Category Archives: Food Supplements

Dr. Joy Drass

You may have passed them in the health food aisle at your local grocery store or seen a reference to them in your favorite healthy living blog probiotics.

Many adults use these supplements to help regulate their digestive systems. Some claim that probiotics can help with conditions like eczema, and even yeast infections.

But probiotics dont always work the same for children. When it comes to giving your child probiotics, heres what you need to know.

Probiotics are good bacteria

Your body is home to billions of organisms like bacteria, fungi, and yeasts. Most of these organisms are harmless and many help your body work properly they form whats called the human microbiome.

Probiotics are some of the helpful good bacteria that make up your microbiome. Besides coming in the form of a dietary supplement, they occur naturally in certain foods.

These fermented and aged foods are packed with probiotics:

Yogurt

Sauerkraut

Kombucha

Kimchi

Kefir

Cottage cheese

Your kids likely get most of their probiotic intake from yogurt.

The benefits of probiotics

By replenishing your bodys good bacteria, probiotics help with digestion and immune-system function and may even help treat or prevent certain diseases.

Theyre especially helpful for diarrhea or constipation, both of which are common for kids, especially during potty training. Probiotics may help ease some of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease as well.

Children already taking antibiotics can benefit from probiotics, too. Antibiotics can cause stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea, and probiotics can ease these side effects. But not all probiotics are effective while taking antibiotics, so talk to your childs pediatrician or pharmacist about which probiotic is best for your child.

Should children eat probiotic foods?

Some studies suggest that probiotics may be good for children. One study found that children who were given probiotics every day for three months were less likely to have respiratory problems and diarrhea than children who were given a placebo.

And while more research is needed, probiotics may reduce childrens risk of developing certain conditions like autoimmune diseases, allergies, and asthma.

On the other hand, some researchers note that probiotics may not have much effect on children. Because their microbiome isnt fully developed, probiotics may simply be passed as normal waste.

Probiotics are considered safe for kids. However, you shouldnt give your child probiotics if they have a compromised immune system or cancer, or if they are a premature infant. In these cases, probiotics can put them at risk for infections.

In general, its better for kids to get probiotics through foods instead of supplements unless their pediatrician recommends otherwise. Talk to your childs doctor if youre thinking about using probiotics to help your childs digestion because keeping your child safe and healthy is their prime concern.

***

Joy Drass, MD, is a pediatrician at Geisinger Port Matilda. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Drass or for more information on pediatric care at Geisinger, visit geisinger.org/KidsHealth or call (866) 210-6699.

This column appears in the April 2021 issue of Town&Gown.

Original post:

Are Probiotics Safe for Kids? Here's What You Need to Know - State College News

TipRanks

Its that time again time to look for upwardly mobile stocks at relative bargain prices. Weve just seen a pullback in market prices, but for some stocks the pullback started earlier and has run deeper. Thats opened up opportunities that Wall Streets analysts have been quick to point out. These are Strong Buy stocks, despite their recent slips in share value. The analysts have noted that each one has a path toward near-term gains, making the risk-reward factors suitable for return-minded investors. And with prices down lately, these are suitable for bargain hunters, too. Weve used TipRanks' database to find three stocks which meet that profile. Let's take a closer look. Farfetch, Ltd. (FTCH) Online retailers have obviously had an advantage in the past year, but on the flip side, the recent reopening of economies around the world has put some pressure on them. Farfetch, an online clothing retailer with an international profile headquarters in London, offices in New York, LA, Tokyo, Shanghai, Portugal, and Brazil shows both trends. The companys gains in 2H20 pushed its market cap well above $16 billion, while recent stressors have forced the stock price down by 38% since its February peak. Farfetch has a solid foundation, based on more than 3 million active customers and over 1,300 sellers on the platform. The company saw, in 2020, over $3.2 billion gross merchandise offered through the site, making it the top global platform for buying luxury products online. The gross merchandise value was up 49% from the prior year. At the top line, Farfetchs 2020 revenues were up 64% year-over-year, to $1.7 billion, with $540 million, about one-third of that total, coming in Q4. Covering Farfetch for J.P. Morgan, 5-star analyst Doug Anmuth notes that the recent weakness has created a compelling buying opportunity. This opportunity is based on: "1) FTCHs position as the leading global marketplace in the $300B luxury market that is rapidly shifting online; 2) FTCHs well-established e-concessions model that attracts more brands & inventory to the platform; and 3) FTCHs strong position in the high growth China luxury market through both the FTCH app & recently launched store on Alibabas Tmall Luxury Pavilion. FTCH should also see its first full year of EBITDA profit in 2021, with a path to greater scalability over time driven by leverage in both Gross Margin and G&A. In line with this bullish outlook, Anmuth rates FTCH an Overweight (i.e. Buy), with a $72 price target suggesting a one-year upside of 58%. (To watch Anmuths track record, click here) Overall, the Strong Buy consensus rating on Farfetch is based on 7 Buy reviews, which offset a single Hold. The stocks share price is $45.50, and the average target of $74.38 implies ~63% upside for the next 12 months. (See FTCH stock analysis on TipRanks) Oncternal Therapeutics (ONCT) The next stock on our list, Oncternal, is a clinical stage biopharma company focused on oncology. The company is working to develop new treatments for cancers with unmet critical needs. The companys pipeline has three drug candidate, in various stages of development from preclinical to a Phase 2 trial. The lead candidate in the pipeline, cirmtuzumab, is the one undergoing that trial. The drug is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the ROR1 receptor in certain hematologic cancers. In December, the company released interim Phase 1/2 results of cirmtuzumabs efficacy in combination with ibrutinib. The combination compared favorably to ibrutinib as a single agent. Cirmtuzumab is also in a Phase 1 clinical study as a treatment agent for breast cancer; updated results released earlier this month showed that a partial response or a stable disease in half or more of the patient cohort. Despite the positive clinical results, Oncternals stock tumbled 30% this month. According to Northland analyst Carl Bynes, in a note titled Weakness Creates Buying Opportunity, investors should take this time to buy in. We view shares of ONCT as an essential holding for those investing in the oncology segment, with multiple clinical updates anticipated in 2Q21 serving as MAJOR catalysts. We believe cirmtuzumab (anti-ROR1 mAb) is positioned to become a breakthrough therapeutic for treating MCL and other ROR1-expressing malignancies. Further, we anticipate first-in-human dosing of its ROR1 CAR-T candidate in 2H21 in China," Bynes opined. Congruent with his upbeat outlook, Bynes rates ONCT an Outperform (i.e. Buy), and his $21 price target implies an impressive upside of 265% in the year ahead. (To watch Bynes track record, click here) Wall Street has taken a unanimous stance on ONCT, giving the stock 4 recent positive reviews for a Strong Buy consensus rating. The average price target, at $15.50, indicates ~170% upside from the share price of $5.75. (See ONCT stock analysis on TipRanks) BioLife Solutions (BLFS) Drug companies cant do their jobs without support services or the products supplied by companies like BioLife. The company supplies cell and gene therapy bioproduction tools, including cryopreservation storage units, biopreservation for blood storage, hypothermic storage and shipping media, and, importantly, cell thawing media allowing use of biosamples after cryopreservation. BioLifes quarterly top line has shown sequential gains in both Q3 and Q4. The third quarter gain was 14%, and increased to 30% in Q4. The Q4 revenue, at $14.7 million, was up 78% yoy. For the full year, the top line hit $48.1 million, a yoy gain of 76%. The company has provided 2021 revenue guidance in the range of $101 million to $110 million. With this in the background, we can look at the share performance. BLFS shares peaked in December, after rising 176% in 12 months. Since then, the shares have retreated 31%. Carl Bynes, of Northland Capital, sees that share retreat, again, as an in for investors. "We view the recent pullback in BioLife shares as a buying opportunity. BioLife, in our view, is uniquely positioned to emerge as the leading consolidator of the enabling technologies segment supporting the high-growth cell and gene therapy sector. The Co., through internal development and acquisitions, has amassed a comprehensive breadth of product and service offerings that support cell and gene therapy applications from development through commercialization, Bynes noted. To this end, Bynes rates BioLife an Outperform (i.e. Buy), along with a $55 price target to indicate a 12-month potential upside of ~75%. (To watch Bynes track record, click here) Looking at the consensus breakdown, Wall Street takes a bullish stance on BLFS. 6 Buys and 1 Hold issued over the previous three months make the stock a Strong Buy.' BLFS shares are selling for $31.51, and their $55.83 average price target suggests a 77% upside. (See BLFS stock analysis on TipRanks) To find good ideas for beaten-down stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.

More here:

CBDepot and 4MP Cannabidiol Novel Food Applications With the UK Food Standards Agency Are Declared Validated and Verified Food Supplements - Yahoo...

Bloating is a common problem often caused by issues like constipation or excess gas (1).

Plus, what you eat and drink can significantly affect bloating and other digestive issues.

Fortunately, many ingredients have been shown to promote regularity, prevent fluid retention, and enhance gut health, all of which can help keep bloating at bay.

Here are 20 foods and drinks that can help with bloating.

Avocados are highly nutritious, packing a good amount of folate and vitamins C and K into each serving (2).

Theyre also rich in potassium, an essential mineral involved in regulating fluid balance and sodium levels to prevent water retention (3).

Whats more, theyre high in fiber, which moves slowly through your digestive tract to support regularity and help prevent constipation and bloating (4).

Cucumbers comprise about 95% water, making them great for relieving bloating (5).

Eating foods with a high water content can help ensure you stay hydrated and meet your daily fluid needs.

This may prevent water retention and alleviate bloating caused by dehydration (6, 7).

Yogurt is packed with probiotics, a beneficial type of bacteria that plays a key role in gut health.

According to some research, probiotics may improve stool frequency and consistency to promote regularity (8).

Furthermore, probiotics have been shown to reduce bloating and abdominal distension caused by conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common disorder that affects the large intestine (9, 10).

Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Theyre also high in fiber. Blackberries, for instance, contain nearly 8 grams of fiber per cup (150 grams) (11).

Increasing your fiber intake can enhance gut health and soften your stool to prevent constipation and bloating (12).

Green tea is a great option to help you stay hydrated and prevent fluid retention.

Its brimming with antioxidants like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which can neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce inflammation in your body (13).

Green tea also contains caffeine, a compound that stimulates digestive tract movement and acts as a natural laxative to support regularity. In turn, this can reduce bloating (14).

Celery is a nutritious veggie comprising about 95% water (15).

In addition to its high water content, celery contains mannitol, a type of sugar alcohol that softens stools to promote regularity by pulling water into the digestive tract (16, 17).

Additionally, the root of the vegetable is considered a natural diuretic. This means it increases urine production to remove excess water and sodium from your body, which can help alleviate bloating (18).

Ginger is an herb thats well known for its ability to soothe digestive distress (19).

For example, some research shows that ginger could speed stomach emptying to prevent bloating and feelings of fullness (20, 21).

It also contains an enzyme called zingibain, which helps break down protein more efficiently to support healthy digestion (22).

Kombucha is a type of fermented beverage typically made from black or green tea.

Like other fermented foods, its rich in probiotics and can promote gut health and regularity (23).

It can also keep you hydrated and squeeze more inflammation-fighting antioxidants into your daily diet to help beat bloating (24).

Bananas are popular for their flavor, portability, and convenience.

Theyre also highly nutritious and an excellent source of fiber, with 3 grams of fiber found in 1 medium (118 grams) banana (25).

Additionally, theyre rich in potassium, a nutrient that supports a healthy fluid balance. In turn, this may prevent bloating and water retention (26).

Papaya is a type of tropical fruit known for its sweet flavor and smooth, creamy texture.

It not only has a high water content but also provides plenty of fiber in each serving (27).

It likewise contains an enzyme called papain, which helps your body break down amino acids. This encourages healthy digestion and may help keep bloating at bay (28).

Asparagus is a great source of fiber, providing nearly 3 grams in each 1-cup (134-gram) serving (29).

It also contains a good amount of inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber found in a variety of foods (30).

Studies show that inulin may support gut health and increase regularity, which may help prevent bloating and constipation (31).

Enjoying a bowl of oatmeal in the morning can be an easy and effective way to battle bloating.

Thats because oats are loaded with fiber, boasting 4 grams in each 1/2-cup (40-gram) serving (32).

Plus, they contain a specific type of fiber called beta glucan, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties (33).

Pineapple is a tropical fruit that packs a serious punch when it comes to nutrition, with plenty of vitamin C, manganese, and B vitamins in every serving (34).

Pineapple also contains bromelain, an enzyme that has long been used in traditional medicine to treat digestive disorders (35).

In some studies, bromelain has been shown to fight inflammation, which improves issues like bloating and swelling (36, 37).

Turmeric is a spice often used to brighten curries, soups, and side dishes.

It contains a compound called curcumin, which has been studied extensively for its anti-inflammatory effects (38).

According to some research, curcumin may also improve gut health and reduce symptoms of IBS, including gas, bloating, and constipation (39, 40).

If you experience bloating after eating foods like pasta, crackers, and bread, switching to gluten-free grains like quinoa may be worth a try.

Consuming foods that contain gluten can cause digestive issues like bloating among people with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (41, 42).

Quinoa is also rich in many other beneficial compounds like fiber and antioxidants that help combat bloating even if youre not on a gluten-free diet (43, 44).

Apples have a high water content and are rich in potassium, which supports a healthy fluid balance and helps you stay hydrated (45).

Whats more, theyre brimming with fiber, with almost 5 grams in just 1 medium (200-gram) apple (45).

In particular, apples are high in a type of soluble fiber called pectin, which can accelerate the movement of food as it passes through your digestive tract to treat constipation and bloating (46).

Although its often added to sweets like pies, cakes, and crisps, rhubarb is not a fruit. Rather, its a vegetable known for its vibrant edible stalks.

Rhubarb contains a compound called sennoside. This compound inhibits water transport from the luminal to the vascular side of the colon, acting as a natural laxative to stimulate bowel movements (47, 48).

Furthermore, it can help increase your fiber intake, with over 2 grams of fiber in each cup (122 grams) of rhubarb stalk (49).

Kiwi is a popular fruit rich in several key nutrients, including fiber and potassium (50).

It also contains actinidin, an enzyme shown to improve digestion and speed stomach emptying in some animal studies (51, 52).

As such, several studies suggest that kiwi could benefit many digestive issues and help reduce bloating, stomach pain, and constipation (53, 54, 55).

Peppermint tea is an herbal tea thats widely used to treat a range of digestive conditions.

Peppermint oil, in particular, has been shown to decrease inflammation and treat symptoms of IBS like stomach pain, constipation, and bloating. Plus, it may help prevent muscle spasms in the stomach and intestines, which could also help prevent bloating (56).

That said, more research is needed to confirm whether the benefits of peppermint oil also apply to peppermint tea.

Closely related to vegetables like carrots, celery, and parsley, fennel is a plant known for its distinctive licorice-like flavor.

Interestingly, studies show that fennel and its seeds possess antispasmodic properties, meaning it can help relax the muscles in your intestinal tract to provide relief from gas and bloating (57).

It also acts as a diuretic to increase urine production and reduce water retention (57).

In addition to incorporating some of the foods and drinks listed above into your daily diet, several other strategies can help prevent bloating.

For starters, be sure to eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. This can help reduce how much air you swallow to prevent gas buildup (58).

Some research also suggests that taking supplements like probiotics or digestive enzymes could be beneficial (59, 60).

To identify whether certain foods are causing your digestive issues, you may also consider tracking your food intake.

For example, foods high in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) such as beans, dairy products, and garlic trigger digestive symptoms like gas and bloating in some people (61).

Other ingredients that commonly cause bloating include sugar alcohols, cruciferous vegetables, carbonated beverages, and beer.

Its also important to get plenty of sleep and regular exercise, as studies show that both sleep deprivation and physical inactivity may affect digestive health and worsen issues like bloating (62, 63).

Lastly, you may also consider consulting a doctor to determine whether you have any food sensitivities or other underlying conditions that could contribute to bloating, such as IBS.

Bloating is a common issue that can be caused by a number of conditions.

Many foods and drinks may help decrease bloating by reducing constipation, alleviating inflammation, and supporting a healthy fluid balance.

Chewing your food thoroughly, taking certain supplements, and determining whether certain ingredients contribute to your digestive issues may also help relieve bloating.

If your symptoms are serious or persist, consider consulting a doctor for personalized recommendations and treatment.

More:

20 Foods and Drinks That Help with Bloating - Healthline

This is such a wonderful time of year! As spring commences, our thoughts turn to the great outdoors. For some, that great outdoors is their own yard. Thoughts of beautiful flowers, blossoming trees, fresh fruit and vegetables of our favorite varieties and grown to perfection as well as time sitting outside in beautiful contemplation enjoying all of it. With this thought in mind, lets look at the antithesis of inner peace and contentedness stress and anxiety.

Stress and anxiety seem to occur in more people than not. We live in a time where slow, monotonous work in the fields for our simple survival is replaced with frenetic activities trying to make life work. Shopping for every known food or luxury occupies some of that time. Working long hours, whether inside or outside of the home, going to the gym and every imaginable activity, constantly plugged in to social media, news, YouTube, and words in our ears from every direction creating fear and concern about the world we live in. It is no wonder we feel stressed and anxious.

We all pretty much recognize how stress and anxiety adversely affects our health and wellbeing (if not, refer to the many articles Ive written on this topic), but Id like to look at it from a weed, seed and feed standpoint.

For our emotional wellbeing, first we need to weed out the negativity and stressful factors. What things can you delegate to someone else to take something off your plate? What activity do you participate in that you dont like that you can find a happier and healthier solution to? Do you have negative people in your life that it is time to weed out and discard in a healthy way to all?

When you weed something negative out of your life you leave a hole. The brain and body do not like holes, so we need to seed something positive in its place. If you hate your job and weeded it out, what job can you replace it with to seed a more satisfying and abundant life? If you weeded out friends that bring you down or bring you stress, who would you like to build a healthier relationship with (and go and do that).

Then you need to feed it. Because our lives are so frenetic today, we have to plan time to feed relationships, to feed joy in our lives and to feed contentment. We also have to feed ourselves. Running around without proper fuel to sustain us just adds to the stress and anxiety that we feel. Feeding ourselves good, healthy foods and good, healthy food supplements is a good start.

Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with over four decades of experience. Carling is a Health Detective, she looks beyond your symptom picture and investigates WHY you are experiencing your symptoms in the first place. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur dAlene clinic. Visit Carlings website at http://www.vitalhealthcda.com to learn more about Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Carling can be reached at 208-765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.

Link:

ADVERTISING: Advertorial Spring weeding, feeding, and seeding: Stress and anxiety - Coeur d'Alene Press

By Amy Norton HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, April 19, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- People who eat plenty of vegetables, fish and fiber may have more inflammation-fighting bacteria in their guts, but fast-food lovers may be feeding inflammatory microbes.

That's the conclusion of a new study that looked at people's diet habits and the makeup of their gut "microbiome."

The term refers to the vast collection of bacteria and other microbes that naturally dwell in the gut. Studies in recent years have been revealing just how important those bugs are to the body's normal processes from metabolism and nutrient synthesis to immune defenses and brain function.

In the new study, researchers found that people who ate diets rich in plant-based foods and fish akin to the famous Mediterranean diet had an advantage: More collections of gut bacteria that can temper inflammation.

On the other hand, people who favored meat, processed foods and sugar tended to have clusters of gut microbes that are pro-inflammatory.

Many studies have tied Mediterranean-style eating and plant-rich diets to lower risks of various diseases.

The researchers said the new findings add to evidence that effects on the gut microbiome are one reason why.

"Our study provides support for the idea that the gut microbiome could be one link between diet and disease risk," said senior researcher Dr. Rinse Weersma, a gastroenterologist and professor at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.

His team found that people who ate more vegetables, fruit, fatty fish, nuts and fiber-rich grains generally had higher concentrations of bacteria that churn out short-chain fatty acids.

Short-chain fatty acids are produced when gut bacteria ferment non-digestible fiber, and they are anti-inflammatory, Weersma explained.

On the opposite end of the spectrum was the "fast-food cluster," where people had a high intake of meat, french fries, soda and processed snack foods.

They were in double-trouble, according to Weersma: Owing to a lack of dietary fiber, they had fewer bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids. They also showed a greater abundance of pro-inflammatory gut microbes.

Many factors influence the balance of bacteria in any one person's gut microbiome, including genes, age, health conditions, medication use (particularly antibiotics) and stress, experts say.

"But I would say diet is the number one factor for adults," said Dr. Emeran Mayer, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine.

Mayer, who was not involved in the study, is author of the forthcoming book "The Gut-Immune Connection."

He said he generally recommends a largely plant-based diet, choosing the particular foods based on individuals' needs. Diet is the way to go, rather than taking probiotic supplements, Mayer said.

"There's no way to get around the biology. You can't eat a bad diet then take a probiotic," he said. "You have to make a fundamental shift in your diet and overall lifestyle."

Unfortunately, Mayer added, processed foods and other unhealthy choices are often cheaper, which makes it hard for lower-income people to eat healthfully.

"That's a real problem," he said.

The new findings published online recently in the journal Gut are based on more than 1,400 Dutch adults who answered questions on their diet habits and gave stool samples for a gut-microbe analysis. Some were generally healthy, while others had digestive disorders, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Overall, the study found consistent links between fish and food from plants and anti-inflammatory gut microbes, including in people with digestive conditions.

Dr. Andrew Chan is a gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and professor at Harvard Medical School.

Chan said evidence is growing that the gut microbiome is one important link between diet and disease risks.

But it's likely that inflammation is only one part of the story, according to Chan.

Researchers are just beginning to understand the many roles of the gut microbiome, which some view as an organ unto itself, he noted. Much more work is needed to characterize how the microbiome might influence human health, and define what a "healthy" one is, Chan added.

For now, Weersma said these findings support current recommendations to eat more "whole" plant foods and fewer processed ones.

Chan agreed, but added that, ultimately, research into the gut microbiome could move experts away from one-size-fits-all advice. It's becoming possible to individualize diets based on how a person, and his or her gut microbiome, respond to food, he said.

More information

The Harvard School of Public Health has more on the microbiome and diet.

SOURCES: Rinse Weersma, MD, PhD, professor/chairman, gastroenterology and hepatology, University of Groningen/University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands; Andrew Chan, MD, MPH, chief, Clinical and Translational Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, and professor, medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Emeran Mayer, MD, PhD, professor, medicine, and director, G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine; Gut, April 2, 2021, online

WebMD News from HealthDay

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Are You Eating Foods That Harm Your 'Microbiome'? - WebMD

Americans have upped their supplement game since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, many individuals who didn't previously have a supplement regimen may now have a consistent vitamin and mineral routine. And one supplement, in particular, is especially hot right now among consumers, a new survey suggests.

Today, the International Food Information Council (IFIC) released the survey, "Consumer Perspectives on Vitamins, Minerals, and Food and Beverage Fortification," which examines American perceptions about taking supplements. Among the 1,023 people ages 18 and over interviewed from March 4 to March 8, 2021, 66% of respondents expressed interest in taking vitamin D. (Related: The One Vitamin Doctors Are Urging Everyone to Take Right Now)

Individuals ages 65 and older were even more likely to say that they were looking for vitamin D, with 89% expressing interest compared to 53% of those below the age of 45. About 50% of female-identifying participants said they frequently searched for vitamin B12, which is greater than the 34% of male-identifying respondents who said the same.

Irrespective of age or gender, 62% of respondents said they sought out vitamin C, followed by vitamin B12 at 43%, calcium (41%), iron (33%), vitamin A (33%), and vitamin E (32%). Still, vitamins C and D took the cake, with respondents saying they were interested in the vitamins for both general health and wellness and immune health.

"Of those who prioritize immune health, half say that their focus on it has become much more important now than before the COVID-19 pandemic,"Ali Webster, PhD, RD, Director of Research and Nutrition Communications at the International Food Information Council, told Eat This, Not That!.

"I was somewhat surprised to see vitamins D and C jump to the top of the list of sought-after vitamins and minerals above more traditional options like calcium and iron," she added. "However, given the heightened emphasis we saw on immune healthspurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, it makes sense that people would focus on nutrients that they associate with this health benefit."

Of course, Webster encourages getting the majority of your vitamins and minerals through foods and beverages first. However, there are several instances where individuals may not be able to get all of these nutrients from diet alone. Supplements may be incredibly beneficial, in particular, to those who follow a restrictive diet or have dietary restrictions caused by food allergies.

"For example, vitamin B12 is found most often in animal-source foods, so vegans and those limiting their intake of meat, dairy, and eggs may wish to take a vitamin B12 supplement," she said. "Vitamin D is another nutrient to consider supplementing in some populations, such as those who live in northern climates, elderly people, and those who don't get a lot of exposure to sunlight."

If you're considering whether to add dietary supplements to your morning routine, be sure to run the idea by your health care provider first. You'll want to avoid consuming supplements in excess, as well as any potential interference with other medications.

For more, be sure to check out This Supplement May Help Protect You Against Obesity, New Study Says. And to get the latest supplement news delivered right to your email inbox every day, don't forget to sign up for our newsletter!

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66% of Americans Say They Are Seeking Out This Vitamin Right Now, New Survey Reveals | Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Skip the supplements and add these healthy foods to your diet.

When people suffer symptoms like lethargy, headaches, muscle weakness, sleeplessness and lack of focus, many turn to supplements in an attempt to load their bodies with the missing nutrient responsible for their symptoms.

However, doing so without first considering the quality of your diet may not get you anywhere. Supplements can help fill gaps in your diet, but it's always best to get most of your vitamins and minerals through a nutritious diet.

Try taking a food-first approach with this guide to the top food sources for every vitamin and mineral. You'll notice that many overlap and -- who'd've known -- vegetables appear as a top source for almost every nutrient.

Read more: Personalized multivitamins: Worth it or no better than store-bought?

Vitamin A is a single vitamin, but two types are found in food. Preformed vitamin A, which your body can use immediately, is found in animal foods. Provitamin A is found in plant foods, and it's a precursor to the type of vitamin A your body can use. Beta-carotene is the most common example of provitamin A.

To avoid vitamin A deficiency with your diet, eat these foods high in vitamin A:

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The B vitamins are a group of eight essential nutrients humans need to support health. They're all lumped into one class of vitamins because they have similar properties and are found in many of the same foods.

The eight B vitamins include:

The best food sources of B vitamins are:

Best known for supporting immune health, vitamin C also contributes to the growth, development and repair of various tissues in your body. Vitamin C is an important part of the structure of your skin, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels, and it helps to form scar tissue in response to injuries.

To make sure you're getting enough vitamin C in your diet, eat plenty of these vitamin C-rich foods:

The very best source of vitamin D is sunshine, but plenty of foods contain trace amounts of vitamin D to support a well-rounded diet. It's hard to get enough vitamin D from food alone, so it's a good idea to get outside for a few minutes each day in addition to prioritizing these foods.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant responsible for many bodily functions, including the formation of red blood cells. Deficiency in vitamin E can lead to complications such as nerve damage, muscle weakness, loss of motor control, weakened immune function and vision problems.

The best food sources of vitamin E are:

Vitamin K is primarily a coagulant, which means it helps blood clot. Without vitamin K, you would lose too much blood even from a small cut or scrape. People on blood-thinning medications should talk to their doctor about vitamin K before increasing their consumption. If it's safe for you to eat more vitamin K-containing foods, try adding these sources to your diet:

In addition to vitamins, the human body requires several minerals to function optimally. Mineral deficiencies are often responsible for symptoms like fatigue, poor sleep, low moods and lack of focus.

You need two types of minerals to support your health: macrominerals, which you need in large amounts, and trace minerals, which you need in smaller quantities. The macrominerals include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and sulfur. Trace minerals include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride and selenium.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body -- you need plenty of it to keep your bones and teeth healthy, as well as support muscle and nerve function. The best sources of calcium include:

Second only to calcium in terms of abundance, phosphorus makes up 1% of your bodyweight and is present in every cell in your body. Phosphorus helps form your bones and teeth, makes protein for tissue growth and repair, and produces the molecules your cells use for energy. These foods contain ample phosphorus:

Many plant foods contain phosphorus, but most plants store the mineral as phytic acid, which humans can't digest or absorb. The best way to get phosphorus is from animal foods.

Like the other macrominerals, magnesium supports nerve and muscle function, as well as bone and heart health. You can find magnesium in:

This electrolyte is essential for maintaining fluid balance in your body and helping your muscles contract, among other things. Many people try to limit their sodium intake (and some people need to), but consuming too little sodium can lead to health problems just like consuming too much can.

The foods highest in sodium generally aren't the healthiest sources of sodium, and sometimes a single savory snack can nearly reach the daily recommended sodium limit. However, some whole foods contain trace amounts of sodium, including:

You likely already eat plenty of foods high in sodium, such as bread, pasta, soup, deli meat, sauces and dressings, broths, stocks, canned foods, frozen foods and snack foods. Most people don't need to increase their sodium intake and should limit sodium-rich foods if they tend to eat more than the recommended daily allowance of 2,300 milligrams.

Another important electrolyte, potassium supports a regular and healthy heartbeat, offsets sodium's effect on blood pressure, supports nerve function and muscle contraction, and moves waste products out of cells. Foods high in potassium include:

Chloride is an electrolyte that works with sodium and potassium to fulfill a variety of roles in the body. Dietary chloride primarily comes from table salt and sea salt, and most people get enough through the foods they eat daily, but you can maximize chloride intake by eating these foods:

Your body uses sulfur to repair DNA, protect your cells against damage, metabolize food and provide structure to your skin and other connective tissues. It's an important trace mineral you can get from a variety of foods, including:

Most people know iron for its role in blood production. Most of the iron in your body is found in hemoglobin and myoglobin, two substances essential to the transport and transferring of oxygen throughout your body. The top food sources of iron include:

This trace mineral is a cofactor for many enzymes, which means it plays a role in lots of chemical reactions that occur in your body, including the metabolism of carbs and protein. The best food sources of manganese are:

Like manganese, copper is a cofactor for several enzymes. It's also important for proper brain development and connective tissue integrity. Here's where to find copper in food:

Your body needs iodine for proper thyroid function: Without it, your body can't make enough thyroid hormones. Iodine is especially important for babies and pregnant women, because this mineral is crucial to bone and brain formation.

The primary source of iodine in the American diet is iodized salt. If you consume a lot of salt, you probably get enough iodine. But in case you don't, you can find iodine in these other foods:

Zinc, the mineral popularized for its rumored defenses against COVID-19, has long been an ingredient in cold medications and throat lozenges. In addition to its well-known role in immune function, zinc also contributes to wound healing and protein synthesis. The best food sources of zinc include:

Cobalt is found in the body as part of vitamin B-12 and helps your body process and absorb the vitamin. Most foods contain trace amounts of cobalt, but foods high in vitamin B-12 are particularly high in cobalt.

Fluoride keeps your teeth healthy and strong. It also spurs new bone formation, so it's especially important for infants and children. Most drinking water contains fluoride, although if you have well water, it may not be fluoridated.In addition to water, you can get fluoride from:

Selenium protects cells from damage, promotes reproductive health and thyroid function and supports DNA production. The most potent food source of selenium is Brazil nuts, and these can actually cause selenium toxicity if consumed too often. Other sources of food high in selenium include:

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

More here:

The best food sources of every vitamin and mineral - CNET

A complex piece of legislation governing the regime of the food supplements was published with the Official Gazette of Romania on 1 April 2021. This was set up after long and highly debated parliamentary procedures since 2012 and confirmed by the Romanian Constitutional Court ruling in 2021.

The Law 56/2021 on food supplements (FS Law) will be applicable starting with 3 April 2021; more detailed implementation rules on manufacturing, sale and use of food supplements are expected to be issued by the Ministry of Health within 90 days (beginning of July 2021).

Main rules and provisions

Scope

The FS Law aims to provide, for the first time on the Romanian market, an unitary legal framework in the field of food supplements with respect to single regulation and regulatory body, market placement, advertising and enhanced consumer protection against misleading and counterfeit. The law transposes into Romanian legislation the relevant EU framework for food supplements .1

The changes are significant in the field as it offers more control to the competent authority to sign-off on the market placement and advertising of food supplements, in view of preventing unfair market practices.

Relevant products

The products covered by the FS Law are food supplements, marketed as foodstuffs and presented as such. Medicines and food supplements based exclusively on medicinal or aromatic plants, as well as hive products, are out of scope.

Competent authority

The FS Law appoints the Romanian Ministry of Health to be the competent authority in the field of food supplements2 as notified body and competent authority to sign off the advertising materials.

National Consumer Protection Authority (ANPC) is granted specific powers in relation to food supplements advertising and labelling.

Marketing food supplements

Market placement of food supplements is allowed based on the notification certificate, issued by the Romanian Ministry of Health. The notification procedure differs depending on the composition of the products and country of origin of the products.

Marketing of food supplements already notified in EU/EEA or imported from third countries

Food supplements already notified in another Member State of the EU/EEA are subject to more simplified procedure of notification to Ministry of Health. For food supplements imported from third countries, separate notification proceedings will be detailed in the implementing norms.

Labelling, presentation and advertising

The FS Law establishes certain conditions for the labelling and advertising of food supplements, in order to guarantee a higher protection, consumers access to information and prevention of excessive consumer intake of food supplements.

Dos

Donts

Sanctions

In case of breach of the FS Law provisions, the following sanctioning regime is applied:

Special attention is paid to criminal activities in relation to preparing or manufacturing counterfeit food supplements, as well as willingly placing, marketing, selling or distributing counterfeit food supplements on the market, sanctioned under the Romanian Criminal Code.

Compliance and transitory measures

Food supplements which are in line with FS Law provisions can continue to be marketed without following additional notification process. However, the advertising materials need to be submitted for approval to Ministry of Health within 6 months of the start of the implementing norms.

The relevant products which do not comply with FS Law provisions can be marketed only until the expiry of the minimum durability date (but not later than 12 months), provided that:

Original post:

The New Romanian Food Supplements Law - what it means for consumers and for the healthcare business - Lexology

When you feel a cold coming on, have you ever reached for a vitamin C supplement to keep the sniffling and coughing at bay? Youre not alone. Taking vitamin C supplements is common in the United States, with about 35 percent of adults taking multivitamins that contain vitamin C and 12 percent taking a separate vitamin C supplement, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient, which means that we need to get it from food or supplements in order for us to meet our needs, says Tamar Samuels, RDN, cofounder of Culina Health based in New York City.

Most vitamin C supplements contain vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid, which is comparable in bioavailability to the vitamin C that naturally occurs in foods, according to the NIH. Vitamin C and ascorbic acid are the same thing, and the terms can be used synonymously, Samuels says.

The NIH recommends that adults get 75 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C per day for women and 90 mg daily for men; smokers should get an additional 35 mg per day, and pregnant and breastfeeding women should get 85 and 120 mg, respectively.

According to the Mayo Clinic, most people source enough vitamin C through diet alone its readily available in citrus fruits, peppers, tomatoes, and berries, among other fruits and vegetables. One medium orange, for example, has 70 mg of vitamin C.

Generally, healthy individuals with no medical conditions can meet their needs for vitamin C by consuming a varied diet in vitamin Crich foods, Samuels says.

RELATED: Am I Getting Enough Vitamin C?

And thats the best way to get your fix, according to Michelle Zive, PhD, RD, anutrition coach based in San Diego. Supplements can help with filling dietary gaps, however, food is always a better way to get the nutrient, she says, adding that by eating the whole food, you benefit from the foods other nutrients as well.

RELATED: The Scientific Health Benefits of Vitamin C

But for a higher dose of vitamin C, you may consider supplements. Most vitamin C supplements start with 100 to 500 mg per capsule, which is definitely higher than the vitamin C content found in vitamin Crich foods, Samuels says. (Note that according to the NIH, you may be at risk of consuming too much vitamin C if your combined intake from food and supplements exceeds 2,000 mg per day.)

So what are the potential benefits of higher levels of vitamin C? Here, explore five benefits of vitamin C supplements supported by research.

And remember, its always a good idea to let your doctor know about all of the supplements you are taking or plan to take, as they can pose unintended health risks for certain groups or interact with other medications you're taking.In particular, vitamin C supplements may be harmful for people taking statins and certain types of cancer drugs.

Its unlikely that vitamin C can protect you from coming down with a cold, but supplementing with it may help reduce the length and severity of your sickness, according to areview published in TheCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Of the studies the researchers looked at, all of which involved supplementing with more than 0.2 grams (g) of vitamin C per day, some found that vitamin C reduces the duration of colds. Even though the results were somewhat varied, with some showing no benefit, the researchers concluded that supplementing with vitamin C may still be worthwhile since its safe and inexpensive.

Vitamin C supplements may help you recover from more serious illnesses, as well. According to ameta-analysis published in April 2019 inNutrients, vitamin C supplements reduced the length of intensive care unit stays by about 8 percent and shortened the duration of mechanical ventilation for patients by 18.2 percent. For the studies, vitamin C doses of 1 to 3 g were used.

It may come as no surprise that scurvy a disease that results from vitamin C deficiency is commonly treated with vitamin C supplementation. According to research, the recommendation is to take 1 to 2 g of vitamin C for the first two or three days of treatment, 500 mg a day for the next week, then 100 mg a day for up to three months afterward.

The majority of people treated for scurvy experience symptom improvement within 48 hours and are fully recovered within 14 days, says Kelly Springer, RD, owner of Kelly's Choice based inSkaneateles, New York.

RELATED: The Top Foods High in Vitamin C and Why the Nutrient Is So Critical

Vitamin C helps the heart in a few ways. For one, it may help with blood pressure management. According to ameta-analysis published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vitamin C supplements (the median dose was 500 mg) helped people with high blood pressure reduce their systolic blood pressure by 4.85 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and their diastolic blood pressure by 1.67 mm Hg.

Other research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that high vitamin C intake was associated with a lower risk of stroke, most significantly among those who took between 200 and 550 mg of vitamin C a day.

Finally, though theres not enough research to say that vitamin C supplements can prevent cardiovascular disease or that being deficient in the vitamin may put you at increased risk of dying from it. According to areview published in August 2016 in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vitamin C deficiency increases the risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease, likely because vitamin C may improve blood vessel function and lipid profiles. However, the current literature provides little support for the widespread use of vitamin C supplementation to reduce cardiovascular risk or mortality at this time.

Gout, a painful form of inflammatory arthritis, is caused by having too much uric acid in the body, according to the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention. Eating a healthy diet with limited alcohol intake can lower the risk of gout and vitamin C supplements can help as well.

Some studies have found that vitamin C may moderately reduce uric acid levels in people who have gout, Samuels says. According to ameta-analysis publishedArthritis Care & Research, vitamin C supplements (the median dose was 500 mg) lowered serum uric acid by 0.35 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Normal uric acid levels are 1.5 to 6 mg/dL in women and 2.5 to 7 mg/dL in men, according to areview published in Frontiers in Bioscience.

At this point, itd be wrong to say vitamin C can prevent or cure cancer, but it may be a beneficial addition to cancer treatment. Ameta-analysis published in the European Journal of Cancer, for instance, found that people with breast cancer who supplemented with vitamin C had a reduced risk of mortality.

And it appears that vitamin C may boost standard treatments as well, Dr. Zive says.

According to asmall study published in March 2017 in Cancer Cell, taking high doses of vitamin C for two monthsduring cancer treatment weakened the cancer cells and made radiation and chemotherapy more effective.

Its worth noting, however, that most of this research involves taking vitamin C intravenously rather than orally, Samuels says. Anyone undergoing cancer treatment should consult with their healthcare providers before taking vitamin C or any other supplements because of the risks of potential interactions with their cancer treatments.

Excerpt from:

Health Benefits of Vitamin C Supplements - Everyday Health

Omega-3s are fats that perform a number of super important functions in your body. You can get them by eating foods like fish and nuts, and you can get even more by taking omega-3 supplements.

Find out whether these supps are right for you and where to find them.

Best omega-3 supplements

Looking for the best supplements for getting more omega-3s? These are our top picks:

Omega-3s are types of polyunsaturated fats your body needs to function at its best.

There are three main types of omega-3 fats:

Foods like herring, sardines, salmon, and algae are rich in DHA and EPA. ALA is concentrated in plant foods like vegetable oil, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseed.

ALA can be used as-is for energy. But your body has to convert it into DHA and EPA before it can be helpful for other important functions.

DHA and EPA have a *lot* of other important jobs to do, including:

FYI: Even though your body can turn ALA into DHA and EPA, the conversion rate is very low. Only 0.5 to 5 percent of ALA converts into DHA, and 5 to 8 percent converts into EPA.

Try to get enough DHA and EPA directly through food or with a supplement.

How many omega-3s do you need daily?

Most folks can aim to get about 200 to 500 milligrams of EPA and DHA per day. Eating a few portions of fatty fish each week or taking an omega-3 supplement will get you there.

Some experts recommend taking between 2 and 4 grams of omega-3s per day to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Studies have shown that DHA and EPA supplements can benefit your health in a bunch of ways.

Not all inflammation is bad. Some inflammation is actually important for your health. Chronic inflammation, though, is a major cause of disease.

Research suggests that taking omega-3 supplements may help decrease inflammatory markers like interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor in some people. That could help reduce disease risk and improve overall health.

Omega-3s are strongly linked to heart health. Research suggests that taking omega-3 supplements may help decrease heart disease risk factors such as high triglyceride levels.

Research has found that omega-3 supplements can reduce triglyceride levels, both in general and in folks with an increased risk of heart disease.

Plus, omega-3s seem to have even more heart health benefits, including:

These effects may help reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

Just keep in mind that the omega-3 supplements you find at the store arent the same as prescription omega-3 products. Those have to come from a medical professional.

Omega-3s help support brain health in a few different ways.

Studies suggest that omega-3s may help protect against mental decline and improve brain function later in life.

Omega-3s play an important role in brain development as well. Thats why doctors recommend that you take an omega-3 supplement during pregnancy.

Omega-3s can benefit your health in many other ways too.

Taking omega-3 supplements may help improve symptoms of depression, reduce pregnancy complications, improve insulin resistance, and more.

OK, so omega-3s are crucial for health. But do you need to take them as a supplement?

If you eat at least two servings of omega-3-rich seafood (like sardines, salmon, mackerel, or herring) per week, you may not need an omega-3 supplement.

However, if youre not a seafood lover or you dont eat fish for ethical reasons, you might want to consider taking a supplement.

There are a few risk factors for developing low levels of DHA and EPA, including:

Your doctor may recommend a high dose fish oil supplement if youre at risk of developing heart disease or if you have an inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis.

If youre not sure if you should be taking an omega-3 supplement, contact a doctor or a registered dietitian for personalized advice.

If youre interested in taking an omega-3 supplement, its important to choose the right kind for you.

There are a few different types of omega-3 supplements:

Levels of DHA and EPA can vary among supplements, but most contain 500 to 1,200 mg per serving. Talk with your doc if you need dosing advice.

Always choose omega-3 supplements from trusted brands.

Pro tip: Keep your omega-3s in a cool, dark place. Some manufacturers even recommend keeping them in the fridge. Omega-3s are fats and can go rancid if they get too hot.

There are tons of omega-3 supplements on the market. Here are some great choices for both fish- and algae-based supplements:

Omega-3 supplements are safe for most people. According to the National Institutes of Health, even high doses of up to 5 grams per day have no apparent negative health effects.

Most people dont experience side effects when taking omega-3 supplements. But you may experience a fishy aftertaste or a bit of indigestion after popping a fish oil pill.

Keep in mind that omega-3 supplements may cause interactions with blood-thinning medications. High dose supplements could interfere with blood clotting.

If youre on blood-thinning medications, talk with your doctor before taking omega-3 supplements.

Omega-3s are super important for your health. While you can get these helpful fats from food, omega-3 supplements have been linked to some impressive benefits.

If you dont eat a lot of seafood (or many omega-3-rich foods in general), talk with a medical professional about omega-3 supplements. A supplement might be a good way to make sure youre getting enough omega-3s in your diet.

See more here:

Omega-3 Supplements: Health Benefits and Top Brands - Greatist