Consumption Of Food Supplements Research Articles

Consumption of Food Supplements during the Three COVID-19 Waves in Poland-Focus on Zinc and Vitamin D.

Food supplements (FS) are a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, or other ingredients with nutritional or other physiological effects. Due to their easy availability, widespread advertising, and sometimes low price, increased consumption of this group of preparations has been observed. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and intake of FS during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland, with particular reference to FS containing zinc and vitamin D. It was noted that both of the above ingredients were used significantly more often by people with higher education (59.0%), with a medical background or related working in the medical field (54.5%), and/or exercising at home (60.1%). Preparations containing vitamin D were used by 22.8% of the respondents in the first wave, 37.6% in the second wave, and 32.9% in the third wave. To sum up, we showed the highest consumption of vitamin and mineral supplements, and preparations containing zinc and vitamin D were taken significantly more often by people with higher medical and related education. This indicates a high awareness of health aspects and the need for preventive measures in these groups.

Quality of Fish-Oil-Based Dietary Supplements Available on the Italian Market: A Preliminary Study.

The global market of food supplements is growing rapidly with a large turnover. Fish oil supplements represent a significant part of this turnover as they are believed to have important health benefits. Conversely, there are few papers in the literature about the quality control of fish oil capsules. As prior studies illustrate, a perfect agreement with the label is rarely found, and in some isolated cases, large amounts of soybean oil are also detected, indicating a true adulteration rather than a non-compliance with the label. None of the available studies refer to the Italian market, which ranks first in Europe in the consumption of food supplements. In this present communication, a quality control of fish-oil-based supplements from the Italian market was carried out for the first time. With minor deviations, all results showed substantial agreement with the label. However, the most important conclusion from this research is that compliance with the label is not enough to judge a product of good quality. The analysis of the overall fatty acid composition showed that some supplements have a high level of saturated fatty acids, and therefore they did not undergo a proper purification process. This may represent a safety issue since the purification process also allows the removal of toxic contaminants.

Evaluation of the Nutritional Status in Children 1‐3 Years Old in the Day Care Center: “Estancia los Patitos”

Introduction The World Health Organization has come to consider obesity as “the epidemic of the 21st century”1, Mexico occupies first place worldwide in child obesity2 and second place3 in adult obesity; therefore, it is necessary to evaluate infants from an early age in order to control and prevent this epidemic. Objective To evaluate the nutritional condition of the infants (1-3 years old) in the day care center “Estancia los Patitos” (Puebla city, Mexico). Methodology The anthropometric measurements (weight, height) were obtained using the Benesta digital pediatric scale (model ZJE-EBSH) and pediatric stadiometer (model seca 207). The Z-score for height/age (h/a), weight/height (w/h), weight/age (w/a) also was calculated. Food intake and total energy expenditure (TEE) were obtained using the 24-hour dietary recall method (24hDR) and the Nutre.in software. Results The study was conducted from March 2018 to July 2018. The sample was: 4 girls and 7 boys. The mean age, weight and height were for girls 1 year 7 months, 10.978 kg, 82.6 cm respectively; and boys 2 years, 12,931 kg, 88.4 cm respectively. W/a and h/a were included in normal weight; only for w/h, there was overweight (9%) and risk of overweight (9%). The mean of kilocalories and macronutrients were: TEE 1,603 kcal; proteins 56.2 g/day, 240 kcal; lipids 45.1 g/day, 401 kcal and carbohydrates 272.2 g/day, 962 kcal. Mean water consumption was 1,381 L/day. The percentage consumption of food supplements was 9%, coffee 45% and energy drinks 22%. Conclusion Total energy expenditure and distribution of macronutrients in this study were inadequate, as they differ from the standard recommendations of the ‘Norma Técnica de Desarrollo Infantil Integral’(carbohydrates 134-139 g/day, lipids 56-58 g/day, proteins 33-35 g/day and TEE of 892-924 kcal)4. In addition, consumption of coffee and energy drinks at an early age is not recommended, as it can cause several alterations: serotonergic syndromes, iron absorption deficiencies and weight loss5. More studies must be conducted in the country focused on nutritional evaluation in preschools for the prevention of overweight and obesity.

The effects of life style modification versus food supplementation on menopausal symptoms

BackgroundNutrition and good health are two dependent parallel axes; female’s health at different ages in general and at the time of menopause in particular has received a lot of attention last several years. The objective of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of consuming food supplement versus lifestyle modification in the dietary habit on menopausal symptoms in perimenopausal Egyptians females.ResultsForty seven females in the perimenopausal stage of life with mean age 46.04 ± 5.88 years participated on the food supplement consumption group, they consumed 75 g per day of a rusk (prepared from corn flour, wheat flour 72%, full cream milk powder, flaxseed oil, wheat germ, clove and cinnamon powder) for 2 months. They were compared with the control group (forty nine females with mean age 46.91 ± 5.39 years) who changed their foods habits to a healthy life style. Menopause rating scale and the biochemical analysis were comparable on day 1 and on day 60. The total menopause rating scale and its three subscales (psychological, urogenital and somatic), waist circumference, serum follicle stimulating hormone and estradiol in the corn rusk supplement group showed a statistically significant improvement. No significant difference was noted in the control group apart of the psychological subscale and waist circumference.ConclusionsCorn Rusk enriched with clove and cinnamon as a food supplement snake is promising to relief menopausal symptoms and should be considered on the diet of menopausal females.

Risk Assessment of Lead and Cadmium in Some Food Supplements Available on the Romanian Market.

Across the world, there has been an increase in the consumption of food supplements. This may be due to the perception that these dietary supplements cannot negatively affect the health of consumers in any way. However, dietary supplements may not have the expected effect. In addition, it has been shown that supplements can sometimes be chemically, physically or microbiologically contaminated, if the hygiene conditions and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan are not fully complied with. The aim of this study was to determine the lead and cadmium content of 41 food supplements available on the Romanian market and to assess the risk to consumer health. The graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) technique was used for sample analysis after wet mineralization of the samples. The risk assessment was determined based on Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Carcinogenic Risk (CR) calculations. Values obtained for both lead and cadmium fall within the limits imposed by the legislation in force. Small risks associated with the consumption of these food supplements was shown, with a main recommendation being to decrease the recommended daily dose in the case of food supplements.

Report of the Scientific Committee of the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) on the risk associated with the consumption of food supplements that contain curcumin as an ingredient

Report of the Scientific Committee of the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) on the risk associated with the consumption of food supplements that contain curcumin as an ingredient

Reporting adverse events linked to the consumption of food supplements and other food products: an audit of Nutrivigilance newsletters

Reporting adverse events linked to the consumption of food supplements and other food products: an audit of Nutrivigilance newsletters

Food supplement consumption does not related to self-reported symptoms of covid-19 among students in Binawan University

The world is facing a pandemic of COVID-19. Multivitamin and other supplement is already known can improve immunity and prevent infected by the virus. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of multivitamin/supplement intake with the appearance of COVID-19 symptoms. The method of this study was analytic surveys with cross-sectional designs. The questionnaire was distributed twice, the first distribution phase involved 423 respondents to determine the consumption habits of supplements and the appearance of COVID-19 symptoms. Then, from the respondents who consumed supplements, the second questionnaire was sent again, to find out the type of supplements consumed, and only 127 respondents returned completely. As a respondent, we involved students of Binawan University, Jakarta, Indonesia. We used Pearson Chi-Square and Fischer exact test for statistical analysis. The results of this study noted that 67.7% of respondents consumed supplements/multivitamin, 94.8% of respondents did not show symptoms of COVID-19. The type of supplement consumed by most respondents was vitamin C (51.2%), while multivitamins / other vitamins were 20.1%. In conclusion, based on statistical analysis, there was no significant relationship between supplement consumption with the appearance of COVID-19 and conditions in carrying out daily activities on respondents who show COVID-19 symptoms

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ANABOLIC STEROID USE BY EXERCISE ENTHUSIASTS

ABSTRACT Introduction Synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) were developed with the purpose of obtaining drugs capable of increasing protein synthesis associated with a lower degree of virilization. Its use is common among bodybuilders who aim to increase physical strength and muscle mass in the short term. However, AAS cause side effects, which restrict their therapeutic use. Objective To identify factors associated with AAS use by exercise enthusiasts at gyms in São Luís, MA. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out at 17 gyms. The sample totaled 723 exercise enthusiasts, who answered a structured questionnaire with multiple choice questions related to their lifestyle and the consumption of nutritional supplements and AAS use. Logistic regression analysis was used to verify the association of socioeconomic, demographic and behavioral factors with AAS use. Results Of the 723 exercise enthusiasts, 10.65% reported having used AAS. Of these, 97.4% declared their awareness of some side effect caused by AAS use. Factors associated with AAS use were: being male, age between 20 and 29 years, consumption of food supplements and participation in exercise for over a year. Conclusion The prevalence of AAS use by exercise enthusiasts at gyms in São Luís is high, and the risk factors identified enable us to target specific populations with preventive actions. Level of Evidence IIC; Cross-sectional study.

During Hospitalization, Older Patients at Risk for Malnutrition Consume

BackgroundMalnutrition is prevalent in hospitalized patients. To support muscle maintenance in older and chronically ill patients, a protein intake of 1.2–1.5 g/kg/d has been recommended during hospitalization. We assessed daily protein intake levels and distribution in older patients at risk for malnutrition during hospitalization.MethodsIn this prospective, observational study, we measured actual food and food supplement consumption in patients (n = 102; age, 68 ± 14 years; hospital stay, 14 [8–28] days) at risk of malnutrition during hospitalization. Food provided by hospital meals, ONS, and snacks and the actual amount of food (not) consumed were weighed and recorded for all patients.ResultsHospital meals provided 1.03 [0.77–1.26] protein, whereas actual protein consumption was only 0.65 [0.37–0.93] g/kg/d. Protein intake at breakfast, lunch, and dinner was 10 [6–15], 9 [5–14], and 13 [9–18] g, respectively. The use of ONS (n = 62) resulted in greater energy (1.26 [0.40–1.79] MJ/d, 300 [100–430] kcal/d) and protein intake levels (11 [4–16] g/d), without changing the macronutrient composition of the diet.ConclusionDespite protein provision of ∼1.0 g/kg/d, protein intake remains well below these values (∼0.65 g/kg/d), as 30%–40% of the provided food and supplements is not consumed. Provision of ONS may increase energy and protein intake but does not change the macronutrient composition of the diet. Current nutrition strategies to achieve the recommended daily protein intake in older patients during their hospitalization are not as effective as generally assumed.

Report of the Scientific Committee of the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) on the risk associated with the consumption of food supplements that contain Garcinia gummi-gutta as an ingredient

Report of the Scientific Committee of the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) on the risk associated with the consumption of food supplements that contain Garcinia gummi-gutta as an ingredient

Regulation by walnut protein hydrolysate on the components and structural degradation of photoaged skin in SD rats.

Skin photoaging induced by consecutive exposure of skin to ultraviolet radiation is primarily responsible for skin aging and preparation of food-derived ingredients with anti-aging functions has been the hot topic worldwide. Dietary consumption of food supplements has been found to modulate skin functions and can be useful in the prevention of skin aging. To evaluate the effect of walnut protein hydrolysate (WPH) on photoaged skin, Sprague-Dawley rats (SD rats) were orally administered with WPH and then were regularly exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UV-R). After a consecutive UV-R for 18 weeks, the delaying efficiency of WPH against elasticity degradation was examined and the mechanical mechanism was explored subsequently. The contents of hydroxyproline (Hyp) and hyaluronic acid (HA) in the extracellular matrix (ECM) were measured by biochemical reactions and color rendering procedures; the levels of types I and III collagen (Col I and III) and the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); the protein levels of elastin and fibrillin-1 were examined by western blotting. Moreover, the histological change in the skin structure was illustrated by hematoxylin & eosin (HE) and Masson staining. The results revealed that WPH evidently enhanced the elasticity of photoaged skin and stimulated the biosynthesis of ECM components Col I, Hyp and HA in the dermal layer; meanwhile WPH inhibited the MMP-1 activity, alleviated epidermal hyperplasia, and repaired the damaged skin mechanical structure in a dose-dependent manner. In particular, in comparison with the UV-R group, the WPH group in which WPH was administered at a high-dose level showed significantly improved skin appearance, ECM components and structure (P < 0.05). Taken together, the elasticity improvement caused by WPH against the skin photoaging process can be attributed to the regulation of the metabolism of the components and repair of the damaged mechanical structure of the ECM. This research proved the potential of WPH as a functional ingredient for the development of anti-photoaging foods.

Tripartite Influence Scale (TIS) applied to university students: validation study and application

The Tripartite Influence Scale (TIS) is used to assess the influence of social and family factors on individuals' body image. However, little evidence has been presented on the validity of the TIS construct. The study aimed to estimate the psychometric indicators in TIS and identify the degree of influence of the media, parents, and peers on body image in university students, considering different characteristics. University students of both sexes participated. The psychometric indicators in TIS were assessed for each sex using confirmatory factor analysis. Mean scores were calculated for each TIS factor. Prevalence rates for degree of influence were presented. A multivariate regression model was built to verify the relationship between target characteristics and TIS factor scores. The sample included 791 university students (63.2% women) 18 to 40 years of age. TIS did not initially display a good fit to the samples and was therefore refined. After refinement, the scale showed adequate validity and reliability for women and men. Significant differences were observed in the mean scores between women and men, and in the prevalence rates the majority of the students were in the low category. Work, consumption of food supplements for body changes, age, body mass index, self-rated diet, and level of physical activity were significantly related to TIS factors. Women were generally more influenced than men by the media and peers. Characteristics identified as related to TIS can be relevant for inclusion in clinical and research protocols.

Neurotoxin BMAA and its isomeric amino acids in cyanobacteria and cyanobacteria-based food supplements.

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms distributed globally in aquatic and terrestrial environments. They are also industrially cultivated to be used as dietary supplements, as they have a high nutritional value; however, they are also known to produce a wide range of toxic secondary metabolites, called cyanotoxins. BMAA (β-methylamino-l-alanine) and its most common structural isomers, DAB (2,4-diaminobutyric acid) and AEG (N-2-aminoethylglycine) produced by cyanobacteria, are non-proteinogenic amino acids that have been associated with neurodegenerative diseases. A possible route of exposure to those amino acids is through consumption of food supplements based on cyanobacteria. The review critically discusses existing reports regarding the occurrence of BMAA, DAB and AEG in cyanobacteria and cyanobacteria-based food supplements. It is shown that inconsistencies in reported results could be attributed to performance of different methods of extraction and analysis applied and in ambiguities regarding determination of soluble and bound fractions of the compounds. The critical aspect of this review aims to grow awareness of human intake of neurotoxic amino acids, while results presented in literature concerning dietary supplements aim to promote further research, quality control as well as development of guidelines for cyanotoxins in food products.

Supplementing food for health: practices amongst French adults aged 60 to 75 years

The use of food supplements continues to grow in France, even though it is being discouraged by the main health and medical authorities. The ambiguous definitions surrounding these products make it difficult to measure their consumption. Using a qualitative survey based on interviews (n = 31) of consumers aged 60 to 75 years, this paper explores the ways in which this consumption is increasing. It traces the adoption of food supplementation in this age group back to life-course events, relating to health in particular. Using the practice theory, three forms of supplementation are identified according to the norms, products, sources of medical prescription and purposes at play. The first form is dependent on orthodox medical prescription having been taken; the supplements are prescribed by a doctor and considered by the consumer to be almost like medicinal products. The second form is linked to heterodox ‘natural’ therapies; products are most often based on plants and considered to be traditional remedies. The third form is related to a heterodox micronutritional approach, claiming to be scientifically advanced; products are identified as food supplements, and their consumption reflected a strategy of prevention, or even health optimisation in ageing. The affinities between these supplementation forms and the individuals’ social characteristics are discussed. Results suggest that common consumer categories should be better integrated in the measurement of food supplement consumption.

Identificación de cofactores nutricionales asociados a neoplasia intraepitelial cervical en mujeres de San Luis Potosí

Cervical Cancer (CeCa) is a public health problem worldwide. The natural history of the disease goes through different degrees of cervical intraepithelial neoplasms that modulate its transformation, depending on various co-factors related to the eating habits of patients, overweight and obesity, the consumption of food supplements and the intake of light products. The objective of this article is to identify those nutritional co-factors associated with the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in women from the city of San Luis Potosí, through the study of cases (100) and controls (300) of patients diagnosed with different grades of CIN by colposcopy, in addition to this, a validated questionnaire was applied, descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out, as well as the calculation of Odds Ratio (OR). The results indicate that the nutritional co-factors identified with a statistical significance were the intake of light and green tea soft drinks, as they are linked to the appearance of cervical intraepithelial neoplasm.

Factors influencing functional food and food supplement consumption

Functional foods and food supplements are two of the major classes of nutraceuticals or food-related products that have health benefits, such as improving health and prevention and treatment of disease. The aim of this present study is to introduce the main factors influencing functional food consumptions as well as food supplement consumption, searching for the answers to the following research questions: (1) What factors affect functional food and food supplement consumption and to what extent? (2) What is the most authentic source of information in customers’ decision making? Results of secondary and primary researches suggest that the most important factors in decision making are: experience in earlier consumption, nutrients, quality and price. Food supplements are complex products and therefore, it is difficult for consumers to check the quality of these products at point of purchase; thus food-safety is a major issue for customers when buying food supplements. It can also be concluded that the availability and reliability of the source of information can greatly determine customer’s decision making. The most authentic source of information according to customers’ opinion were the following: health care professionals, sales staff and health-related articles. These variables should be taken into account for marketers and businesses when considering product development or improving communication on nutritional and health benefits of functional food and food supplements.

Opciones alimenticias para mitigar problemas de inseguridad alimentaria y nutricional en familias pobres de las comunidades Santa Cruz, Tisma Grande y La Montañita N° 2, Tisma, Masaya 2015

Este estudio valora el estado nutricional en el que se encuentran las familias que formaron parte de la investigación en las tres comunidades partiendo del análisis de los patrones de consumo que ellas tienen y se valora también el aporte nutricional que las plantas locales (nativas) pueden contribuir a estos patrones alimentarios. En esta investigación del tipo cualitativa se aplicaron instrumentos de recolección de información entre ellos: Entrevistas, recorridos de fincas y estudios de casos con los pequeños productores de las tres comunidades. Los resultados reflejaron que en 9 patrones de consumo de las familias en estudio poseen suficiencia en cuanto al acceso a alimentos nutritivos superando el 110%. El índice de diversidad de la dieta en cuanto a suficiencia en la semana alcanzaron un rango entre el 0.89 en Tisma Grande el cual es deficiente, en Santa Cruz es 0.92 el cual es aceptable y La Montañita No 2 es adecuada suficiencia alimentaria con él 1.08. En el aspecto de la diversidad de la dieta que se refiere a los distintos tipos de alimentos que son consumidos por las familias en la semana los resultados fueron rangos promedios entre 9.3 al 9.7 significando la existencia de una diversidad de dieta aceptable. Para el segundo estudio de casos el cual era conocer información sobre los tipos de plantas nativas y las formas de consumo con el propósito de rescatar y utilizar en sus hábitos de consumo diario determinado así las siguientes plantas: Espinaca (Spinacia oleracea), Quelite (Amaranthus hybridus), Espadillo (Yucca elephantipes), Verdolaga (Portulaca oleracea), Mora (Morus nigra), Cojombro (Sicana odorífera), Batata (Ipomoea batatas), Piñuela (Bromelia baratas), panamá (Sterculia apetala, Tempisque (Sideroxylon capiri), Caimito (Chrysophyllum cainito) entre otras. Definitivamente podemos definir que las familias consumen alimentos con mayor aporte calórico que proteínico puesto que consumen alimentos como los lácteos, carnes y dulces dentro de su dieta, pero es importante mencionar que esto no indica que existe una mala calidad nutricional en las familias ya que el consumo de proteínas no es deficiente, pero si es necesario incluir los alimentos anteriormente señalados y complementar el consumo de alimentos que generen proteínas al organismo de las familias y lograr un balance nutricional estable con el fin de que las familias presenten un estado de salud optimo y así satisfacer sus necesidades nutricionales diarias en relación al trabajo que realizan día a día en sus pequeñas parcelas productivas.

Risk assessment of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in food of plant and animal origin

Acute liver toxicity, specifically in the form of hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD), is known from reports on human poisonings following ingestions of 1,2-unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) containing herbs. Recently PA exposure via common foods contaminated via PA-producing plants raised concern, especially regarding the potential of genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. The health risks related to the estimated exposures to PAs from food were assessed. With respect to common foods, herbal teas and teas are the main sources through which consumers can be exposed to PAs. For high long-term consumption of these foods a possible health concern has been revealed in the assessment of chronic risks referring to a BMDL10 of 237 μg/kg bw per day recently established by EFSA based on model averaging for data on riddelliine. However, acute health damage from acute or short-term intake of PAs via common food is considered to be unlikely. Food supplements on the basis of PA-producing plants may significantly contribute to PA exposures and their intake is associated with risks of acute and chronic toxicity. However, no health risks have to be expected from the consumption of food supplements based on oil-based preparations of PA-producing plants, which were described to be free of PAs.

Identification and Quantification Methodology for the Analysis of Suspected Illegal Dietary Supplements: Reference Standard or no Reference Standard, that the Question

The consumption of food supplements has become a billion dollar business that has proliferated across the globe. Consequently this also resulted in the increase of adulterations by the illegal addition of medicinal substances or their analogues. The vast majority of the pharmaceutical substances encountered in those samples belong to the three ‘classical’ categories, including sexual enhancers (e.g. PDE-5 inhibitors and flibanserine), weight loss enhancers occasionally accompanied with an anti-depressant (e.g. sibutramine, phenolphthalein, sibutramine and fluoxetine or venlafaxine) and sports performance enhancers (e.g. selective androgen receptors (SARMs) and anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS)). Recently also chemicals belonging to the class of pharmaceutical cognition enhancers or nootropics are gaining popularity amongst the general public. While for many of the classical categories reference standards are available to unambiguously confirm the identity of a pharmaceutical product, for several molecules, including some nootropics, no certified reference material is available. Hereby, with the example of an adrafinil containing food supplements, we show how, by utilising multiple methodologies, we were able to come to identification and subsequent quantification when no certified reference standard was available. Furthermore, in 2017 already several food supplements analysed by our lab were positive for the presence of nootropic substances, indicating that these compounds are really gaining popularity amongst the general public.