Use Of Dietary Supplements Research Articles

Dietary supplements increase the risk of excessive micronutrient intakes in Danish children

PurposeDietary supplement use is common in Northern Europe. Many dietary supplements contain 100% of nutrient reference values (NRV) of micronutrients. This study investigates the contribution of dietary supplements to micronutrient intake, the prevalence of excess intake of micronutrients, and parental characteristics of dietary supplement use in Danish children.MethodsData on 499 4–10-year-old children from the Danish National Survey of Diet and Physical Activity 2011–2013 were analysed using non-parametric statistics to compare micronutrient intake from the diet and dietary supplements to the reference intake (RI), and to the tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for users and non-users of dietary supplements. Furthermore, characteristics of the parents of users and non-users of dietary supplements were examined by logistic regression analysis.ResultsSixty-four percent of the children were dietary supplement users. Multivitamin-mineral supplements were the most frequently used type of supplement (60%). Children of never-smokers were more likely to use supplements than children of smokers. Users had significantly higher total intakes of 15 micronutrients compared to non-users. Intakes of vitamin A, zinc, and iodine from the diet alone exceeded ULs in 12–30% of the children. Use of dietary supplements gave rise to 21–73% of children in exceedance of the aforementioned three ULs as well as the UL for iron (6–45%).ConclusionDietary supplement use was common among 4–10-year-old Danish children and resulted in a considerable proportion of users exceeding the ULs for vitamin A, zinc, iodine, and iron. The long-term health consequences of exceeding these ULs for children are unknown.

FEMA GRAS assessment of derivatives of basil, nutmeg, parsley, tarragon and related allylalkoxybenzene-containing natural flavor complexes.

In 2015, the Expert Panel of the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) initiated a program for the re-evaluation of the safety of over 250 natural flavor complexes (NFCs) used as flavoring ingredients in food. In this publication, tenth in the series, NFCs containing a high percentage of at least one naturally occurring allylalkoxybenzene constituent with a suspected concern for genotoxicity and/or carcinogenicity are evaluated. In a related paper, ninth in the series, NFCs containing anethole and/or eugenol and relatively low percentages of these allylalkoxybenzenes are evaluated. The Panel applies the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) concept and evaluates relevant toxicology data on the NFCs and their respective constituent congeneric groups. For NFCs containing allylalkoxybenzene constituent(s), the estimated intake of the constituent is compared to the TTC for compounds with structural alerts for genotoxicity and when exceeded, a margin of exposure (MOE) is calculated. BMDL10 values are derived from benchmark dose analyses using Bayesian model averaging for safrole, estragole and methyl eugenol using EPA's BMDS software version 3.2. BMDL10 values for myristicin, elemicin and parsley apiole were estimated by read-across using relative potency factors. Margins of safety for each constituent congeneric group and MOEs for each allylalkoxybenzene constituent for each NFC were determined that indicate no safety concern. The scope of the safety evaluation contained herein does not include added use in dietary supplements or any products other than food. Ten NFCs, derived from basil, estragon (tarragon), mace, nutmeg, parsley and Canadian snakeroot were determined or affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) under their conditions of intended use as flavor ingredients based on an evaluation of each NFC and the constituents and congeneric groups therein.

Usage and Influence of Dietary Supplementation Amongst Adolescent Athletes

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of dietary supplements or ergogenic aids amongst high school athletes.

FEMA GRAS assessment of natural flavor complexes: Lemongrass oil, chamomile oils, citronella oil and related flavoring ingredients.

In 2015, the Expert Panel of the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) initiated a program for the re-evaluation of the safety of over 250 natural flavor complexes (NFCs) used as flavor ingredients. This publication, eleventh in the series, evaluates the safety of NFCs characterized by primary alcohol, aldehyde, carboxylic acid, ester and lactone constituents derived from terpenoid biosynthetic pathways and/or lipid metabolism. The scientific-based evaluation procedure published in 2005 and updated in 2018 that relies on a complete constituent characterization of the NFC and organization of the constituents into congeneric groups. The safety of the NFCs is evaluated using the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) concept in addition to data on estimated intake, metabolism and toxicology of members of the congeneric groups and for the NFC under evaluation. The scope of the safety evaluation does not include added use in dietary supplements or any products other than food. Twenty-three NFCs, derived from the Hibiscus, Melissa, Ricinus, Anthemis, Matricaria, Cymbopogon, Saussurea, Spartium, Pelargonium, Levisticum, Rosa, Santalum, Viola, Cryptocarya and Litsea genera were affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) under their conditions of intended use as flavor ingredients based on an evaluation of each NFC and the constituents and congeneric groups therein.

Supplements, analgesics and alcohol use of German amateur golfers

Problem: To cope with the increasing pressure to perform, more and more amateur athletes are turning to performance-enhancing substances. Although the use of dietary supplements, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and alcohol does not fall into the category of ‘doping’, it nevertheless harbors risks and side effects during sporting activity. Methods: An online questionnaire developed specifically for this study was used to research the consumption of supplements, analgesics, and alcohol among golfers. Results: A total of 877 golfers (257 women, 619 men; 1 diverse person; age: M=56; SD=15 years) participated in the survey. The results of the survey showed that 40.1% of golfers consumed supplements, 46.6% analgesics, and 40.4% alcohol. Dependent on participation in golf tournaments, the consumption of supplements (43.0%), analgesics (52.1%) and alcohol (47.2%) increases significantly. Gender correlates significantly with the consumption of alcohol at golf tournaments (p=0.001); more men consume alcohol than women. Age correlates significantly and negatively with the consumption of supplements at golf tournaments (r=- 0.131; p=0.001) and the consumption of alcohol at golf tournaments (r=- 0.238; p=0.000). Discussion: The frequency of consumption was alarming for a large proportion of the golfers surveyed. Therefore, there is an urgent need to educate golfers about the risks associated with increased consumption of supplements, analgesics, and alcohol in connection with sporting activities to avoid damage to one’s body.

Gas Chromatographic Determination of Fatty and Organic Acid Composition in Selenium-Protein Dietary Supplement

Topicality. The use of selenium-protein dietary supplements (SPDS) is relevant from a medical and economic point of view, as it can provide consumers with the required amount of selenium, and increase the value and attractiveness of food products. The diet of a modern person is very diverse in the composition of fatty ingredients. Of all natural fats, dairy is the most complex and unique one in its chemical composition. SPDS “Syvoselen Plus” contains up to 10% fat in its composition, therefore, studies of its composition are of certain scientific interest in view of the above. In many scientific studies, gas chromatography is used to determine the composition of not only the fat fraction of additives containing vegetable oils and animal fats, but also organic acids. The study of the fat fraction and the fraction of organic acids of additives by this method allows determining and predicting the composition of similar fractions in the final product from SPDS. This, in turn, allows for comprehensive control of the quality and composition of such final products. The aim of the article is to determine the quantitative and qualitative composition of fatty and organic acids in the SPDS “Syvoselen Plus” by the gas chromatography method, and to compare the results of the determination with the indicators of a hypothetical ideal fat. When writing the article, statistical and physico-chemical research methods were used, namely, the gas chromatography method, with the help of which the following problems are solved: the composition of the fat fraction of SPDS is determined quantitatively and qualitatively; the degree of correspondence of the main indicators of the fat “Syvoselen Plus” to the hypothetical ideal is established; the composition of organic acids in the additive is determined. Results. The fatty acid composition of milk fat, milk whey and SPDS was studied. Dietary supplement “Syvoselen Plus” contains a significant amount of palmitic (3117.71 mg/kg), stearic (1618.61 mg/kg), oleic (1397.95 mg/kg) and meristic (1296.69) mg/kg) fatty acids, which is confirmed by chromatograms of fat fractions of milk fat and SPDS. The main indicators of hypothetically ideal, milk, whey fats and DDBS were presented. As a result, it was established that the composition of fat, which is most similar to the ideal one, among the objects of the study, has SPDS “Syvoselen Plus” (the indicator of the ratio of the sum of oleic and linoleic acids to the sum of pentadecanoic and stearic acids coincides with the indicator of ideal fat, and the indicators of the ratio of linoleic to linolenic acids and linoleic to oleic acids are close to the values of the indicators of ideal fat). The study of the composition of organic acids of SPDS was carried out. Fractions of succinic, azelaic, and levulinic organic acids are predominant, which may be due to the type of dairy products from which the serum was obtained, the storage conditions of dairy products and the serum itself, the type of microorganisms that carry out the fermentation process and can produce various organic acids, and the production process of dairy products and their composition. Conclusions and discussion. The analysis of the fatty acid composition and the quality content of organic acids in “Syvoselen Plus” dietary supplement confirmed the feasibility of using a dietary supplement in health food technologies, since the latter contains enough polyfunctional fatty and organic acids.

Eating Disorders and Dietary Supplements: A Review of the Science

Disordered eating is a serious health concern globally. The etiology is complex and multidimensional and differs somewhat for each specific eating disorder. Several risk factors have been identified which include psychological, genetic, biochemical, environmental, and sociocultural factors. Poor body image, low self-esteem, teasing, family dynamics, and exposure to media images have also been identified as risk factors. While it is enticing to consider a single behavioral risk factor, doing so fails to consider the documented environmental, social, psychological, biological, and cultural factors that contribute to the development of an eating disorder in a multidimensional and complex integration that is undoubtedly unique to everyone. Focusing only on any one factor without taking the complex etiology into account is remiss. For example, it has been suggested that the use of dietary supplements may lead to eating disorders, despite a lack of evidence to support this conjecture. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to examine the evidence-based risk factors for eating disorders and discuss why connecting dietary supplements to eating disorder etiology is not supported by the scientific literature and may interfere with treatment. Established, effective prevention and treatment approaches for eating disorders should be the focus of public health initiatives in this domain.

NutrUgraft - preoperative supplementation in ultra HD liposuction with ultrasound-guided rectus abdominis fat transfer: a prospective longitudinal cohort clinical study

Liposuction triggers an inflammatory response as a result of surgical trauma. Preoperative dietary supplementation has been implemented to enhance recovery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients’ perceptions of the use of preoperative dietary supplementation through a questionnaire. We conducted a prospective study of 80 healthy patients, 2 men, and 78 women, with a mean age of 34.8 years. Thirty days before surgery, all patients have prescribed the NutrUgraft protocol: CoQ10 200 mg, Dimpless 40 mg, Biointestil 300 mg, and IBS Care 100 mg. The Impact® dietary supplement was also prescribed, 1 unit daily for 7 days. On postoperative day 30, patients answered 5 objective questions: (1) How do you rate your healing? Good, fair, or poor; (2) Did you feel safer by receiving preoperative supplementation? Yes, no, or indifferent; (3) Postoperatively, your bowel: functioned normally, constipated, or had diarrhea; (4) Postoperatively, did you develop fibrosis? Yes, no, or I don’t know; and (5) If undergoing another surgery in the future, would you like to receive preoperative supplementation again? Yes, no, or indifferent. Of 80 patients evaluated, 80% classified their healing as good, 90% reported feeling safer by receiving preoperative supplementation, 85% reported that their bowel functioned normally postoperatively, 80% reported not developing fibrosis, and 91.25% would like to receive supplementation again if undergoing another surgery. Based on the results, patients had a positive perception of all topics evaluated, thus highlighting the importance of dietary supplementation in the preoperative period of plastic surgery.

An HBCU track-and-field student-athlete perspective on the role of the pharmacist and physical therapist in sports

BackgroundPharmacy is a profession with the capacity to provide services in a variety of venues, including sports and sporting events. The physical therapy profession is often involved in treating the injured athlete; however, direct interactions with collegiate sport teams is limited and inconsistent. A literature review showed a limited and inconsistent role of the pharmacist and physical therapist in sports, especially at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). ObjectiveTo examine collegiate track-and-field student-athlete perceptions related to the role of the pharmacist and physical therapist. MethodsA cross-sectional study using a convenience sample was conducted to assess the perceptions of NCAA track-and-field student-athletes from a HBCU. A survey utilizing modified Likert-scale and open-ended questions was administered electronically to fifty-four student-athletes via email. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years old and a current track-and-field student-athlete. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. ResultsThis study, one of the first to examine an HBCU student-athlete population, yielded a 100% response rate. About 80% want to discuss the directions for use and side effects of certain medications or dietary supplements with a team pharmacist. Over 75% of student-athletes desired to consult with a physical therapist about injury management and prevention. Overall, most respondents felt that pharmacists (81.5%) and physical therapists (78.8%) should have a role with NCAA sports to benefit student athletes. ConclusionInterprofessional collaboration and communication among healthcare professionals is essential to improve student-athlete health knowledge and performance. The student-athletes expressed interests in receiving consultation and educational sessions from pharmacists and physical therapists.

Age and Sex Differences in the Association between Serum Vitamin E Levels and Depressive Symptoms: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Studies have reported inconsistent results regarding the relationship between serum vitamin E levels and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the potential modulating role of age and sex has been underexplored. We conduct an age- and sex-stratified investigation of the association between serological vitamin E status and depressive symptoms in a large nationwide sample. Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed (n = 4448). The participants were stratified into four groups according to age (<65 vs. ≥65 years) and sex. Each group was divided into tertiles of vitamin E/total lipid ratio, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores were compared among the tertiles via multivariable linear regression analyses. The relationship between dietary supplement use and the proportions of tertiles was assessed in each group. With the middle tertile as the reference group, the low tertile of vitamin E/total lipid ratio was associated with increased PHQ-9 scores in younger females and older males after adjusting for all covariates, while the high tertile showed no significant associations with PHQ-9 scores in any group. The low tertile was associated with increased adjusted mean PHQ-9 scores by 0.53 and 1.02 compared to the middle tertile in younger females and older males, respectively. Dietary supplement use was related to higher vitamin E/total lipid ratio in all four groups. In conclusion, younger females and older males with a low vitamin E status showed worse depressive symptoms. These individuals may benefit from dietary interventions to prevent depressive symptoms.

Use of dietary supplements to alleviate vasomotor symptoms among menopausal women

Given that menopausal women experiencing vasomotor symptoms may prefer complementary and integrative health approaches such as dietary supplements, this article provides current information on their efficacy and safety and examines the implications for clinical practice.

Changes in Reported Dietary Supplement Use in Cognitively Normal National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Participants Aged 55 and Older From 2015 to 2019

BackgroundAlthough reported dietary supplement use is common in older adults, evaluations of dietary supplement use over the past 10 y are lacking. ObjectiveThis analysis determined changes in reported dietary supplement use in cognitively normal older adults (aged ≥ 55 y) using the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center data from 2015 to 2019 using a serial cross-sectional study design. MethodsThe first available visit for cognitively normal participants aged ≥ 55 y from 2015 to 2019 with a complete medication form was used, resulting in 9357 participants. Associations between visit year categories and reported use of dietary supplement categories/individual supplements were tested using categorical statistics. To determine whether the probabilities of reported supplement use changed in 2019 compared with those of 2015, z-scores and two-sided P values were used. Weighted analyses were used to confirm analytical findings. ResultsWhen comparing 2015 and 2019, the reported use of any dietary supplement decreased from 77.7% in 2015 to 71.0% in 2019 (P < 0.0001); any vitamin from 72.5% to 65.5% (P < 0.0001); any mineral from 39.2% to 30.4% (P < 0.0001); “other” nonvitamin/nonmineral supplements from 34.4% to 26.9% (P < 0.0001), calcium from 31.2% to 21.7% (P < 0.0001), multivitamins from 48.4% to 38.4% (P < 0.0001), potassium from 5.6% to 3.5% (P = 0.001), vitamin C from 13.0% to 9.2% (P = 0.0002), chondroitin from 6.0% to 4.1% (P = 0.006), glucosamine from 11.1% to 6.5% (P < 0.0001), and all omega fatty acids from 25.2% to 17.0% (P < 0.0001). Reported use increased for vitamin B7/biotin from 3.1% in 2015 to 5.8% in 2019 (P = 0.0003), melatonin from 3.1% to 5.8% (P = 0.0002), and turmeric from 1.2% to 4.7% (P < 0.0001). ConclusionAlthough the reported use of many major dietary supplement categories and individual supplements significantly decreased in older adults from 2015 to 2019, biotin, turmeric, and melatonin significantly increased. Because biotin may interfere with some laboratory tests, this may have important public health implications.

Hormonal contraceptive use, menstrual cycle characteristics and training/nutrition related profiles of elite, sub-elite and amateur athletes and exercisers: One size is unlikely to fit all

The aim of the present study was to simultaneously audit hormonal contraceptive (HC) use, menstrual cycle characteristics and training/nutrition related profiles in pre-menopausal women from varying athletic and exercise backgrounds. Elite ( n = 51), sub-elite ( n = 118) and amateur ( n = 392) female athletes and exercisers were examined via an anonymous quantitative/qualitative survey tool. All analyses for ratio data were conducted utilising one- and two-way ANOVA/ANCOVA and odds ratio models, with ordinal data analysed via Pearson's Chi-squared tests. HC use was similar across elite, sub-elite and amateurs (34–44%). Menstrual cycle length was not different ( P = 0.08) between competitive levels (28 ± 13 days), but 66% of respondents reported cycle variability (10 ± 11 days). Training profiles were not different based on contraceptive status ( P &gt; 0.05) yet were across competitive groups ( P &lt; 0.05). Daily meal/snack intakes were not different between contraceptive status ( P &gt; 0.05), though elite and sub-elite groups reported a higher daily meal consumption compared to amateurs ( P &lt; 0.01). Forty percent of all respondents skipped meals, attributed to lack of time, schedule and alterations in appetite, with reported changes in taste preferences during pre-menses (14–35%) and menses (15–25%) towards sweet foods (60%), with cravings for chocolate and other confectionary (25%). Prevalence of dietary supplement use was not influenced by contraceptive status ( P = 0.31), though elites (76%) reported higher use ( P = 0.04) than amateurs (63%). Data demonstrates that in female athletes and exercisers, competitive level appears to affect simple markers of training and nutrition practice, yet contraceptive status does not.

Role of nutrition in wound closure: a case report

Malnutrition is a common risk factor in chronic wounds due to its long healing period and it should be considered in their prevention. Nutrition during the wound-healing process should be adequate for the increased demand. The objective from this study is to present a case report of the evolution of a chronic infected wound after multidisciplinary management, including surgical approach, antibiotic therapy, and nutrition for its resolution. A 43-year-old female who begins with sudden pain in the left inguinal region associated with swelling. She received analgesic treatment without improvement and decided to attend the hospital where is diagnosed with septic shock secondary to soft tissue infection. Surgical drainage was done and a vulvar abscess was found, dissecting from the mount pubis to the ischiopubic fossa with necrotic tissue and fetid purulent material. In the postoperative period, multiple surgical lavages and debridements were carried out, followed by a VAC system. Nutritional parameters were below the acceptable level, parenteral nutrition was started and enteral nutrition with arginine boluses. Admission to the nutritional support service with parenteral nutrition and subsequently switching to enteral nutrition with arginine support raised their levels according to the improvement of the wound previously reported. Nutrient deficiency has been found in patients with chronic wounds and although the role of nutrition has not been adequately established, clinical improvement can be attributed to the establishment of treatment with complementary nutrition. Due to the good clinical response of our patient, we suggest formulas supplemented with arginine as part of the complete treatment (medical and surgical). The use of arginine dietary supplements in surgical patients leads to a consistent and significant reduction in postoperative infections.

Prevalence and Determinants of Dietary Supplements Use Among Saudi Infants and Toddlers

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and determinants of dietary supplement use in Saudi infants and toddlers. A cross-sectional sample of 156 Saudi infants and toddlers and their mothers who reside in Saudi Arabia was recruited via an online survey that was distributed on multiple social media platforms. Data collected include sociodemographic, maternal height and weight, feeding practices, types, initiation, and frequency of supplements use in infants and toddlers. Sixty-three percent of the infants and toddlers included in this study were using dietary supplements. Over three-quarters of the breastfed infants and toddlers were on dietary supplements. All infants and toddlers who were taking dietary supplements used vitamin D; yet, the use of multivitamins and minerals, iron, and vitamin C supplements was not frequently reported. The use of supplements was significantly higher among infants and toddlers who were the only children in the family and had younger and unemployed mothers. Interventions that target increasing maternal awareness concerning the importance of supplement use among young children in Saudi Arabia are needed.

The prevalence of trimester-specific dietary supplements and associated factors during pregnancy: An observational study.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of trimester-specific dietary supplements (DS)s use and their possible correlates during pregnancy. Method: Pregnant women were convenience sampled and recruited from a comprehensive obstetric care center in Shanghai, China. Data relating to the use of DS during pregnancy, social support and other social-demographic and obstetric data were collected. Trimester-specific DS use and factors related DS were explored. Results: Of the 2803 women participating in this study, 94.8%, 96.2%, 93.8%, and 94.4% reported the use of at least one DS during pregnancy (all trimesters) and in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. Significant differences were noted in the use of DS containing folic acid, calcium, iron, vitamins, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), during the three trimesters of pregnancy. A higher proportion of DS use was negatively associated with certain categories of pregnant woman, including unemployed/housewife, low education level, obese, and low social support. A positive association was identified with gestational age. Conclusion for practice: Considering the high prevalence of DS use during pregnancy, future studies are needed to evaluate the accuracy and suitability of DS usage during pregnancy.

Principles of Nutritional Management in Patients with Liver Dysfunction—A Narrative Review

According to studies, the liver’s ability to perform its physiological functions in the body determines the diet of patients with liver diseases. Malnutrition results from the liver’s inability to metabolize nutrients as a result of chronic liver dysfunctions. Objectives: Reviewing the data about diets and dietary supplements that manage liver dysfunctions nutritionally. Results: Malnutrition is particularly prevalent in cirrhosis patients, according to clinical studies. Because malnutrition has a significant negative impact on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, it is crucial to evaluate all cirrhosis patients, regardless of etiology or severity. A term of supplemental enteral nutrition may be suggested for patients who do not achieve their nutritional objectives. A detailed nutritional and exercise assessment will enable the development of an individualized treatment plan that includes dietary and exercise plans. The dietary treatment should outline daily calorie targets with a focus on high-quality protein and address any vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies, with a diet high in those nutrients or supplements. Conclusions: While there is evidence to support the use of particular restricted dietary plans and dietary supplements to manage liver diseases, these findings should be regarded as preliminary until they are confirmed in larger randomized controlled clinical trials.

Demographic, Health and Lifestyle Factors Associated with the Metabolome in Older Women.

Demographic and clinical factors influence the metabolome. The discovery and validation of disease biomarkers are often challenged by potential confounding effects from such factors. To address this challenge, we investigated the magnitude of the correlation between serum and urine metabolites and demographic and clinical parameters in a well-characterized observational cohort of 444 post-menopausal women participating in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI). Using LC-MS and lipidomics, we measured 157 aqueous metabolites and 756 lipid species across 13 lipid classes in serum, along with 195 metabolites detected by GC-MS and NMR in urine and evaluated their correlations with 29 potential disease risk factors, including demographic, dietary and lifestyle factors, and medication use. After controlling for multiple testing (FDR < 0.01), we found that log-transformed metabolites were mainly associated with age, BMI, alcohol intake, race, sample storage time (urine only), and dietary supplement use. Statistically significant correlations were in the absolute range of 0.2-0.6, with the majority falling below 0.4. Incorporation of important potential confounding factors in metabolite and disease association analyses may lead to improved statistical power as well as reduced false discovery rates in a variety of data analysis settings.

FEMA GRAS assessment of natural flavor complexes: Allspice, anise, fennel-derived and related flavoring ingredients.

The FEMA Expert Panel program to re-evaluate the safety of natural flavor complexes (NFCs) used as flavoring ingredients in food has resulted in the publication of an updated constituent-based procedure as well as publications on the safety evaluation of many botanical-derived NFCs. This publication, ninth in the series and related to the ninth publication, describes the affirmation of the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status for NFCs with propenylhydroxybenzene and allylalkoxybenzene constituents under their conditions of intended use as flavoring ingredients added to food. The Panel's procedure applies the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) concept and evaluates relevant data on absorption, metabolism, genotoxic potential and toxicology for the NFCs themselves and their respective constituent congeneric groups. For NFCs containing allylalkoxybenzene constituent(s) with suspected genotoxic potential, the estimated intake of the individual constituent is compared to the TTC for compounds with structural alerts for genotoxicity and if exceeded, a margin of exposure is calculated using BMDL10 values derived from benchmark dose analyses using Bayesian model averaging, as presented in the tenth article of the series. Safety evaluations for NFCs derived from allspice, anise seed, star anise, sweet fennel seed and pimento leaves were conducted and their GRAS status was affirmed for use as flavoring ingredients. The scope of the safety evaluation contained herein does not include added use in dietary supplements or any products other than food.

Quality Control of the Dietary Supplements Containing Selected Fat-Soluble Vitamins D and K

Nowadays, the most important aspect related to the use of dietary supplements seems to be their quality. There are many reports indicating their insufficient quality primarily related to a much lower content of ingredients or even their absence. Currently, there is an increasing interest in supplementing the diet with various kinds of supplements, including those containing combinations of vitamins and minerals, among which preparations with vitamin D are very popular. This is probably due to the reduced production of this vitamin, depending on the amount of time spent in the sun and the use of UV-filters. Very often, preparations with cholecalciferol also contain vitamin K2, which is associated with their synergistic effect. Therefore, the question arises about the effectiveness of supplementation, which may be correlated with the quality of commonly available dietary supplements. In the presented work, it was undertaken to develop optimal conditions for the qualitative and quantitative determination of vitamins D2, D3 and K2 in dietary supplements available in various forms, using thin-layer chromatography with densitometric detection. As a result, the methodology for analyzing the content of three vitamins from various matrices was developed, optimized and validated in accordance with ICH requirements. The obtained results allow us to conclude that it is reliable and meets the requirements for analytical procedures used in the analysis of medicinal products. Based on the results obtained for examined dietary supplements, it can be stated that the amount of vitamin D3 in analyzed products is basically similar to that declared by the manufacturer, in contrast to vitamin K2, the content of which is diverse. The developed methodology seems to be a good, low-cost and quick way to control the quality of dietary supplements so that they can supplement the human diet and be a wholesome product.