Current Supplement Research Articles

Disability Status and Voting Behavior in United States Elections in Older Men and Women: Findings from the 2020 Current Population Survey Voting and Registration Supplement

Disability Status and Voting Behavior in United States Elections in Older Men and Women: Findings from the 2020 Current Population Survey Voting and Registration Supplement

A novel approach to assessing food insecurity for small geographic areas using household living budgets

AbstractThe USDA Economic Research Service has monitored food insecurity at national and state levels since 1995 using the Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement. But if a food insecurity measure is to inform action and target interventions, it must be constructed for smaller geographic levels that consider geographic price differences. This article constructs a novel measure of food insecurity using an alternative approach based on financial needs of households, known as the household living budget (HLB). The HLB is defined as the income required to satisfy a household's essential needs, enabling it to maintain a modest yet sufficient standard of living while covering federal and state income taxes. The HLB is constructed at the census tract level and incorporates three key determinants of food insecurity: household size and composition, household income, and food costs. We demonstrate how the HLB along with publicly available data can be used to construct a food insecurity measure using a residual income approach to assess if households are able to afford paying for food expenditures and assess the qualification thresholds of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Food insecurity estimates are obtained for households in Washington, D.C. and benchmarked to regional results provided by a survey sponsored by the Capital Area Foodbank.

Role of vesicular monoamine transporter-2 for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a review.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) classifies attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a neurodevelopmental disorder that interferes with human functioning and development. As the clinical presentation of ADHD involves a deficiency in executive function, neurocognitive deficits involving distinctive neuropathological changes must be present for clinical diagnosis. The vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), specifically VMAT-2, plays a role in ADHD pathogenesis. In addition, experimental data show that the stimulants (amphetamines and methylphenidate) are first-line treatments for the condition because of their extensive interaction with VMAT-2. The interactions of peptides, bupropion, and nutritional supplements with VMAT-2 receptors have been researched, but more evidence is needed to elucidate their pharmacodynamic properties. Therefore, this literature review evaluated the current pharmacological treatment modalities, peptides, and nutritional supplements for ADHD that target the VMAT-2 system. We obtained relevant studies from several platforms, including the National Center for Biotechnology, Clinical Key, Access Medicine, and PubMed. From the results of these studies, we observed that stimulants interact highly with the VMAT-2 transporter, with omega-3 fatty acids, peptides, and bupropion exerting some modulatory activity on VMAT-2. These agents should be considered for the future treatment of ADHD, although clinical-level research involving human participants is necessary.

Food insecurity trends and disparities according to immigration status in the US households, 2011–2021

BackgroundFood insecurity related to immigration status remains largely underexplored. This study examined trends and disparities in household food insecurity by immigration status in the United States (US). MethodsWe analyzed data from 427,942 households from the US Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement from 2011 to 2021. Immigration status categories included recent immigrants (< 5 years), long-term immigrants (≥ 5 years), naturalized citizens, and US-born citizens. Food insecurity was assessed using validated questions on consistent access to enough food for an active and healthy life. ResultsFrom 2011 to 2021, food insecurity prevalence declined from 14.9 % (95 % CI, 14.5 %–15.3 %) to 10.2 % (95 % CI, 9.8 %–10.6 %). Among recent immigrants, prevalence decreased from 25.2 % (95 % CI, 23.1–27.4) in 2011 to 15.0 % (95 % CI, 12.8 %–17.2 %) in 2019, then increased to 17.7 % (95 % CI, 14.7 %–20.2 %) in 2020 and 17.4 % (95 % CI, 14.7 %–20.2 %) in 2021. Long-term immigrants' prevalence dropped from 20.4 % (95 % CI, 16.9 %–24.0 %) in 2011 to 10.2 % (95 % CI, 7.2 %–13.1 %) in 2018, then increased to 17.7 % (95 % CI, 13.7 %–21.7 %) in 2021. Naturalized citizens' prevalence decreased from 14.4 % (95 % CI, 12.9 %–15.9 %) to 9.5 % (95 % CI, 8.2 %–10.9 %). US-born citizens' prevalence decreased from 14.2 % (95 % CI, 13.8 %–14.6 %) to 9.7 % (95 % CI, 9.3 %–10.2 %). Compared to the US-born citizens, the adjusted prevalence ratio was 1.63 (95 % CI,1.57–1.69) for recent immigrants, 1.22 (95 % CI, 1.13–1.31) for long-term immigrants, and 0.94 (95 % CI, 0.90–0.98) for naturalized citizens. Significant disparities exist in subgroups. ConclusionsThe findings provide insights for stakeholders to address food insecurity among vulnerable immigrant groups in the US.

Healthcare spending for non-fatal falls among older adults, USA

BackgroundThe older adult (65+) population in the USA is increasing and with it the number of medically treated falls. In 2015, healthcare spending attributable to older adult falls was approximately...

Heterogeneous effects of Medicaid expansion on food security measures

AbstractThe 2014 Affordable Care Act (ACA) included state‐level Medicaid expansion programs, which have been credited with gains in food security for low‐income, able‐bodied, childless adults without dependents (ABAWDs). Yet, ABAWDs represent a diverse cohort who experience disparities along racial and ethnic lines, which could be partly responsible for differences in health‐related outcomes. This study uses data from the Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement to estimate the heterogeneous effect of ACA Medicaid expansion on food security among ABAWDs by race, ethnicity, and income. We find that Medicaid expansion improved food security for households headed by White ABAWDs—particularly those with incomes above 50% of the federal poverty line—but we do not find similarly significant evidence of gains among some historically marginalized populations. We find weak evidence that suggests that households headed by Hispanic ABAWDs may have experienced gains. However, Black‐headed ABAWD households had significantly worse food insecurity relative to the pooled sample of all races and ethnicities. Our results suggest that the relationship between healthcare access and food security is complex and, although spillover effects from a change in healthcare policy can influence food security status, such effects may not be equitably distributed across race, ethnicity, or income.

The use of a systems approach to increase NAD+ in human participants

Reversal or mitigation against an age-related decline in NAD+ has likely benefits, and this premise has driven academic and commercial endeavour to develop dietary supplements that achieve this outcome. We used a systems-based approach to improve on current supplements by targeting multiple points in the NAD+ salvage pathway. In a double-blind, randomised, crossover trial, the supplement – Nuchido TIME+® (NT) - increased NAD+ concentration in whole blood. This was associated with an increase in SIRT1 and an increase in nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) in peripheral blood mononucleocytes, lower concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in plasma, including a reduction in interleukin 2 (IL2), a reduction in glycated serum protein and a shift in the glycosylation profile of immunoglobulin G (IgG) toward a younger biological age, all of which are likely to promote a healthier ageing trajectory.

Has Intergenerational Progress Stalled? Income Growth Over Five Generations of Americans

We find that each of the past four generations of Americans was better off than the previous one, using a post-tax, post-transfer income measure constructed annually from 1963-2022 based on the Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement. At age 36–40, Millennials had a real median household income that was 18 percent higher than that of the previous generation at the same age. This rate of intergenerational progress was slower than that experienced by the Silent Generation (34 percent) and Baby Boomers (27 percent), but similar to that experienced by Generation X (16 percent). Slower progress for Generation X and Millennials is due to their stalled growth in work hours—holding work hours constant, they experienced a greater intergenerational increase in real market income than Baby Boomers. Intergenerational progress for Millennials under age 30 has remained robust as well, although their income growth largely results from higher reliance on their parents. We also find that the higher educational costs incurred by younger generations is far outweighed by their lifetime income gains.

Using enrollment records to evaluate self-reports of monthly coverage in the redesigned current population survey health insurance module.

To evaluate the veracity of self-reports of month-level health insurance coverage in the Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement (CPS). The CHIME (Comparing Health Insurance Measurement Error) study used health insurance enrollment records from a large regional Midwest insurer as sample for primary data collection in spring 2015. A sample of individuals enrolled in a range of public and private coverage types (including Medicaid and marketplace) was administered the CPS health insurance module, which included questions about month-level coverage, by type, over a 17-18-month time span. Survey data was then matched to enrollment records covering that same time frame, and concordance between the records and self-reports was assessed. Sample was drawn by the insurer's informatics specialists and Census Bureau interviewers conducted the survey. Following data collection, updated enrollment records were matched to the survey data to produce a person-level file of coverage by type at the month-level. For 91% of the overall sample, coverage status and type were reported accurately for at least 75% of observed months. Results varied somewhat by stability of coverage. Among those who were continuously covered throughout the 17-18 month observation period (which comprised 64% of the overall sample), that level of reporting accuracy was observed for 94% of the sample; for those who had censored spells (34% of the overall sample), the figure was 87%; and among those with gaps and/or changes according to the records (2% of the overall sample), for 82% of the group at least 75% of months were reported accurately. Findings suggest that reporting accuracy of month-level coverage in the CPS is high and that the survey could become a valuable new data source for studying the dynamics of coverage, including the Medicaid unwinding.

Trends in forgone medical care and unmet needs among Medicare beneficiaries with a history of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: a national, repeated cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo investigate trends in forgone medical care, basic needs disruption, financial and mental health disruption, engagement of preventive behaviours guidelines, and perceived severity of COVID-19 among community-living Medicare beneficiaries in...

Shining a Light on Selenium: a Meta-analysis of Supplementation in Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Selenium is a trace element with significant antioxidant activity. This study aimed to seek evidence concerning selenium supplementation in MS. A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases to identify the studies assessing the consumption rate, efficacy, and safety of selenium and selenium-containing supplementations in MSpatients. The meta-analysis was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and the risk of bias was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tools. A total of 9 studies were included, which consisted of six studies regarding the rate of selenium supplement consumption in MS patients, with a total sample size of 2381 patients. Based on the quantitative synthesis, 14.3% (95% CI, 12.8-16.0%; I2, 3.58%) of MS patients had current selenium supplements usage, and 11.3% (95% CI, 7.6-16.6%; I2, 81.40%) of patients had used selenium supplements previously. Although there is no evidence regarding supplementation with selenium alone, three RCT studies reported the safety of selenium-containing supplementation use in MS with improved inflammation and oxidative stress conditions. The findings of this study show that over 10% of patients with MS used selenium supplements, with no clinical significance supporting the benefits. There is a lack of evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of selenium supplements in MS patients. Due to the limited number of included studies and the lack of comprehensive and specific studies regarding selenium supplements in MS, the results must be interpreted with caution, and future clinical trials are required.

The Controversial Maternity Supplement Due to Demographic Contribution: Practical Issues and Regulatory and Judicial Responses

This paper addresses the study and analysis of the establishment of the maternity supplement towards the current contributory pension supplement for the reduction of the gender gap from three key points. In the first place, and to understand the establishment of the pension supplement, the basis and legal regime of the so-called maternity supplement is analysed. Secondly, the arguments of the CJEU of 12 December 2019, case C-450/18 are set out, which, as a result of the practical application of the maternity supplement for demographic contribution, declared that there was direct discriminatory treatment on grounds of sex between men and women and that the Spanish legislation was contrary to Council Directive 79/7/EEC, of 19 December 1978 on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security. Likewise, due to its relevant interest in the matter, the latest CJEU in the matter is addressed, specifically the CJEU of 14 September 2023, case C-311/22. Finally, the legal regime of the new pension supplement for the reduction of the gender gap is briefly described.

Herbal Supplement Use Among Adolescent and Young Adult Women in a Family Planning Clinic

Study ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate herbal medicine and supplement use patterns among adolescent and young adult women at a family planning focused clinic. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of patients (ages 14-25) at an adolescent Title X clinic. Participants completed an electronic survey that assessed herbal medicine and supplement use, baseline demographics, and current contraceptive method. We evaluated supplement-drug interactions using the Natural Medicine's database interaction checker. Quantitative analyses were performed using chi-squared and independent medians tests. ResultsWe enrolled 99 participants with a median age of 20 (15-24) years. Overall, 42.4% of patients reported ever having used supplements or herbal medicines with 29.9% of patients reporting current supplement or herbal medicine use. Patients with higher education and private insurance were more likely to report a history of and current supplement use (p<0.05). The most common herbal supplements reported were green tea (n=26), cannabidiol (n=17), and cranberry (n=16) with 29.6% of participants reporting use to their general healthcare provider. The most common reasons for use were general health and wellness (29.1%), immune support (23.2%), stress (16.8%), and menstrual irregularities (6.0%). We found 62 moderate risk supplement-drug interactions with 50 interactions attributed to hormonal contraceptive therapies. The most common interactions were via cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP3A4 or CYP1A2) inhibition, decreased caffeine clearance, and potential hepatotoxicity. ConclusionAdolescent and young adult women frequently reported past and current herbal medicine and supplement use, with high rates of moderate risk supplement-drug interactions. Further research is needed to better elucidate these clinically-relevant supplement-contraception interactions.

Evaluating pandemic telehealth access: Funding and policy implications

Access to telehealth services remains dependent on several underlying technological services, regional policies and demographic characteristics. This study evaluates telehealth service use during and after the COVID-19 pandemic using univariate and multivariate analyses. Survey data originated from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey COVID-19 supplement conducted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. We found that telehealth utilisation was higher in the northern and western regions of the United States, as well as among beneficiaries residing in urban locations. Non-White race, lower income and Medicare/Medicaid dual eligibility were also associated with larger odds of telehealth use during the pandemic. In addition, we identify potential funding shortfalls by the Federal Communications Commission in response to the pandemic, particularly in the Midwest region, and examine the effect of internet access on telehealth utilisation. Finally, we discuss the policy factors associated with accessing telehealth services.

Efficacy of Common Ingredients in Over‐the‐Counter Memory Supplements

AbstractBackgroundThe Global Brain Health Supplement Industry Market size was valued at 7.6 billion U.S. dollars. It is predicted to increase to 15.59 billion U.S. dollars by 2030. Memory and enhancement is a segment of the market that comprised the highest global revenue share in 2021.MethodAn extensive review of current supplements on the market was performed by surveying products for sale at local and national pharmacies and grocery stores. A list of 103 supplements was compiled and the most common ingredients in these supplements were identified. Scientific data relative to these ingredients was searched using PubMed and Cochrane library databases.ResultThere is not currently strong evidence that supports the clinical use of apoaequorin, ashwagandha, carnitine, choline, coenzyme q10, coffee extract, ginger, ginkgo biloba, Huperzine A, lion’s mane, l‐theanine, omega‐3 fatty acids, phosphatidylserine, polyphenol, turmeric, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin D, or vitamin E supplementation for memory improvement.ConclusionDietary supplements geared toward improving cognition are a billion‐dollar industry that continues to grow despite lacking a solid scientific foundation for their marketing claims. More rigorous studies are needed relative to the long‐term use of these supplements in homogenous populations with standardized measurements of cognition.

Non-therapeutic plasma levels in individuals utilizing curcumin supplements in daily life

IntroductionThe spice curcumin and its metabolites are widely used by cancer patients but have not shown proven health benefits in clinical studies, likely due to low plasma concentrations after oral intake. However, public interest in curcumin continues to grow, and companies claim enhanced absorption in their formulations. This study aims to determine if daily oral intake of curcumin leads to sufficient plasma concentrations for health effects. The study was registered in the Dutch Clinical Trial Register with ID NL5931.MethodsWe used a validated HPLC-MS/MS method to measure curcumin and its metabolites in 47 individuals using their own curcumin formulations. Questionnaires assessed other supplement and medication use. Plasma samples were collected before and 1.5 h after intake, analyzing curcumin and metabolite levels with and without β-glucuronidase pretreatment to measure conjugated and unconjugated forms.ResultsPlasma concentrations of curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin and tetrahydrocurcumin, ranged between 1.0 and 18.6 ng/mL. Adding β-glucuronidase resulted in an increase of unconjugated curcumin plasma levels to 25.4 ng/mL; however still significantly below (1000-fold) a plasma concentration that is expected to have a beneficial health effect. The use of adjuvants like piperine did not result in higher curcumin plasma concentrations.DiscussionOur study shows that using oral curcumin supplements still does not result in therapeutic plasma levels. Health care practitioners need to be critical toward the claimed beneficial systemic health effects of current curcumin supplement use by their patients.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://onderzoekmetmensen.nl/en/trial/25480, NL5931.

Closing the gap: Technology access and telehealth use among older adults in the U.S. Medicare beneficiaries

The use of digital technology offers numerous benefits for older individuals. However, failure to access technology could result in missed resources and opportunities, with some in this age group being hesitant to adopt new technology due to unfamiliarity or fear. Telehealth, as a form of digital technology, holds the potential to overcome geographic and temporal limitations, enabling socially isolated and physically homebound older adults to access a broader spectrum of healthcare options. Despite the potential advantages, the availability, acceptability, and accessibility of telehealth interventions for aging care remain unclear. This study aims to examine the impact of digital technologies on access to health and social care for older adults while identifying socioeconomic factors that may hinder access to services. We utilized the 2021 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey COVID-19 Winter Supplement Public Use File dataset and the total sample size was 10,592 Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and above. Several statistical analyses, including multivariable logistic regression, were conducted. Our findings revealed that individuals from Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic racial and ethnic groups, as well as those with lower income and residing in non-metro areas, had lower odds of using technology devices and accessing the internet, This highlights the need for targeted interventions and policies to promote equitable access to digital resources and healthcare services for all seniors. Moreover, seniors who possess technology devices and have internet access are more inclined to engage with primary care providers (PCPs) who provide telehealth consultations. The study discussed future directions and limitations, providing valuable insights into the intersection of digital technology, healthcare access, and socioeconomic factors for older adults.

Over the Counter Supplements for Memory: A Review of Available Evidence.

In 2021, the Global Brain Health Supplement Industry Market size was valued at US$7.6 billion. It is predicted to increase to US$15.59 billionby 2030. Memory and its enhancement are a segment of the market that comprised the highest global revenue share in 2021. In the USA alone, dietary supplement sales reached US$18 billion in 2018. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have the authority to approve dietary supplements' safety, effectiveness, or labeling before products go on the market. The FDA often does not even review supplements before they go to market. Supplement manufacturers are thus responsible for ensuring their products are safe and that their claims are truthful. An extensive review of current supplements on the market was performed by surveying memory products for sale at local and national pharmacies and grocery stores. A list of 103 supplements was compiled and the ingredients in these memory supplements were reviewed. The 18 most common ingredients in these supplements were identified. Each of the supplements included at least one of the 18 most common ingredients. Scientific data relative to these ingredients and their effect on memory was searched using PubMed and Cochrane library databases. Currently, there is no compelling evidence for use of apoaequorin, coenzyme Q10, coffee extracts, L-theanine, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, or vitamin B12 supplementation for memory. On the other hand, there is some current evidence for memory benefit from supplementation with ashwagandha, choline, curcumin, ginger, Lion's Mane, polyphenols, phosphatidylserine, and turmeric. There are current studies with mixed results regarding the benefit of carnitine, gingko biloba, Huperzine A, vitamin D, and vitamin E supplementation for memory. Dietary supplements geared toward improving cognition are a billion-dollar industry that continues to grow despite lacking a solid scientific foundation for their marketing claims. More rigorous studies are needed relative to the long-term use of these supplements in homogenous populations with standardized measurements of cognition. Health care providers need to be aware of any and all supplements their older adult patients may be consuming and be educated about their side effects and interactions with prescription medications. Lastly, the FDA needs to take an active position relative to monitoring marketed supplements regarding safety, purity and claims of efficacy.

Microbial Secondary Metabolites via Fermentation Approaches for Dietary Supplementation Formulations.

Food supplementation formulations refer to products that are designed to provide additional nutrients to the diet. Vitamins, dietary fibers, minerals and other functional compounds (such as antioxidants) are concentrated in dietary supplements. Specific amounts of dietary compounds are given to the body through food supplements, and these include as well so-called non-essential compounds such as secondary plant bioactive components or microbial natural products in addition to nutrients in the narrower sense. A significant social challenge represents how to moderately use the natural resources in light of the growing world population. In terms of economic production of (especially natural) bioactive molecules, ways of white biotechnology production with various microorganisms have recently been intensively explored. In the current review other relevant dietary supplements and natural substances (e.g., vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants) used in production of dietary supplements formulations and their microbial natural production via fermentative biotechnological approaches are briefly reviewed. Biotechnology plays a crucial role in optimizing fermentation conditions to maximize the yield and quality of the target compounds. Advantages of microbial production include the ability to use renewable feedstocks, high production yields, and the potential for cost-effective large-scale production. Additionally, it can be more environmentally friendly compared to chemical synthesis, as it reduces the reliance on petrochemicals and minimizes waste generation. Educating consumers about the benefits, safety, and production methods of microbial products in general is crucial. Providing clear and accurate information about the science behind microbial production can help address any concerns or misconceptions consumers may have.

Disparities in Smokefree and Vapefree Home Rules and Smokefree Policy Attitudes Based on Housing Type and Cigarette Smoking Status, United States, 2019.

This study examined variations in cigarette smoking status, home smoking and vaping rules, and attitudes toward smoking rules among U.S. adults. We analyzed data from the 2019 U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey Supplements (n = 40,296 adults) and calculated weighted prevalence estimates of adult cigarette smoking based on housing type. In 2019, multi-unit housing (MUH) residents who currently smoked were predominantly residents of privately rented housing (66.9%), followed by privately owned (17.6%) and public housing (15.5%). MUH residents who currently smoked had the highest proportions of allowing smoking (26.7%) or vaping (29.1%) anywhere inside their homes and were least likely to support rules allowing smoking inside all MUH apartments or living areas. In the adjusted models, MUH residents with a current smoking status were 92% less likely to have a complete smoking ban. More than one in four MUH residents with a current smoking status allowed all smoking inside the home and supported allowing smoking inside all MUH apartment or living areas, reinforcing how MUH residents may be at higher risk of experiencing secondhand smoke or aerosol exposure, or incursions within their places of residence. Our results can inform the development, implementation, and sustainment of strategies to reduce exposures from tobacco and nicotine products in all living environments.