Category Archives: Food Supplements

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Most ADHD experts recommend eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables, complex carbs, and some lean protein with every meal to help manage symptoms.

"Nutrition can really make a huge difference in the success of children and adults with ADHD, says Dr. Sandy Newmark, founder of the Center for Pediatric Integrative Medicine in San Francisco, and the author of ADHD Without Drugs: A Guide to Natural Care of Children with ADHD. I've seen time and time again in my practice, parents find that simple nutritional changes, like changing breakfast or sending a school lunch, can really, really make a difference."

Its true that not everyone eats the right foods to achieve beneficial levels of certain nutrients. But its also true that our bodies dont always produce the nutrients we need, so we have to get some of them from supplements. Find out which diet changes, vitamins, herbs, and supplements may diminish ADHD symptoms.

Carbohydrates are not innately evil. In fact, they are essential. When digested, carbs turn into sugar, or glucose, which is crucial to many bodily processes. Your brain works exclusively on glucose, Newmark adds. So, [glucose] is very, very important.

However, when carbohydrates are converted to sugar too fast which is the case with simple carbohydrates like white bread, pancakes, or waffles blood sugar goes up very quickly and then bottoms out quickly after insulin is released. Studies confirm that this results in a hyperglycemic, stressed-out individual who is then unable to concentrate and work well.

Eating complex carbohydrates balanced with protein is a great way to avoid a glycemic rollercoaster.

Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are troublesome for individuals with ADHD. Across the board, [artificial additives] cause people to be more hyper and less attentive, Newmark says. Studies show that most children were more hyper and less attentive when given certain artificial colors and flavors and certain preservatives. I think this is even more striking for some individuals with ADHD.

Where do many of these artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives hide? Your childs breakfast cereal, cereal bar, or toaster pastry. When a child eats a breakfast of processed foods, it causes his blood sugar to go up and then drop. Then, halfway through the morning, we have a child with low glucose, low blood sugar, Newmark says. Stress hormones are being released, and things are not good.

Newmark recommends a breakfast containing some protein, some fat which slows digestion of carbohydrates and unprocessed, low glycemic carbohydrates, also called complex carbohydrates.

Besides being good for heart health, omega-3 fatty acids improve symptoms of ADHD, including behavior, academic skills, and focus. A comprehensive look at many studies showed that ADHD-optimized doses of omega-3s are about 40 percent as effective as stimulants in relieving symptoms. Research also suggests that striking the right balance betweenomega-3 and omega-6 fatty acidsis important, and should be undertaken with a physicians help.

According to Newmark, kids between four and eight years old should take between 1,000-1,500 milligrams a day. Older kids should get 2,000-2,500 milligrams daily. ADHD expert Dr. Edward Hallowell typically recommends 2,500 milligrams of an omega-3 supplement for children each day and up to 5,000 milligrams a day for adults.

One study backing the efficacy of omega-3s for kids with ADHD was published in Pediatrics by lead author Paul Montgomery, D.Phil., a researcher in the psychiatry department at the University of Oxford in England. Montgomery recommends choosing afish oil supplement that contains a high ratio of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA) to omega-6 fatty acids (DHA). "The right ratio of 3s to 6s seems to be about four to one," he says. Look for a product that has twice the amount of EPA to DHA the two main types of omega-3s.

Liquid or capsule forms of omega-3s are best. Other versions have lower amounts of EPA and DHA. (See our recommended omega-3 supplements for kids who hate pills.)

Some studies have shown that children with ADHD may naturally have lower levels of zinc. Taking zinc supplements may reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, but not inattentiveness. High levels of zinc, however, may be dangerous.

Have your doctor check your or your childs zinc levels before starting a supplement. If you do add a zinc supplement, Newmark suggests that children with ADHD take 20 milligrams daily.

Some experts believe that iron deficiencies may contribute to ADHD symptoms in children. A 2008 study showed that children who were not anemic but had low ferritin levels a protein needed to store iron in the blood showed improvement of symptoms after taking iron supplements for 12 weeks.

Before starting an iron supplement, Newmark recommends that you speak with your or your childs doctor about checking iron levels first: High iron levels can be dangerous.

Healthy levels of magnesium in the blood can help relax individuals with ADHD. Some small studies have shown that adding magnesium supplements decreases some symptoms of ADHD. Magnesium certainly helps with sleep and relaxation big challenges for children and adults with ADHD and should be discussed with your doctor.

Vitamin C is important in modulating the neurotransmitter dopamine at the synapses in the brain, Hallowell says. (ADHD stimulants are effective because they increase dopamine levels in the brain.) Hallowell recommends getting vitamin C from food, but if your child doesn't eat a healthy diet, try a daily supplement.

One caution: Don't take vitamin C within an hour before or after taking ADHD meds. Its ascorbic acid prevents the medication from being absorbed fully in the blood stream.

If your child doesnt eat high-protein foods, which are key to increasing attentiveness and focus, or is a picky eater, give him a protein-powder drink. Mix it with his favorite juice or milk to help the protein go down easier, and look for brands that are low in sugar and free of artificial flavors and preservatives. Organic whey protein is one popular source of dairy-free, soy-free protein that is found unsweetened and free of artificial ingredients.

A daily multivitamin, containing the recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals, is important for optimal brain health. However, many of the multivitamin/multimineral products on the market contain sugar, preservatives, and artificial colors, which may increase hyperactivity in children. Look for brands that are low in sugar with no artificial colors or flavors. Newmark recommends Carlson, Nordic Naturals, Natures Plus, and Child Life.

Some limited evidence supports the idea of using herbs to treat ADHD. The herb valerian, for example, can calm hyperactivity and may reduce anxiety, but it doesnt improve concentration.

Valerian also helps with sleep problems and lessens the rebound effect that some kids experience when stimulants wear off. Talk with your doctor or a nutritionist who specializes in herbs about valerian. Newmark recommends Valerian Super Calm, by Herbs for Kids.

Melatonin is a natural hormone produced in our bodies to help us get to sleep. When we turn off the television, dim the lights, and settle down for bed, our body produces melatonin and we become sleepy. But for those with ADHD, racing brains can often stave off sleep. Melatonin supplements can help and are safe to take. Always start with the smallest possible dose.

Some small studies show that Ginkgo biloba helps improve memory and, when taken with ginseng, can decrease impulsiveness and distractibility. Other studies have shown no or minimal improvement.

Talk with your doctor or a nutritionist before trying them. These herbs can cause health problems, especially if you have a history of diabetes, seizures, or schizophrenia.

All natural is not synonymous with safe. Many herbs and supplements have side effects, may cause or worsen health problems, or interfere with prescription medications.

Talk with your doctor before taking any supplements. When your doctor asks if you are taking any medications, be sure to tell him about all vitamins and supplements you take on a daily basis.

No substantial research exists to determine the recommended daily dose of most supplements. Pay attention to your body and adjust the dosage if you notice something is wrong. For example, you may be taking zinc supplements and find yourself getting stomachaches. Discontinue or cut back on the supplement to see if the stomachaches disappear.

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6 Essential (and Often-Overlooked) Supplements for ADHD - ADDitude

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Navigating the world of dietary supplements is overwhelming. Are taking daily multivitamins necessary? Whats a probiotic? Should you really be popping turmeric pills like everyone else?

Although whole food should be the first line of reaping vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, some supplements can offer a serious boost to your health and wellbeing.

You should always ask your doctor regarding taking new supplements and vitamins first, especially if taking certain medications as misusing supplements can result in serious health issues.

When choosing a supplement, look for a product that has a third party certification verifying the supplements quality such as NSF International, Consumer Lab, or United States Pharmacopeia. Or, head to a reputable health food store (such as Whole Foods Market or Pharmaca) that has a knowledgeable practitioner or employee on staff.

These are three dietary supplements I highly recommend taking daily to support whole body health and wellness. Heres to your daily dose.

Fish oil dietary supplements are filled with essential omega-3 fatty acids, healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids known to promote anti-inflammatory benefits, and brain and heart health.

These fatty acids are literally essentialbecause our body cannot produce them, so we must obtain them from food. The bad news is that many people are seriously deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, which has scary repercussions.

There are many omega-3 fatty acids, but the three to know are EPA, DHA, and ALA. Fatty fish (and fish oil dietary supplements) such as wild salmon and mackerel are rich in EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), both of which are essential for brain and mental health, cell membrane integrity, and controlling inflammation. ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) is found in plants such as hemp seeds, walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds, but is not bioactive and needs to be converted into EPA and DHA.

Taking a high quality fish oil dietary supplement filled with omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA has shown numerous health benefits. Web MD notes that omega-3s are known to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and reduce symptoms of high blood pressure, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), joint pain, and skin ailments. Studies have also shown omega-3 fatty acids to reduce cognitive decline and even reverse and manageanxiety.

Known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is a fat-soluble hormone found in some foods and produced by the skin endogenously when exposed to ultraviolet rays.

This vitamin plays critical roles in the body including strengthening the immune system, promoting calcium absorption in the gut, bone growth, and bone remodeling. In fact, without enough vitamin D, bones can become weak and brittle and can even lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, Research suggests vitamin D may also provide protection from hypertension, psoriasis, several autoimmune diseases (including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis), and reduce the incidence of fractured bones.

Vitamin D can be found in fortified foods including dairy products and cereals, cheese, eggs and egg yolks, fatty fish including mackerel, sardines, salmon, and tuna, and some mushrooms. If youre not consuming these foods regularly due to dietary restrictions, or live in a gloomy climate, you may be lacking in this vitamin.

I always recommend getting your vitamin D levels tested, and being prescribed the proper dietary supplement of vitamin D by a health care practitioner as taking too much vitamin D is a very real (and unpleasant) thing. Ask your doc for a blood test next checkup and talk about vitamin D.

Since gut health and the microbiome are so important (improving brain function, supporting immune health, and boosting happiness levels, for example) probiotics are trendy dietary supplements.

According to Dr. Joshua Axe, probiotics are essential for producing vitamin B12, butyrate and vitamin K2, crowding out bad bacteria, yeast and fungi, creating enzymes that destroy harmful bacteria, and absorbing nutrients and promoting a healthy digestion, among others.

These friendly bacteria can be found in fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut, fermented vegetables) along with fermented dairy and alternative fermented dairy products like yogurt, kefir, and cheese. Not slugging back a kombucha or eating sauerkraut on the regular, however, may be a good reason to supplement with a probiotic pill.

Those who may have recently taken antibiotics (which kill the bad and good bugs), or those who are routinely stressed or eat a Standard American Diet may also benefit from supplementing with a probiotic.

When choosing a supplement, (first ask your doc!) look for a refrigerated bottle with a high CFU count (around 15 billion to 100 billion organisms) and with strain diversity at least 10-30 different bacterial strains. Dr. Axe notes to look for strains like bacillus coagulans, saccharomyces boulardii, bacillus subtilis, and lactobacillus rhamnosus. These are hardier strains of bacteria, which can make it to the gut to colonize.

Related On Organic Authority3 Whole Food Supplements that Work: How to Pick the Best Multivitamin for Your LifestyleThe 6 Best Food Based-Vitamins and Supplements (that Actually Work)The Dark Side of Americas Dietary Supplement Addiction

Kate is a Nutritionist with a Master's of Nutrition from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and the blogger and photographer of Vegukate. Kate believes in nourishing the whole body with real, vibrant foods that feed the mind, body, soul, gut, and every single little cell. Her philosophy is simple when it comes to food and nourishment: cut the processed junk, listen to your body, eat by the seasons, eat plates and bowls filled with color, stress less, and enjoy every single bite. When she's not cooking in her too tiny Portland kitchen, Kate can be found perusing farmer's markets, doing barre classes, hiking, reading, and exploring.

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These are the 3 Dietary Supplements You Should Take Daily - Organic Authority

Unlike the static human skeletons that commonly hang in biology classrooms, your bones are continually being broken down and rebuilt. In fact, your entire skeleton is replaced about every 10 years. In addition to exercise, about 20 different nutrients help prevent the weakening of bones that leads to osteoporosis. We review nutrients youre more than likely falling short on and where to get them.

Calcium Requirement for adults: 1,000-1,300 mg (milligrams)

Calcium has the strongest research evidence of any nutrient for its role in supporting healthy bones, according to a 2016 position paper from the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Sources: Dairy foods, fortified foods (such as orange juice, tofu and soy milk), fish with edible bones (sardines, canned salmon), bok choy and kale.

RELATED To ward off Alzheimers, think before you eat The Kids Doctor: Why avocados should be on your grocery list

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps you absorb calcium from food and supplements. Without vitamin D, less than 10 percent of the calcium you consume is absorbed.

Requirement for adults: 600-800 International Units. However, a 2014 analysis by Canadian experts and a March 2015 analysis by U.S. experts, both published in Nutrients, report that the Institute of Medicine made a significant statistical error in calculating vitamin D needs, making current recommendations too low. Ask your doctor to test your vitamin D blood level; it should be at least 32 ng/mL to support bone health.

Sources: Fortified dairy foods, egg yolks, salmon and tuna. To assess how much vitamin D youre getting from sun exposure daily, use the dminder smartphone app (dminder.ontometrics.com), which vitamin D expert Michael F. Holick, Ph.D., M.D. helped develop.

Magnesium Requirement for adults: 310-420 mg

Magnesium is a component of bone, giving it resiliency and protection against fractures; it also is essential for converting vitamin D to its active form in the body. If you take a calcium and vitamin D supplement, take magnesium, too, because high calcium intake causes magnesium loss, and most Americans dont consume enough magnesium.

Sources: Nuts, seeds, leafy green vegetables, whole grains and legumes.

Vitamin K Requirement for adults: 75-120 mcg (micrograms)

Vitamin K is found in two main forms in food, K1 and K2, and your body may convert limited amounts of vitamin K1 to K2. Both forms play a role in blood clotting (and work against the anti-clot drug warfarin), but vitamin K2 also helps prevent calcium from depositing in arteries (the process of atherosclerosis) and instead directs calcium to bones and helps bind the mineral to your skeleton.

Sources: K1 is found in dark, leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach; K2 is in natto (fermented soybeans), cheese, grass-fed meat and liver.

Vitamin B12 & Folate Requirement for adults: For folate, 400-600 mcg. For B12, 2.4 -2.8 mcg. (Your doctor may advise higher amounts if you have elevated homocysteine.)

Vitamin B12 and folate support bone health by helping to keep levels of homocysteine, a compound that stimulates the breakdown of bone, low. This role is further confirmed by genetic studies that reveal a link between an increased risk of osteoporosis in older adults and a common gene mutation (MTHFR C677T) that can lead to high homocysteine levels.

Sources: B12 is in meat, fish and other animal foods, as well as in fortified foods, including cereals and nutritional yeast. Folate is in leafy green vegetables, broccoli, asparagus and legumes.

Marsha McCulloch, M.S., R.D. /Environmental Nutrition Newsletter

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Nourish your bones: get vital nutrients through diet, supplements - Chicago Sun-Times

Medication helps many adults and children with ADHD, but it doesnt work for everyone.

Parents and adults see me either because the medication isnt doing the job, or they want more improvement and cant increase the dosage without increasing side effects, says Richard Brown, M.D., associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and coauthor of the recent book How to Use Herbs, Nutrients, and Yoga in Mental Health Care.

Medication does not cure ADHD, and it should never be the only treatment, says Edward Hallowell, M.D., coauthor of the best-selling Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood. Diet and nutrition play key roles in how well the ADHD brain operates. Toward that end, here are 10 foods, ADHD supplements, and herbs that you should add to your treatment plan. As always, talk with your doctor first before doing so.

Poor nutrition can cause a child or adult with ADHD to become distracted, impulsive, and restless. The right foods, on the other hand, can lessen those symptoms.

Protein Foods rich in protein lean beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, soy, and dairy products are used by the body to make neurotransmitters, the chemicals released by brain cells to communicate with each other. Protein can prevent surges in blood sugar, which increase hyperactivity.

Because the body makes brain-awakening neurotransmitters when you eat protein, start your day with a breakfast that includes it, says Laura Stevens, M.S., a nutritionist at Purdue University and author of 12 Effective Ways to Help Your ADD/ADHD Child: Drug-Free Alternatives for Attention-Deficit Disorders. Dont stop there. Look for ways to slip in lean protein during the day, as well.

Balanced Meals Hallowell suggests that you divide your lunch and dinner plate in the following way: Half of the plate should be filled with fruits and vegetables, one fourth with a protein, and the remaining fourth with a carbohydrate, preferably one rich in fiber whole wheat pasta, whole grain bread, brown rice.

This combination of foods will minimize swings in behavior caused by hunger or by a shortfall of a particular nutrient. Fiber prevents blood-sugar levels from spiking and plummeting, which can increase inattention.

Many diets are deficient in key vitamins and minerals that may improve attention and alertness, says Brown. Supplements can often fill in the dietary gaps.

Multivitamin/Multimineral If your child is a picky eater or eats lots of take-out food, he wont get the daily recommended value of vitamins and minerals. A daily multivitamin/multimineral will ensure that he does, no matter how finicky he is.

B Vitamins Studies suggest that giving children who have low levels of B vitamins a supplement improved IQ scores (by 16 points) and reduced aggression and antisocial behavior. Vitamin B-6 seems to increase the brains levels of dopamine, which improves alertness, says Brown.

Zinc, Iron, and Magnesium Zinc synthesizes dopamine and augments the effects of methylphenidate. Low levels of this mineral correlate with inattention.

Iron is also necessary for making dopamine. In one small study, ferritin levels (a measure of iron stores) were low in 84 percent of ADHD children compared to 18 percent of the control group. Low iron levels correlate with cognitive deficits and severe ADHD.

Adequate levels of magnesium have a calming effect on the brain, says Brown. While diet is the safest way to increase mineral levels, a multivitamin/multimineral with iron will ensure that you or your child will get the daily reference value (DRV) of all three.

Omega-3s One study suggested that a subgroup of boys with ADHD are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids compared with those who have no symptoms of the condition.

Another study showed that omega-3s-found in cold-water, fatty fish, such as sardines, tuna, and salmon-tend to break down more readily in the bodies of patients with ADHD than in those without the condition. Individuals with ADHD who have low blood levels of omega-3s will show the biggest improvement in mental focus and cognitive function, says Brown.

Picamilon A combination of the B-vitamin niacin and gamma-aminobutyric acid, picamilon improves blood flow to the brain and has mild stimulative effects, improving alertness and attention. It can also reduce aggressive behavior. Both adults and children derive benefits from this supplement, says Brown.

Most children and adults derive moderate benefits from the vitamin-mineral approach, says Brown. Those with more significant ADHD may need stronger stuff-namely, herbs.

Ginkgo and Ginseng These herbs are cognitive activators, says Brown. They act like stimulants without the side effects. Typically, adults and children who take ginkgo and ginseng improve on ADHD rating scales, and are less impulsive and distractible. Asian ginseng may overstimulate younger children. If this happens to your child, switch to American ginseng.

Pycnogenol An extract made from French maritime pine bark, pycnogenol was found to improve hyperactivity and sharpen attention, concentration, and visual-motor coordination in students after one month, based on standardized measures and teacher and parent ratings.

The herb pycnogenol is also rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that protect brain cells from free radicals. The first double-blind study on the herb was published in 2006, confirming its benefits, says Brown. Larger randomized trials, though, are needed.

Rhodiola Rosea Made from a plant of the same name that grows in the Arctic, this herb can improve alertness, attention, and accuracy. It can be too stimulating for young children, and is occasionally beneficial in children ages eight to 12. It is most useful, says Brown, for students in junior high, high school, and college, who have to complete long papers and spend hours reading.

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10 Foods (and Vitamins and Supplements!) to Boost Your ADHD Brain - ADDitude

Vitamin intake poses potential health benefits, risks by Tina Chai | Apr 13 2017 | 22 hours ago

According to a 2013 Gallup poll, half of all Americans report regular vitamin or mineral supplement intake, with annual U.S. vitamin sales totaling $12 billion. Despite the widespread consumption of vitamins, it is unclear whether they offer the health benefits pharmaceutical companies claim.

Vitamins and minerals range in form and type, from folic acid and iron pills to common multivitamin chewables. These pills, tablets and liquids are biochemically diverse and vary in their molecular compound formulas.

A Multivitamin is the most commonly used supplement, and generally contains both vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin K, etc. and minerals such as iron, chromium, magnesium, etc., Elson Student Health Center nutritionist Melanie Brede said in an email to The Cavalier Daily. Each vitamin or mineral is a unique compound. An ingredient list on a multivitamin supplement label will list the common and chemical name of each compound.

People often take vitamins to remedy diagnosed or perceived nutritional deficiencies. Depending on factors such as age, sex, pregnancy or health impairment, vitamin and mineral intake levels usually measured by the Recommended Daily Allowance are adjusted appropriately for each specific condition. However, Brede said taking vitamins is only effective in addressing actual dietary or health insufficiencies, and offer no advantage when such are absent.

Lawrence Appel, director of the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research at Johns Hopkins University, also assessed the fallacy that vitamins ensure health and energy.

There are many possible reasons [for vitamin intake], most related to some belief that consumption of vitamins will improve health, Appel said in an email to The Cavalier Daily. First, there is a [mystique] to the word vitamin. If they were called chemicals which they are many people would not take them. Second, marketing is extensive. Third, there are medical studies, most non-definitive, which suggest or imply the potential of benefit. Fourth, companies have gotten special regulatory status which allows them to market more easily (and with less evidence) than drugs.

While there is currently little data in scientific literature proving the link between vitamin consumption and health benefits, research on vitamins remains prevalent.

Research is ongoing to update recommended levels of various nutrients, Brede said. For example, historically, Vitamin D was considered essential for preventing deficiency diseases impacting skeletal health. More recent research has expanded our understanding of the roles Vitamin D plays in health, and the recommended levels were revised in the last decade.

Just as there are possible benefits of vitamin intake, there are potential risks related to overdosing or absorbing unnecessary minerals in the body.

Vitamin E supplements are associated with increased mortality at high doses [and] beta-carotene supplements increased the risk of lung cancer among smokers, Appel said.

Due to the uncertain or potentially harmful effects of certain vitamins and minerals, Brede suggested eating healthy food as the best alternative to vitamins.

A balanced diet is a safe and effective way to ensure adequate, but not too much, of the nutrients we need, Brede said. Getting a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish, dairy, nuts and vegetable oils provides the vitamins and minerals we need. Supplemental vitamins and minerals can be used effectively to fill gaps if food allergies or intolerances prevent adequate intake of food sources of specific nutrients.

Likewise, Appel proposed that a healthy diet and lifestyle should be favored over vitamin consumption.

Quite frankly, it is amazing to me that so many people take vitamin and mineral supplements, often at very high doses, when the evidence is so weak, Appel said. Some simple advice for all of us Eat less, eat right, move more.

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Exploring efficacy of vitamin, mineral supplements - University of Virginia The Cavalier Daily

Vitamins and other dietary supplements have been around for decades, but a proliferation of new products in recent years has attracted the attention of American consumers who aim to improve their health and even lengthen their lives.

Seventy-one percent of Americans take some sort of dietary supplement, according to the trade group Council for Responsible Nutrition in Washington, and experts put the volume of business worldwide at about $50 billion. Its a business that targets all age groups, but seniors who are focused on maintaining good health and energy levels have become an important market.

The subject of supplements took up more than half of a January anti-aging workshop at The Breakers, sponsored by the Palm Beach Business Group. Entrepreneurs talked about whats on the horizon to help prevent, and even treat, age-related conditions from heart disease to dementia.

Consumers might feel overwhelmed by the plethora of products at vitamin and supplement shops or on their supermarket shelves.

LifeExtension, which was heavily represented at the Palm Beach workshop with a featured speaker and information booths, publishes a 184-page catalog with more than 300 products. Some of them carry exotic names such as Applewise Polyphenol Extract, Cognitex, CR Mimetic Longevity Formula and a skin-care item called Youth Serum.

For novices, Dr. Michael Smith, LifeExtension senior health scientist, boiled the list down to a handful of products he says have the most universal potential for anti-aging benefits.

Setting aside standard fare such as multi-vitamins and omega-3 oils, CoQ10 seems to top the list of supplements for many enthusiasts.

The substance short for coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant found naturally in human cells that helps convert food into energy. The substance may benefit some patients with cardiovascular disorders, according to the U.S National Institutes of Health (nccih.nih.gov/health/supplements/coq10), although research on other conditions is not conclusive.

Smith, whose company is based in Fort Lauderdale, thinks everybody should be taking it, especially seniors.

The older generation are on so many statin medications and other drugs that can deplete your bodys CoQ10, he said. I think everybody should be on it; its safe and its been around for years.

Studies have shown, he said, that in every decade starting in your 30s, you lose 10 percent CoQ10 content in your cells. Thats one of the leading theories of why we age the loss of cell energy production.

Palm Beach doctor Michael Dennis, founding chair of the Advisory Board for the Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University and one of the presenters at The Breakers anti-aging conference, echoes the assessment.

Its an anti-clogging and an antioxidant, and it definitely reduces the risk of heart attack, said Dennis, who also sponsors the Palm Beach County Medical Societys annual Future of Medicine Summit. Theres less cell damage. Its also been shown to be a mild anti-cancer agent and anti-diabetic agent.

The problem is the absorption level. Some forms are absorbed well and some are not.

Studies have also supported the use of Resveratrol. This is the legend about red wine being good for you, Dennis said.

The supplement can activate longevity genes, said Smith.

The Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/red-wine/art-20048281) describes resveratrol as the key ingredient in red wine that could help prevent damage to blood vessels, reduce cholesterol and prevent blood clots.

Some research shows that resveratrol could be linked to a lower risk of inflammation and blood clotting, which can lead to heart disease, the clinic reports in its online description of the supplement. But other studies found no benefits from resveratrol in preventing heart disease.

Turmeric might qualify as one of the miracle foods du jour. The plant is used in Indian cooking and contains curcumin, which has been shown to have medical benefits that include battling infections and some forms of cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/turmeric). It also has potential to reduce inflammation and address digestive issues.

Curcumin, which is sold in several different forms by LifeExtension and other supplement companies, is also high on Smiths list. A multi-vitamin, omega-3 oil, CoQ10 and curcumin provide a nice, round prevention regimen, he said. And I would add a probiotic because you want to keep your gut healthy, too.

Dennis would include a low-dose aspirin regimen, and supplements containing magnesium and chromium.

People forget about chromium, but it helps the glucose effect on cells and provides better absorption of foods, he said.

Although the use of dietary supplements still has critics, it seems to be getting more research support. Still, Dennis says: I think you can get carried away. People are being flooded by advertisements for different supplements for almost every part of the body.

One caveat with supplements is that they are not screened by the Food and Drug Administration.

Theres not that evaluation process that goes on with medications, Dennis said, because these are outside the medication category.

Smith contends there is adequate quality control.

Although the FDA does not regulate the supplement industry the way they do pharmaceutical drugs, the FDA does regulate supplements. There are standards we have to follow for finding raw materials, manufacturing and what we can put on labels, he said.

What weve done as a company is to produce a certificate of analysis with our products. We test the raw materials we dont just believe the supplier as well as the final product and thats in our certificate of analysis.

I always tell people that if youre not sure about something, call the number on the back of the label and ask if the company produces a certificate of analysis. If they dont, Id put that product aside and move on to the next product.

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Use of dietary supplements continues to increase - Palm Beach Daily News

While much of the focus for HHS Secretary Tom Price has been on the fate of Obamacare or his stock dealings, Price doesnt seem eager to take on one of the more troubling industries under his purview.

On January 18, 2017, then Congressman Tom Price (R, Georgia) testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Price was Donald Trumps pick to serve as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Not surprisingly, most of the questionsand most of the medias attentioncentered on Prices views on the Affordable Care Act. One question and answer, however, went entirely unnoticed.

One of the essential duties of the HHS Secretary is to be diligent and thoughtful when considering if federal regulation is necessary, said Orrin Hatch (R, Utah). Do you recognize dietary supplements in helping reach and maintain healthy lifestyles? Price answered without hesitation. Absolutely, he said.

In the early 1990s, David Kessler, the director of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), wanted to regulate dietary supplements. Kessler worried that salespeople in health food stores were giving advice on how supplements could treat high blood pressure, enlarged prostates, joint pain, high cholesterol, and the common cold. Unsubstantiated claims are becoming more exaggerated, said Kessler. We are back at the turn of the century, when snake oil salesmen could hawk their potions with promises that couldnt be kept. If you walk into a health food store, you have to recognize that we have not approved the safety of these products nor substantiated their claims.

In 1991, in an attempt to hold the dietary supplement industry to a higher standard, Henry Waxman (D, California) introduced the Food, Drug, Cosmetic, and Device Enforcement Act. Orrin Hatch opposed it. At the time, four of the dietary supplement industrys top 30 manufacturers were located in Utah. In fact, Utah was the only state that had its own supplement trade association.

With the considerable resources of the dietary supplement industry behind him, Orrin Hatch led a successful effort to defeat Henry Waxmans bill. Later, again with the help of Hatch, the supplement industry introduced a bill of its own the Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act (DSHEA). On May 11, 1994, DSHEA became law. The FDA was now specifically prohibited from regulating dietary supplements, which were defined as, A product intended to supplement the diet that bears or contains one or more of the following ingredients: a vitamin, a mineral, an herb or other botanical, or an amino acid. The New York Times called it the Snake Oil Protection Act. Consumers were now on their own, forced to trust a profitable, unregulated industry that directly impacted their health.

Recently, DSHEA has been weakened by laws that allow the FDA to hold dietary supplements to a labeling and manufacturing standard. Unfortunately, given the number of supplement manufacturers, the number of dietary supplements on the market (about 85,000), and the lack of FDA manpower, FDA oversight, for all practical purposes, doesnt exist. Further, the FDA has no authority to compel supplement manufacturers to prove that their products are safe or effective before selling them. The agency can only react when something goes wrongwhen its too late. For example:

In 2004, the FDA recalled dietary supplements containing the stimulant and weight-loss product, Ephedra, which had been shown to cause hundreds of cases of psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, depression, irregular heartbeats, strokes, heart attacks and at least 15 deaths. One man, after taking Ephedra for ten days, jumped out of a second-story window to escape imagined attackers. Another, Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Bechler, died of a heart attack within 24 hours of taking the drug.

In February 2013, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that vitamin D supplements contained anywhere from 9 percent to 146 percent of the amount listed on the package label. The FDA requires pharmaceutical products to be within 10 percent of the listed quantity.

In July 2013, the FDA recalled vitamin C and vitamin B preparations made by the ironically named Purity First company when these products were found to contain methasterone, an anabolic steroid. The FDA acted when it found that the vitamin preparations had caused masculinizing symptoms in at least 29 people in the Northeast.

In October 2013, the FDA withdrew a weight loss product called OxyElite Pro when it was found to cause 56 cases of acute liver failure or acute hepatitis. One person died and three others required life-saving liver transplants.

In December 2013, seven children between 6 months and 4 years of age were admitted to the hospital with severe vitamin D intoxication when the fish oil supplement they had been given contained 4,000 times the quantity of vitamin D listed on the label. The ingestion of massive quantities of vitamin D had caused these children to suffer dangerously high concentrations of calcium in the their bloodstreams, which can cause fatal heart dysrythmias.

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In February 2014, the FDA recalled L-citrulline, an amino acid used to treat children with certain genetic or metabolic disorders. The product actually contained N-acetyl leucine, a different amino acid.

In September 2014, an herbal cough-and-cold remedy called Bo-Ying was found to contain dangerously high levels of lead. The product, which the manufacturer recommended for children between 1 and 10 years of age, caused lead intoxication in at least one 18-month old child in New York City.

In October 2014, an 8-day-old premature infant died in Connecticuts Yale-New Haven Hospital after ingesting a probiotic called ABC Dophilus Powder, which unknown to the manufacturer who made it or the doctors who prescribed it, contained a mold called Rhizopus oryzae. This mold, which is typically found in decaying vegetable matter, was also found in the childs bloodstream at the time of death. Later, the FDA found the same mold in several unopened bottles of the powder.

During the past few years, weight loss products containing sibutramine and potency products containing sildenafil (Viagra) have been pulled from the shelves on an almost weekly basis. These potent pharmaceutical products were never listed on the package labels. Sibutramine, which has been banned from the United States as well as 40 other countries, has been associated with heart attacks and strokes.

Supporters of the dietary supplement industry argue that pharmaceutical products can also have severe side effects. For example, antibiotics can cause severe and rarely fatal allergic reactions and chemotherapeutic drugs can suppress the immune system, leading to fatal bacterial, viral or fungal infections. The difference, however, is that the consumer can learn about the side effects of pharmaceutical products by reading package inserts. For dietary supplements, package inserts dont exist. What most people dont realize is that side effects from dietary supplements are due to the poor quality of the product, not inherent problems with the supplement itself. Consumers treating their childrens ear infections with amoxicillin, for example, can be reassured that the product actually is amoxicillin, and not Viagra; that the product contains 100 milligrams of amoxicillin and not 400,000 or 0 milligrams; that the product isnt contaminated with a mold; and that the product doesnt also contain dangerous quantities of lead or other heavy metals.

Most people assume that when it comes to dietary supplements, someone is watching. But theyre not. And until the FDA regulates this industry, people purchasing dietary supplements from a health food store are doing so at their own risk.

Tom Price, the new Secretary of Health and Human Services, which includes the FDA, could do something about this if he chooses. Unfortunately, given his response to Orrin Hatchs question during his confirmation hearing, it doesnt sound like hes interested.

Paul A. Offit, MD, is a professor of pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and the author of Pandoras Lab: Seven Stories of Science Gone Wrong (National Geographic Press, April 2017)

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Tom Price's Other Failure: Snake Oil Supplements - Daily Beast

Men's Health

Are Supplements Safe? Men's Health Oversight of the supplement industry falls to the FDA, which regulates the products more like food than drugs. So even though supplements sit next to allergy meds and ibuprofen at your drugstore, they don't have to comply with the same testing ...

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Are Supplements Safe? - Men's Health

NEW YORK, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The global probiotics dietary supplements market is expected to reach USD 7.0 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Rising preference towards preventive healthcare coupled with inherent health benefits of probiotics is anticipated to benefit the market growth over the forecast period.

Probiotics are a healthy microorganism that benefits the body when taken in sufficient amount. Probiotics dietary supplements are supplements manufactured by incorporating various strains of probiotics to treat or prevent the occurrence of diseases. Companies have developed customized products to suit diverse customer needs.

Recent advancements in R&D have led to the development of efficient probiotic strains that can sustain different environments and can be used in combination with other ingredients. Furthermore, improvements in delivery systems such as capsules, and sticks have led to the development of more efficient products. Such trends are expected to favor the overall market growth from 2016 to 2025.

In terms of application, nutritional supplements led the market in 2015 closely followed by specialty nutrients. The broad product offering of probiotics nutritional supplements, easy availability and effectiveness in maintaining proper body health has benefitted the demand from application segment in the past, and this trend is anticipated to continue over the forecast period.

Further Key Findings from the Study Suggest:

The global probiotics dietary supplements demand was USD 3.3 billion in 2015 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2016 to 2025

Probiotic dietary supplements are used for maintaining a stronger immune system, proper digestion, better work energy, healthy skin and prevention of oral diseases. These supplements are found out to have little or no side effect on human body.

Nutritional supplement segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR of 7.7% over the next nine years. The effectiveness of nutritional supplements, their easy availability and novel product offerings is expected to benefit segment demand.

Specialty Nutrient segment worth is expected to reach USD 2.8 billion by 2025. Development of superior probiotics strains intended for a specific purpose and focus on R&D is aiding the segment growth.

Europe dominated the global market with 39% share. Strong awareness regarding probiotics usage, easy availability, and presence of major industry participants is aiding the regional growth.

Major industry participants include Chr.Hansen, Nebraska Cultures, Premium, Vitakem, and NutraScience Labs. Nebraska Cultures, manufactures its products with their proprietary stabilizer technology to improve overall product efficiency.

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04785462-summary/view-report.html

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Probiotics Dietary Supplements Market Analysis By Application ... - Yahoo Finance

British Columbia public health officials effectively forced the Vancouver food bank to shut down a privately funded alternative-health program offered by a wealthy Alberta oilman's non-profit foundation because it posed a potential health risk to thousands of unwitting Lower Mainland food bank clients.

Internal B.C. government documents show that from February 2014 until late January 2015, the Pure North S'Energy Foundation, funded by Calgary-based businessman Allan Markin, distributed packets of high-dose supplements to thousands of food bank clients with the permission of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.

Vancouver food bank CEO Aart Schuurman Hess said he was never told in writing about any potential health risks related to the Pure North program. (CBC)

The decisive actions of the B.C. civil servants contrast sharply with Alberta, where Pure North for years has been allowed to operate similar high-dose programs, focusing mostly on "vulnerable populations" at such places as homeless shelters.

A CBC News investigation found the Alberta government gave Pure North a $10-million grant in 2013 to offer its program to more than 7,000 seniors, despite the fact officials believed the promised health outcomes were not adequately supported by scientific evidence and the program could cause adverse health effects.

Internal B.C government documents obtained by CBC News through freedom of information show public health officials determined that more than 3,400 food-bank clients may have received unlabelled, improperly packaged supplements, including vitamin D at a dose higher than the safe tolerable upper intake level recommended by Health Canada without properly informed consent, counselling or medical supervision.

Dr. Reka Gustafson, medical health officer with Vancouver Coastal Health, told Pure North she had the authority to shut down the supplement distribution program at the food bank. (CBC )

"This program is a population health intervention that is provided without individual assessments, counselling and monitoring as would be offered in a primary health care setting," states a Jan. 19, 2015 report prepared by public health dietitians for Dr. Reka Gustafson, a medical health officer for the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority.

Two days later, Aart Schuurman Hess, the food bank's chief executive officer and a personal acquaintance of Markin's, suspended the supplement distribution program until a laundry list of health safety concerns could be resolved. But in March 2015, the program was cancelled.

"One of the things that was of real concern to me is this idea that you can bypass the checks and balances that keep people safe," Gustafson told CBC News in an interview. "And you can't.

Pure North spokesperson Stephen Carter acknowledges the foundation made mistakes with its food-bank supplement program. (Sam Martin/CBC)

"The same checks and balances that apply to the person who shops at Safeway should apply to the food bank," she said. "And certainly I would think that most people would expect it to."

Stephen Carter, Pure North's vice-president of communications, said he "strongly rejected" the health officials' contention that the foundation had created a health risk. But he acknowledged Pure North had, in some cases, made mistakes.

"We should have done a better job of making sure that we had followed the rules, and we are doing a better job of making sure that we're following the rules," Carter said. "But in terms of the health of these individuals, we are doing the best work that we possibly can to ensure that these people remain healthy and are healthy for a long time."

Schuurman Hess told CBC News he had never been informed, in writing, by health officials about the program's potential health risks they had identified and, as far as he knows, none of the food bank's clients who participated in the voluntary program suffered any adverse effects.

He said he personally invited Pure North to offer its supplement program at the food banks because he believed it was working well in Alberta and even had been financially supported by that province's government.

Pure North is a privately run, non-profit foundation that offers alternative, preventive health programs, with a primary focus on preventing chronic disease through high doses of vitamins and supplements, including vitamin D. Pure North claims its program, if broadly implemented, would save governments hundreds of millions of dollars each year in health care spending.

B.C. public health officials found several health risks associated with Pure Norths distribution of high-dose supplements at Vancouver food banks. (CBC)

The foundation focuses on vulnerable populations such as the homeless, addicted and elderly. It claims that since 2007 more than 50,000 people have participated in its program in Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan.

Obtained through freedom of information, the internal documents detail a concerted effort by B.C. public health officials spearheaded by a group of dietitians and medical health officers to methodically identify potential health risks to the food-bank clients and to formulate an "action plan" to address them.

The documents also reveal health officials weren't afraid to confront Markin, the former chairman of Canadian Natural Resources Ltd, the giant Alberta oil and gas company. In 2015, Canadian Business magazine estimated the personal fortune of Markin, who is also part owner of the Calgary Flames, was more than $600 million.

In a Feb. 5, 2015 internal email, Gustafson describes a meeting with the "fantastically rich Alberta 'oil man' " and several Pure North staff.

"We spent a fair amount of time explaining the authority required to practise public health and make recommendations for a population. I am not entirely sure if this sunk in," Gustafson wrote, adding later that health officials had the power to shut down the program if it wasn't done voluntarily.

"We said that we didn't want to mandate them, but that we had the authority under the Public Health Act to do so. (That was kind of fun.)," Gustafson wrote, telling CBC later she was prepared to exercise that authority if the food bank didn't voluntarily stop Pure North from distributing the supplements.

The internal B.C. documents detail a troubling list of issues identified by the public health officials, including that:

Health officials were also concerned food-bank clients may not be able to understand the consent form they had to sign before receiving the packet of Pure North supplements, or understand the type of supplements they were given.

Pure North spokesperson Stephen Carter said clients weren't seen by a doctor, and their medical histories weren't taken, because the foundation mistakenly believed it was distributing vitamin D within Health Canada's 4,000 IU safe upper level. Health Canada's recommended dietary allowances for vitamin D are 400 IU for infants, 600 IU for those aged one to 70, and 800 IU for adults over 70.

A graphic shows the difference between the levels of vitamin D Health Canada recommends, and the levels Pure North recommended in a March 2015 advertising campaign. (CBC)

Carter said Pure North rectified every issue identified by health authorities. Every participant in a Pure North program in B.C. is now seen by a naturopathic doctor. The foundation stopped distributing the supplement that wasn't Health Canada approved. And documents show the foundation also corrected the labelling and packaging issues.

Before Pure North rectified the safety issues, public health officials, including Gustafson, conveyed several of their concerns in sometimes tense meetings with Pure North representatives and also with food-bank management.

Following one such meeting in January 2015, Schuurman Hess announced the food bank was suspending the program.

On March 5, 2015, Schuurman Hess told public health officials the food bank and Pure North had mutually decided to end the controversial supplement distribution program.

"Both parties thought it better to go their own way," Schuurman Hess wrote in a follow-up email, in which he sought to distance the food banks he oversaw from a wellness program that for nearly a year he had allowed to operate, unfettered, within their walls.

"That way it doesn't affect our services and (standing) in the community. Although we only facilitated (Pure North), the community may consider this to be a food bank program, which it is not."

If you have any information about this story, or for another potential story, please contact us in confidence at cbcinvestigates@cbc.ca

@charlesrusnell

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Vancouver food bank potentially risked clients' health through lax alternative-health program - CBC.ca