a multivitamin is with food so any fat can help with absorption. You can also drink a water-based beverage to wash it all down," says Rodolfo Perez-Gallardo, MD. "But the drawback is that your body won't absorb the water-soluble vitamins as well as fat-soluble ones."

Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble vitamins, and shouldn't be taken on an empty stomach. "The best time to take vitamin D and other fat-soluble vitamins is after you've eaten foods that contain fat," recommends Cleveland Clinic.

Magnesium is commonly used as a sleep aid, so it's best taken in the evening. "One of the well-known effects of magnesium is that it can make you sleepy," according to Kristen Yarker Dieticians Agency. "So, taking magnesium before bed can be a wise call. If a supplement makes you nauseous, such as prenatal multivitamins, take it before bed so that you sleep through any side effects."

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"Taking them with food enhances the body's ability to absorb the vitamins and decreases your risk of experiencing nausea and upset stomach," says Dr. Lee, who recommends avoiding vitamins before a workout. "It'll just slosh around in your stomach and induce gastric acid production."

If you still experience nausea even while eating food with your multivitamin, you might have to change your supplement strategy. "You may find that it works better for you to supplement with individual nutrients you need more of, such as vitamin D, a B-complex vitamin, and the omega-3s EPA and DHA," says Amy Gorin, M.S., R.D.N.

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Never Take This Vitamin in the Morning, Say Doctors Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

The benefits of collagen have been well-marketed in the past several years, from glowing skin to healthy joints to strong bones. But do these claims have any merit?

As it turns out, yes: Several studies have found that adding collagen-rich foods or supplements to your diet offers a number of benefits and really does help improve the health of your skin, joints, hair and bones.

However, there are a few things you should know about collagen before incorporating it into your daily wellness routine. Below, you'll find an in-depth explanation about collagen, including what it is, where to find it and how you might benefit from it.

Before discussing its benefits, what is collagen? In short, collagen is the most plentiful protein in the human body and accounts for one-third of all protein. It serves as a connective building block that holds together your muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and skin.

There are nearly 30 known types of collagen, but type I is the most prevalent (it exists in all connective tissue and makes up 90% of all collagen in the body). Types II, III and IV are also common and found in various parts of the body including your joints, kidneys, ears and blood vessels.

All of this leads us to another pertinent question: What is collagen good for? Your body naturally makes collagen by combining multiple amino acids (like proline and glycine) with zinc, vitamin C and copper. However, as you get older, production slowsand the existing collagen in your body starts to break down at a faster rate.

When that happens, you may notice your skin getting wrinklier, your tendons and ligaments becoming less flexible and shrinking muscles. To prevent or delay these effects, some people consume collagen (either via food or supplements) to make up for what their body has lost.

If you're looking to amp up your collagen production, you should ensure that your diet includes foods with these essential ingredients:

Eating a well-balanced combination of these foods is the best way to boost your collagen levels. However, you can also consider taking supplements (typically in powder or capsule form) if you aren't getting enough collagen from diet alone.

For best results, experts advise taking a collagen supplement one hour before working out, but always check the label and speak with your doctor before starting any new wellness routine.

Now that we've covered the fundamentals, let's explore some of the benefits of collagen.

Bones are full of collagen, but as you get older, the protein starts to deteriorate. In turn, this can lead to a decrease in bone strength and density. However, by incorporating collagen supplements into your diet, you may be able to prevent some bone loss and reduce your risk of bone-related problems, including osteoporosis and fractures.

Collagen also works together with cartilage to keep your joints properly functioning. Over the years, as it wears down, it can lead to stiff and achy joints and put you at a higher risk for osteoarthritis. The good news is that taking collagen has been found to reduce joint pain in physically active people. It may also serve as a pain reliever for people with existing joint problems.

Your skin also contains collagen, which gives it elasticity and hydration when you're young. But as you mature, your skin becomes saggier and more wrinkly due to depleting collagen levels. Interestingly, studies have shown that adding more collagen to your diet can boost skin firmness and hydration, visibly reducing the effects of aging.

Collagen is created with some of the same amino acids that are used to build keratin, the protein that makes up your hair. Because of this connection, there is some evidence that consuming more collagen may help with your hair health by promoting growth, reducing thinning and slowing graying.

Muscle tissue consists of as much as 10% collagen. When the collagen in your body begins to break down, you could lose muscle mass and potentially develop a condition called sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss). Fortunately, studies have shown that collagen supplements, along with increased protein intake and routine resistance exercise, may help people with sarcopenia build back muscle strength.

Despite these benefits, there are also a handful of drawbacks to collagen supplements that you should bear in mind before incorporating them into your routine.

Traditional collagen supplements, and all dietary supplements in general, are made from animal products, so they aren't suitable if you follow a plant-based diet. While there are some vegan collagen options on the market, it's unclear how they compare to the ones made from animal products. Similarly, if you have any food allergies, make sure to read the label on your collagen supplements thoroughly. In some cases, they may contain common allergens like fish or eggs.

Collagen supplements are regulated as food (not drugs) by the US Food and Drug Administration, meaning their ingredients and production aren't monitored by an official governing body. These products aren't subject to the same regulations and stringent approval process as pharmaceuticals, so it can be tricky to find out about the quality, purity and safety of the ingredients.

Although there have been studies about the effectiveness of collagen (many of which we've cited above), more research needs to be done. Also, some of the existing studies have been funded by companies that produce collagen supplements, which may raise ethical questions about bias.

It's difficult to find other supplements that replicate the effects of collagen because its amino acid makeup is different from other proteins. However, you could try boosting your intake of glycine and proline, the key amino acids that are involved in creating collagen. They're most often found in protein-rich foods like meat and poultry, but they're also available in supplement form.

If you're most interested in how collagen can help improve your hair, nails and skin, you could consider keratin or biotin, which typically come in the form of shampoos and salon treatments but are also sold as dietary supplements. Biotin is also found in certain foods, including legumes, egg yolks, nuts and avocados.

For more advice on supplements, here are five fitness supplements that are proven to work. Plus, check out these three alternatives to melatonin for better sleep without drowsiness the next day.

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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Yes, Collagen Really Does Work: Everything to Know Before You Try It - CNET

Nutrition, supplements, and wellness are the foundation for a healthy human life. And that trend is now leaking into our pets and animal health. According to a recent Pet Age report, a pets health and wellness is a three-dimensional sphere that includes several interdependent parts including a high-quality diet, regular exercise, routine veterinary care, a loving home, and supplements to support health.

Caitlin Donohue, Director of Business Development Microbiome Solutions, Pet & Animal Wellbeing, ADM Nutrition, pointed out, its a lot cheaper to prevent problems than to treat them. She and her colleague, Bill Bae, Business Development Director, Market Ready Solutions NA&LATAM, Pet and Animal Wellbeing, ADM Nutrition, sat down with host Michelle Dawn Mooney to discuss supplement care for pets. Bae continued, having those supplements is really beneficial for your pets in general.

Consumers should expect to see more supplements for their pets microbiome. The term microbiome describes a community of different organisms. The gut microbiome and oral microbiome are the most studied. Each community is a competition between desirable bacteria and undesirable bacteria. A healthy microbiome is usually reflective of overall good health.

Supporting supplemental ingredients include pre-, pro-, and post-biotics. The prebiotic is the food that the probiotics need, explained Bae. A newer term, postbioitics, are organisms that are no longer living. Each provides a health benefit. Post is derived from the probiotic, and ultimately promoting a more diverse, beneficial microbiome for the host, be it a dog, cat, or human, explained Donohue.

Enzyme-focused supplements help facilitate proper digestion. Enzymes are another way to support a breakdown of other various diets for cats and dogs, said Donohue. These can help balance pet diets and support overall well-being. Systemic enzymes support bodily functions within the tissues, organs, blood flow, things like that, said Donohue.

Bae warns that consumers should do their research when buying pet supplements. Carefully look at what is going into your pets gut flora. Bae says there are macro terms that cover a lot of things. Delivering supplements is possible in various forms, from single-serve packs, chews, broths, pastes, or gels.

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Trends in Pet and Animal Wellbeing - MarketScale