Category Archives: Food Supplements

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

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

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 Hence, the sceptical view of the inclusion of different fibre sources has gradually been replaced by interest in proper fibre supply and it is now increasingly a focus of animal nutritionists.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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more:

From forest to fork - All About Feed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View post:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading here:

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

Finding the best vitamin brands means looking at third-party testing, certifications, ingredients, and brand integrity. We did all the work and found quality options for women, kids, athletes, prenatal, probiotics, and more. Our pick for best overall vitamin brand: Thorne.

If youre unable to meet your nutritional needs through your diet alone, supplements can be a convenient and effective way to do so.

That said, not all vitamin and mineral supplements are created equal.

In fact, some brands are pumped full of fillers, additives, and unhealthy ingredients that can do more harm than good when it comes to your health.

Its important to choose a reputable brand that has undergone extensive testing, ideally by a third-party lab, and is sourced from high quality ingredients. Doing so can ensure that youre getting a supplement thats pure and potent and that your body can use efficiently.

Here are the 15 best vitamin brands to help meet your nutritional needs, as well as the criteria we used to choose them.

When researching the best vitamin brands, we considered the following factors:

Thorne is a supplement company that uses high quality ingredients free of contaminants, fillers, and heavy metals.

All products are manufactured in a facility thats certified by NSF International and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which is the regulatory body in Australia responsible for assessing the safety of supplements.

Plus, Thorne makes more than 30 products that are NSF Certified for Sport.

Thorne offers a variety of products, including protein powders, multivitamins, probiotics, and fish oils. The company also provides supplements designed to support healthy aging, bone and joint health, immune function, and energy levels.

In fact, Thorne Womens Multi 50+ was featured as the best multivitamin for women over age 50 in Healthlines roundup of the best multivitamins for womens health.

Additionally, many supplements also vegan and free of gluten, soy, or dairy, although this may depend on the specific product you select.

Pure Encapsulations is dedicated to providing safe, sustainably sourced supplements formulated to address a long list of health concerns.

All the brands products are free of unnecessary fillers and additives, as well as GMOs and many common allergens.

Plus, each supplement is certified gluten-free and undergoes rigorous third-party testing for contaminants and harmful compounds to guarantee safety.

In addition to single-nutrient supplements, Pure Encapsulations offers products for digestive health, immune support, brain function, hormone balance, and more.

For example, Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate made Healthlines list of the best supplements for anxiety.

Ritual is a company that specializes in making high quality multivitamins free of artificial colors, flavors, and fillers.

It provides detailed information on the sourcing of each nutrient for full transparency, including the supplier and specific form of each micronutrient.

Ritual offers a variety of products for different life stages, including:

For instance, the Ritual Essential for Men Multivitamin is formulated specifically to meet the needs of men over age 18 and is vegan and non-GMO.

Ritual multivitamins are made without dairy, sugar, nuts, or gluten, and theyre tested by an independent lab for heavy metals, allergens, and microbes.

Whats more, Rituals Essential Multivitamin for Women 18+ is USP-verified to ensure purity and potency, and its protein powders are NSF Certified for Sport.

NOW is a family-owned company that focuses on producing budget-friendly supplements free of GMOs and artificial ingredients.

Each product is thoroughly tested in the companys in-house laboratories for purity and the presence of heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants.

NOW supplements are manufactured in facilities certified by UL Solutions, a third-party company that inspects facilities to ensure that they comply with good manufacturing practices.

A wide range of products is available on the companys website, including multivitamins, sports supplements, probiotics, herbs, digestive enzymes, and more.

NOW makes 50+ sports supplements that are Informed Sport certified, which means theyve been tested for the presence of substances that are banned for athletes.

The company also offers a variety of single nutrient supplements, such as its NOW Foods Chewable Vitamin D3 5,000 IU, which was selected as one of Healthlines best vitamin D supplements.

You can also filter supplements to find options that are vegan, vegetarian, organic, or free of gluten and other specific allergens.

Llama Naturals offers a selection of flavored gummy vitamins specifically for children, including multivitamins, prebiotics, probiotics, and supplements featuring ingredients like vitamin D and elderberry.

For example, their Plant-Based Multivitamin contains a blend of 13 vitamins and phytonutrients, which are naturally flavored and made with real fruit.

As registered dietitian and health coach Brenda Peralta points out, gummy supplements could be a good option for young children who may have trouble taking pills. Just make sure to keep the bottle safely out of reach.

Not only is each supplement from Llama Naturals certified organic, but all products are also plant-based and free of added sugar and artificial ingredients.

Furthermore, all products undergo third-party testing for safety and are backed by a money-back guarantee.

Be sure to use products only as directed and talk with your pediatrician before starting supplementation if you have any concerns.

Founded by dietitian and fertility nutrition expert Ayla Barmmer, FullWell specializes in producing prenatal vitamins designed to provide support before, during, and after pregnancy.

Though they recently began offering a supplement to promote mens fertility as well along with fish oil and an herbal supplement to promote relaxation, their signature Prenatal Vitamin is still their most popular product.

This supplement provides many nutrients that are essential for promoting a healthy pregnancy, including folate, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, among others (1).

It also contains choline. According to womens health dietitian Coral Edelson, MS, RD, this micronutrient is important for your babys brain development and is not found in all prenatal supplements.

Whats more, FullWell is manufactured in a UL Solutions certified facility and batch tested to ensure safety. Plus, a certificate of analysis (COA) is available upon request.

Especially if youre pregnant or breastfeeding, always talk with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements.

HUM Nutrition supplements are formulated with clinically proven nutrients and designed to promote everything from hair and skin health to mood, digestion, immune function, and more.

For example, their HUM Nutrition Fan Club, which contains Siberian rhubarb and mix of probiotics and other herbal ingredients, was selected as one of Healthlines best multivitamins for menopause.

Using a simple online quiz, the company provides personalized product recommendations based on your needs and offers free access to a registered dietitian for additional guidance.

Products are triple-tested for purity and verified by a third-party lab to ensure strength and potency. Plus, all supplements are non-GMO, gluten-free, and made without any artificial colors or sweeteners.

Care/of is a personalized subscription-based supplement company that uses a quick online assessment to create a custom daily supplement regimen just for you.

All products are tested multiple times throughout the manufacturing process, both in-house and by third-party labs, to ensure that youre receiving the highest quality supplements possible.

Care/of offers a wide variety of products, including multivitamins, protein powders, probiotics, and supplement blends formulated for specific health concerns such as sleep, digestion, and stress.

Each product includes detailed information on the ingredients it contains, any potential allergens, and the research that backs its health benefits.

Garden of Life is a supplement manufacturer focused on quality, transparency, and sustainability.

In fact, in addition to being certified carbon neutral, many Garden of Life products undergo third-party testing and are certified organic, vegan, gluten-free, or kosher.

Some have also been certified by NSF International or Informed Choice, which are organizations that test products for substances that are banned for athletes.

With a wide selection of products to choose from, Garden of Life offers more than 150 vegan supplements, including probiotics, vitamins, minerals, herbs, and plant-based protein powders.

For instance, the Garden of Life MyKind Organic Plant Collagen Builder is a vegan biotin supplement that contains a blend of other vitamins, minerals, and botanicals to support collagen synthesis.

You can also filter products to find supplements for specific health concerns or dietary restrictions, based on your needs.

Vital Proteins is a popular brand known for their collagen supplements, which are available in a variety of forms and flavors, including vanilla, matcha, and dark chocolate blackberry.

As the most abundant protein in the body, collagen plays a central role in skin, bone, and joint health (2).

Its particularly popular for its anti-aging benefits, with research showing that collagen supplements could help boost skin hydration and elasticity (3).

One of their most popular products, Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen, contains a blend of collagen, probiotics, and hyaluronic acid to promote the health of the hair, skin, and nails.

Many Vital Proteins products are certified organic and free of GMOs, fillers, binders, and artificial ingredients.

According to their website, Vital Proteins also uses independent labs to test supplements for contaminants and heavy metals.

Although Nordic Naturals produces a variety of vitamins and minerals, the company is perhaps best known for its high quality omega-3 supplements that are tailored to fit a range of nutritional needs.

In fact, their Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega is featured as Healthlines best overall fish oil supplement.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to a long list of benefits and can help promote healthy aging (4).

They may also help reduce inflammation, which can be especially beneficial for those with autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis (5).

In addition to offering plant-based omega-3 supplements, Nordic Naturals has supplements specifically for athletes, children, teens, pregnant people, and even pets.

All Nordic Naturals products are non-GMO and undergo third-party testing for safety. A COA is also available for all supplements on the companys website.

OLLY is a company committed to promoting health with high quality, flavorful supplements made without any GMOs and artificial ingredients.

The company offers many gummies and softgels formulated to promote hair, nails, and skin health, and they include ingredients like collagen, hyaluronic acid, and biotin.

For example, OLLY Undeniable Beauty is made with vitamin C, vitamin E, and keratin and is one of the top vitamins for hair, nails, and skin.

Other products, including multivitamins, omega-3s, probiotics, and herbal supplements, are also available.

A COA is available for each product from OLLY and several products are certified by NSF. Additionally, supplements are produced in facilities audited by the FDA and other third-party agencies.

Bio-Kult is a brand that specializes in producing high quality probiotics.

Probiotics are a type of bacteria found in the gut that have been linked to a long list of health benefits, including improved immune function, enhanced digestion, and lower cholesterol levels (6).

The brand offers products with a variety of unique strains, each of which is intended to support different conditions. Some are also formulated with ingredients to support other aspects of health, such as garlic, grapefruit extract, or cranberry extract.

For example, Bio-Kult Mind is designed to support brain function and gut health using a blend of probiotics, zinc, and grape and blueberry extracts.

All Bio-Kult products are shelf-stable, non-GMO, and made without gluten, nuts, and eggs. Many are also vegetarian-friendly and have been approved by the Vegetarian Society.

As one of the leading probiotic manufacturers on the market, Culturelle is a top-notch brand trusted by consumers and healthcare professionals alike.

The brand provides probiotics specifically for children, infants, and adults, along with supplements that combine probiotics with other nutrients, such as fiber, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.

One of their best-selling supplements, Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic, is shelf-stable and packs 10 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) into each serving.

Culturelle products are manufactured in a facility thats certified by NSF International, and each product lot is carefully inspected prior to packaging.

Most Culturelle supplements are also free of common allergens like dairy, soy, and gluten, making them great options for those with food allergies.

Klean Athlete is a high quality supplement brand that was founded by athletes for athletes.

The company manufactures a range of products, including multivitamins, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

It also has a wide selection of supplements designed to optimize athletic performance, such as creatine, whey protein, collagen, and branched-chain amino acids.

Klean Creatine, one of their most popular products, was even featured as one of Healthlines best creatine supplements for 2022.

All products are NSF Certified for Sport, meaning that they have been tested to ensure that theyre free of substances banned for athletes.

This is especially important for competitive athletes. According to Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CDN, hidden substances can show up in urine or blood tests and may prevent athletes from competing in their sport.

Klean Athlete products are also non-GMO and undergo testing in-house and in accredited laboratories to verify safety.

Read more:

15 Best Vitamin Brands of 2022: A Dietitians Picks

Dietary supplements for weight loss

Melt away fat. Lose weight naturally. Tempting claims, but do the products deliver?

The promise of fast weight loss is hard to resist. But do weight-loss supplements lighten anything but your wallet? And are they safe?

Dietary supplements are sold as health aids. They're taken by mouth. Common ingredients are vitamins, minerals, fiber, caffeine, herbs and other plants.

Some of the most popular supplements claim to improve nutrition, boost energy, build muscle or burn fat.

Dietary supplements are not medicines. They aren't meant to treat or cure disease.

Companies that make supplements are responsible for the safety of their products. They must ensure that their products are free of contaminants and that they're accurately labeled.

Dietary supplements don't require approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But if a supplement is found to be unsafe, the FDA can issue warnings or ask that it be withdrawn from the market.

The FDA can also take action against companies that make false or unsupported claims to sell their supplements.

You might be surprised to learn that makers of dietary supplements rarely carry out clinical trials. That's part of the reason why there's little scientific evidence to show that weight-loss supplements work.

For example, raspberry ketone is marketed as a clinically proven weight-loss product. That claim is supported by one clinical trial.

The trial included 70 adults with obesity. All were placed on a restricted diet and exercise program. They were then randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or a supplement containing raspberry ketone, caffeine, bitter orange, ginger and garlic root extract.

The 45 people who completed the trial all lost weight:

While these results are intriguing, the fact that the trial was small and lasted only eight weeks means the results can't be reliably generalized to real-world situations. And importantly, a short trial like this may miss side effects that only become apparent with long-term use.

In addition, the trial used a supplement that contained multiple ingredients. So it's impossible to tell which ingredient was responsible for the weight loss.

Ideally these initial results would be tested in a much longer trial involving hundreds of participants with careful monitoring for side effects. Results from such a trial would allow for an informed decision about the safety and effectiveness of such a product.

Until such trial data is more readily available, claims regarding dietary supplements and weight loss should be treated with caution.

A product isn't necessarily safe simply because it's natural. Though rare, some dietary supplements have been linked to serious problems, such as liver damage.

Supplements can have strong effects. Ephedra (ma-huang) is an herb once used for weight loss. It's now banned by the FDA because it was associated with adverse effects, such as mood changes, high blood pressure, irregular heart rate, stroke, seizures and heart attacks.

Some weight-loss supplements have been found to contain hidden ingredients, such as prescription drugs, that may be harmful.

It's important to do your homework if you're thinking about trying a weight-loss supplement. Check credible websites, such as those run by the U.S. Office of Dietary Supplements and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Also be sure to talk with your doctor before taking any supplement. This is especially important if you have health problems, take prescription drugs, or are pregnant or breast-feeding.

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Dietary supplements for weight loss - Mayo Clinic

Revised May 3, 2021

Note: Pandemic EBT benefits ended as of 9/30/2020.

This section lists emergency rules related to food assistance programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NOTE: Emergency Food Supplements were issuedin the months of March 2020 to May 2021. Ongoing supplements aresubject to federal approval.

Supplemental Issuance

Example:Tuyen was approved in April 2021 for the maximum food allotment of $234. They will receive an emergency supplement of $95, for a total of $329 on their EBT card.

Example:Leo was approved in April 2021 for a food allotment of $196. They are normally eligible for an emergency supplement of $38. Since this is less than $95, they will receive an emergency supplement of $95, for a total of $291 on their EBT card.

Example: Tomas applied for benefits on April 16, 2021 and completed an interview the same day. The worker processes and approves the case with prorated benefits in April 2021of $97 and full allotment of $234 in May 2021. Tomas receives combined issuance of $331 on his EBT card the next day. After the system delivers the mass issuance, an additional $137 emergency supplement will appear on Tomass EBT to ensure he receives the maximum food amount of $234 for April 2021. Tomas may be eligible for a $95 minimum emergency supplement for May 2021 if FNS approves emergency supplements.

Example:Heather was approved in April 2021 for the maximum food allotment of $234, but due to an overpayment, $23 is recouped each month. Heather receives $211 per month in regular food allotment. She will be eligible for a minimum $95 emergency supplement based on her original amount of $234.

Automatic Issuance:

An automatic mass supplement was issued for Marchand/or April 2020 benefits toall householdson the evening of April3, 2020.

After April 16, 2020, the ACES system automatically determined the emergency supplement amount owed to therecipient afterapproving an application or reinstatement in overnight batch.

Example: Jon and his partner were certified from January 2021 to December 2021 to receive $200 per month in food assistance due to household income. Their issuance date is the 11th of each month. As the maximum allotment for a two-person household is $430 per month, Jon and his partner will receive $230 emergency supplement each month FNS approves of the emergency supplements.

Example: Phoebe applies for food assistance on April 5, 2021 after she lost her job. The worker interviews her on April 17, 2021, determines her eligible and approves the prorated benefit amount of $168 from the date of application. The system will automatically issue emergency supplements in overnight batch for a minimum $95 emergency supplement.She would normally receive a $66 emergency supplement to bring her to the maximum $234 standard for a one person household in April 2021.

The worker reinstates Peter for April 2021 and he is still eligible for $154 per month in food assistance. The system will automatically issue an emergency supplement in overnight batch for a minimum emergency supplement of $95 for April 2021,available the following day.

Manual BEGS

Staff can confirm the automatic benefits by reviewing Benefit Issuance history in Aces.Online. The emergency supplements for the month will display as FS/EBT Supplemental Issuance (863).

Emergency supplements issuance dates vary from month to month. We require FNS approval on a month to month basis and the issuance dates may vary depending on approval and system availability.

After April 16, 2020, households finalized or reinstated will receive the emergency supplement in overnight batch. Advise the household that if they qualify for an emergency supplement, it will be available the following day.

Note: If the household is a SNAP/FAP mixed household, each month will display a FS/EBT Supplemental Issuance (863) for a SNAP supplement and a FAP supplement.

AfterApril 16, 2020, staff are no longer required to process a manual BEG unless they are adding a person(s) to the AU. Follow the ACES Manual - How do I add a person to an existing Assistance Unit (AU)?

Once you verify theManual BEG is needed and correct, press F4 to pass the soft edit.

Note: Pandemic EBT ended as of September 30, 2020.

Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) Benefits are benefits for households with school age children participating in a Free or Reduced Lunch Program in lieu of meals they would eat at school if not for closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. P-EBT benefits cover school closures effective March 13, 2020 to the end of the academic school year (June 19, 2020). The reimbursement rate is $5.70 per school day (Monday Friday) per eligible child in the household.

Note: When processing an application for food assistance, make the household aware of the P-EBT program and use the OSPI Search tool to determine eligibility for P-EBT benefits.

Example: Robert is receiving food assistance with his 1st grader Donna (6). The household is certified for Basic Food January 1st to December 30th. As he and Donna are active on food from March to June, the P-EBT benefits issued are for March June 2020.

Example: Donna lost her job due to COVID-19 layoffs and applied for Basic Food for herself and 3 children in May.The household is eligible for Basic Food benefits. A Barcode tickle is created for staff to review P-EBT eligibility for her3 school age childrenin March and April. Staff review the OSPI P-EBT Search site to verify the children's eligibility forfree or reduce-priced meals in the months of March and April. The children are not found on the search site in the months of March and April. The P-EBT benefits issued are for the months of May and June.

FS AU Ends In

P-EBT Benefit Available

Availability Date

1

1 day after mass issuance

June 28

2

2 days after mass issuance

June 29

3

3 days after mass issuance

June 30

4

4 days after mass issuance

July 1

5

5 days after mass issuance

July 2

6

6 days after mass issuance

July 3

7

7 days after mass issuance

July 4

8

8 days after mass issuance

July 5

9

9 days after mass issuance

July 6

0

10 days after mass issuance

July 7

P-EBT Benefit Amounts:

Month

Days of School

Dollars per child

March 2020

12

$68.40

April 2020

22

$125.40

May 2020

21

$119.70

June 2020

15

$85.50

Example: Tim and his three children, Betsy (15), Stan (15) and Nancy (19) applied for and started receiving Basic Food in April 2020. Tim and Nancy are not in school. ACES issues P-EBT of $661.20 for Betsy and Stan. Barcode will generate a tickle. Staff will determine if the children qualify for P-EBT benefits for March by using the OSPI P-EBT Search site to verify eligibility for free or reduced meals at school.

Note: Pandemic EBT ended on September 30, 2020.

Manual BEG:

Starting June 29, 2020, staffmay need to use a new BEG type School Supplement - SS to issue P-EBT benefits manually for newly approved Basic Food households in the following two situations:

If the child isnotfound on the OSPI Search Site, then create a manual SS BEG based on Basic Food begin date using the newly approved Basic Food AU.

The worker will create a manual SS BEG for the month of June to provide the household the P-EBT benefit.

The worker will create a manual SS BEG for the month of June using the newly approved Basic Food AU AND create a separate FS AU for P-EBT only approval for March, April, and May, which will process in overnight batch.

NOTE: If an application is being reconsidered,carefully review theBasic Food begin date. If the application goes back to the month of May, an SS BEGshould be reviewed forMay and June.

Letters:

Letters will not generate when the BEG School Supplement SS is released.

EBT Card:

Staff will review Barcode EBT transactions to verify the household has an EBT card and they have used it within the past 60 days.

Children under the age of 5 may be eligible for P-EBT benefits if they attended a early learning facility operating as part of a public school district that participates in the National School Lunch Program. These eligible children are included in the OSPI Search Site.

Application deadline:

Staff will determine eligibility for P-EBT applications:

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Emergency Food Supplements | DSHS - Washington

This section contains FDA guidance and regulatory information with links to Federal Register documents. You can also access information about food safety programs, manufacturing processes, industry systems, and import/export activities.

For more information, see

FSMA is the most sweeping reform of FDA's food safety authority in more than 70 years. This act gives FDA new and enhanced mandates and authorities to protect consumers and promote public health.

Information on the requirement that owners, operators, or agents in charge of domestic or foreign facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for consumption in the United States must register with FDA.

Descriptions of the methods, equipment, facilities, and controls for producing processed food and dietary supplements. Following CGMPs ensures the quality of processed foods and dietary supplements. It also ensures that processed food or dietary supplements are packaged and labeled as specified in the master manufacturing record.

HACCP is a management system in which food safety is addressed through the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards. This includes raw material production, procurement and handling, manufacturing, distribution, and consumption of the finished product.

More than 3,000 state, local, and tribal agencies have primary responsibility to regulate the retail food and foodservice industries in the United States. FDA assists regulatory agencies and the industries they regulate by providing a model Food Code, guidance, training, program evaluation, and technical assistance.

Information on:

Information about milk and seafood safety cooperative programs with FDA and state and local health and regulatory agencies.

FDA developed the Food Protection Plan to address the changes in food sources, production, and consumption. The plan presents a robust strategy to protect the nation's food supply from both unintentional contamination and deliberate attack.

Information about the Federal Register, the Code of Federal Regulations, and how to submit public comments.

06/29/2021

See the rest here:

Guidance & Regulation (Food and Dietary Supplements) | FDA

These FDA Food Labeling web pages address the labeling requirements for foods under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and its amendments. Food labeling is required for most prepared foods, such as breads, cereals, canned and frozen foods, snacks, desserts, drinks, etc. Nutrition labeling for raw produce (fruits and vegetables) and fish is voluntary. We refer to these products as "conventional" foods. For detailed information on dietary supplements, a special category of products that comes under the general umbrella of foods, but which has separate labeling requirements, see "Dietary Supplements."*

* Terms such as "functional foods" or "nutraceuticals" are widely used in the marketplace. Such foods are regulated by FDA under the authority of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, even though they are not specifically defined by law.

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Food Labeling & Nutrition | FDA

gMicrogram a measurement of weight equal to one millionth of a gram (or one thousandth of a milligram). Microgram (g or mcg) is used for a number of nutrients found in food supplements.Amino AcidThe building blocks of protein, there are eight essential amino acids which cannot be synthesised within the body and therefore must come from the diet. These are: isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. In addition arginine and histidine are amino acids required by infants and young children which supports their rapid growth.AntioxidantA substance or nutrient which helps to protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals, damaging molecules which are found in pollution and tobacco smoke. Our bodies also produce free radicals as part of the normal biochemistry of living.DeficiencyA lack of essential macronutrients or micronutrients which results in malnutrition and or disease. This may be the result of inadequate intakes or absorption issues associated with gastrointestinal disease. There are a number of recognised deficiency diseases including (but not exclusively): scurvy (vitamin C deficiency); rickets (vitamin D deficiency); anaemia (iron deficiency, but also deficiencies in B12 and folic acid) and Kwashiorkor (protein deficiency).DHThe Department of Health is a UK Government department. It has responsibility for nutrition legislation and sets health policy for nutrition.DHADocosahexaenoic acid; one of the key omega-3 fats that provides health benefitsDietitianAn individual qualified in nutrition and dietetics who can assess, diagnose and treat health issues associated with nutrition and diet. Dietitians are governed by law with a statutory code of practice; they often work within the health service although increasing numbers are also working in a freelance capacity.EFAEssential fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6) cannot be synthesised by the body and must be derived from the diet. EFAs do not provide fuel for energy production and are required for vital biological processes which support growth, development and health.EFSAEuropean Food Safety Authority; the European Union food risk management agency which scientifically evaluates safety across all areas of food.EPAEicosapentaenoic acid; one of the key omega-3 fats that provides health benefits.Fat soluble vitaminThe fat soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E and K. Because they are fat soluble these substances can accumulate in the body, often being stored in fat cells, or in the liver. This can create health issues, particularly if intakes have been high for a prolonged period of time. For example, long term high intakes of vitamin D may lead to the laying down of calcium in tissues such as liver and kidneys which can cause nausea and vomiting.Food supplementA food supplement is a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect which is sold in small, measured unit doses.FSAThe Food Standards Agency is a non-ministerial UK Government department responsible for food safety and food hygiene.GLAGamma-linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid (an essential fatty acid considered to be necessary for human health which must be derived from the diet). GLA is most commonly found in evening primrose oil (EPO), borage or starflower oil and blackcurrant seed oil.Health claimA health claim is any claim which states, or implies, that consumption of a specific food will have a beneficial effect on health. Claims may be written, verbal or pictorial.Herbal medicine (herbal remedy)A product is considered to be a herbal medicine if the main active ingredient/s are only herbal substances or preparations. Not all herbal products are medicines, some may be food supplements and some may be cosmetics. What determines if a product is, or is not a medicine is complex but generally rests with how the product is presented (i.e. does it make medicinal claims to treat, prevent or cure any disease) and what it does (i.e. does it have a physiological impact on, or alter, any body functions).MacronutrientDietary constituents which are needed in significant amounts, generally protein, fat, carbohydrate, fibre and water.MalnutritionMalnutrition is a state in which the deficiency of nutrients such as energy, protein, vitamins or minerals results in measurable adverse effects on the body. Malnutrition may refer to insufficient intake of protein, carbohydrate and fats (macronutrients) which can result in overly low BMI. It may also be insufficient intake of vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients, which can impact on overall health and could include obese individuals with poor diets.MgMilligram is a measurement of weight equal to one thousandth of a gram. Mg is used for a number of nutrients found in food supplements.MicronutrientA substance derived from food which is needed in extremely small amounts for the normal growth and development of living beings. Micronutrients are vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids (omega-3 fats)MineralInorganic micronutrient essential to health and wellbeing. Minerals are absorbed from soil by plants which are in turn eaten by animals or humans. Minerals may be split into minerals which are needed in relatively high amounts (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chloride and potassium) and trace elements (iron, zinc, cobalt, copper, chromium, fluoride, iodine, manganese, molybdenum, boron and selenium) which are needed in very small quantities.MultivitaminA product which contains more than one vitamin, often multivitamins will contain all 13 vitamins although some may contain only the eight B vitamins, or a combination of some of the vitamins and some additional minerals.NDNSThe UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey is a continuous rolling survey of the dietary habits and nutritional status of adults and children in the UK. The results are used to assess whether intakes of food and nutrients are adequate across different ages and population groups.NRVNutrient Reference Value is the amount set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), primarily to support food labelling, which the majority of the population requires to maintain health. Previously known as RDANutrientA substance derived from food which provides nourishment to the body and is essential for the maintenance of life and for growth and development.NutritionistNutritionists generally work for public bodies or governments, although some do work with private clients. They tend to look at large populations to determine risk factors and make dietary recommendations that are applied at population levels. For example, evidence on the incidence of type II Diabetes led public health nutritionists to determine that some populations are more at risk of developing this disease, and to make recommendations for dietary changes to either reduce the risk or manage the disease. However, public health nutritionists do not practice with individual patients.Omega-3 fatsEssential fatty acids which cannot be synthesised by the body and must be derived from the diet. Primary sources for omega-3 fats are oily fish and fish oil supplements with some also coming from enriched eggs and fortified foods. There are a number of scientifically proven health benefits for omega-3 fats including supporting the health of the eyes, brain and heart, maintaining an appropriate balance of triglycerides in the blood and reducing blood pressure.Omega-6 fatsEssential fatty acids which cannot be synthesised by the body and must be derived from the diet. Primary sources for omega-6 are vegetable oils such as sunflower and corn oils as well as nuts and seeds. There are a number of health benefits associated with omega-6 fatty acids; they are thought to be beneficial in the management of premenstrual syndrome and in some skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis.PAGBProprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB) is the UK trade association which represents the manufacturers of branded over-the-counter medicines, self care medical devices and food supplements.PrebioticsFoods which promote the growth of probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that inhabit our gut. Prebiotics are generally fibres such as inulin, which our bodies cannot digest and absorb but which provide a food source for probiotics.ProbioticsLive bacteria (and some yeasts) which inhabit the digestive tract which are viewed as being beneficial to human health. There are thousands of different bacterial strains; some are resident in specific areas of the digestive tract whilst others are transient, simply passing through.Public Health England (PHE)Public Health England is an agency of the Department of Health responsible for improving public health. They work with local government, the NHS and non-governmental organisations as well as communicating public health messages to the general public.PUFAPolyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are found in nuts, seeds, fish (and fish oil), krill and some algae, small amounts are also found in leafy greens. The omega-3 and omega 6 fats are PUFAs, which are generally associated with health.RDARecommended Daily Amount; previously used terminology for the amount set, primarily to support food labelling, which the majority of the population require to maintain health. Now described using nutrient reference value (NRV)SULSafe Upper Levels of vitamins and minerals were established by the Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals who published a report in 2003 (https://cot.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/cot/vitmin2003.pdf). The UK food supplements industry works to the levels set in this report.VitaminOrganic micronutrient essential to health and wellbeing. Vitamins cannot be synthesised in sufficient amounts by the animal or human body and must therefore be obtained from the diet. Plants manufacture vitamins which move up the food chain as the plants are consumed by animals or humans. Vitamins can be divided into fat soluble (vitamins A, D, E and K) and water soluble (vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, biotin, folic acid and vitamin C).Water soluble vitaminThe B vitamins and vitamin C are water soluble. They are not stored in any significant quantities within the body and are generally either utilised or excreted in the urine. As they are not stored in the body, they tend to have low toxicity and are needed on a daily basis.

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Health & Food Supplements Information Service - HSIS

Dr. David Sinclair has revolutionized the way that people view aging. As a scientist and pioneer in genetics and longevity research, hes been listed by TIME as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, has received more than 35 awards and honors, and is currently working as a professor in the Department of Genetics and co-director of the Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging at Harvard Medical School.

Sinclair is also the author of a New York Times bestseller, Lifespan: Why We Age And Why We Dont Have To, published in 2019. His book presents scientific research in a way that is understandable and its inspired people of all ages to strive for a longer, healthier life.

In his book, he talks about the history of longevity research, current developments and the future of the field. He shares his unique views on aging, which has people rethinking their own outlook on it.

He believes that aging is a disease, its treatable and that we can treat it within our lifetimes.

According to Sinclair, There is no biological law that says we must age.

Sinclairs work involves focusing on aging as the cause of most diseases, while figuring out how the process can be slowed down and reversed. He states that people have longevity genes, which are built-in defenses against aging.

The discovery of longevity genes showed that it is possible to greatly slow the pace of aging and disease by manipulating just one central pathway. This raises the possibility that we can find small molecules that can treat multiple, seemingly unrelated diseases with a single medicine. (The Sinclair Lab)

If interested in the supplements and medications that David Sinclair takes, here is the most up-to-date list, as of 2022.

For more details about the supplements Sinclair takes, check out our post on David Sinclairs Anti-Aging Supplement, Diet & Lifestyle List 2022, which contains regularly updated information on his diet, fitness and lifestyle choices, which are also important when it comes to health and longevity.

David Sinclair has a new podcast, co-hosted by Matthew LaPlante. LaPlante is the co-author of his book. Every week, a new video is released, sharing up-to-date information on longevity research & discoveries. Here are summaries of the first two podcasts.

Podcast # 1: The Science Behind Why We Age | Lifespan with Dr. David Sinclair

In the episode, Sinclair explains why people age, the differences between chronological and biological age and how to measure biological age through the DNA methylation clocks. He talks about genes which control aging (mTOR, AMPK and Sirtuins) and how the genes are epigenetic regulators of aging. They discuss how certain organisms have extremely long lives and why that is. They explain how the process of ex-differentation occurs, when cells begin to lose their identity and how this makes up the Information Theory of Aging. They cover a lot of interesting topics related to the science behind aging, but explain it all in a way that is understandable.

Podcast #2: What to Eat & When to Eat for Longevity | Lifespan with Dr. David Sinclair

In this episode, Sinclair discusses what and when to eat, as it relates to longevity. He provides some tips on fasting and on foods to avoid. He also talks about drugs that mimic fasting and their importance for long-term health. They discuss the science behind a low energy state that is induced by fasting and how it helps combat aging and improves health. He briefly mentions NAD+ boosting supplements, like NMN and how some doctors dont agree with a self-experimentation approach. They discuss different fasting regimens like intermittent, one meal a day and the Fasting Mimicking Diet. They also share Sinclairs current diet and preferences.

More here:

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