Use Of Dietary Supplements Research Articles

Rheological Characteristics of Concrete Mixtures Modified with Urease Additives

Statement of the problem. Rheological characteristics of concrete samples made with the use of various bioadditives are studied. Results. The results of experimental studies of the rheological properties of concrete, taking into account the effect of dietary supplements based on the following strains of bacteria B.subtilis, Ps.aeruginosa, with urease activity, are presented. Conclusions. The values of the cone sediment of concrete mixtures made using various grades of Portland cement were obtained, the values of conditional viscosity were also established, and the limiting shear stress and compressive strength of the obtained concrete cube samples made using urease bioadditives were determined. It was found that the use of dietary supplements leads to a decrease in the conditional viscosity of the mixture by 2 times, as well as to an increase in compressive strength by at least 15 %. Thus, it has been established that bioadditives improve the quality of the bond between the components of concrete, making it more durable and resistant to loads, as well as its rheological characteristics.

A patient-centered approach to dietary supplements for patients with chronic liver disease.

The use of dietary supplements by patients with chronic liver disease is prevalent and rising. Despite the known risks of dietary supplements, including hepatotoxicity, adulteration, and contamination, patients with chronic liver disease often turn to dietary supplements to support their liver and/or overall health but are not necessarily empowered with the information or guidance from their liver practitioner to do so. This article provides practitioners with a framework for balancing the risks and benefits of dietary supplements in patients with chronic liver disease, offering examples of independent resources and certifications to use this framework in clinical practice. We offer 3 common clinical scenarios to highlight how the use of this framework can improve communication and decision-making in clinical practice. By adapting principles from Integrative Medicine, this article advocates for a patient-centered approach to dietary supplements in patients with chronic liver disease, encouraging open dialogue between clinicians and their patients to facilitate informed decision-making and personalized care.

Knowledge and Practices Regarding Dietary Supplements Among Healthcare Professionals in Poland

Introduction: The growing popularity of dietary supplements in Poland raises the need to verify the knowledge and practices of healthcare workers who have a key role in recommending their use. Understanding these issues is important to ensure patient safety and the correct use of dietary supplements. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the level of knowledge, practices, and sources of information on dietary supplements among various professional groups of healthcare workers. Material and Methods: The study conducted from September 2023 to June 2024 involved 743 healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, and nurses. Data were collected online using an original questionnaire. The questionnaire was placed in portals associated with target groups. Results: A total of 73.49% of respondents declared knowledge of dietary supplements. The most common source of information was scientific articles (42.8%), and only 7.00% of respondents used official sources such as the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate. Advertisements had a smaller impact on doctors (p < 0.001), with 46.97% of respondents stating that they did not pay attention to them. In addition, 84.52% of respondents considered the composition of the dietary supplement to be a key factor in their recommendation. Conclusions: Knowledge of dietary supplements among healthcare professionals varies, particularly between different professional groups. The results indicate a need for further education and standardization of information to ensure safe and responsible recommendation of supplements to consumers.

Association between dietary supplements and frailty by sex: a cross-sectional study in South Korea

Abstract Background Evidence regarding the benefits of dietary supplements against frailty is lacking. Therefore, we aimed to examine the association between the use of dietary supplements and frailty. The analyses were stratified by sex to consider the sexual dimorphism in frailty. Methods This study used national, cross-sectional survey data from South Korea, namely the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2018-2020). Adults aged 50 years were included. Data for up to four supplements were collected for each participant. A 46-item frailty index was constructed to assess frailty. All percentages (%) were weighted to represent the national population. The association between the use of dietary supplements and frailty was investigated using a linear regression analysis with socioeconomic/lifestyle factors and the amount of nutrient intake from diet included as covariates. Results Of the included 27,384 older adults, 57.28% were women. The proportion of supplement users was significantly higher in women (64.31% vs. 77.71%, p < 0.001). Any supplement use was negatively associated with frailty (B = -0.015, p < 0.001), and the association was more significant in women (Any supplement use * women: B = -0.012, p = 0.002). From the multivariable regression analysis stratified by sex, the use of red ginseng (men: B = -0.019, women: B = -0.015) and calcium (B = -0.027, women: B = -0.012) were negatively associated with frailty in both sexes while the statistical significance for vitamin C was found only in men (B = -0.020) (all p < 0.05). Conclusions Our findings demonstrated a significant negative association between the use of dietary supplements and frailty. The associations varied by type of supplements and by sex. The findings should be validated using prospective data. Key messages • Red ginseng and calcium supplements were negatively associated with frailty in both sexes. • We assessed frailty using frailty index which highlights the potential role of dietary supplements beyond the context of physical or musculoskeletal function.

Predictors of Dietary Supplement Use Among Children Attending Care and Educational Institutions in Krakow, Poland

Background/Objectives: Socioeconomic status and parental lifestyle influence dietary behaviors, including the administration of oral dietary supplements in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of selected health, dietary, and sociodemographic factors on the use of dietary supplements by children. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, a diagnostic survey based on the computer-assisted web interview method was conducted in November 2022 among 2826 parents whose children attend public educational institutions in Krakow, Poland. The study group included data on 497 nursery children (17.6%), 599 kindergarten children (21.2%), 1594 primary school children (56.4%), and 136 secondary school children (4.8%). Results: Among all respondents, 72.2% were taking oral nutritional supplements, with vitamin D supplementation being particularly popular in all groups. Logistic regression analysis identified predictors of supplement use, including special diet (p < 0.001), use of medication for chronic disease (p = 0.012), regularity of main meals (p = 0.022), and attending a sports school (p = 0.021). A decrease in supplement use was observed with the increasing level of education of children (p < 0.001). Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of various health, dietary, and sociodemographic factors in influencing decisions regarding dietary supplementation in children. Further assessment of dietary supplement usage should be conducted alongside evaluations of nutrient intake from the children’s diet.

A novel immunopharmacological biocompound

The publication is devoted to topical issues of experimental study of new biocompounds, based on the creation of a consortium of biological composite compounds – biological active substances (metabiotics) produced by strains 59T and 60T of saprophytic compounds of the genus Bacillus subtilis. These strains are very promising for the creation of hepatopicts, new medicinal substances, in the creation and development of a new pharmacological class of hepatoprotectors. Previous studies have shown the safety and hepatoprotective effect of biologically active drugs. It is worth noting that the very effective compounds are the produced biologically active substances – metabolites of bacterial origin, on the basis of which it seems appropriate to create a new class of drugs – metabiotics. The absence of vegetative probiotic cells in such compounds will reduce the additional immune load on the body. The combined use of these compounds provides a potentiated pharmacological effect. In this regard, it seemed appropriate, under the conditions of modeling toxic liver damage by carbon tetrachloride, to conduct an experimental assessment of the immunotropic effect of biologically active substances (BAS) on laboratory animals in order to confirm the effect on cellular factors of immunity. The purpose of the study was to study the effect of the combined use of dietary supplements produced by Bacillus subtilis microorganisms on indicators of cellular immunity in laboratory animals with toxic liver damage. Acute toxic hepatitis was reproduced in white laboratory rats with repeated intragastric administration of carbon tetrachloride. The comparison drug was a registered hepatoprotective drug – ursosan. The immunotropic effect was assessed using factors such as: phagocytic activity of macrophages and neutrophils (FA), NBT test, quantitative assessment of antibody-forming cells, T and B lymphocytes. As a result of the studies performed, reliable data were obtained on an increase in the number of T and B lymphocytes, antibody-forming cells, as well as an increase in FA, which confirms the activation of all parts of cellular immunity in conditions of acute toxic liver damage. The data obtained allow us to recommend the studied biocompound for the creation of new drug candidates of microbiological origin, hepatoprotective agents with immunotropic effects.

Dietary changes during the COVID-19 lockdown in Iranian households: are we witnessing a secular trend? A narrative review

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in late 2019, influenced nearly all aspects of human life, including food choices and dietary habits.MethodologyA web-based search was conducted from March to April 2024 in MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for published reports of large-scale surveys of dietary changes during or shortly after the coronavirus pandemic lockdown in Iran. The keywords used were coronavirus OR COVID-19, diet OR nutrition, household, and Iran. Studies that focused on specific areas, subgroups (such as students), or just one city or province were not included. To monitor dietary changes from the years before the lockdown, we used and plotted data from the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES), as provided by the Statistical Center of Iran.ResultsThe overall results of the nationwide studies conducted during the lockdown period in Iran revealed that a significant proportion of the households reduced their consumption of milk, yogurt, cheese, red meat, white meat, eggs, and rice/bread. In approximately 47% of the households where weekly consumption of animal protein sources decreased, the consumption of rice and bread increased. Accordingly, 35 and 44% of households reported a decrease in the consumption frequency of fruits and snacks, respectively. Additionally, 21% of those who reduced their fruit consumption completely removed fruits from their food basket. Meanwhile, the use of dietary supplements, especially vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, and multivitamins, had increased in households, particularly among those with higher incomes. Decreased income was a common reason for all of these dietary changes, which can have major health consequences in the long term.ConclusionThis review provides evidence that the observed changes had already begun years before the pandemic and presumably have not yet returned to the pre-pandemic situation. Finally, we suggest some strategies for policymakers to overcome the crisis and enhance community the nutrition and health of general population.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements among non-healthcare college students in Chitradurga

Background: The market for OTC drugs and dietary supplements is rapidly growing. However, there exists a lack of adequate awareness among the general public regarding the advantages and potential drawbacks associated with these products, particularly among the younger generation, who heavily rely on the internet for information. Therefore, this study sought to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of college students regarding OTC drugs and dietary supplements, including prevalence and associated factors. Methods: A prospective interventional study with 306 participants was conducted. Data were collected using a self-designed and pre-validated questionnaire and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. Descriptive and inferential (T-test) statistics were use. Results: The prevalence of usage of OTC drugs and DSs was found to be 98.4% and 61.4% respectively. Easy accessibility (42.2%), safe and well tolerable (32.5%) were the main factors that influenced them to turn to SM with OTC drugs. The respondent’s preference for DSs was primarily driven by their desire to maintain good health (33.6%). Internet (22.2%) and healthcare professionals (21.9%) were the two most reported sources that students relied on to obtain information about DSs. The result revealed poor knowledge and a positive attitude towards OTC drugs and DSs among all participants. Conclusions: A high prevalence of self-medication with OTC drugs and dietary supplements use was highlighted. Notable issues and improper practices were recognized. The findings indicate a need for education to enhance knowledge about OTC drugs and DSs and to encourage safe practices.

DSHEA 1994 – Celebrating 30 Years of Dietary Supplement Regulation in the United States

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 defined the FDA’s statutory authority to regulate dietary supplement products as a category of food in the United States. As we celebrate 30 years post-DSHEA, it is important to reflect on its significance for public health, influence on the continuously evolving and expanding product category, the current regulatory framework, and potential opportunities or modernizing oversight to ensure a strong and well-regulated marketplace. An estimated three-fourths of U.S. consumers report use of dietary supplements, and the product market has grown substantially since the passage of DSHEA, from approximately 4,000 products in 1994 to 80,000+ present day. This growth represents a current $60 billion domestic and $200 billion international market for dietary supplements. Scientists, public health officials, health care providers, patients, consumer advocacy organizations, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have all called for reform to what has been described as ‘outdated’ regulation of dietary supplements. Advancing at an even faster rate is published scientific evidence in the space. This special issue of the Journal of Dietary Supplements comprises a collection of articles authored by academicians, legal scholars, representatives of U.S. government agencies, and industry scientists that critically examine the successes, challenges, and opportunities for improving specific aspects of DSHEA and domestic health policy. This editorial provides historical context and milestones of dietary supplement regulation in the U.S. post-DSHEA and offers an overview of the research contained within the special issue. Advancing toward a more transparent and safer marketplace requires trustworthy supply chains, increased adherence to quality standards, additional labeling requirements, and enhancement of post-market surveillance. This special issue seeks to contribute to the broader understanding of dietary supplement regulation and its future direction.

Development and Validation of an Analytical Method to Identify and Quantitate Novel Modafinil Analogs in Products Marketed as Dietary Supplements

Modafinil (brand name Provigil®) is a Schedule IV (U.S.) drug used for the treatment of narcolepsy and sleep disorders. It is also known to be used recreationally. Analogs of modafinil, including adrafinil, remain unapproved and/or unscheduled. The lack of scheduling has made these analogs a popular target for recreational use and inclusion in dietary supplements. However, the use of controlled substances (or their analogs) without the care of a physician presents a public health risk. Preliminary nontargeted analyses in our laboratory revealed the presence of adrafinil in several dietary supplements, highlighting the need for an analytical method to identify modafinil analogs in supplements. A liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) method was developed and validated to quantitate modafinil, plus four novel unscheduled modafinil analogs: adrafinil, CRL-40,940, CRL-40,941, and N-methyl-4,4-difluoromodafinil. This method was then applied to four samples of products marketed as dietary supplements collected via undercover purchase. These four products were marketed as nootropics or cognitive enhancers and labeled to contain adrafinil. Adrafinil was found in all four samples. The identification of modafinil analogs in this context is important so that consumers are not, knowingly or unknowingly, consuming these active pharmaceutical ingredients in products marketed as dietary supplements.

Effects of selected dietary supplements on migraine prophylaxis: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The existing evidence on the effect of dietary supplements for preventing migraines has generated conflicting results. We assessed alterations in migraine clinical features corresponding to the intake of dietary supplements. Our main outcomes included the frequency (number of attacks), duration (in hours), the severity (intensity) and the monthly migraine days. Using a dose-response meta-analysis, we estimated the dose-dependent impact. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE tool. Finally, twenty-two trials were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Magnesium supplementation reduced migraine attacks (mean difference (MD) = -2.51), severity (MD = -0.88), and the monthly migraine days (MD = -1.66) compared with the control group. CoQ10 decreased the frequency (MD = -1.73), severity (MD = -1.35), and duration of migraine (MD = -1.72). Riboflavin decreased attack frequency (MD = -1.34). Alpha-lipoic acid decreased attack frequency (MD = -1.24) and severity (MD = -0.38). Probiotics decreased the frequency (MD = -1.16), severity (MD = -1.07) and the monthly migraine days (MD = -3.02). Vitamin D reduced migraine frequency (MD = -1.69) and the monthly migraine days (MD = -2.41). In adults, compared with placebo, these supplements did not significantly affect other outcomes, and omega-3 supplementation did not yield a statistically significant reduction in any of these outcomes. The use of certain dietary supplements has resulted in a significant decrease in migraine prophylaxis. Further clinical trials of high quality appear to be beneficial.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Rugby Athletes: The Role of Dietary Supplements and Their Consumption.

This study investigates dietary supplement use among rugby players and their general health, focusing on prevalence and underlying motivations. Involving 92 athletes, it examines the relationship between supplement usage, motivations, and health outcomes using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey and a 24-item ad hoc questionnaire. Findings reveal a high frequency of supplement usage, motivated by desires to enhance performance, appearance, and mood. Significant differences in health-related quality of life are found between users and non-users, particularly in mental health, social functioning, and emotional stability. Motivations like performance enhancement and body shape manipulation were linked to altered health perceptions, indicating the psychosocial impacts of supplementation. This study emphasizes the need to consider the holistic effects of supplements on athlete well-being, advocating for a balanced approach prioritizing both physical and mental health. It calls for increased awareness among athletes, coaches, and sports professionals about the potential risks and benefits of supplement use and the importance of informed decision-making. Additionally, it highlights the need for further research to understand the mechanisms of supplement use and its impact on athlete health, aiming to enhance sports science and promote overall athlete well-being in competitive environments.

Social media content analysis for nutraceuticals and glaucoma.

Google and various social media platforms have content on the therapeutic potential of nutritional supplements for glaucoma, but whether that information is evidence-based has not been analyzed. The current study explores such content for its quality. Criteria of search used were "glaucoma" and "vitamins" or "nutraceuticals" or "nutritional supplements". The first 30 search results on Google for every keyword combination were determined. The top 30 video results on Facebook Watch and YouTube for each keyword combination were selected. The initial 30 posts from Reddit and the top 30 Images on Google Images related to the keyword combination were also examined. Sixty-eight websites on Google, 75 Images from Google, 39 YouTube videos, 12 video results from Facebook Watch, and 19 posts from Reddit were identified and assessed for quality.The average Sandvik scores were 10.86 ± 2.6 (Google webpages), 10.08 ± 1.9 (YouTube videos), 10.62 ± 1.6 (Facebook Watch), and 10.26 ± 2.8 (Posts from Reddit). The average Risk Scores were 0.67 ± 0.9 (videos from YouTube), 0.49 ± 0.8 (webpages on Google), 0.33 ± 0.5 (videos from Facebook Watch), and 0.26 ± 0.5 (Reddit). The mean HON code scores were 5.15 ± 1.5 (YouTube), 6 ± 1.7 (Google webpages), 4.42 ± 1.1 (Facebook Watch), and 3.47 ± 1.8 (Reddit). Many patients who seek information online do not consult their physicians to verify the accuracy of their search results. Thus, with this changing trend, video and online medical content analysis has attracted interest. Search engines and social media platforms may serve as adjuncts for patient counseling in current care models by providing an online educational community. Compared to non-healthcare professionals, the healthcare professionals' information regarding nutraceuticals/nutritional supplements in glaucoma is of higher quality. Most HCPs do not recommend the use of dietary supplements as a complementary treatment for glaucoma, either because of inconclusive/insufficient data or due to contrasting studies that contradict each other. However, literature is building up with each passing day, to support nutritional supplementation as an integrative IOP-independent strategy for glaucoma management. The information provided by healthcare professionals is superior to that offered by non-healthcare professionals. Most HCPs advise against the use of nutritional supplements as an adjunct therapy for glaucoma, either because of inconclusive data or due to contrasting studies that contradict each other.

Exploring GP and patient attitudes towards the use and deprescribing of dietary supplements: a survey study in Switzerland

BackgroundDietary supplements are commonly used by older adults, but their inappropriate use may lead to adverse events. To optimise medication use, general practitioners (GPs) ideally are aware of all substances that patients use, including supplements. This cross-sectional study explored the use of dietary supplements by older patients with polypharmacy, the rate at which they disclosed this use to their GPs, and compared patients’ and GPs’ attitudes towards discontinuing dietary supplements.MethodsTen GPs in Swiss primary care recruited five to ten of their older patients taking ≥ 5 regular medications. Both GPs and their patients completed a survey on patients’ use of dietary supplements and attitudes towards deprescribing those. We described and compared their responses. We assessed the association of supplement disclosure with patient characteristics using multilevel logistic regression analysis.ResultsThree out of ten GPs (30%) were female, and GPs’ average age was 52 years (SD = 8). 45% of patients were female (29/65). Most patients (n = 45, 70%) were taking ≥ 1 supplement. On average, patients reported to be using three supplements (SD = 2). In 60% (n = 39) of patients, GPs were unaware of ≥ 1 supplement used. We did not find evidence for an association between supplement disclosure to GPs and patient characteristics. Only 8% (n = 5) of patients and 60% (n = 6) of GPs reported ≥ 1 supplement they would be willing to deprescribe and none of the supplements reported by GPs and patients to deprescribe matched.ConclusionSwiss GPs were unaware of many dietary supplements used by their older patients, which may affect medication optimisation efforts.

Low thiamine status in adults following low-carbohydrate / ketogenic diets: a cross-sectional comparative study of micronutrient intake and status.

Low-carbohydrate diets (LCD) are popular for weight loss but lack evidence about micronutrient sufficiency in real-life use. This study assessed the intake and biochemical status of selected micronutrients in people voluntarily following LCDs. A cross-sectional study was conducted (2018-20) among 98 adults recruited as self-reporting either LCD (n = 49) or diets not restricting carbohydrates (controls; n = 49). Diets were assessed using the 130-item EPIC-Norfolk food-frequency questionnaire. Red-blood-cell thiamine diphosphate (TDP) was measured for thiamine status using HPLC. Plasma magnesium, zinc, copper, and selenium were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Between-group biomarker comparisons were conducted using ANCOVA and adjusted for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and diabetes status. LCD-followers (26% male, median age 36 years, median BMI 24.2 kg/m2) reported adhering to LCDs for a median duration of 9 months (IQR 4-36). The most followed LCD type was 'their own variations of LCD' (30%), followed by ketogenic (23%), 'palaeolithic' (15%), and Atkins diets (8%). Among controls, 41% were male (median age 27 years, median BMI 23kg/m2). Median macronutrient intakes for LCD vs control groups were carbohydrate 16%Energy (E) vs. 50%E; protein 25%E vs. 19%E; and fat 55%E vs 34%E (saturated fat 18%E vs. 11%E). Two-thirds of LCD followers (32/49) and half of the controls (24/49) reported some use of dietary supplements (p = 0.19). Among LCD-followers, assessing from food data only, 21 (43%) failed to meet the reference nutrient intake (RNI) for thiamine (vs.14% controls, p = 0.002). When thiamine from supplementation (single- or multivitamin) was included, there appeared to be no difference in thiamine intake between groups. Still, red-blood-cell TDP was lower in LCD-followers than controls (407 ± 91 vs. 633 ± 234 ng/gHb, p < 0.001). Three LCD-followers were thiamine-deficient (RBC thiamine < 275 ng/gHb) vs. one control. There were no significant differences in dietary intakes or plasma concentrations of magnesium, zinc, copper, and selenium between groups. Following LCDs is associated with lower thiamine intake and TDP status than diets without carbohydrate restriction, incompletely corrected by supplement use. These data, coupled with a lack of RCT evidence on body weight control, do not support recommending LCDs for weight management without appropriate guidance and diet supplementation.

The Association Between BMI, Dietary Supplement Use, and Social Media Engagement in a Young Adult Population

The Association Between BMI, Dietary Supplement Use, and Social Media Engagement in a Young Adult Population

Overview of Dietary Supplements Use: A Narrative Review

Abstract: Dietary supplements are ingestible nutrient products used in individuals’ diets to meet their adequate intake of nutrients required for general health purposes. This review aims to explore the impact of using dietary supplements in relation to communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as some adverse effects caused by dietary supplements. Findings indicated that vitamin D supplements can aid in recovery from flu and COVID-19. Folic acid can reduce stroke incidents among adults with hypertension. Moreover, vitamin C or calcium intake is significantly associated with lowering diabetes risk. Advantageous effects have been reported of high doses of vitamin C against breast cancer. Moreover, frequent consumption of vitamin E reduced the risk of chronic lung diseases by 10%. In conclusion, the present review confirms the beneficial health effects of dietary supplement consumption and suggests further investigations for a better understanding of their mechanisms in the prevention and treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Dietary supplement use in dietary patterns excluding whole food groups

Dietary supplement use in dietary patterns excluding whole food groups

Nutrition and diet for dry eye disease: Insights toward holistic management.

Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most common eye problems in the aging population. Hyperosmolarity triggers the immune response in DED and consequently activates the self-perpetuating immune cycle, leading to chronic damage of the ocular surface. This event causes symptoms such as a burning sensation, irritation, redness, photophobia, and blurred vision in DED patients. Subsequently, the quality of life gets significantly affected. The rising demand for DED management and treatment solutions, and the desirable outcomes from innovative therapies that draw global interest provide evidence to demonstrate the role of diet and nutrition in DED. Nutritional deficiency and a Westernized diet contribute to the chronic systemic progression of DED symptoms. It has been revealed in several published studies that the use of nutrients and dietary supplements improves the ocular surface and acts as a protective factor against DED. - We reviewed nutrition and dietary aspects in managing DED and its associated consequences, based on published studies, and reached an evidence-based conclusion.

Dietary Supplement and Prescription Omega-3 Fatty Acid Products Use among Iraqi Consumers in Kirkuk City

Dietary Supplement and Prescription Omega-3 Fatty Acid Products Use among Iraqi Consumers in Kirkuk City