Category Archives: Food Supplements

What if our cities could be more like forests? Thats the question at the heart of a new building prototype developed by architecture and engineering firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.

Its not just for aesthetic purposes its a way to adapt to the changing climate. Just this year, the United Nations describeda report on global warmingas a code red for humanity. That sort of urgency is what prompted SOM to think about the role of the built environment and whether its possible for a building to go beyond net zero emissions.

Instead of just reducing carbon emissions to try to get as close to zero, can we go one step beyond and think of a building that would absorb carbon from the air? said SOM design principalYasemin Kologlu.

The prototype the firm came up with is called Urban Sequoia.It debuted at the recent COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. The building uses several different approaches to capture carbon from the air, one of which is thinking about what the buildings made of.

We use natural material. Rather than concrete and steel, we focus on using wood or using biobricks, said SOM Sustainable Engineering Studio directorLuke Leung.

The building also integrates natural processes like using carbon as part of photosynthesis to produce algae, that in turn can be used as a biofuel.

A rendering of the Urban Sequoia prototype. (Courtesy of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill)

Rather than using fossil fuels or simply relying on electricity, we could actually use that as a biofuel for the heating and cooling of our building, Kologlu said.

Additionally, the prototype has a carbon capture device that takes advantage of the way air naturally moves upward through tall buildings as Leung describes it, use the natural forces of the wind to power these devices like a fan.

A slew of architects, designers, and sustainability specialists came together to develop the concept. They think the Urban Sequoia has big potential.

We imagine that over 60 years, for example, it will sequester 350% so 3 1/2 times what it would have emitted if we were to build it today in a conventional fashion, Kologlu said.

The project isnt just about finding the best building materials or coming up with different ways to capture carbon. Its also about the ways in which cities and the people who build them can learn from nature.

Were trying to use the power of nature, or life, to do a lot of the heavy lifting of the work in a building, or for the world as a whole, Leung said. Nature and humans thriving together.

A rendering of the Urban Sequoia prototype. (Courtesy of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill)

The prototype could also have a positive effect beyond the urban environment. The carbon the Urban Sequoia captures could be used to produce not just biofuel, but building materials or food supplements, reducing the strain on agriculture.

Oftentimes, we decouple the urban environment (from) farming, Leung said. We want to lessen the burden on the farmland by creating buildings that can actually create the material we need.

The Urban Sequoia prototype is a high-rise, but its creators say the concepts work at a variety of scales, and that some of the techniques can be applied to existing buildings. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill says its planning to release a white paper later this year detailing how the Urban Sequoia prototype works.

While there arent any plans to build one at the moment, the folks at SOM say they arent letting go of this idea.

I would love my son to experience the world like I did, Kologlu said. I keep optimism because (climate change) is still a big challenge, but we have never been closer to addressing this challenge than this moment, and tomorrows going to be better too.

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Beyond Net Zero? A New Prototype for a Building That Absorbs Carbon Pollution - WTTW News

DUBLIN, December 14, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Direct-to-consumer Pet Food Market by Type Pet Type Health Condition - Global Forecasts to 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The direct-to-consumer pet food market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.4% to reach USD 32.32 billion by 2027.

The growth projections of this market are mainly attributed to the factors like rising pet E-commerce, humanization of pets, rising millennial pet owners, willingness to spend more on premium pet foods, and convenience in purchasing pet food.

In addition, emerging Asia-Pacific and Latin American economies are expected to create lucrative opportunities for players operating in this market.

Based on type, the direct-to-consumer pet food market is mainly segmented into meals, treats, and supplements. The pet meals segment is projected to command the largest share of the overall direct-to-consumer pet food market in 2020. This segment's dominant position is mainly attributed to the rising demand for high-quality ingredients products and the humanization of pets.

Based on animal type, the direct-to-consumer pet food market is mainly segmented into dogs, cats, and others. The dogs segment is expected to command the largest share of the overall global direct-to-consumer market in 2020. The large share of this market is mainly attributed to rising dog ownership. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, in 2019, ~38% of households had one or more dogs.

The Asia-Pacific region is slated to register the fastest growth during the analysis period, primarily due to the significant expansion of the economy and the rising business of E-commerce.

The APAC region contributes more than 60% of global economic growth, contributing to the penetration of leading pet players in the region. Further, online shopping is increasing as consumers are digitally savvy and rely on this channel for information.

Story continues

Key questions answered in the report-

At what rate is the demand for direct-to-consumer pet food projected to grow for the next 5-7 years?

What is the historical market size and growth rate for direct-to-consumer pet food across the globe?

What are the major factors impacting the growth of this market at a global and regional level? What are the major opportunities for existing market players and new entrants in the market?

What impact does the current COVID-19 pandemic have on the direct-to-consumer pet food market at various levels in the value chain?

Which segments are creating the major traction for the vendors in this market?

What are the key geographical trends in this market? Which regions/countries are expected to offer significant growth opportunities for manufacturers operating in the direct-to-consumer pet food market?

Who are the major players in the direct-to-consumer pet food market? And also, what are their specific product/service offerings in the pet food industry?

What recent developments have taken place in the direct-to-consumer pet food market, and which strategic developments are creating a global impact in this market?

Market Insights

Drivers

Rising Pet Population Coupled with Increasing Pet Food Expenditure

Increasing Prevalence of Zoonotic Diseases

Rising Demand for Premium Pet Food Products

Growing Number of Pet D2C Brands and Start-Ups

Rise in Pet E-Commerce Trend

Restraints

Opportunities

Trends

Impact of COVID-19 on the Direct-to-Consumer Pet Food Market

Key Players

The key players operating in the direct-to-consumer pet food market are

Nestle S.A.

General Mills Inc.

Mars Inc.

Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.

J.M Smucker Co.

Schell & Kampeter Inc.

Heristo AG

Simmon Pet Food Inc.

Well Pet LLC.

Framer Dog Inc.

Jinex Inc.

Justfood for Dogs LLC

Ollie Pet Inc.

Vitakraft Pet Care GmbH & Co.

P&G Pe Alleghenytcare Indian Broiler Group

Grand food

Total Alimentos S.A.

Lupus Alimentos

Grupo Pilar S.A.

Himalaya Drug Co.

Beaphar Pet Health Care

PetGuard

Harringtons

Scope of the Report

Direct-to-Consumer Pet Food Market, by Type

Meal

Dry Meal

Wet Meal

Treats

Standard Treats

Dental Chews

Standard Chews

Supplements

Direct-to-Consumer Pet Food Market, by Animal Type

Direct-to-Consumer Pet Food Market, by Health Condition

Dental Problem

Skin Problem

Joint Health

Allergies

Stress

Heart Health

Digestive Health

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jjdxqp

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211214006047/en/

Contacts

ResearchAndMarkets.comLaura Wood, Senior Press Managerpress@researchandmarkets.com

For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

Continued here:

$32.32 Bn Direct-to-consumer Pet Food Market - Global Forecasts to 2027 with Focus on Dental Health, Skin Problem, Joint Health, Allergies, Stress,...

What a food supplement is

A food supplement is defined as 'any food the purpose of which is to supplement the normal diet and which is a concentrated source of a vitamin or mineral or other substance with a nutritional or physiological effect, alone or in combination and is sold in dose form'.

A wide range of nutrients and other ingredients might be present in food supplements.These can include

Food supplements are intended to correct nutritional deficiencies, maintain an adequate intake of certain nutrients, or to support specific physiological functions. They are not medicinal products and as such cannot exert a pharmacological, immunological or metabolic action. Therefore, their use is not intended to treat or prevent diseases in humans or to modify physiological functions.

In the UK, food supplements are required to be regulated as foods and are subject to the provisions of general food law.In Northern Ireland, EU food law relating to food supplements will continue to apply, as listed in the Northern Ireland Protocol.

To sell food supplements you must register as a Food Business Operator (FBO) with your local authority.

It is your responsibility to ensure that food supplements you sell are safe for consumption. There are certain things you should do to make sure they are safe.

Your supplier should be registered as a business with their local authority and provide fully referenced invoices and receipts.

Dont buy supplements over the internet unless you are confident the supplier is reputable.

Beware of counterfeit products, particularly if you are buying products over the internet when the product price is cheaper than from other suppliers.

Keep records so you can identify the business you bought food supplements from and who you sold them to. You must also keep documents like invoices and delivery notes and produce these documents if they are requested by enforcement authorities.

Make sure the food supplements you sell are labelled correctly. If they are not, contact you supplier and arrange for return of the products or do not accept them in the first place.

The product must be labelled as 'food supplement'and not 'dietary supplement'.

The product label must include:

(a) the name of the business whose name the food is marketed under; or

(b) the address of the business that has imported the food

Food supplements sold in NI must include a NI or EU address for the food business. If the food business is not in NI or EU, they must include the address of the importer, based in NI or the EU. Food businesses can continue to use an EU, GB or NI address for the FBO on food supplements sold in GB until 30 September 2022. From 1 October 2022, food supplements sold in GB must include a UK, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man address for the food business. If the food business is not in GB, they must include the address of the importer, based in the UK, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

This information must be either on:

If you import supplements into the UK, you are legally responsible for all aspects of those goods, including composition, safety and labelling of the products.

In addition to these requirements, you must comply with specific food labelling and supplements legislation.

Food supplements are regulated by legislation made in each part of the UK (please see the Legal requirements section above). These Regulations cross refer to the Annex of Directive 2002/46/EC, which sets out rules for vitamins and minerals used in food supplements.On 1 January 2021 The Nutrition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 and The Nutrition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 came into force. These transferred responsibilities for the regulation of food supplements from EU organisations involved in the risk assessment and risk management processes to appropriate authorities and bodies in GB and reflected the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland.Therefore, from 1 January 2021 the UK has its own list of Vitamins and Minerals for use in Food Supplements and modification processes in Great Britain. For further information on these requirements, visit The Nutrition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations and see Guidance notes on legislation implementing Directive 2002/46/EC on food supplements.

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Food supplements | Food Standards Agency

Directive 2002/46/EC(OJ L183, p51, 12/07/2002) of 10 June 2002 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to food supplements

Amended by

European Communities (Food Supplements) Regulations 2007, (S.I. No. 506 of 2007) Amended by

A 'food supplement' is defined in EU and Irish legislation as :

"foodstuffs the purpose of which is to supplement the normal diet and which are concentrated sources of nutrients or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect, alone or in combination, marketed in dose form, namely forms such as capsules, pastilles, tablets, pills and other similar forms, sachets of powder, ampoules of liquids, drop dispensing bottles, and other similar forms of liquids and powders designed to be taken in measured small unit quantities"

The Annexes to Directive 2002/46/EC list the vitamins and minerals and their chemical forms,permitted for use in the manufacture offood supplements. Additional vitamins and minerals may be considered for inclusion in the list following the evaluation of an appropriate scientific dossier concerning the safety and bioavailability of the individual substance by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Directive 2002/46/EC envisages the setting of maximum levels for vitamins and minerals in food supplements, however levels have not yet been set. To ensure that food supplements are safe for consumption, the manufacturer must take account of the upper safe levels established by scientific risk assessment and data on vitamin and minerals intake from other foods, while also taking due account of what is considered an adequate vitamin and mineral intake for an average person.

The following substances are not permitted as ingredients in the manufacture of food supplements:

The main legislation setting out the mandatory information that must be provided to the consumer is Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers (FIC). Further information on the requirements of this legislation is available in Food Information. In addition to these general rules, Directive 2002/46/EC sets out specific information which the labels of food supplements must provide. These include:

Food supplements are only allowed to be sold in pre-packed forms under the name Food Supplement. The legislation specifies that the labelling, presentation and advertising of food supplements:

The label must declare the amount of the nutrients or substances with a nutritional or physiological effect present in the product. These must be declared in numerical form and per portion of the product as recommended for daily consumption. Information on vitamins and minerals must also be expressed as a percentage of the reference intake values listed in Part A of Annex XIII to Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011.

Nutrition and Health Claims

Any nutrition or health claims made about food supplements must comply with Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods.All permitted and non-authorised nutrition and health claims are listed in a EU Register of nutrition and health claims made on foods, which includes the wording of claims and the conditions applying to them, together with any restrictions.

For more information on using nutrition and health claims, see the section on our website on Nutrition and Health Claims .

Food supplements marketed in Ireland for the first time must be notified to the FSAI using the online notification form.

The duty to notify the FSAI falls on the manufacturer if the product is manufactured in Ireland and on the importer if the product is imported into Ireland. If you intend to place a food supplement on the market in Ireland, you should check with your supplier to verify if they have already notified the product. If they have already done so, you do not need to submit a duplicate notification, but you should request a copy of the notification number(s) from the supplier to keep as part of your records.

If the food supplement(s) you sell have not been notified, you will need to complete the notification yourself.

Read information on the requirements for importing food, including food supplements

Environmental Health Officers of the Health Service Executive supervise establishments manufacturing and marketing food supplements in Ireland. The FSAI in collaboration with the Environmental Health Service developed an Aide Memoire for Food Supplement Establishment Inspections and a Checklist for Food Supplement Establishment Inspections for use in official control inspections in food supplement manufacturing/marketing establishments.

These documents should be read in conjunction with Guidance Note No 21 Food Supplements Regulations (Revision 2)If noncompliant food supplements are identified during official controls, appropriate enforcement action may be taken. This may include prosecution and product withdrawal/recall as appropriate.

Access information from the EU on food supplements on the EU website and on the EFSA website.

Last reviewed: 11/5/2020

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Food Supplements | Food Legislation | Legislation | The ...

FDA Monitoring and Testing of Lead in Food, including Dietary Supplements and Foodwares

The FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) monitors lead levels to inform FDA guidance and enforce FDA rules. Testing may be targeted to a specific food group, such as food commonly eaten by infants and toddlers, or to a specific food or food additive. Testing may also be conducted in response to reports of elevated lead levels in certain foods, including dietary supplements, such as the FDA's 2008 Survey on Lead in Women's and Children's Vitamins.

Interim Reference Level

The FDA assesses whether the amount of lead in a food product is high enough to raise a persons blood lead level to a point of concern. To do this, the agency calculated a maximum daily intake for lead from food, called the Interim Reference Level (IRL). In determining the IRL, the FDA takes into account the amount of a particular food a person would need to consume daily, as well as other factors, that would result in blood lead levels of 5 ug/dL, the level at which the CDC recommends clinical monitoring of lead exposure in children. The FDA calculated the current IRL at 3 g per day for children and 12.5 g per day for adults. These levels allow for differences across human populations and are set nearly ten-times less than the actual amount of lead intake from food that would be required to reach the CDCs blood reference level. The adult level is particularly important for women of childbearing age, to protect against possible fetal exposure in women who are unaware that they are pregnant, and against infant exposure during nursing. The FDA will continue to research and evaluate the health effects and dietary exposure to lead and will update the IRL as appropriate.

Recent Scientific Articles

Total Diet Study

A long-standing way that the FDA has monitored lead and other toxic elements in foods is through the Total Diet Study (TDS). Several times a year, FDA staff buy, prepare, and analyze about 265 kinds of foods and beverages that represent the foods U.S. consumers eat. These data are assessed to estimate on average how much the entire U.S. population, some subpopulations, and each person consumes each year. Since TDS began in 1961 to measure radioactive contamination, it has been extended to include pesticide residues, industrial and other toxic chemicals, and nutrient elements in food. The FDA uses the TDS results to help guide areas of focus for our food-safety and nutrition programs.

Recent Scientific Articles

Toxic Elements in Food and Foodware Compliance Program

The FDA also monitors foods that can be a significant dietary source of certain toxic elements under the Toxic Elements in Food and Foodware, and Radionuclides in Food Compliance Program. For lead, the FDA places particular emphasis on foods that may be significant sources of lead in the diets of children.

To implement the program, FDA staff collect samples of selected foods and analyzes them for specific elements based on a set collection schedule for both seafood and non-seafood. If laboratory results are found to exceed the normal concentrations in these foods, they are brought to the attention of CFSAN. CFSAN evaluates these situations on a case-by-case basis and may recommend additional action, as appropriate.

International Scientific Activities

FDA experts participate in an international standard-setting body, Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex). The purpose of Codex is to protect the health of consumers and promote fair trade practices by adopting scientifically based standards, guidelines, and codes of practice across all areas of food safety and quality. Its work includes reviewing the scientific data concerning lead and other contaminant levels in foods. These international discussions can lead to recommendations for standards individual countries may adopt. Recommendations from Codex about reducing lead in foods can be found in the Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Lead Contamination in Foods.

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Lead in Food, Foodwares, and Dietary Supplements | FDA

Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know

Many adults and children in the United States take one or more vitamins or other dietary supplements. In addition to vitamins, dietary supplements can contain minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and many other ingredients. Dietary supplements come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, gummies, and powders, as well as drinks and energy bars. Popular supplements include vitamins D and B12; minerals like calcium and iron; herbs such as echinacea and garlic; and products like glucosamine, probiotics, and fish oils.

Products sold as dietary supplements come with a Supplement Facts label that lists the active ingredients, the amount per serving (dose), as well as other ingredients, such as fillers, binders, and flavorings. The manufacturer suggests the serving size, but your healthcare provider might decide a different amount is more appropriate for you.

Some dietary supplements can help you get adequate amounts of essential nutrients if you dont eat a nutritious variety of foods. However, supplements cant take the place of the variety of foods that are important to a healthy diet. To learn more about what makes a healthy diet, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlateare good sources of information.

Some dietary supplements can improve overall health and help manage some health conditions. For example:

Many other supplements need more study to determine if they have value. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not determine whether dietary supplements are effective before they are marketed.

Many supplements contain active ingredients that can have strong effects in the body. Always be alert to the possibility of a bad reaction, especially when taking a new product.

You are most likely to have side effects from dietary supplements if you take them at high doses or instead of prescribed medicines, or if you take many different supplements. Some supplements can increase the risk of bleeding or, if taken before surgery, can change your response to anesthesia. Supplements can also interact with some medicines in ways that might cause problems. Here are a few examples:

Manufacturers may add vitamins, minerals, and other supplement ingredients to foods you eat, especially breakfast cereals and beverages. As a result, you may get more of these ingredients than you think, and more might not be better. Taking more than you need costs more and might also raise your risk of side effects. For example, too much vitamin A can cause headaches and liver damage, reduce bone strength, and cause birth defects. Excess iron causes nausea and vomiting and may damage the liver and other organs.

Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider. Many supplements have not been well tested for safety in pregnant women, nursing mothers, or children.

If you think that you have had a bad reaction toa dietary supplement, let your healthcare provider know. He or she may report your experience to the FDA. You may also submit a report directly to the FDA by calling 800-FDA-1088 or completing an online form. You should also report your reaction to the manufacturer by using the contact information on the product label.

The FDA has established good manufacturing practices (GMPs) that companies must follow to help ensure the identity, purity, strength, and composition of their dietary supplements. These GMPs can prevent adding the wrong ingredient (or too much or too little of the correct ingredient) and reduce the chance of contamination or improper packaging and labeling of a product. The FDA periodically inspects facilities that manufacture supplements.

Several independent organizations offer quality testing and allow products that pass these tests to display a seal of quality assurance that indicates the product was properly manufactured, contains the ingredients listed on the label, and does not contain harmful levels of contaminants. These seals do not guarantee that a product is safe or effective. Organizations that offer quality testing include:*

* Any mention of a specific company, organization, or service does not represent an endorsement by ODS.

Tell your healthcare providers (including doctors, dentists,pharmacists, and dietitians) about any dietary supplements youre taking. They can help you determine which supplements, if any, might be valuable for you.

Keep a complete record of any dietary supplements and medicines you take. The Office of Dietary Supplements website hasa useful form, "My Dietary Supplement and Medicine Record," that you can print and fill out at home. For each product, note the name, the dose you take, how often you take it, and the reason for use. You can share this record with your healthcare providers to discuss whats best for your overall health.

Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. The FDA is the federal agency that oversees both supplements and medicines, but the FDA regulations for dietary supplements are different from those for prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Medicines must be approved by the FDA before they can be sold or marketed. Supplements do not require this approval. Supplement companies are responsible for having evidence that their products are safe, and the label claims are truthful and not misleading. However, as long as the product does not contain a new dietary ingredient (one introduced since October 15, 1994), the company does not have to provide this safety evidence to the FDA before the product is marketed.

Dietary supplement labels may include certain types of health-related claims. Manufacturers are permitted to say, for example, that a supplement promotes health or supports a body function (like immunity or heart health). These claims must be followed by the words, This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Manufacturers must follow good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to ensure the identity, purity, strength, and composition of their products. If the FDA finds a dietary supplement to be unsafe, it may remove the product from the marketplace or ask the manufacturer to voluntarily recall the product.

The FDA monitors the marketplace for potential illegal products that may be unsafe or make false or misleading claims. The Federal Trade Commission, which monitors product advertising, also requires information about a supplement product to be truthful and not misleading.

The federal government can take legal action against companies and websites that sell dietary supplements when the companies make false or deceptive statements about their products, if they promote them as treatments or cures for diseases, or if their products are unsafe.

NIH supports research and provides educational materials on dietary supplements.

FDAissues rules and regulations and oversees dietary supplement labeling, marketing, and safety. Recall notices are also posted on the FDA webpage or you can subscribe to receive FDA notices of recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts.

FTCregulates health and safety claims made in advertising for dietary supplements.

USDAprovides information on a variety of food and nutrition topics.

HHS provideswellness information, personal health tools, and health news.

This fact sheet by the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) provides information that should not take the place of medical advice. We encourage you to talk to your healthcare providers (doctor, registered dietitian, pharmacist, etc.) about your interest in, questions about, or use of dietary supplements and what may be best for your overall health. Any mention in this publication of a specific product or service, or recommendation from an organization or professional society, does not represent an endorsement by ODS of that product, service, or expert advice.

Updated: September 3, 2020

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Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know - Consumer

Looking for ways to get better results for your workout? Many gym-goers take dietary supplements to help boost their performance.

Among the most popular natural supplements is creatine, which is most commonly used for improving exercise performance and building muscle mass.

But are food supplements safe? And how do I take creatine to improve my workout results?

Creatine is a chemical that is found in the body, mostly in muscles but also in the brain. It's also found in foods like red meat and seafood but can also be produced in a lab.

Creatine helps produce the energy that muscles need to work. There is some science that supports the use of creatine for enhancing the athletic performance of young, healthy people during brief, high intensity activity.

A majority of sports nutrition supplements in the U.S. contain creatine and its use is permitted by the International Olympic Committee, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and professional sports, says MedlinePlus, a website of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Speaking to Newsweek, Dr. Edward Laskowski, a professor of physical medicine, rehabilitation and orthopedics at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and former co-director of Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine, said oral creatine may help an athlete improve their performance in certain areas, such as reaching a faster sprint speed or increasing strength.

Creatine is often used for high intensity interval training to boost rapid recovery during training and competition, he said.

In addition to strength and sprint performance, the use of creatine may increase lean muscle mass and anaerobic power in some athletes, Roxana Ehsani, a board certified sports dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, told Newsweek.

Among the athletes who may benefit from taking creatine include football players, powerlifters, sprinters, field competitors and bodybuilders. Creatine usage is not recommended for anyone below the age of 18, the sports dietitian said.

Laskowski said when taken orally at the appropriate doses, creatine is "generally considered safe."

But there isn't enough reliable information to know whether creatine is safe when applied to the skin, which may cause side effects such as redness and itching, according to MedlinePlus.

Creatine is "likely safe" for most people when taken for up to 18 months. Daily doses of up to 25 grams daily for up to two weeks have been safely used, while lower doses of around four or five grams daily for up to 18 months have also been safely used, according to MedlinePlus.

The supplement is "possibly safe" when taken by mouth on a long-term basis. Daily doses of up to 10 grams for up to five years have been safely used, the website says.

However, the problem with creatine (and many other supplements) is that they have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety, efficacy or purity, Laskowski explained.

Unlike prescription and over-the-counter drugs, the FDA is not authorized to review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before the products are marketed, the federal body says.

Since there are no regulated manufacturing standards, supplement products may "vary greatly in ingredient content and quality control," and many have also "not been subject to rigorous scientific scrutiny," Laskowski warned.

Athletes can take 20 to 25 grams of creatine a day for five to six days followed by five grams a day, recommended Ehsani.

"This amount has been shown to increase creatine levels in the muscle by 20 percent, but it doesn't work for everyone," the sports dietitian noted.

"Some people's bodies don't respond to creatine, while some do," and one indicator that shows your body is responding is weight gain, she said.

Larger doses of over 30 grams daily for five days may cause gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramping in some people.

"However, taking creatine alone can't help gain muscles, you have to pair it with a weight training program as well," Ehsani said.

Laskowski said there are varying dose patterns but typical schedule entails a "loading dose" of up to 20 grams taken orally per day for a week, followed by a "maintenance dose," which can be anywhere from two to 10 grams orally per day for up to three or four months.

"As with any supplement, there is no magic bullet to enhance performance, and the basics of clean eating, proper training and dedicated hard work are still the most proven components of athletic success," he said.

MedlinePlus notes that "skeletal muscle will only hold a certain amount of creatine," so adding more won't raise levels any more.

This "saturation point" is usually reached within the first few days of taking a loading dose, the website explains.

A 2012 study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition showed that the effects of creatine diminish as the length of time spent exercising increases.

"Even though not all individuals respond similarly to creatine supplementation, it is generally accepted that its supplementation increases creatine storage and promotes a faster regeneration of adenosine triphosphate [ATP, the energy source for cells] between high intensity exercises. These improved outcomes will increase performance and promote greater training adaptations," the study said.

Laskowski noted creatine has not been well-studied in those who are pregnant. It's unknown whether it can be safely used while breast-feeding.

The supplement could also potentially make kidney disease worse in those who have been diagnosed with it.

Combining caffeine with creatine may reduce the effectiveness of creatine and when the supplement is taken along with high doses of caffeine, it may worsen symptoms in those with Parkinson's disease, Laskowski added.

MedlinePlus says creatine may also make mania worse in bipolar disorder patients. There have been cases of manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder who took creatine every day for four weeks, according to the website.

Sports dietitian Ehsani said: "Don't forget you don't necessarily need to supplement; I recommend getting nutrients from food first. Creatine is also found in food sources like meat and fish and naturally produced in our muscles as well.

"Always consult with a sports dietitian before starting any type of supplement. Some supplements may be mixed with other banned or harmful substances, so it's always best to consult with an expert first," she said.

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When and How Do I Take Creatine Effectively to Improve Workout Performance? - Newsweek

Vitamin D is often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin" due to the fact it naturally occurs when the skin reacts to ultraviolet B rays from the sun. However, in the UK during the winter months, these rays lessen meaning people may have to get their daily intake elsewhere.

Vitamin D naturally occurs in a number of foods, with most people getting an adequate amount from their daily diet.

But for people who struggle to get enough into their diet, vitamin D supplements can be a good way to meet the daily recommended amount.

Taking too many of these supplements, however, can have some negative side effects.

According to the NHS: "Children from the age of one year and adults need 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day.

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The NHS advice adds: "This applies to adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and the elderly, and children aged 11 to 17 years.

"Children aged one to 10 years should not have more than 50 micrograms (2,000 IU) a day. Infants under 12 months should not have more than 25 micrograms (1,000 IU) a day."

Among the many side effects, people who have taken too much vitamin D may notice a change in how frequently they need the toilet.

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium from the food you eat.

However, taking too much vitamin D can see blood calcium soar to dangerously high levels, known as hypercalcemia.

One sign of hypercalcemia is the need to urinate more often and urgently than usual.

The normal range of blood calcium is 8.510.2 mg/dl (2.12.5 mmol/l).

In one study, two men took improperly labelled vitamin D supplements, leading to blood calcium levels of 13.215 mg/dl (3.33.7 mmol/l).

Following this, it took a year for their levels to return to normal after they stopped taking the supplements.

Other symptoms of hypercalcemia can include digestive problems, such as vomiting, nausea and stomach pain.

People who have taken too many vitamin D supplements may feel fatigued, dizzy, confused or have excessive thirst.

People who think they may need to take vitamin D supplements are advised to speak with their doctor before beginning.

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Vitamin D supplements: The bathroom habit that could mean you've taken too much - Express

AUSTIN (KXAN) The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is telling people not to buy nine over-the-counter supplements available at various online retailers because of undeclared ingredients in them.

All nine drugs are marketed and promoted for sexual enhancement, the FDA said. All the drugs have either sildenafil, the active ingredient in the FDA-approved medication Viagra, or tadalafil, the active ingredient in the FDA-approved medication Cialis.

The FDA said the use of those medications is for use under the supervision of a licensed health care professional. The agency also said the drugs could potentially interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs, like nitroglycerin. It could lower blood pressure to dangerous levels, the FDA said.

The FDA issued the warnings Dec. 8.

The FDA pointed out all the drugs are sold on Walmarts website, but also said they could also be sold in other retail stores.

The OTC drugs the FDA advises against are:

The FDA said it identified an emerging trend where over-the-counter products, frequently represented as dietary supplements, contain hidden active ingredients that could be harmful.

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FDA says not to use these 9 over-the-counter sexual enhancement drugs - KXAN.com

Chromium Picolinate is a mineral that is found in supplements; it can help to improve metabolism (the rate at which your body turns food into energy) and help you lose weight.Now, according to several studies published in the National Library of Medicine, it has been shown that it can help those living with diabetes by improving their blood sugar.People living with diabetes have problems with their bodys response to insulin meaning that they have problems moderating their blood sugar level.

Type 2 diabetes treatment is different; lifestyle changes such as increased exercise and a healthier diet can help people to improve their condition.

However, many people with type 2 diabetes require medications to treat their conditions.

The most important factor, particularly with Type 1 diabetes, is that blood sugar levels need to be monitored regularly.

If the persons blood sugar levels are too low, this can be resolved by consuming something with a high sugar content, if theyre too high this can be remedied with an injection of insulin.

However, even though diabetes needs to be managed and monitored it is not a limiting condition; earlier this year Radio 1 Xtra presenter & Type 1 Diabetic, Reece Parkinson successfully completed his first Ultramarathon.

Other famous figures who live with the condition include the former Prime Minister Theresa May and comedian Ed Gamble.

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have their own risk factors that will affect how likely you are to get the condition.

With Type 1, the main risk factors are your age and your family history. Whilst you can get it at any age, as in the case of Reece Parkinson, youre more likely to get it when youre a child, teenager or young adult.

The second factor is family history, if a member of your close family has it, then theres a greater likelihood that you may develop it; according to Diabetes UK, there is little scientific certainty about the exact causes of Type 1.

More is known about the risk factors of Type 2 however. The most notable factor is your lifestyle, such as your weight and how much you smoke, drink and exercise; a healthy diet (with no smoking) will lower the chances of developing Type 2.

Other mitigating factors include your ethnicity. Youre two to four times more likely to get Type 2 if youre of South Asian, African Caribbean or Black African descent.

Additionally, mental health conditions have also been found to have an impact with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression linked to the condition, although the risk is very low.

Read more from the original source:

Diabetes: The mineral supplement shown to improve blood sugar in those with the condition - Daily Express