Category Archives: Food Supplements

B12 shots seem to be all the rage. Celebs and wellness influencers swear by using regular B12 injections to boost energy and mood, fight fatigue, and even clear up their skin. But are these claims legit?

In this article, we break down what B12 shots are, why theyre necessary for some people, and why most people dont need them.

Vitamin B12 is a nutrient thats involved in a ton of important bodily functions. For example, you need this vitamin for your nervous system and red blood cells to work correctly.

B12 is found in many foods: fish and shellfish, meat, poultry, yogurt, eggs, and more. But even though you can get B12 from plenty of foods, its pretty common to have low B12 levels.

FYI: People with B12 levels under 200 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) are considered to have a deficiency. A B12 level above 300 pg/mL is considered normal.

Certain factors increase your risk of developing a B12 deficiency, including:

Although its rare, severe B12 deficiency can result in irreversible damage to your nervous system. Fortunately, B12 deficiency and suboptimal B12 levels can be treated with dietary changes and high-dose supplements or injections.

Many docs choose to treat B12 deficiency with B12 shots because injections avoid the gastrointestinal tract entirely. Thats important for increasing B12 levels in people who cant properly absorb B12 from food or supplements.

However, research suggests that high-dose oral B12 supplements work just as well as B12 shots for raising B12 levels in people with a deficiency. Plus, B12 injections are generally more expensive than supplements.

In fact, a 2019 study found that sublingual B12 supplements (a form of supplement that you place under your tongue and let dissolve) were more effective than B12 shots for increasing B12 levels. So if youre looking for a first-line treatment for B12 deficiency, supps are probably the way to go.

B12 shots are associated with several benefits. However, these benefits are related to treatment of low B12 levels with B12 shots. Theres no evidence that B12 shots are helpful for people who already have optimal B12 levels.

B12 shots are prescribed to people who have low B12 levels.

If your doc suspects you may have low B12, theyll recommend lab testing to find out for sure. Depending on your results, they may recommend high-dose oral B12 supplements or B12 injections.

B12 deficiency or low B12 level comes with some common symptoms:

If you have a B12 deficiency, increasing your B12 levels (with B12 supplements or shots) can help you feel better over time.

But if your levels are already good, B12 injections wont give you any additional benefits. Your bod regulates the levels of B12 in your blood, so you wont build up a reserve. Youll get rid of any extra B12 through your urine.

tl;dr: Unless youre actually low in B12, B12 shots arent going to do much for you.

B12 supplements and injections are considered safe. Even in high doses, B12 supplements and injections arent linked to dangerous side effects.

However, B12 may lead to some more mild side effects, such as diarrhea and swelling. B12 injections could also interact with certain medications. Thats why its important to discuss your medical history, including current medications, with your doctor before using a supplement.

B12 injections can also be a bit painful, especially for people without much body fat.

B12 injections should be prescribed by a healthcare professional only as a way to address low B12 levels. (Remember, theres no evidence that B12 injections benefit people who have optimal B12 levels.)

If you think you might be low in B12, ask a medical professional to perform a blood test. Depending on your B12 levels, they may recommend oral supplements or B12 injections.

If needed, youll typically get B12 injections over the course of several months. Its not a one-and-done thing.

Generally, a healthcare professional will inject the B12 into your muscle. But it is possible that your doc would let you give yourself the B12 injections or have a friend or family member help you. Either way, youll need a prescription for B12 shots.

PSA: Be wary if a healthcare pro recommends B12 shots without assessing your B12 levels first.

Your bod needs a steady flow of B12 to function properly. Thats why you need to make sure youre eating a variety of B12-rich foods.

The following foods are rich in B12:

If youre following a well-rounded diet, youre prob getting enough B12. But the only way to know whether you have healthy B12 levels is to see a healthcare pro for a blood test.

FYI: Some people do need supplements for various reasons. If you have questions about B12 in your diet or B12 supplements, speak with a qualified health professional like a registered dietitian or doctor.

B12 does a lot for your body, so getting enough in your diet is super important.

Some people may need B12 supplements or injections if theyre not getting enough B12 in their diet or if they have trouble absorbing this nutrient from food.

Even though B12 shots are appropriate for use in those who are low or deficient in this vitamin, theres no evidence that B12 shots offer any benefits for people with optimal B12 levels.

Continued here:

Benefits of B12 Shots: Are They Right for You? - Greatist

Maca root is rightfully enjoying the spotlight right now as a key ingredient added in smoothies, shakes, chocolate bars, and more. Grown exclusively in the Peruvian Andes, maca has a long history of traditional use by indigenous communities in South America, for supporting energy and fertility.But how does maca root actually work? Does it affect men and women differently? And what is the best way to take maca? Here's what science has to say.

Part of the brassica family of vegetables (which includes broccoli, rapeseed, mustard, kale, arugula, and radish), maca (Lepidium meyenii) is grown in the harsh climate of the central Andes where it is exposed to intense sunlight and strong, cold winds. These adverse conditions might explain why maca is renowned as an adaptogenic herb one that helps the body adapt and cope with physical, mental, and emotional stresses.

The turnip-shaped root is traditionally dried and boiled before eating. The benefits of maca stem from its unique profile of nutrients.

In addition to macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals, maca root provides a range of compounds known as secondary metabolites that include glucosinolates, tannins, saponins, and sterols, and the unique compounds macaridine, macaene, macamides, and maca alkaloids. This combination of vitamins, minerals, and secondary metabolites give maca its adaptogenic power, helping support energy production and hormone balance, and even aiding fertility.

There are three different colors of maca root: Black, yellow, and red. Yellow maca is the most widely grown, followed by red, and then black. Each type contains varying amounts of active ingredients, which explains why some types are more suitable for certain health issues than others.

The unique balance of active ingredients in maca helps the body build resilience to stress and increased mental and physical demands.

Studiesin mice and rats have shown that active components in maca root enhance the activity of powerful antioxidant enzymes and help cells produce energy more effectively. Therefore maca may reduce fatigue and exhaustion at stressful times.

This adaptogenic effect makes maca root a popular choice for athletes. One study examined the performance effects of maca on a soccer team from Cusco, a city located at 3400 meters above sea level. The players ingested 1500 mg per day for 60 days, and tests were conducted to determine speed, oxygen consumption, and performance, before and after the ingestion.

Results showed a 10.3 percent increase in the physical performance of the players and an increase in oxygen consumption of up to 33%. Based on these results, it is thought that maca root benefits physical performance in athletes and non-athletes.

The powerful adaptive and anti-inflammatory benefits of maca root make it an ideal choice for managing symptoms of adrenal fatigue and chronic fatigue debilitating conditions associated with low-grade inflammation and impaired energy production.

Maca is a traditional fertility tonic for both men and women, though human research in this area is lacking. Male animal studies and older small-scale human studies show that supplementing with maca can increase seminal volume, sperm count, and sperm motility independent of any changes to hormone levels. Maca is also shown to greatly improve mild erectile dysfunction and sexual wellbeing compared to placebo.

Maca is thought to support male and female libido, though again this may be due to its adaptogenic properties rather than any direct hormonal influence. One small-scale study showed maca reduces anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction in women, with no changes to hormone levels.

All types of maca are known to generally support energy, resilience, and cognitive function. However, there are some differences in how maca root may benefit men and women, due in part to the type of maca being used.

Black maca is thought to be of particular benefit to men due to its effects on libido, erectile dysfunction, endurance, and muscle gain, whereas red maca has benefits for men and women. In animal studies, red maca was shown to be more effective than yellow or black maca at reducing prostate enlargement, and red maca is thought to support female fertility and the menopausal transition.

In a pilot study on Chinese postmenopausal women, the adaptogenic properties of maca reduced symptoms of depression and high blood pressure. Both black and red maca has been shown to support bone strength in animal studies.

Maca has a long history of use in South American traditional herbal medicine. Contemporary animal studies show it has a low degree of acute oral toxicity and low cellular toxicity in laboratory tests.

As with all food supplements, it is essential to follow the product usage guidelines and consult with your healthcare practitioner before using maca if you are pregnant or taking any medications.

Side effects are rare and usually limited to mild gastrointestinal upset, possibly due to the fiber content of the root. To help reduce the likelihood of side effects, start on a low dose of maca and increase it gradually to give your body time to adjust.

Maca root is available as pills or powder, though the powder is easiest to add to smoothies, soups, teas, and juices. It has a soft earthy, nutty taste making it the perfect complement to fruit, nuts, seeds, grains.

Dosages used in human research vary from 1.5g to 3.3g per day, so it's best to start on a lower dose, increase it slowly, and follow the dosage guidelines on your chosen maca product.

Remember to calculate your total daily intake if you're adding maca root to a homemade smoothie and snacking on maca-enriched products later in the day, this all adds up.

As with most natural food and herbal remedies, maca root doesn't work instantly and will need to be taken daily for a few weeks at least to make a difference to your health. If you're using maca for hormone or fertility support, consider taking it for at least three months.

Start with a lower dose and build gradually as your body gets used to it. Check with a doctor before consuming any products containing maca if you are pregnant, taking medication, or have a health condition.

If you're looking for more ways to incorporate a healthy, plant-based diet into your day-to-day life, check out our Health and Nutrition articles.

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To Reduce Stress and Boost Energy, Try Maca Root - The Beet

Thank you for the warm welcome. I am delighted to join you today for this discussion on food systems and youth.

My favourite part of being Executive Director of UNICEF is the opportunity to meet with and hear from children and young people around the world. Over the last four years, I have had the privilege to speak with children and young people, including those living in fragile and humanitarian settings, to hear first-hand about their aspirations for the future.

They have also expressed their concerns about the state of the world we all share and the significant challenges before us like climate change, conflict, poverty and barriers to education and employment.

Today I will share some reflections with you about what children and young people are saying about food about what and how they eat the environments they live in and the challenges they face in getting the nutritious, safe, affordable and sustainable diets they want and deserve.

I will also talk about how children and young people are responding to these challenges and their ideas for transforming our food systems to make the right to food and nutrition a reality for all.

Lastly, I will share what it means to put children at the centre of food systems transformation today and in the lead up to 2030.

So,what ARE children and young people saying about their food?

This past September, the UN convened a Food Systems Summit. In the two years leading up to the Summit, UNICEF staff across the world and our colleagues at Western Sydney University met with more than 1,500 children and adolescents in 25 countries.

In the context of these Food Systems Dialogues with Children and Adolescents we also facilitated a poll with over 20,000 adolescents and young people.

We wanted to listen to childrens life experiences with the food they eat, the food systems they live in, and how they feel those systems could change for the better.

What did we hear?

Children and adolescents tell us that eating together with friends and family provides moments of joy and connection. They see their food as a reflection of their identity and culture and as a symbol of community and shared humanity.

Children also know that nutritious food provides vital fuel for their growth, development and learning. They tell us that healthy food is important for their physical and mental health, their success at school and their futures.

But they see a disconnect between what they want to eat and what they do eat.

Children and adolescents understand the links between food production and availability in their homes and communities. Through these dialogues, we saw that children and young people have a strong understanding of where and how raw produce is grown, processed, packaged, and transported to different places within their food environments.

They understand that the poor availability, accessibility and affordability of nutritious foods is linked to many factors like limited stock in markets, long distances from farming areas and problems with food distribution.

They talk about poor infrastructure and road systems, hefty transport costs and how these problems prevent food from reaching their communities or cause it to spoil before arriving to them.

Children describe how their ability to eat well is constrained by the poor availability and affordability of nutritious and safe foods. And they have sophisticated understanding of what poor food affordability means for their families.

Children explain that when nutritious foods are too costly, they often turn to processed foods. They know that these foods are unhealthy because they are rich in salt, sugar, and fat. Yet such foods are often cheaper and widely available. Children and young people know that these foods are heavily marketed to them and their families through television, billboards and social media.

Children across the globe are also keenly aware of climate change. They see first-hand the harm it is causing to the food systems around them. In our dialogues, many cited global warming, environmental damage and CO2 pollution as key concerns. They identified how climate change and global warming are causing droughts and how droughts are impacting the growth of food.

They know that unsustainable food production is having a major impact on environmental degradation. The use of pesticides was mentioned often. And they are concerned about how the transportation of food via boats, ships, trains, and planes especially over large distances is contributing to air and water pollution.

Children notice how the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened some of these challenges especially with millions more families struggling to make ends meet.

Children also shared with us the mental health challenges linked to unhealthy food environments such as body image dissatisfaction, low self-esteem and the stigma of living with obesity.

They understand how society unfairly blames people for being overweight while at the same time creating unhealthy food environments thatmake it difficult to maintain a healthy weight. And they notice how advertisers and marketers push unattainable standards of beauty at the same time as childrens food environments are flooded with promotions for unhealthy foods and beverages.

Now, I want to share with you how children and adolescents want to transform their local and global food systems.

While children are concerned about their broken food systems they are clear about their expectations and asks.

They want governments and policy-makers to be more accountable for creating and fostering food systems that protect childrens right to nutrition, making nutritious, safe affordable and sustainable diets a reality for children everywhere.

They believe that governments should build the capacities of communities and support food producers to produce nutritious foods.

For children rebuilding food systems must start with the most vulnerable children, families and communities. They want special considerations for children, families and groups that experience the most insecurity and marginalization.

During our dialogues, children made five key recommendations on what needs to be done to fix food systems and protect the planet:

First, invest children and young people want their governments to use targeted investment to improve access to nutritious, safe, affordable and sustainable foods for everyone especially for the most marginalized children, families and communities.

Second, regulate children and young people have had enough of misleading marketing and health and nutrition claims on processed foods. They want their governments to adopt and enforce laws and policies that protect them, their families and communities from harmful food marketing practices, chemicals and preservatives and environmental destruction.

Third, reduce children and young people are deeply concerned about our planet. They want governments, private sector, civil society and their peers to take seriously the harmful impact of current food systems on the environment and prioritize sustainability, reduce overuse and curb environmentally destructive practices.

Fourth, educate children and young people are calling for better education about food, nutrition, climate change, environmental protection, recycling and food systems. They want us to raise awareness about food poverty and nutrition inequalities, the benefits of nutritious foods, and sustainable food practices.

Lastly, engage children and young people want opportunities to share their views and participate in developing solutions. They want us to support them to take action in their local communities and beyond.

This last point on engagement is key because only through engagement can we put children at the center of food systems transformation. Children and young people should be empowered as change agents, fully capable of identifying and contributing to solutions.

We asked children and young people how best we can engage them in contributing to food systems transformation to ensure their insights and perspectives are heard, acknowledged and actioned. This is what they said

Where possible, children and young people want to engage through social media, including through spaces on platforms dedicated for childrens voices.

They want us to help establish and fund child-led bodies, such as student councils and youth parliaments.

They want mechanisms to ensure their direct contribution to governments and parliaments deliberations and decision-making. And they are calling for their governments and institutions to have dedicated staff assigned to listen to children and young people. They are also asking government leaders and policymakers to come to them in schools and other settings.

Children and young people want to participate in workshops, open fora, panels, drawing competitions, and other venues that capture their needs, rights, ideas and aspirations.

The infrastructure we create to support these recommendations is critical.

Children need platforms, spaces and channels to express their views. They also need opportunities for direct contact with the people who can make their ideas a reality those in power whether through child-led bodies, participation in parliament or open fora.

Many of us here represent organizations and agencies dedicated to nutrition we too must promote meaningful participation by placing children and young people at the heart of policy formulation, and programme design, implementation and monitoring.

The participation of children and youth in the UN Food Systems Summit last September has showcased the challenges and most importantly, the rewards of engaging children, adolescents and young people as creators, partners and collaborators: a vital force for food systems transformation. We must continue these efforts.

As we work to support the outcomes of the Food Systems Summit and the commitments of the Nutrition for Growth Summit, we must hold tight to our pledge to bring childrens voices to the forefront of the decision-making process.

At the same time, we need partnership and leadership from the private sector. The private sector is uniquely placed to develop innovative solutions to strengthen food systems to help build a world where nutritious and safe foods are available and affordable for every child no matter who they are or where they live.

Today, broken food systems are undermining childrens right to nutrition and a viable planet. And fixing them particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic may prove to be the greatest challenge of this generation.

As we move forward, UNICEF we will pay particular attention to four critical action areas where food systems must deliver for children; these are:

Improving childrens foods through actions in public policy, guidelines and standards, and food supply chains including fortified foods, food supplements and therapeutic foods.

Improving childrens food environments where children live, learn, and meet through actions in public sector policies and programmes and in private sector practices and products.

Improving childrens food practices through policies, strategies and programmes that promote positive individual behaviors, caregiver practices and social norms.

Improving childrens participation in food systems transformation by fostering opportunities for children from all walks of life to raise their voices, engage with decision-makers and hold them accountable.

It is time to work with children and young people to transform the way the world produces, consumes and thinks about food. Our childrens nutrition and well-being and the future of our planet are at stake. There is no time to waste.

Read the rest here:

FOOD AND YOUTH: What I have learned from young people and their desire to fix the food systems they live in - UNICEF

Food supplements are ingredients added to dietary supplements to enhance their nutritional value. They may include minerals, micro-nutrients, vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids such as omega-3, and omega-6, and probiotics. Other ingredients in food supplements include binders, fillers, flavoring agents, etc. Food supplements are available as capsules, tablets, powders, gummies, and powders as well as energy bars and drinks. Food supplements play an important role in averting nutritional deficiencies and ensuring that daily nutritional requirements are met.

The global Food Supplement Ingredients Market is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of 7% by 2028.

The updated report on the Food Supplement Ingredients market gives a precise analysis of the value chain assessment for the review period of 2021 to 2028. The research includes an exhaustive evaluation of the administration of the key market companies and their revenue-generating business strategies adopted by them to drive sustainable business. The Service industry report further enlists the market shortcomings, stability, growth drivers, restraining factors, opportunities for the projected timeframe.

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The top companies in this report include: DSM, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Sunfood Nutraceuticals, Galderma, Capsugel, Fine Foods N.T.M., BASF SE, Nestle, Naturex, Kemin Health, Groupe Danone S.A., JW Nutritional, Nutri-Force Nutrition, Amway, Koninklijke DSM N.V., Merk CH, Boots.

The Global Food Supplement Ingredients market is expected to register a notable market expansion of XX% during the review period owing to the largest market value in 2019. The market study provides a measure of the effectiveness of the product, real-time Food Supplement Ingredients market scenario, along custom ease. The study further offers market analysis, strategies and planning, R & D landscape, target audience management, market potential, due diligence, and competitive landscape.

Scope of the report:

A thorough analysis of statistics about the current as well as emerging trends offers clarity regarding the Food Supplement Ingredients market dynamics. The report includes Porters Five Forces to analyze the prominence of various features such as the understanding of both the suppliers and customers, risks posed by various agents, the strength of competition, and promising emerging businesspersons to understand a valuable resource. Also, the report spans the Food Supplement Ingredients research data of various companies, benefits, gross margin, strategic decisions of the worldwide market, and more through tables, charts, and infographics.

The Food Supplement Ingredients report highlights an all-inclusive assessment of the revenue generated by the various segments across different regions for the forecast period, 2021 to 2027. To leverage business owners, gain a thorough understanding of the current momentum, the Food Supplement Ingredients research taps hard to find data on aspects including but not limited to demand and supply, distribution channel, and technology upgrades. Principally, the determination of strict government policies and regulations and government initiatives building the growth of the Food Supplement Ingredients market offers knowledge of what is in store for the business owners in the upcoming years.

Global Food Supplement Ingredients Market Segmentation:

Market Segmentation: By Type

Vitamins, Amino Acid, Omega-3, Probiotics, Folic Acid, Oxalic Acid, Iron, Collagen Peptides, Magnesium

Market Segmentation: By Application

Infant, Old-Age, Children, Pregnant Women, Adults

Geographic analysis:

The global Food Supplement Ingredients market has been spread across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and the rest of the world.

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COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The pandemic of COVID-19 has emerged in lockdown across regions, line limitations, and breakdown of transportation organizations. Furthermore, the financial vulnerability Food Supplement Ingredients Market is a lot higher than past flare-ups like the extreme intense respiratory condition (SARS), avian influenza, pig influenza, bird influenza, and Ebola, inferable from the rising number of contaminated individuals and the vulnerability about the finish of the crisis. With the rapid rising cases, the worldwide Food Supplement Ingredients refreshments market is getting influenced from multiple points of view.

The accessibility of the labor force is by all accounts disturbing the inventory network of the worldwide Food Supplement Ingredients market as the lockdown and the spread of the infection are pushing individuals to remain inside. The presentation of the Food Supplement Ingredients makers and the transportation of the products are associated. If the assembling movement is stopped, transportation and, likewise, the store network additionally stops. The stacking and dumping of the items, i.e., crude materials and results (fixings), which require a ton of labor, is likewise vigorously affected because of the pandemic. From the assembling plant entryway to the stockroom or from the distribution center to the end clients, i.e., application ventures, the whole Food Supplement Ingredients inventory network is seriously compromised because of the episode.

The research provides answers to the following key questions:

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Huge Demand of Food Supplement Ingredients Market by 2028 with Top Key Players DSM, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Sunfood Nutraceuticals The Host -...

In September 2021, the Office of Scientific Investigations of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Warning Letter to dietary supplement company RAAS Nutritionals, LLC/Rare Antibody Antigen Supply, Inc. (RAAS) for failure to comply with the requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and applicable regulations under 21 CFR Part 312 governing the conduct of clinical investigations and the protection of human subjects.1In particular, RAAS failed to submit an investigational new drug application (IND) before initiating clinical investigations of the safety and efficacy of its dietary supplements. The FDA had inspected RAAS in April 2021 and issued a Form FDA 483, and found RAAS's response to the FDA's inspectional observations inadequate, as RAAS failed to provide a corrective action plan.

In response to its failure to obtain an effective IND before conducting its clinical investigations, RAAS argued that it was not obligated to submit an IND because it was studying dietary supplements and not drugs, stating that it believed that if it was legally able to sell nutritional supplements to the general public, then it should be able to test and observe effects of the supplements without an IND, as long as it did not advertise drug claims in connection with a supplement sold in the market. However, the FDA disagreed and made it clear that the intent of the investigation matters, regardless of whether a product is an investigational drug or a commercially distributed dietary supplement. Further, the FDA noted that the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status of one or more dietary supplements does not exempt the supplements from the IND requirements, as GRAS status and how a company plans to market its products constitute separate determinations from whether the company conducted the clinical studies without an effective IND.

This Warning Letter serves as a reminder to manufacturers and study sponsors that the IND requirements do not apply only to investigational drugs that require regulatory approval by the FDA before they are marketed, but also apply to dietary supplements that are being studied for medical conditions and diseases. Companies that plan to conduct studies in human subjects should not rely solely on whether the product is a consumer product (like a dietary supplement), but instead should consider the intent of the clinical investigation and the totality of circumstances, including the study design and whether the investigation implicates medical conditions and disease, in determining whether an IND is required before commencing investigations in human subjects.

[1] FDA, Warning Letter to RAAS Nutritionals, LLC/Rare Antibody Antigen Supply, Inc., September 30, 2021, available at https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/raas-nutritionals-llcrare-antibody-antigen-supply-inc-616560-09302021.

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Clinical Studies of Dietary Supplements Could Trigger IND Requirements - JD Supra

On Wednesday, October 6, 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 45 (AB-45) that prohibit[s] restrictions on the sale of dietary supplements, food, beverages, cosmetics, or pet food that include industrial hemp or cannabinoids, extracts, or derivatives from industrial hemp based solely on the inclusion of those substances. AB-45 is highly significant amongst the cannabis regulatory landscape because it constitutes a departure from the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) guidance that CBD cannot be introduced to food products or dietary supplements sold in interstate commerce.

That is not to say, however, that the inclusion of CBD in industrial hemp products, a term that encompasses cosmetics, food, food additives, dietary supplements, or herbs for human or animal consumption that contain industrial hemp, is totally unregulated in California. Rather, AB-45 prohibits industrial hemp products from being distributed or sold in the state, absent documentation that they were produced from industrial hemp regulated by the California Department of Food and Agriculture or otherwise meet the requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (if sourced from outside California). Additionally, manufacturers who create certain types of industrial hemp products will be required to register with the California Department of Public Health. As demonstrated by the recent success of the states Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP) program, industrial hemp producers in California should anticipate significant cooperation between the Department of Public Health and the California Attorney General in enforcing these new regulations.

Accompanying the registration requirements are rigorous testing and labeling requirements, marketing and advertising restrictions, and consumer protection provisions. For example, manufacturers must obtain a certificate from an independent laboratory that states: (1) The industrial hemp raw extract, in its final form, does not exceed THC concentration of an amount determined allowable by the department in regulation, or the mass of the industrial hemp extract used in the final form product does not exceed a THC concentration of 0.3 percent and (2) The industrial hemp product was tested for any hemp derivatives identified on the product label or in associated advertising in accordance with Section 111926.2. AB-45 also provides the government with the ability to punish any unlicensed manufacturers attempting to sell unregulated products within the state. Over the next several months, the Department of Public Health will create additional regulations before the law fully goes into effect.

Californias refusal to follow the FDAs lead in prohibiting the sale of industrial hemp products is but the most recent example of the push to keep cannabis legalization and oversight in the hands of the states, rather than the federal government. It remains to be seen whether the relatively new California Attorney General Rob Bonta will prioritize strict enforcement of these regulations as the cannabis industry adjusts to the new legal regime. Many in the cannabis industry welcomed his appointment as a staunch ally of marijuana legalization but California is in unchartered territory and AG Bonta could make it a bumpy ride for those companies seizing on the new law as an impetus to innovate.

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CBD Now Permitted in Food, Beverages and More - JD Supra

Millions of Americans take vitamins on a daily basis, but some don't provide the health benefits consumers might think. When taken incorrectly, vitamins can actually be harmful and there's also the debate on whether we need vitamins at all with some experts saying that a healthy balanced diet is enough. Megan Mescher-Cox, DO Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine and Obesity Medicine Identity Medical Group/Dignity Health Medical Group, explains, "keep in mind that the supplement industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. Put frankly, the goal of the supplement industry is to sell supplements, not to keep you healthy and please keep in mind that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I stress that supplements should be treated with the same vigilance as pharmaceuticals. Make certain to talk to your physician before introducing it into your body."

She adds, "In fact, doing the same with foods would also be helpful. Multiple times daily I find myself counseling patients to stop taking supplements. Often they do no good and sometimes they can even be harmful. Moreover, even though we know about the dangers of megadosing some vitamins, we do not know yet about the long term effects of taking daily doses of many of these vitamins. Globally, we have a deficiency of fruits and vegetables in our diets we do not have a supplement deficiency. For people that want to improve their health, focus on the basics: a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes (beans, lentils, peas), whole grains with nuts and seeds, regular exercise, restorative sleep, minimizing stress and having a healthy social life. As I tell patients often: true health does not come in pill form. Read the tips below to find out the five vitamins Cox says can be damagingand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

It's common for people to take fat soluble vitamins, but Cox explains why they're not always beneficial. "Vitamin A, D, E, and K are the fat soluble vitamins, which means that they are stored in human adipose tissue. Excess levels build up in the adipose tissue and can cause toxicity or non-specific symptoms related to the excess intake of vitamins. Although toxicity is possible, it is rare to see a person withtoxicity. More often we see non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating or sleeping, or just not feeling right. It is not recommended to take vitamin A, E, or K vitamins unless directed by a physician and for vitamin D, if someone is taking a supplement to keep the Vitamin D3 supplement at or below 2000 IU daily unless directed by a physician."

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While it's important to maintain a healthy dose of calcium to keep bones strong, Cox explains why supplements might not be right for you.

"Calcium supplements used to be widely taken and recommended by the medical community for bone health but later research proved that calcium supplementation to more cardiovascular events. Calcium supplementation has been widely used for bone health. Although supplementation has shown a decrease in overall fracture risk, it has not been shown to decrease the risk of hip fractures, which are the fractures that result in the most shortening of life. They come with risks as well. In 2010, a meta-analysis on calcium supplementation concluded that calcium supplementation is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack). Of note, getting calcium from food was not associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction. The United States Preventive Services TaskForce (USPSTF) actually recommends AGAINST supplementing calcium and vitamin D in post- menopausal women of average risk for osteoporosis.

There is also debate about the ideal level of calcium intake. The United States recommends getting at least 1200 mg daily whereas the United Kingdom recommends 700 mg and the World Health Organization recommends 500 mg daily. Many of us more educated in nutrition will advise going by the United Kingdom recommendation of at least 700 mg daily and to get it from food sources. Healthful foods that are rich in calcium include unsweetened plant milks, tofu that is made with a calcium binder (you can find this on the packaging), dark leafy greens such as kale, bok choy and collard greens, soy and navy beans."

"Although vitamin B6 is a water soluble vitamin, taking too much can still result in dangers," Cox says. "People can experience neurologic symptoms such as numbness and tingling especially of the fingers and toes but sometimes other parts of the body. I have had multiple patients with neurologic symptoms and vitamin B6 levels well above normal and their symptoms go away when we stop supplementation. Sometimes the excess vitamin B6 is coming in even from a multivitamin. It is very unusual to see too much vitamin

B6 from foods so sticking to the food source is best."

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To support immune health, many people turn to zinc, but Cox reveals why that's not always a good idea. "Zinc supplements have been widely used to help prevent infection, especially during the COVID pandemic, but they can be harmful too. High doses of zinc intake can lead to depletion of copper levels. It can also lead to stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and loss of taste. Zinc has been tied to immunity because it is necessary for optimal immune function but the key is to prevent deficiency. If someone really wants to take zinc, I recommend that they do not take it for more than a week at any one time or if they desire taking it long term, no more than 25 mg twice weekly at most. For immunity, the best thing we can do is to give the body what it needs: adequate rest, a healthful antioxidant rich diet, regular exercise and minimizing emotional stress. Herbs and spices, vegetables and fruits are high in antioxidants and also anti-inflammatory to help counter inflammation in the body."

"Iron supplementation should never be done without clear instruction from a healthcare professional. Iron is a pro-oxidant which means that it causes oxidative stress and DNA damage in the body," Cox warns. "Iron supplementation increases our risk for colon cancer, heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders amongst others. The body does not have a mechanism to get rid of excess iron so it is even more important to avoid excess iron consumption. If someone has known iron deficiency anemia and wants to improve iron intake thru food, chickpeas and pumpkin seeds as good sources and iron overdose from plant-based foods is extremely rare (please note that iron overdose is possible from animal foods as the type of iron found in animal foods is more readily absorbed in the human body). If someone is found to be iron deficient, it is also important that they work with their health care provider to identify the root cause of the deficiency as taking the supplement may mask an underlying problem."

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If you're considering giving your child vitamins, Cox says, "The American Academy of Pediatrics stance is that healthy children receiving a normal, well-balanced diet do not need to supplement with vitamins (although they do note the importance of a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU daily for children under 1 and 600 IU daily for children over 1 year of age). Megadoses of vitamins, including A, C, or D can produce toxic symptoms in children. For children, iron can be especially dangerous unless specifically recommended by a healthcare provider. Iron toxicity can happen as the supplements can look like candy and be ingested in large amounts. This is the reason why many prenatal vitamins, which usually contain iron, do not contain iron when they come in the gummy form."

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It's always important to stay healthy and active, especially during pregnancy, but Cox explains the risks to avoid during pregnancy. "When pregnant, please do not take any vitamins or supplements without talking with your doctor first. Vitamin deficiencies and vitamin overdoses can affect the fetus more than adults and it is critical to discuss with your physician. The exception to this would be a prenatal vitamin which should be initiated as early as possible, ideally when one is trying to become pregnant."

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If you have a chronic disease and want to take vitamins, Cox says, "Living with a chronic disease is unfortunately very common and with the disease, certain functions in the body are compromised. For instance, the liver and kidneys work to metabolize and eliminate most pharmaceuticals and supplements. If there is damage to one of these organs, or other organs, the expected blood concentrations of that pharmaceutical or supplement may be higher than expected. Sometimes patients are not aware of the degree of damage to their organs and it is critical to talk to a doctor before starting a supplement. Just as someone should not take a new pharmaceutical without their health care provider knowing, they should not start a supplement without talking to their doctor either."

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11 Vitamins That May Be Dangerous, Warn Experts Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Americans spend an estimated of 35 billion a year on dietary vitamins, but do they offer the healthy benefits consumers are seeking? That depends. Dr. Terrell Smith MD, MPH, Founding Physician of Spora Health, a telehealth platform offering primary care for people of color, says, "In all, a healthy and balanced diet will provide you with most of the vitamins that your body needs. Unless you are experiencing symptoms of vitamin deficiency and are advised by a healthcare provider, avoid taking excessive vitamins." Eat This, Not That! Health talked to experts who explain which vitamins are actually a waste of money and why. Read below to find out the 16 vitamins that Dr. Smith and Megan Mescher-Cox, DO Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine and Obesity Medicine Identity Medical Group/Dignity Health Medical Group recommend leaving on the drugstore shelfand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

For anyone wanting to increase hair growth, Biotin is not the answer, says Dr. Smith . "Biotin, also known as vitamin H or vitamin B7, is an essential nutrient with many health benefits including converting food to fuel and maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. While biotin is often touted as the key to luscious hair and strong nails, research has shown that is only true for people with underlying health conditions. Therefore, if you are healthy, there is no benefit in taking a biotin supplement. Biotin containing hair products should provide any benefit to your hair health, so you need to add in oral supplementation, unless you are advised by a healthcare provider."

Another vitamin that's a waste of money according to Dr. Smith is chromium. "Known as an "essential trace element," this mineral is believed to help keep insulin levels steady. However, it's easily obtained in regular diets so there's no need to go out of your way to buy and consume Chromium supplements. Sometimes it's also sold online along with promises that it can help with weight loss, but there is no scientific evidence that backs up those claims, so definitely be leery of them."

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Iron is a vitamin that many people take, but it might not have the health benefits you think. "Many people decide to take vitamin supplements thinking, "more is better." The truth is taking iron supplements without a confirmed deficiency from your doctor can be dangerous. Too much iron can cause irregular heartbeats, excessive buildup in the liver, and in rare cases, can be cancerous! Good sources of iron can already be found in your diet such as beans, dark chocolate, spinach, beef and chicken."

Don't take too much vitamin A, says Dr. Smith. "Vitamin A is an antioxidant and plays an important role in vision, but too much vitamin A can be toxic, causing multiple serious side effects. You should be able to get all the vitamin A you need from your diet (cheese, eggs, milk, yogurt, etc.). Any vitamin A your body does not need immediately is stored for future demands. This means you do not need it every day."

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"Vitamin B2 is one of the eight essential B vitamins that your body needs to convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which is used to produce energy. It's commonly found in many of your favorite breakfast foods, like eggs, whole grain breads, milk, and yogurt. So, if you're already eating those regularly, there's often no need to supplement with additional B2 vitamins. In fact, your urine can turn neon yellow when you have too much Vitamin B2 in your system (it gets excreted vs being absorbed when levels are too high), so that's an easy way to see if you've gone overboard on the vitamin. As a side note, B vitamins are water soluble, so excess can be processed and exposed in urine," Dr. Smith explains.

Dr. Smith says, "Another B-complex vitamin that is present in many foods fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry and fish that most of us get enough in our diets. Research shows that taking B6 supplements over a long period of time can actually cause serious health problems and high levels of B6 have been shown to cause abnormal nerve sensations/changes."

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Get outside and enjoy the fresh air instead of spending money on vitamin D, Dr. Smith advises. "Vitamin D is essential for good health. It helps the body absorb the calcium it needs to build, maintain, and repair bones. It also plays a key role in muscle movement, the nervous system, and the immune system. Most of us get our vitamin D from sunshine. Vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 are the two main forms of vitamin D. Both play the same role in the body, but vitamins D2 and D3 have slightly different molecular structures. Vitamin D2 is made by plants, which your body does not absorb as efficiently. Research has shown that vitamin D3, which comes from animals, appears to be better at raising vitamin D levels rendering a vitamin D2 supplement questionably useful."

For anyone who wants to take vitamin E. Dr. Smith says, "Not many people are deficient in vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin that protects cells from damage and provides support for your immune system. Vitamin E is abundant in foods like avocado, almonds and spinach, making supplements unnecessary for most. Healthy adults need about 15 milligrams of the nutrient each day and overdoing this supplement could cause other issues, like hemorrhaging."

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For anyone who wants to lower their cholesterol, Megan Mescher-Cox says, "Red yeast rice may lower cholesterol with its active ingredient Monacolin K. The largest problem with purchasing a supplement is the variability in the amount of active ingredients in the supplement. A study showed that some red yeast rice supplements actually contained no active ingredient at all. There has also been concern about a contaminate citrin, which can cause liver failure. Instead of spending money on red yeast rice products, elevated cholesterol levels decrease quite significantly by increasing fiber-rich foods in their diet and decreasing or eliminating foods that contain cholesterol or saturated fat which have the added benefits of also lowering blood pressure and sugar levels at the same time."

Why swallow a pill when you can chew a flavored gummy vitamin instead, but Cox warns to think twice about that. "When we consume anything, I'd recommend taking a look at the entire package. If someone is taking a specific vitamin for a medical reason, we want to make sure to get the vitamin. Sometimes gummy vitamins contain inconsistent levels. Moreover, there are often added sugars, sugar substitutes or artificial colorings or flavorings added and these are known to be unhealthful."

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Who doesn't want to find the fountain of youth miracle in a vitamin, but no such thing exists. Cox explains, "I agree that DHEA is a waste of money for consumers and it comes with risks. It is a precursor to estrogen and testosterone. The side effect profile is poor and includes stunted growth, increase in blood pressure or cholesterol or mood swings. Additionally there can be signs or symptoms of elevated testosterone in women such as hair loss, voice changes or growth of facial hair or elevated estrogen in men: enlargement of breasts, shrinking of testicles or lower sperm count. It can also have a negative effect on hormone-responsive cancers such as some breast, ovarian or prostate cancers. The long term safety of the supplements are not known without future studies. It should also be noted that it is banned in many sports organizations and even in countries as an anabolic steroid derivative. For a goal of youthfulness, the absolute best thing we can do is to get restful sleep ideally 7-9 hours nightly, minimizing stress and having ways to destress, and consuming a predominantly whole-foods, plant-based diet which is full of antioxidants while minimizing toxins including tobacco, alcohol, and processed foods."

How often are you told to take vitamin C when you have a cold? But that's not actually good advice. Cox says, "Save your money on vitamin C for the common cold. There is no evidence that vitamin C supplementation reduces the risk or incidence of the common cold in the average person. As with other supplements, a healthy diet will get an adequate level of vitamin C. In fact, a medium orange daily will reach the recommended daily allowance (RDA) and will provide multiple added benefits to your health. Very high doses of vitamin C can lead to kidney stones, nausea and vomiting."

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"MCT oil has become popular with the popularity of the ketogenic diet," Cox explains. "It is touted to increase the ketones and allow people to eat more vegetables and fruits while they are on the keto diet. The main risk of MCT oil comes from the fact that it is almost pure saturated fat. Saturated fat intake increases cholesterol levels and can cause fatty liver disease and coronary artery disease. It is not a healthful addition to the diet."

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"HMB is a metabolite of the amino acid leucine and is found naturally in the body," Cox says. But, "It has not been proven to enhance athletic performance or decrease muscle soreness during exercise. Although no adverse effects have been identified from taking HMB, there are no benefits either."

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For men wanting a better erection, Cox says L-arginine isn't the vitamin to turn to. She states, "It is true that there is some use for men that have low levels of nitric oxide in their system but for the vast majority of Americans, L-arginine will have no effect. The beneficial nitric oxide actually comes from the very thin lining inside arteries called the endothelium. These endothelial cells secrete nitric oxide which acts on the nearby tissues and lasts a very short period of time, causing enlargement of the blood vessels and thereby increasing blood flow. The body is well designed and adapted to increase blood flow when needed but the endothelium can be damaged by high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high sugars (diabetes), high weight (obesity) and/or high stress. Taking L-arginine will not increase nitric oxide in the average person but lowering the chronic inflammation and damage to the endothelium can help. This can be done with a healthful diet, adequate rest and minimizing emotional stress."

According to Cox, anyone who smokes should think twice about taking beta-carotene. "Beta-carotene is a carotenoid and a precursor to vitamin A. In its natural food form it is incredibly healthful but in the supplement form there have been studies that have associated beta-carotene intake with increased incidence of lung cancer in people that smoke or have had asbestos exposure." So buy your vitamins carefully, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.

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16 Vitamins That are a Waste of Money, Say Experts Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Heading into the colder months of the year means bundling up in your warmest clothes while trying to strengthen your immune system so you can have a fighting chance against flu season.

And while things like supplements and certain exercises can help with your immunity, the eating habits you choose make a big difference in the strength of your immune system as well. In fact, even some of your breakfast habits can derail your immunity in ways you may not have realized.

To learn about the breakfast eating habits that could be ruining your immune system, we talked with Courtney D'Angelo, MS, RD, author at GoWellness, and Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, author of The First Time Mom's Pregnancy Cookbook and Fueling Male Fertility and member of the Eat This, Not That! Medical Expert Board.

Read on for their answers to the worst breakfast habits, and for more tips on boosting your immune system, make sure to check out Dietitians Say This is the Best Diet for Boosting Your Immunity.

When it comes to eating a breakfast that is going to help you strengthen your immunity, you may want to reconsider how much sugar you're consuming in that meal.

"Breakfast foods like sugary cereals, pastries, pancakes, and waffles are all loaded with added sugar," says D'Angelo, "and consuming too much sugar over time can negatively impact your white blood cells, which are the cells in your body involved with fighting infection."

And according to our dietitians, even if you're not eating pancakes every morning, your sugar consumption can add up in unexpected ways.

"Between what we add to our coffee, what we sprinkle on our oatmeal, and what we enjoy in our donuts, added sugar can be packed into a breakfast, and data shows that too much sugar does not support a healthy immune system," says Manaker.

RELATED: Sign up for our newsletter to get daily recipes and food news in your inbox!

Just because you're trying to avoid added sugar doesn't mean you need to skip on the natural sugars from things like fruit and juice.

"When people are trying to limit their added sugar intake, they may skip drinking 100% orange juice with their breakfast," says Manaker, "but 100% OJ contains no added sugars, is chock-full of important immune-supporting nutrients, and a new study even suggests 100% orange juice has the potential to help fight inflammation."

At first glance it may not seem like inflammation would impact the strength of your immune system, but according to Manaker, "people with low-grade inflammation may have an increased risk of infection, so including this juice in an overall healthy diet can be an important addition to immunity strength."

Vitamin D is an important component in boosting your immune system, and according to D'Angelo, it can be easy to accidentally skip over this key nutrient when you're preparing your breakfast.

"Foods like salmon, oatmeal, eggs, milk, and some juices can be great sources of Vitamin D," says D'Angelo, "but if you have a habit of rushing through breakfast and heating up a Pop-Tart to save time, you may not get the adequate amount of vitamin D that you need for your day."

It's important to note that although getting enough vitamin D through your food or a supplement is important for immune function, it's still just as important to eat a balanced diet and get enough exercise on a regular basis.

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According to Manaker, protein is another important component of maintaining a healthy immune system, so getting enough for breakfast is key.

"Many breakfast foods like breakfast pastries or french toast are full of carbs but quite low in protein, so adding protein-heavy foods like eggs, milk, and even tofu to your breakfast routine can help support the immune system," says Manaker, "as protein is a necessary part of this aspect of health."

RELATED: 19 High Protein Breakfasts That Keep You Full

And finally, according to our experts, pulling through the McDonald's drive-through for breakfast too often can wreak havoc on your immunity.

"Sure, fast food can be extremely convenient, but it can also be loaded with salt," says Manaker, "and since a high-salt diet has been linked to a weakened immune system, sticking to foods made without too much sodium is a better choice."

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The Worst Breakfast Habits for Your Immunity, Say Dietitians Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Take a quick mental inventory of your supplement situation. If it's the exact same lineup for months (maybe years) on end, that's great that you're giving your body the extra supportbut your body's needs can change with the seasons, too.

For some intel on how to keep our supplement routines optimized, we asked Erin Barrett, PhD nutritional biochemistry, director of product innovation and scientific affairs at Shaklee (the company whose founder literally invented the multivitamin in the United Statesso they know their stuff) for her fall supplement recommendations, starting with the signs to look out for that your regimen might need updating.

"Fatigue or low energy is one of the most common complaints that people have," Dr. Barrett says. "And its one that can often be addressed by simply filling potential nutritional gaps [with] a high potency multivitamin for example, or a B-complex."

If that sounds like you, her recommendation is to start by going the personalized route: Shaklee Meology does all the work for you (all you have to do is take a simple-yet-thorough assessment) by determining the nutrients and supplements you need to build a strong nutrition foundation, and then packages your lineup in easy-to-take packs. It can also recommend supplements to help address targeted concerns like low energy, daily stress or sleeping troubles.

Want to really level-up your lineup? Below, Dr. Barrett is sharing her top fall supplement recommendations that you could add on to your Meology results, covering five different wellness concerns from low energy to skin support.

At the top of Dr. Barrett's list of fall supplement recommendations? Protein, to help keep you energized and satiated as you move through the back-to-the-grind season. Fall can be a very busy and high-stress time, especially for young families with kids back in school, and gearing up for holidays, Dr. Barrett says.

With 20 grams of protein, six grams of fiber, and 24 essential vitamins and minerals, Shaklee Life Shake is seriously delicious (it comes in flavors like french vanilla, rich chocolate, and even pumpkin spice for extra fall vibes), and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Plus, it's easy to shake up and take on the goso you can have the nutritious fuel to keep your energy up while you run errands or commute home.

The transition to colder weather can be hard on your skin (thanks to cold, dry air), which is why Dr. Barrett recommends adding collagen to your supplement routine to support healthy, radiant skin from the inside out.

Giving your skin that extra boost this fall can translate into a year-round skin-support routine, which is especially important as we age when the body's ability to make collagen begins to decline, Dr. Barrett says. "As a result, we may experience collagen loss which can lead to some common signs of aging, including stiff joints, sagging skin, brittle nails, lackluster hair, and wrinkles, Dr. Barrett says. Collagen-9 supports healthy hair, skin, nails, and joints* by providing the necessary building blocks to support collagen synthesis, including all nine essential amino acids and vitamin C. Plus it contains biotin, too."

Fall is the season of apple picking, pumpkin patches, and cozy sweaters, but it's also the beginning of cold and flu seasonwhich means giving your immune system extra support is always a good idea (especially with kiddos back in school and more people heading back into the office).

Dr. Barrett recommends upping your intake of vitamins C, D, and zinc, as well as adding in antioxidant-rich compounds like elderberry, quercetin, and echinaceaand you can find all of those ingredients in Shaklee's Triple Defense Boost, an immunity drink mix.

Triple Defense Boost is a high-potency product that provides triple the immune support with a powerful, comprehensive blend of essential vitamins and minerals, plant-based adaptogens, and more, Dr. Barrett says. With immune support from the full recommended daily values of vitamin C (1000 milligrams) and vitamin D (2000 IU), plus zinc (two milligrams), immune-boosting botanicalsyeast beta-glucan, reishi mushrooms, and panax ginsengand immune-defending antioxidants, it takes a three-pronged approach to powering your immune system in one tasty drink.

When the days feel shorter (shoutout daylight savings time) and your schedule feels packed, getting enough sleep can seem like a luxury. To help your sleep goals (and in turn, your energy levels during the day), Dr. Barrett recommends a few sleep-supporting ingredients: melatonin, valerian, and lemon balm.

"[Dream Serene] contains melatonin, clinically shown to help you fall asleep faster, [as well as] a proprietary, patent-pending blend of valerian and lemon balm to help you stay asleep,*" Dr. Barrett says. "A recent clinical trial showed that when taken together, valerian and lemon balm actually act synergistically....to help you stay asleep."

Speaking of shorter days, that lack of sunshine time can take a toll on your health during the fall and winter months, since your body isn't able to absorb as much natural vitamin D from the sun.

Were getting less sun, so increasing your vitamin D intake can be a good idea for your immune function as well as your bones, says Dr. Barrett. In addition to scheduling a walk on your lunch break, keeping Shaklee's Vita-D3 (which delivers a whopping 250 percent of your daily value of vitamin D) on your desk can help you remember to support your immune, bone, and heart health daily.

Whether you add one or all of the above to your lineup, Dr. Barrett says to remember that you're doing your body a favor by giving it extra support where it needs it. "According to our recent survey, 67 percent of millennials believe that they get enough vitamins and other nutrients through their diet alone," she says.** "In actuality, for most people, this is not accurate. Many Americans are not reaching micronutrient intake requirements from food alone, presumably from eating an energy-rich, nutrient-poor diet." And giving your body what it needsduring the fall and all year longis what wellness is all about.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

**Data from a controlled survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Shaklee from August 11 to August 16, 2021, with a panel of 2,000 Americans 22-39.

Top photo: Getty Images/Moyo Studio

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Seasonal Supplementing Is a ThingHeres What To Try This Fall, Based on Your Wellness Concerns - Well+Good