Use Of Dietary Supplements Research Articles

Attitude of Athletes Towards Dietary Supplements

Abstract At the beginning of 2023 we carried out a survey among active athletes asking about their attitude towards dietary supplements. Aim The aim of the study was to evaluate the attitude of athletes towards dietary supplements using a survey method. The objective of the study was to determine whether active athletes use dietary supplements. Materials and methods The participants in the study were asked to anonymously complete a survey consisting of 16 questions. In January 2023, we surveyed 50 active athletes from the „Vasil Levski” National Sports Academy (35 men and 15 women). Forty-six of the participants were between 18 and 22 years old and 4 were between 23 and 27 years old. Results The majority (94%) of the surveyed athletes trusted the advertisement of a particular dietary supplement. Ninety per cent had complete trust in the pharmacists’ advice. Pharmacists played a significant role in the choice of dietary supplements. A high percentage (60%) of the respondents who used dietary supplements had not sought medical advice prior to their use. Ninety per cent of the respondents used dietary supplements for weight loss in order to fit in a particular category; 78% indicated that they used dietary supplements for improvement of their sports achievements; 72% used supplements to increase their stamina and 46% – to shorten their time for recovery. A campaign should be initiated to encourage the use of dietary supplements only when they are prescribed by physicians.

Integrative Approaches in the Treatment of Patients Affected by Lymphoma.

Lymphoma is the most frequent hematological malignancy with wide disease spectrum of watchful waiting period, active treatment, survivorship, and palliative care. All these steps impose unmet needs in terms of prevention, symptom alleviation, or prognosis. Complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) is widely used by patients with lymphoma to cope with such issues. Here, we describe the different CIM modalities that may be effective and safe for the management of patients with lymphoma. Low inflammatory diet and ginseng seem effective for lymphoma prevention. Pain and neuropathy may be improved using acupuncture, touch therapy and specific dietary supplements. Nausea/vomiting, fatigue, and insomnia may be relieved by acupuncture, mind-body, touch therapy, and certain dietary supplements. Vitamin D, curcumin, and some traditional medicine herbs may positively impact lymphoma prognosis. Finally, safety issues should be considered especially for the concomitant use of dietary supplements and lymphoma-directed therapies. CIM may be beneficial along the continuum of lymphoma management although safety concerns should be considered when used concomitantly with conventional therapy.

Dietary habits in adolescent male and female handball players: the Swedish Handball Cohort

ObjectivesThis cross-sectional study aimed to describe dietary habits in Swedish adolescent handball players and differences with respect to sex and school grade.MethodsParticipants in the Swedish Handball Cohort answered a web-survey...

Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Elective Pancreatic Surgery During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multicenter, Prospective Cohort Study

Cancer is a hereditary multifactorial disease, and due to its rising incidence in both young people and adults along with its substantial burden, oncological emphasis has been placed more on preventive efforts. It has been suggested that several food and lifestyle choices contribute to the onset of cancer, presumably via complex metabolic and inflammatory pathways. Diet is one of the crucial variables in determining cancer risk. In addition, as research intensifies, a more distinct link between diet and patients’ molecular alterations is emerging and becoming quantifiable, dispelling the previous conventional wisdom that linked phenotypic changes to dietary variation. Although the evidence is not consistent, appropriate doses of vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin C, selenium, folic acid, and antioxidants such as carotenoids have shown a preventive effect in certain types of cancer. However, improper use of dietary supplements in well-nourished people provides no effects or even poses harmful effects to increase the risk of some cancer. Contrarily, other factors like alcohol, obesity, certain fatty acids, and some techniques used for food preparation may increase the risk of cancer. It is now appropriate to make dietary modifications that are consistent with suggestions for preventing cancer incidence with an emphasis on lifestyle improvement including proper management of problems associated with diet, nutrition, smoking, and drinking. However, there is currently a need for more clinical research to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of using various phytochemicals or plant extracts as dietary supplements to prevent primary stages of cancer.

Would You Like Some (Artificial) Help with That? Personalizing Health Supplements with AI

A growing number of companies in the healthcare industry are offering consumers the option to personalize their products. The growing use of vitamins and dietary supplements prompts the exploration of artificial intelligence (AI)’s role in optimizing supplement recommendations. This paper investigates the potential integration of medical AI into the personalization of vitamin supplements to enhance consumer healthcare. The influence of AI-assisted medical recommendations was assessed by considering the interplay of patient self-identity and health concerns in choosing between human doctors and AI as evidenced by the Extended Self Theory, the IKEA Effect, uniqueness neglect, and consumer openness. By surveying the literature, this paper aims to explore the benefits of medical AI in the vitamin supplement market; the issues affecting AI uptake in the vitamin supplement market; and a broad theoretical profile of consumers best prepared to switch from a human doctor to AI customization. While acknowledging the current gaps in AI’s capabilities and the challenges of establishing consumer trust in AI-enabled healthcare, this review envisions a future where AI stands as a tool to empower patients and collaborate with human doctors to optimize patient well-being and healthcare. Subsequent investigation might bridge the disparity between the current capabilities of AI in medical support and its potential for widespread adoption.

Agaricus blazei Polysaccharide Alleviates DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice by Modulating Intestinal Barrier and Remodeling Metabolism

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic noninfectious intestinal disease that severely affects patients’ quality of life. Agaricus blazei Murrill polysaccharide (ABP) is an effective active ingredient extracted from Agaricus blazei Murrill (ABM). It has good efficacy in inhibiting tumor cell growth, lowering blood pressure, and improving atherosclerosis. However, its effect on colitis is unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze the protective effects and potential mechanisms of ABP against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis in mice. The results showed that dietary supplementation with ABP significantly alleviated DSS-induced colitis symptoms, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress. Meanwhile, ABP intervention was able to maintain the integrity of the intestinal mechanical barrier by promoting the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin tight junction proteins and facilitating mucus secretion. Moreover, 16S rRNA sequencing results suggested that ABP intervention was able to alleviate DSS-induced gut microbiota disruption, and nontargeted metabolomics results indicated that ABP was able to remodel metabolism. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that dietary supplementation with ABP alleviated DSS-induced acute colitis by maintaining intestinal barrier integrity and remodeling metabolism. These results improve our understanding of ABP function and provide a theoretical basis for the use of dietary supplementation with ABP for the prevention of ulcerative colitis.

The use of dietary supplements and vitamin consumption during and after the Covid pandemic in Vietnam: a perspective of user-generated content

This paper aims to examine the key determinants of User-Generated Content (UGC) affecting consumers’ purchase intention toward buying vitamin and dietary supplement products during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak through the social networking site, Facebook. Five determinants of UGC have been investigated in this context to highlight the association with the purchase intention of Vietnamese consumers these days, including Quality, Quantity, Trust, Utilitarian Value, and Hedonic Value of generated content by experienced users. This cross-sectional study collected data through an online survey questionnaire among 331 respondents from three different regions throughout the whole of Vietnam. The results show that Quality, Quantity, Trust, and Utilitarian Value of UGC have positive relationships with consumers’ intention to buy vitamin and dietary supplement products on Facebook during the COVID-19 pandemic, while the Hedonic Value of UGC is not associated with their behavioral intention of consumption. Lastly, the findings are expected to contribute valuable knowledge about COVID-19 from UGC and its consequences on health and selected supplement products for recent emerging changes. Finally, the results are also a solid premise for future research to enlarge the scale of situational issues and perspectives during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Pilot study of dietary supplement consumption by elderly people

Introduction: Diet affects the proper function of human body and plays an important role in the preventionof many diseases. In the elderly, some body functions, including nutrition, are impaired, so it is important toconsider dietary supplements at this time. Consumption of dietary supplements by the elderly has becomecommon in recent years. In addition, the global ageing process has accelerated significantly in recent decades.Currently, on the food market, there are many dietary supplements dedicated to the elderly. Manufacturersof these products are able to perfectly recognize the special nutritional needs of the elderly, which results inthe creation of new lines of modern products.Objective: The purpose of the study was to analyse the use of dietary supplements administered in theelderly, improvement of seniors’ knowledge on dietary supplements and investigation of their awarenessabout the risks associated with such products.Methods: The study was conducted by questionnaire method among 302 elderly people in two provincesof Poland. Additionally, dietary supplements offered at various retail outlets were reviewed (53), as well aspublic warnings published by the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate in Poland that addressed the risks with dietarysupplements (10).Results: The questionnaire was completed by 302 respondents (217 females, 85 males). The age of therespondents was distributed as follows: 32.45% aged 65–74, 44. % aged 75–79, 23.17% aged ≥80. Dietarysupplements consumed by seniors or widely offered in the food market mainly include ingredients asfollows: plant preparations, vitamins and minerals, electrolytes. Significantly more women have been takingdietary supplements (72%), compared to men (36%). Simultaneous administration of two or more productswas declared by 71.9% of respondents. Unfortunately, only 21% of respondents recognized any risks ofconsuming dietary supplements.Conclusion: The use of dietary supplements among elderly people has definitely increased lately. Thequestionnaire shows that approximately 86% of respondents have consumed dietary supplements at leastonce in their life, while 14% of respondents have never used these products. The survey demonstrates thatthere is a need of the continued education of the elderly about dietary supplementation and the dangers ofuncontrolled consumption of different types of supplements.

General practitioners’ role in safeguarding patients with dementia in their use of dietary supplements. A qualitative study

Objective The use of dietary supplements (DS) may cause harm through direct and indirect effects. Patients with dementia may be particularly vulnerable. This study aims to explore general practitioners’ (GPs’) experiences with DS use by these patients, the GPs perceived responsibilities, obstacles in taking on this responsibility, their attitudes toward DS, and suggestions for improvements to safeguard the use of DS in this patient group. Design Qualitative individual interview study conducted February - December 2019. Data were analysed using systematic text condensation. Setting Primary healthcare clinics in Norway. Subjects Fourteen Norwegian GPs. Findings None of the informants were dismissive of patients using DS. They were aware of the possible direct risks and had observed them in patients. Most GPs showed little awareness of potential indirect risks to patients with dementia who use DS. They acknowledged the need for caretaking of these patients. Although there were differences in practice styles, most of the GPs wished to help their patients safeguarding DS use but found it difficult due to the lack of quality assurance of product information. Furthermore, there were no effective ways for the GPs to document DS use in the patients’ records. Several suggestions for improvement were given by the GPs, such as increased attention from GPs, inclusion of DS in the prescription software, and stricter regulatory systems for DS from the authorities. Conclusion The GPs had initially little awareness of this safety risk, but there were differences in practice style and attitudes towards DS. The GPs did not perceive themselves as main responsible for safe use of DS in patient with dementia. The most important reason to disclaim responsibility was lack of information about the products. One suggestion for improvement was better integration of DS in patients’ medical record.

Patients Are Using Dietary Supplement for the Treatment of Their Diseases without Consultation with Their Physicians and Pharmacists.

Inappropriate use of dietary supplements by patients might exacerbate their diseases. The aim of this study was to clarify the situation of dietary supplement use for disease treatment among patients. A cross-sectional online questionnaire survey was conducted between 18 and 30 November 2022. A preliminary survey revealed that the proportion of patients who used dietary supplements to treat their disease ranged from 7.7% (cancer) to 28.2% (menopausal disorder). In the actual survey, across all diseases, patients who used dietary supplements for treatment purposes were satisfied with their therapeutic effects. Information obtained via the internet was the most common reason given for starting to use supplements. The proportions of patients who used supplements concurrently with medicine ranged from 25.4% (liver disease) to 72.2% (mental disorder). Most users of supplements did not consult with their physicians or pharmacists about them. However, patients preferred face-to-face consultation with a physician or pharmacist when discussing the concomitant use of medicines. In conclusion, the role of pharmacists is important for the appropriate use of dietary supplements among patients, especially concomitant use with medicines. More awareness about dietary supplements is needed for healthcare professionals to consult with their patients.

Use of Dietary Supplements to Build Muscle and Physical Activity in U.S. Adults

Use of Dietary Supplements to Build Muscle and Physical Activity in U.S. Adults

Biomonitoring of Potentially Toxic Elements in Dyed Hairs and Its Correlation with Variables of Interest.

Hair is good bioindicator of exposure, due to its ability to store and retain trace elements for long periods of time. But it can be especially useful when hair dyes are used since they may contain potentially toxic salts in their composition. In this context, analytical methods for the determination of bismuth, cadmium, lead, and silver in scalp human hair by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry were successfully validated. A total of 60 samples obtained from women between 18 and 60 years were analyzed: 34 dyed hairs and 26 untreated hairs (control). Average results expressed in dry weight (dyed/control) for each element were 2.34/0.49 μg g-1 (silver), 0.142/0.139 μg g-1 (bismuth), 0.055/0.054 μg g-1 (cadmium), and 2.09/0.99 μg g-1 (lead), respectively. These results agreed with those previously reported for non-exposed populations. A statistically significant higher Ag concentration in dyed hairs was observed, suggesting the bioaccumulation of this element. The associations between metal concentration and variables of interest (age, education, smoking habit, dye brand, use of dietary supplements) were investigated. A strong Pearson correlation was found for the pair Ag/Pb (r = 0.494, p < 0.05). Also, strong associations between lead levels and all the selected variables were observed (p < 0.05), while strong associations between silver levels with age and dye brand and association between cadmium levels and smoking habit were found. Furthermore, several commercial hair dye brands were analyzed to verify compliance with cosmetic regulations. This constitutes the first study of such characteristics performed in Uruguay, with worldwide relevance.

Association of probiotic ingestion with serum sex steroid hormones among pre- and postmenopausal women from the NHANES, 2013-2016.

Sex hormone-related diseases, encompassing a wide range of conditions from reproductive disorders to certain cancers, pose significant health challenges worldwide. Recent scientific investigations have highlighted the intricate interplay between the gut microbiome and sex hormone regulation, indicating the potential for microbiota-targeted interventions in the management of such diseases. Although individual studies have elucidated the influence of the gut microbiome on sex hormones, a comprehensive cross-sectional examination of the population-wide prevalence of probiotic intake and its correlation with sex hormones is still lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the association of probiotic ingestion with sex hormones in pre- and post-menopausal women. We conducted an observational cohort study comprising a nationally representative sample of adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2013 and 2016. Probiotic ingestion was considered when a subject reported yogurt or probiotic supplement consumption during the 24-h dietary recall or during the Dietary Supplement Use 30-Day questionnaire. A survey-weighted generalized linear model was used to analyze the association between probiotic intake and female/male sex hormones. To reduce selection bias, we used propensity score matching (PSM). This study included 2,699 women, with 537 of them consuming yogurt and/or dietary supplements containing probiotics, while the remaining 2,162 women did not consume any probiotics. The findings indicated that there were associations between probiotic intake and sex hormone levels in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. For premenopausal women, probiotic intake was positively associated with estradiol (E2) levels. On the contrary, in postmenopausal women, probiotic intake was inversely associated with total testosterone (TT) levels. This study indicated that probiotic consumption was associated with higher E2 level in premenopausal women and lower TT level in postmenopausal women. Probiotic intake might be a sensible strategy for preventing sex hormone-related diseases.

Prevalence and adverse effects of sport-related nutritional supplements (sport drinks, bars, and gels) in the military before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: the US Military Dietary Supplement Use Study.

Sport-related nutritional supplements (SRNS) include sport drinks, sport bars, and sport gels. This investigation examined temporal patterns in SRNS use and adverse effects (AEs) reported by a single cohort of United States active-duty service members (SMs) surveyed before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A stratified random sample (n = 22,858) of SMs (Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps) who completed a questionnaire on their SRNS use and AE experiences and were still on active duty were asked to complete the identical questionnaire on a second occasion. Twenty-five percent of successfully contacted SMs completed both questionnaires (n = 5,778) and were included in this investigation. The average ± standard deviation time between questionnaires was 1.3 ± 0.2 years. Prevalence of reported SRNS use ≥1 time/week in the baseline (BL) and follow-up (FU) phases were as follows: any SRNS: BL = 46%, FU = 41%; sport drinks: BL = 31%, FU = 28%; sport bars: BL = 30%, FU = 24%; sport gels: BL = 4%, FU = 4%. Reported weekly aerobic and resistance training durations were reduced in the FU period (8% and 26%, respectively). The proportion of SMs reporting SRNS use in both study phases was as follows: any SRNS = 62%, sport drinks = 54%, sport bars = 50%, sport gels = 35%. Prevalence of reported AEs in the BL and FU phases were as follows: any SRNS: BL = 1.9%, FU = 1.9%; sport drinks: BL = 1.0%, FU = 1.3%; sport bars: BL = 1.7%, FU = 1.4%; sport gels: BL = 3.3%, FU = 2.5%. The proportion of SMs reporting AEs in both phases was as follows: any SRNS = 14%, sport drinks = 11%, sport bars = 17%, sport gels = 0%. Overall SRNS use prevalence decreased slightly in the FU period, possibly because of reduced physical training related to military restrictions imposed during the emergence of COVID-19 between surveys. A large proportion of SMs reported changing their use patterns in the FU with some discontinuing use and others initiating use. The AE incidence was similarly low in the BL and FU phases, and few SMs reported AEs in both phases suggesting AEs were transitory. AE reporting for SRNSs was much lower than previously found for dietary supplements, possibly because of greater government regulatory control over SRNSs.

Hidden Dangers: Herbal and Dietary Supplement Induced Hepatotoxicity

Herbal and dietary supplements represent a multi-billion-dollar industry reportedly used by over half of American adults. However, these products are not regulated by the Federal Drug Agency and contain a wide range of contaminants, leading to over 50,000 adverse events each year. This review aims to highlight the widespread use and current regulatory status of herbal and dietary supplements, identify the presentation and diagnostic dilemmas faced with liver injury, and discuss the most common agents implicated in herbal and dietary supplement hepatotoxicity.

Understanding the Use, Advantages, and Risks of Dietary Supplements among Students in an Educational Context

Understanding the Use, Advantages, and Risks of Dietary Supplements among Students in an Educational Context

Opportunities for Examining Child Health Impacts of Early-Life Nutrition in the ECHO Program: Maternal and Child Dietary Intake Data from Pregnancy to Adolescence

BackgroundLongitudinal measures of diet spanning pregnancy through adolescence are needed from a large, diverse sample to advance research on the effect of early-life nutrition on child health. The Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, which includes 69 cohorts, >33,000 pregnancies, and >31,000 children in its first 7-y cycle, provides such data, now publicly available. ObjectivesThis study aimed to describe dietary intake data available in the ECHO Program as of 31 August, 2022 (end of year 6 of Cycle 1) from pregnancy through adolescence, including estimated sample sizes, and to highlight the potential for future analyses of nutrition and child health. MethodsWe identified and categorized ECHO Program dietary intake data, by assessment method, participant (pregnant person or child), and life stage of data collection. We calculated the number of maternal-child dyads with dietary data and the number of participants with repeated measures. We identified diet-related variables derived from raw dietary intake data and nutrient biomarkers measured from biospecimens. ResultsOverall, 66 cohorts (26,941 pregnancies, 27,103 children, including 22,712 dyads) across 34 US states/territories provided dietary intake data. Dietary intake assessments included 24-h recalls (1548 pregnancies and 1457 children), food frequency questionnaires (4902 and 4117), dietary screeners (8816 and 23,626), and dietary supplement use questionnaires (24,798 and 26,513). Repeated measures were available for ∼70%, ∼30%, and ∼15% of participants with 24-h recalls, food frequency questionnaires, and dietary screeners, respectively. The available diet-related variables describe nutrient and food intake, diet patterns, and breastfeeding practices. Overall, 17% of participants with dietary intake data had measured nutrient biomarkers. ConclusionsECHO cohorts have collected longitudinal dietary intake data spanning pregnancy through adolescence from a geographically, socioeconomically, and ethnically diverse US sample. As data collection continues in Cycle 2, these data present an opportunity to advance the field of nutrition and child health.

Unconventional compensation methods used by patients with bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that is more common among young girls and women. It bears a lot of life-long consequences for those affected by it and in most severe cases can be deadly. The aim of the study was to review the literature to help describe unconventional compensation methods used by patients with bulimia nervosa. The following methods were described: excessive and compulsive physical activity, induced vomiting, strict diets, enemas, use of pharmacy products, medication and dietary supplements, diabulimia and drunkorexia. Atypical compensation methods used by bulimics depend on the resources the patients have at their disposal. Bulimia nervosa is still a significant and complicated health problem, also effective prevention methods have not been developed. Therefore, it is particularly important to observe people at risk of such disorder.

Prevalence, attitudes, and practices of dietary supplements among middle-aged and older adults in Asir region, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

The objectives of this study were to 1) identify the prevalence of dietary supplements (DS) among middle-aged and older adults; 2) determine attitudes toward DS and patterns of DS usage among middle-aged and older adults; and 3) assess the association of sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors with DS attitudes and DS usage. A cross-sectional online survey was undertaken among middle-aged and older adults. Data were collected by an online self-administered pretested questionnaire used as a study tool and distributed to respondents via social media applications. The DS usage prevalence among 501 respondents was 50.7%, and 53.5% of participants reported a positive attitude toward DS. The positive attitudes and higher usage of dietary supplements were statistically significant in higher proportions among older adults compared to middle-aged individuals. Significantly lower proportion of middle aged (54.9%) reported taking DS daily compared to 59.9% of older adults. A significant difference in the type of DS among the two groups was found for Omega-3 (p<0.001), minerals (p = 0.004), proteins (p = 0.002), fibers (p = 0.002), phytonutrients (p = 0.007), and probiotics (p = 0.015), with a higher proportion of middle-aged respondents reporting their use compared to older adults. Dietary supplement usage is a prevalent phenomenon among older adults and the middle-aged population. However, some undesirable practices regarding their use still exist in the community. Thus, there is a need of focussed health education to enhance attitudes and improve practices regarding the use of DS.

The development of liver cirrhosis in a patient taking long-term weight loss supplements

Dietary supplements are often self-administered by patients for weight loss. However, the hepatotoxicity of such supplements remains underestimated. Liver damage is diverse: from asymptomatic reversible course to lethal fulminant hepatitis. In the case of a long unrecognized course and prolonged use of dietary supplements, irreversible structural and functional damage to the organ occurs. We present a retrospective analysis of the case histories of a patient with liver cirrhosis, who has a long history of using dietary supplements of Thai and Chinese origin, hellebore extract, during 5 years of follow-up. Despite the discontinuation of weight loss drugs, regular complex therapy, the patient has a steady progressive course of the disease. Obese patients with an increased risk of liver damage require a dynamic assessment of liver function, not only when prescribing drugs, but also when using various dietary supplements.