Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- China Evergrande New Energy Vehicle Group Ltd.s expansive pop-up showroom sits at the heart of Shanghais National Exhibition and Convention Center. With nine models on display, its hard to miss. The electric car upstart has one of the biggest booths at Chinas 2021 Auto Show, which starts Monday, opposite storied German automaker BMW AG. Yet its bold presence belies an uncomfortable truth -- Evergrande hasnt sold a single car under its own brand.Chinas largest property developer has an array of investments outside of real estate, from soccer clubs to retirement villages. But its the recent entry into electric cars thats captured investors imaginations. Shareholders have pushed Evergrande NEVs Hong Kong-listed stock up more than 1,000% over the past 12 months, allowing it to raise billions of dollars in fresh capital. It now has a market value of $87 billion, greater than Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co.Such exuberance over an automaker that has repeatedly pushed back forecasts for when it will mass produce a car is emblematic of the froth that has been building in EVs over the past year, with investors plowing money into a rally that briefly made Elon Musk the worlds richest person and has some concerned about a bubble. Perhaps nowhere is that more evident than in China, home to the worlds biggest market for new energy cars, where a mind-boggling 400 EV manufacturers now jostle for consumers attention, led by a cabal of startups valued more than established auto players but which have yet to turn a profit.Evergrande NEV was a relatively late entrant to that scene.In March 2019, Hui Ka Yan, Evergrandes chairman and one of Chinas richest men, vowed to take on Musk and become the worlds biggest maker of EVs in three to five years. Tesla Inc.s Model Y crossover had just had its global debut. In the two years since, Tesla has gained an enviable foothold in China, establishing its first factory outside the U.S. and delivering around 35,500 cars in March. Chinese rival Nio Inc. earlier this month reached a significant milestone when its 100,000th EV rolled off the production line, prompting Musk to tweet his congratulations.Read more: Nio, Xpeng Exude Optimism as EVs Boom: Shanghai Auto ShowDespite his lofty ambitions and Evergrande NEVs rich valuation, Hui has repeatedly pushed back car-production targets. The tycoons coterie of rich friends, among others, have stumped up billions, but making cars -- electric or otherwise -- is hard, and hugely capital intensive. Nios gross margins only flipped into positive territory in mid-2020, after years of heavy losses and a lifeline from a municipal government.Speaking on an earnings call in late March after Evergrande NEVs full-year loss for 2020 widened by a yawning 67%, Hui said the company planned to begin trial production at the end of this year, delayed from an original timeline of last September. Deliveries arent expected to start until some time in 2022. Expectations for annual production capacity of 500,000 to 1 million EVs by March 2022 were also pushed back until 2025. Still, the company issued a buoyant new forecast: 5 million cars a year by 2035. For comparison, global giant Volkswagen AG delivered 3.85 million units in China in 2020.Its not just Evergrandes delayed production schedule thats raising eyebrows. A closer look under the companys hood reveals practices that have industry veterans scratching their heads: from making selling apartments part of car executives KPIs, to attempting a model lineup that would be ambitious for even the most established automaker.Weird CompanyIts a weird company, said Bill Russo, the founder and chief executive officer of advisory firm Automobility Ltd. in Shanghai. Theyve poured a lot of money in that hasnt really returned anything, plus theyre entering an industry in which they have very limited understanding. And Im not sure theyve got the technological edge of Nio or Xpeng, he said, referring to the New York-listed Chinese EV makers already deploying intelligent features in their cars, like laser-based navigation.A closer look at Evergrande NEVs operations reveals the extent of its unorthodox approach. While its established three production bases -- in Guangzhou, Tianjin in Chinas north, and Shanghai -- the company doesnt have a general car assembly line up and running. Equipment and machinery is still being adjusted, according to people who have seen inside the factories but dont want to be identified discussing confidential matters.In a response to questions from Bloomberg, Evergrande NEV said it was preparing machinery for trial production, and would be able to make one car a minute once full production is reached.The company is targeting mass production and delivery next year of four models -- the Hengchi 5 and 6; the luxe Hengchi 1 (which will go up against Teslas Model S); and the Hengchi 3, according to people familiar with the matter. The company has told investors it aims to deliver 100,000 cars in 2022, one of the people said, roughly the number of units Nio, Xpeng Inc. and Li Auto Inc., the other U.S.-listed Chinese EV contender, delivered last year, combined.Its workers are also being asked to help sell real estate, the backbone of the Evergrande empire.New hires are required to undergo internal training and attend seminars that drill them on the companys property history and have nothing to do with car making. In addition, employees from all departments, from production-line workers to back-office staff, are encouraged to promote the sale of apartments, whether through posting ads on social media or bringing relatives and friends along to sale centers to make them appear busy. Managerial-level staff even have their performance bonuses tied to such endeavors, people familiar with the measure said.Meanwhile, the ambitious targets have Evergrande NEV turning to outsourcing and skipping procedures seen as normal practice in the industry, people with knowledge of the situation say.While its hiring aggressively and recently scored Daniel Kirchert, a former BMW executive who co-founded EV startup Byton Ltd., the firm has contracted most of the design and R&D of its cars to overseas suppliers, some of the people said. Contracting out the majority of design and engineering work is an unusual approach for a company wanting to achieve such scale.14 Models At OnceOne of those companies is Canadas Magna International Inc., which is leading the development of the Hengchi 1 and 3, one of the people said. Evergrande NEV has also teamed with Chinese tech giants Tencent Holdings Ltd. and Baidu Inc. to co-develop a software system for the Hengchi range. It will allow drivers to use a mobile app to instruct the car to drive via autopilot to a certain location and use artificial intelligence to switch on appliances at home while on the road, according to a statement last month.A spokesperson for Evergrande said it was working with international partners including Magna, EDAG Engineering Group AG and Austrian parts maker AVL List GmbH in developing 14 models simultaneously. Representatives from Magna declined to comment. A Baidu spokesperson said the company had no further details to share, while a representative for Tencent said the software venture is with a related firm called Beijing Tinnove Technology Co. that operates independently. Tinnove didnt respond to requests for comment.Rather than staggering model releases, Evergrande NEV appears to be rolling out every type of car all at once under its Hengchi brand, which sports a roaring gold lion on the badge and translates loosely to unstoppable gallop. The nine models being launched span almost all major passenger vehicle segments from sedans to SUVS and multi-purpose vehicles. Prices will range from about 80,000 yuan ($12,000) to 600,000 yuan, although the final costs could change, a person familiar said.Thats a completely different product development strategy to EV pioneers like Tesla, which only has four models on offer. Nio and Xpeng have also chosen to focus on just a handful of marques, and even then are struggling to break into the black.The market has proved the effectiveness of the one product in vogue at one time strategy, said Zhang Xiang, an automobile industry researcher at the North China University of Technology. Evergrande is offering many products and expects a win. Theres a question mark over whether this will work.Without any long-term carmaking nous, Evergrande has issued uncompromising directives to meet its latest production targets, according to the people. Two models, including the Hengchi 5, a compact SUV that rivals Xpengs G3, are targeting mass production in a little over 20 months. To hit that timing, certain industry procedures, like making mule cars, or testbed vehicles equipped with prototype components that require evaluation, may be skipped, people familiar with the situation said. Evergrande told Bloomberg it has entered a sprint stage toward mass production.As it is, Bloomberg could only find one instance where the Hengchi 5 has been showcased in public, in photos and grainy footage released by Evergrande in February as the cars drove around a snow-covered field in Inner Mongolia. The companys shares surged to a record.Glossing over those steps is unusual, said Zhong Shi, a former automotive project manager turned independent analyst.Theres a standard engineering process of product development, validation and verification, which includes several laboratory and road tests in China and everywhere else, Zhong said. Its hard to compress that to shorter than three years.While theres no suggestion Evergrandes approach violates any regulations, its stock-market run could be in for a reality check. After similarly hefty market gains, some EV startups in the U.S. that have yet to prove their viability as revenue-generating, profitable entities have lost their shine over the past few months amid concern about valuations and as established carmakers like VW move faster into EV fray.Read more: The End of Teslas Dominance May Be Closer Than It AppearsThe industrys multi-billion dollar surge also hasnt escaped Beijings attention. Evergrande NEV shares dipped lower last month after an editorial from the state-run Xinhua news agency highlighted concerns about how the EV sector is evolving. Of particular worry are companies that are shirking their responsibility to build quality cars, a blind race by local governments to attract EV projects, and high valuations by companies that have yet to deliver a single mass-produced car, according to the missive, which named Evergrande specifically in that regard. The huge gap between production capacity and market value shows there is hype in the NEV market, it said.Still, Evergrande NEVs stock has gained 18% since then, buoyed by the outlook for Chinas electric-car market. EVs currently account for about 5% of Chinas annual car sales, BloombergNEF data show, with demand forecast to soar as the market matures and electric-car prices fall. EV sales in China may climb more than 50% this year alone, research firm Canalys said in a February report.With competition also on the rise, some outside Evergrande NEVs loyal shareholder base remain skeptical.The market is getting crowded but unless you have a preferred lane, theres not much chance to win, Automobilitys Russo said. Maybe theres some synergy with the property businesses but right now its an EV story, and a pretty expensive one.For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P.

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CBDepot and 4MP Cannabidiol Novel Food Applications With the UK Food Standards Agency Are Declared Validated and Verified Food Supplements - Yahoo...

Bloating is a common problem often caused by issues like constipation or excess gas (1).

Plus, what you eat and drink can significantly affect bloating and other digestive issues.

Fortunately, many ingredients have been shown to promote regularity, prevent fluid retention, and enhance gut health, all of which can help keep bloating at bay.

Here are 20 foods and drinks that can help with bloating.

Avocados are highly nutritious, packing a good amount of folate and vitamins C and K into each serving (2).

Theyre also rich in potassium, an essential mineral involved in regulating fluid balance and sodium levels to prevent water retention (3).

Whats more, theyre high in fiber, which moves slowly through your digestive tract to support regularity and help prevent constipation and bloating (4).

Cucumbers comprise about 95% water, making them great for relieving bloating (5).

Eating foods with a high water content can help ensure you stay hydrated and meet your daily fluid needs.

This may prevent water retention and alleviate bloating caused by dehydration (6, 7).

Yogurt is packed with probiotics, a beneficial type of bacteria that plays a key role in gut health.

According to some research, probiotics may improve stool frequency and consistency to promote regularity (8).

Furthermore, probiotics have been shown to reduce bloating and abdominal distension caused by conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common disorder that affects the large intestine (9, 10).

Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Theyre also high in fiber. Blackberries, for instance, contain nearly 8 grams of fiber per cup (150 grams) (11).

Increasing your fiber intake can enhance gut health and soften your stool to prevent constipation and bloating (12).

Green tea is a great option to help you stay hydrated and prevent fluid retention.

Its brimming with antioxidants like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which can neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce inflammation in your body (13).

Green tea also contains caffeine, a compound that stimulates digestive tract movement and acts as a natural laxative to support regularity. In turn, this can reduce bloating (14).

Celery is a nutritious veggie comprising about 95% water (15).

In addition to its high water content, celery contains mannitol, a type of sugar alcohol that softens stools to promote regularity by pulling water into the digestive tract (16, 17).

Additionally, the root of the vegetable is considered a natural diuretic. This means it increases urine production to remove excess water and sodium from your body, which can help alleviate bloating (18).

Ginger is an herb thats well known for its ability to soothe digestive distress (19).

For example, some research shows that ginger could speed stomach emptying to prevent bloating and feelings of fullness (20, 21).

It also contains an enzyme called zingibain, which helps break down protein more efficiently to support healthy digestion (22).

Kombucha is a type of fermented beverage typically made from black or green tea.

Like other fermented foods, its rich in probiotics and can promote gut health and regularity (23).

It can also keep you hydrated and squeeze more inflammation-fighting antioxidants into your daily diet to help beat bloating (24).

Bananas are popular for their flavor, portability, and convenience.

Theyre also highly nutritious and an excellent source of fiber, with 3 grams of fiber found in 1 medium (118 grams) banana (25).

Additionally, theyre rich in potassium, a nutrient that supports a healthy fluid balance. In turn, this may prevent bloating and water retention (26).

Papaya is a type of tropical fruit known for its sweet flavor and smooth, creamy texture.

It not only has a high water content but also provides plenty of fiber in each serving (27).

It likewise contains an enzyme called papain, which helps your body break down amino acids. This encourages healthy digestion and may help keep bloating at bay (28).

Asparagus is a great source of fiber, providing nearly 3 grams in each 1-cup (134-gram) serving (29).

It also contains a good amount of inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber found in a variety of foods (30).

Studies show that inulin may support gut health and increase regularity, which may help prevent bloating and constipation (31).

Enjoying a bowl of oatmeal in the morning can be an easy and effective way to battle bloating.

Thats because oats are loaded with fiber, boasting 4 grams in each 1/2-cup (40-gram) serving (32).

Plus, they contain a specific type of fiber called beta glucan, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties (33).

Pineapple is a tropical fruit that packs a serious punch when it comes to nutrition, with plenty of vitamin C, manganese, and B vitamins in every serving (34).

Pineapple also contains bromelain, an enzyme that has long been used in traditional medicine to treat digestive disorders (35).

In some studies, bromelain has been shown to fight inflammation, which improves issues like bloating and swelling (36, 37).

Turmeric is a spice often used to brighten curries, soups, and side dishes.

It contains a compound called curcumin, which has been studied extensively for its anti-inflammatory effects (38).

According to some research, curcumin may also improve gut health and reduce symptoms of IBS, including gas, bloating, and constipation (39, 40).

If you experience bloating after eating foods like pasta, crackers, and bread, switching to gluten-free grains like quinoa may be worth a try.

Consuming foods that contain gluten can cause digestive issues like bloating among people with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (41, 42).

Quinoa is also rich in many other beneficial compounds like fiber and antioxidants that help combat bloating even if youre not on a gluten-free diet (43, 44).

Apples have a high water content and are rich in potassium, which supports a healthy fluid balance and helps you stay hydrated (45).

Whats more, theyre brimming with fiber, with almost 5 grams in just 1 medium (200-gram) apple (45).

In particular, apples are high in a type of soluble fiber called pectin, which can accelerate the movement of food as it passes through your digestive tract to treat constipation and bloating (46).

Although its often added to sweets like pies, cakes, and crisps, rhubarb is not a fruit. Rather, its a vegetable known for its vibrant edible stalks.

Rhubarb contains a compound called sennoside. This compound inhibits water transport from the luminal to the vascular side of the colon, acting as a natural laxative to stimulate bowel movements (47, 48).

Furthermore, it can help increase your fiber intake, with over 2 grams of fiber in each cup (122 grams) of rhubarb stalk (49).

Kiwi is a popular fruit rich in several key nutrients, including fiber and potassium (50).

It also contains actinidin, an enzyme shown to improve digestion and speed stomach emptying in some animal studies (51, 52).

As such, several studies suggest that kiwi could benefit many digestive issues and help reduce bloating, stomach pain, and constipation (53, 54, 55).

Peppermint tea is an herbal tea thats widely used to treat a range of digestive conditions.

Peppermint oil, in particular, has been shown to decrease inflammation and treat symptoms of IBS like stomach pain, constipation, and bloating. Plus, it may help prevent muscle spasms in the stomach and intestines, which could also help prevent bloating (56).

That said, more research is needed to confirm whether the benefits of peppermint oil also apply to peppermint tea.

Closely related to vegetables like carrots, celery, and parsley, fennel is a plant known for its distinctive licorice-like flavor.

Interestingly, studies show that fennel and its seeds possess antispasmodic properties, meaning it can help relax the muscles in your intestinal tract to provide relief from gas and bloating (57).

It also acts as a diuretic to increase urine production and reduce water retention (57).

In addition to incorporating some of the foods and drinks listed above into your daily diet, several other strategies can help prevent bloating.

For starters, be sure to eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. This can help reduce how much air you swallow to prevent gas buildup (58).

Some research also suggests that taking supplements like probiotics or digestive enzymes could be beneficial (59, 60).

To identify whether certain foods are causing your digestive issues, you may also consider tracking your food intake.

For example, foods high in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) such as beans, dairy products, and garlic trigger digestive symptoms like gas and bloating in some people (61).

Other ingredients that commonly cause bloating include sugar alcohols, cruciferous vegetables, carbonated beverages, and beer.

Its also important to get plenty of sleep and regular exercise, as studies show that both sleep deprivation and physical inactivity may affect digestive health and worsen issues like bloating (62, 63).

Lastly, you may also consider consulting a doctor to determine whether you have any food sensitivities or other underlying conditions that could contribute to bloating, such as IBS.

Bloating is a common issue that can be caused by a number of conditions.

Many foods and drinks may help decrease bloating by reducing constipation, alleviating inflammation, and supporting a healthy fluid balance.

Chewing your food thoroughly, taking certain supplements, and determining whether certain ingredients contribute to your digestive issues may also help relieve bloating.

If your symptoms are serious or persist, consider consulting a doctor for personalized recommendations and treatment.

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20 Foods and Drinks That Help with Bloating - Healthline

Whered you put those keys again? What did you come in this room for? And remember that thing you needed to, um, remember for work? If only taking something like a fish oil supplement could bust through all your brain snags.

While the research is mixed on fish oil supplements, its clearer that its good for your brain when it comes to consuming fish oil via food (like putting salmon on your salad or grilling trout for dinner). Overall, research shows that fish intake helps with cognitive health and helps prevent a decline in cognitive abilities, says Puja Agarwal, PhD, a nutritional epidemiologist and assistant professor of internal medicine at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. And the good news is that you may be able to reap these benefits with just one serving of fish per week, she says. (There's more on how much fish you should be consuming below.)

Heres why fish is thought to be so good for your brain. Fish oil contains certain omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), notes the National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). You can consume fish oil via eating fresh fish or seafood or by taking a supplement. (While fish oil contains two different types of omega-3s, not all omega-3s are fish oil.)

When it comes to your cognitive capacity, omega-3s play an important role in brain structure and function, and as such, these nutrients play an important role in defraying cognitive impairments.

Yes, because the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish support good brain health, these nutrients also support the functions of the brain which, of course, includes thinking and memory.

We have pretty good evidence on fish intake and its role in brain health. From meta-analyses and large cohorts of healthy adults, a higher fish intake is associated with a lower rate of memory decline over time, as well as a lower risk of developing Alzheimers disease, says Dr. Agarwal.

In astudy published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in May 2018 that looked at data from 23,688 people from five pooled cohorts, older adults who consumed four or more servings of fish per week experienced less memory loss over four to nine years of follow-up compared with people who typically consume less than one serving per week. That was the equivalent, researchers say, to having a brain that was four years younger. Another study published in JAMA in February 2016 found that moderate seafood consumption was associated with lower risk of having markers of Alzheimers disease than lower seafood consumption.

Fish, eaten at least one time per week, is an important component of the MIND diet, which has been shown to delay age-related cognitive decline, according to a September 2015 study in Alzheimers & Dementia.

But its important to note that the research so far suggests eating fish supports memory and thinking centers of the brain, Agarwal says. When it comes to fish oil supplements, the research so far has not found a benefit of the supplements in terms of slowing cognitive decline or preventing Alzheimers disease.

RELATED: Steps That Can Help Prevent Alzheimer's Disease

The fish oil you get from eating healthy amounts of fish each week is good for your brain. Thats clear. But its not necessarily the case that higher amounts of fish oil (or upping fish oil consumption with supplements) necessarily boosts your cognitive abilities above and beyond the benefit youll get from simply getting enough fish oil from fish.

Taking fish oil will not make you smarter or help you remember more if you already have an adequate intake [of omega 3s], explains Hussein Yassine, MD, associate professor of medicine at Keck School of Medicine of USC in Los Angeles.

Unfortunately, if youre already at baseline, more is not going to be better. This is not an 'intelligent pill,' you cant take it and start remembering things, he adds.

When it comes to reaping the health benefits of fish oil, the evidence points to getting plenty of fish in your diet as the way to get the most benefit. The 20202025 Dietary Guidelines for Americansadvises that adults eat 8 ounces of seafood per week, equivalent to two 4-ounce servings of fish or seafood per week.

Its worth noting, however, that this recommendation is best for overall health and, while its a good target, even if youre only getting one serving of fish per week, the brain may benefit anyway.

Research shows that when comparing people who are consuming one or more servings of fish per week to those who are eating less, fish eaters are experience less cognitive decline over the years, Agarwal says. This research comes from Rush University researchers and was published in the May 2016 issue of Neurology.

This follows past research from the university, published in JAMA Neurology, that found people who consume one fish meal per week had a 60 percent lower riks of Alzheimers compared with those who rarely or never ate fish.

That should be encouraging, because this is a simple lifestyle modification to maintain brain health in old age, Agarwal says.

So will anyone benefit from taking a fish oil supplement?

Overall, the research for eating fish is stronger compared with taking a fish oil supplement, Agarwal says. We see mixed findings when looking at supplements, she adds.

Dr. Yassine agrees, noting that overall, fish supplementation trials have been inconclusive. In the future, he says, we need more trials that look at how fish oil supplements might work and which people might benefit from supplementation. A study I led has found that regular over-the-counter supplements do not produce robust increases [in omega-3s] in the brain, Yassine explains. You need four to five capsules of an OTC supplement in cerebrospinal fluid (which Yassines group says is a reflection of what would be in the brain) get a sufficient increase, he explains. (That research, which was small in size including only 33 men, was published in the journal EBioMedicine in September 2020.) It seems to be something about getting these specific omega-3s from fish itself that has a greater effect on the brain, he says.

Fish is complex. Even the actual DHA and EPA in fish is not the same as what is present in supplements, says Yassine. That doesnt mean that DHA and EPA are not the active ingredients in fish oil supplements they are but that they may be packaged in a way that allows them to be more effective in fresh fish and seafood compared with supplements, he says.

What types of fish and seafood are the best sources of fish oil? Fatty fish, which contains the highest amounts of EPA and DHA, is best. These fish include salmon, mackerel, or trout. But its important to note that all fish and seafood, including shrimp and crab, has some fish oil, according to Seafood Health Facts.

Any kind of fish will help. You can have a variety, but watch how you cook it, Agarwal says. Choose methods like baking, broiling, and grilling over deep frying.

A study in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine concluded that cognitively healthy people who ate baked or broiled fish at least once a week had less gray matter loss (a sign of a healthier brain) in certain brain regions that govern memory and learning compared to non-fish-eaters.

If fish is not included in your diet, consume plant-based foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like walnuts, chia, and flax, recommends Agarwal. (These contain alpha-linolenic acid, ALA, which can be converted into EPA and then to DHA in the body, but not very efficiently, which is why consuming foods with DHA and EPA is preferable, according to a report published in November 2020 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.)

Everyone, regardless of if they eat fish or are a vegan or non-fish-eater, is recommended to consume a certain amount of ALA per day. The National Institutes of Health says that adult males should consume 1.6 grams of ALA per day and adult females should aim for 1.1 grams per day.

If you opt for an omega-3 supplement, whether a fish oil or vegan version, keep in mind that it cannot fix or overcome an unhealthy diet, Agarwal says.

In general, brain fog is when your thinking could be described as slow or fuzzy, says Harvard Medical School. Fish oil could possibly help you think clearer, but perhaps only if you are deficient in omega-3s to begin with.

One study, of nearly 300 healthy women ages 18 to 35 found that those who had the lowest levels of omega-3s (in blood samples) scored lower on cognitive tests measuring attention compared to women with mid-range or high omega 3 levels, according to the research in Lipids in Health and Disease in November 2019. Though its worth noting that in that study, those cognitive scores were only slightly higher in women with higher levels of omega-3s.

Even the lowest group still had cognitive scores in the normal range, but it still shows that their brain function wasnt at its best.

Omega 3s have anti-inflammatory properties, which means they may protect the brain from damage from free radicals that leads to disease and aging. (People with higher levels of inflammation have been found to have a sharper decrease in cognitive abilities with age, concluded a March 2019 study in Neurology.)

The Lipids in Health and Disease studys authors suggest in that paper that this effect may support function and firing of neurons, and they may also influence dopamine pathways involved in attention and memory.

But given the lack of robust evidence on whether fish oil can help with brain fog, the answer to that question is still not conclusive.

RELATED: Brain Fog: A COVID-19 Symptom That May Linger

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What Are the Benefits of Fish Oil for Memory? - Everyday Health

Mary Ellen Camire, a University of Maine professor of food science and human nutrition, will discuss nutritional supplements in a webinar at noon Wednesday, April 21 via Zoom.

The free webinar is part of the AgingME Lunch and Learn series with UMaine and the University of New England, and is geared toward health and social service professionals, medical providers, caregivers and students.

Camire, who also is a faculty associate with the UMaine Center on Aging, will discuss the value and potential risks of nutritional supplements for older adults. Learn which nutrients are needed as people age, as well as tips for boosting nutrition with food rather than supplements.

Certificates of attendance will be available. Attendees are invited to ask questions in the chat box; Camire is not able to make specific dietary recommendations.

Advance registration is required, including for those who wish to view the recorded presentation. Anyone with a disability who needs an accommodation to participate can email Camire at camire@maine.edu. For more information, contact Alex Bromley, 207.581.1733; alexandria.bromley@maine.edu.

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Camire to take part in free webinar about nutritional supplements for older adults - UMaine News - University of Maine - University of Maine

When youre texting, you never want to get a K. But when youre trying to fuel your body with all the vitamins and minerals it needs, getting a K is a great thing.

Vitamin K has lots of health benefits (including blood clotting.) It mostly comes from leafy greens and meat, but you can also take it as a supplement.

Heres everything you need to know about this important nutrient.

How much vitamin K do you need?

According to the National Institutes of Health, the recommended adequate intake of vitamin K for folks older than 19 is:

Vitamin K can be found throughout your body, including your liver, bones, brain, heart, and pancreas.

Vitamin K isnt a singular nutrient. The term vitamin K actually refers to a group of fat-soluble compounds. Theyre K vitamins, which means they have a common chemical structure.

Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K2 (menaquinone) are the most important substances in this group.

Vitamin K1 is created by green plants and algae. A research review showed that it makes up about 90 percent of the vitamin K you get through your diet.

Even though K1 supplements are absorbed well by your bod, the vitamin K1 naturally found in vegetables isnt. In fact, a 2012 research review showed that you only absorb about 10 percent of the K1 from plant foods.

But its possible to absorb more. K1 is a fat-soluble nutrient, so adding a fat source (like butter or olive oil) to veggie dishes can help.

Vitamin K2 refers to a group of menaquinones that are created by bacteria. Menaquinone-4 (MK-4) and menaquinone-7 (MK-7) are two of the most important types of K2.

You get K2 from animal-based foods and certain fermented foods. The bacteria in your gut can also produce K2.

Your body is better at absorbing some forms of K2 (like MK-4) than others. You can get more MK-4 by eating foods like eggs and meat.

Vitamin K is involved in some important bodily processes.

Vitamin K activates the enzymes that help with blood clotting. Whys that important? If your blood doesnt clot correctly it can increase your risk of experiencing bleeding.

Vitamin K doesnt get delivered through the placenta very effectively, so newborns are given a vitamin K injection when theyre born. This helps prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding.

Vitamin K helps keep your bones healthy. Osteocalcin, one of the main proteins found in the bones, needs vitamin K in order to bind to calcium. Thats part of how it builds the bone matrix.

Vitamin K also helps osteoblasts (cells that form new bone) and other proteins involved in bone metabolism.

Vitamin K can help prevent heart conditions. Bless its heart!

Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a protein that stops the calcification of your arteries. If calcium can build up, these important pathways that deliver blood to your heart can narrow. Thats not great for your ticker.

MGP (and its anti-calcification powers) is activated by vitamin K. Without enough vitamin K, MGP cant perform its job and this may lead to an elevated risk of developing heart conditions.

Vitamin K1 and K2 are found in different types of foods. Vitamin K1 is primarily found in plant foods while K2 is found in animal-based and fermented foods.

These foods are rich in vitamin K1:

These foods have lots of vitamin K2:

Most people get enough vitamin K through their diet and true vitamin K deficiency is extremely rare, especially in healthy people.

There are a few populations that commonly experience vitamin K deficiency, including people who:

If you fall into one of these groups, a doctor might suggest supplementing with vitamin K.

Severe vitamin K deficiency can lead to increased bleeding (including hemorrhage.) Vitamin D deficiency can also increase your risk of developing osteoporosis.

Vitamin K isnt likely to cause toxicity.

Theres no known toxicity for vitamin K1 or K2 from food or supplements. Thats why theres no established tolerable upper intake level set for it.

If youre taking a blood thinning medication (like Warfarin) try to keep your vitamin K intake consistent and avoid large quantities of vitamin K-rich foods. Why? Because sudden increases in vitamin K could interact with your medication. That could lead to increased or decreased blood clotting.

Can you take vitamin K supplements every day?

Vitamin K has no known toxicity, so its generally safe to take it on a daily basis.

Keep in mind, though, that most people dont need to supplement with vitamin K at all. The daily recommended amount of vitamin K is pretty easy to get just through the foods that you eat.

If you dont eat many foods that are high in vitamin K, or if you have questions about your vitamin K levels, ask a doctor for their advice.

Vitamin K refers to a group of fat-soluble nutrients, including K1 and K2.

K1 is primarily found in plant foods like leafy greens while K2 is concentrated in certain animal products and fermented foods.

Vitamin K supplements are safe and not associated with toxicity or side effects in healthy people. If you take certain medications (like blood thinners), though, be aware of your vitamin K intake and have your levels monitored regularly.

Most people get enough vitamin K through their diet. Vitamin K deficiency is extremely rare, but it can happen if you have certain medical conditions.

If youre interested in supplementing with vitamin K, talk with a doctor. They can help you decide if its necessary and find the right dosage for you.

Read this article:

Vitamin K: What It Does and How to Get More - Greatist

Pharmacists may provide nutritional counseling regarding dietary adjustments or recommendations for over-the-counter supplements to assist patient with cancer.

Breast cancer accounts for 16% of all female cancers. Malnutrition may increase mortality and morbidity risk, and lengthens the cancer recovery process. Patients with cancer who undergo chemotherapy often experience adverse effects, such as early satiety, food aversions, loss of smell, loss of taste, and nausea, that prevent adequate food intake.

Previous studies have found that dietary intake of certain vitamins decreased in women undergoing chemotherapy treatment. One study observed that vitamins A, B3, and B6 intake were below the recommended value. Another study detected an inadequate dietary intake of vitamins B1,B2, B3, B6, and C.

The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health recently published a survey that assessed the impact of breast cancer treatment on dietary intake. Researchers surveyed women with noninvasive cancer undergoing chemotherapy for 3 consecutive daysbefore, during, and after treatment.

A computer program evaluated the nutritional value of food with regard to 13 vitamins: A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8, B9, B12, C, D, E, and K.

An analysis determined that intake of vitamins B2, B3, B5, and B8 decreased during and after chemotherapy compared to pre-treatment.

A separate analysis showed that during and after treatment, a deficit risk was possible with vitamins B5, B8, and B12.

Women who did not meet the Estimated Average Requirement for vitamin intake prior to treatment experienced even further reduction in vitamin intake post-treatment.

Is this decrease in vitamin intake important? Do patients need dietary supplementation?

The authors noted that a low dietary intake does not necessarily mean vitamin levels in the body are inadequate. Vitamin absorption and bioavailability varies from one person to another; therefore, blood samples are a better marker of malnutrition.

Prior to health care providers advising patients to take over-the-counter vitamin supplements, patients need a thorough evaluation. Lack of a given macronutrient can be detrimental, but so is having too much.

Sometimes nutritional counseling regarding dietary adjustments may be enough.

Justyna Sudyka is a 2021 PharmD candidate at the University of Connecticut in Storrs.

REFERENCE

Morales-Surez-Varela M, Ruiz Simon A, Blanch Tormo S, et al. Effect of breast cancer treatment on dietary vitamin intake levels.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021; 18(1):19. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18010019

Read the original post:

Breast Cancer Treatment Associated with Lower Vitamin B Intake - Pharmacy Times

First there was Atkins diet, then keto, and a range of raw and other dietary fads. These days, gut health is all the rage. And the best way to take care of the good microorganisms in the gut, according to doctors and research, is to nourish them with healthy foods.

The word "bacteria" usually has a negative connotation. People associate it with scary infections and being sick. In reality, the body is full of "good" bacteria that is needed to function properly. Good bacteria exists everywhere in our body, including the gut, and therefore play a crucial role in digestion and overall well-being.

The trillions of microbes that live in our gut have an important role, often helping to keep us healthy, but they have also been tied to increased risk of chronic conditions such as arthritis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

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Several nutrients play a key role in gut health. "You need both soluble and insoluble fiber, a combination that helps to stimulate digestion," said Amy Gorin, a registered dietician nutritionist and owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition in the New York City area.

Soluble fiber, which attracts water and slows digestion, helps to add bulk and move food through the gut. "Benefits (of eating fiber-rich foods) include lowering cholesterol, stabilizing blood sugars, and feeding healthy gut bacteria," according to Kayla Fitzgerald, a registered dietitian and nutritionist at Nutrition Rites, a nutrition counseling center.

Insoluble fibers, which cant be completely digested, pass through our GI (gastrointestinal) tract mostly intact, Fitzgerald noted. Benefits include preventing constipation and reducing the risk of developing diverticular disease and colon cancer.

"You also want to look to foods that offer probiotics, beneficial bacteria that can help your health," Gorin said. Probiotics are living microorganisms and may help everything from your gut health to your immune system, she noted. With sales booming, most people would think there must be a lot of scientific evidence behind the benefits of probiotics. However, this is not exactly the case here is everything you need to know about probiotics.

Prebiotics, which basically serve as food for probiotics, are also important for gut health, Fitzgerald said. A fair amount of foods contain both microorganisms. But those who consider adding them to their diet as supplements should talk to their doctor to ensure these supplements would not interact with any medications and that the strain considered is the right one in case of a specific medical condition, she noted.

To compile a list of some of the best foods for gut health, 24/7 Tempo consulted registered dietitians and nutritionists and reviewed several studies on what benefits certain foods may have on the gut microbiota.

Beans(Photo: FotografiaBasica / Getty Images)

Legumes in general have been shown to benefit gut health due to protein and carbs they contain. Beans, in particular, offer a combination of soluble and insoluble fiber, according to Gorin. "Fiber is great for stimulating digestion, as well as feeding gut bacteria." White and kidney beans, for example, are often used in a variety of dishes such as salads, stews, soups, and grain bowls.

Oatmeal(Photo: AnnaPustynnikova / Getty Images)

Whole grains such as oatmeal supply fiber both soluble and insoluble fiber, according to Gorin. A high-fiber diet will help you bulk up the weight and size of your stool, which can make it easier to pass, she added.

Those considering adding oatmeal to their diet should consider doing it gradually so as to slowly increase the fiber intake to decrease the risk of bloating and gas, according to Gorin. "And make sure to drink plenty of water."

Fermented dairy(Photo: ToscaWhi / Getty Images)

"Fermented foods, such as Greek yogurt and kefir, can be helpful for gut health," Gorin said. She suggests adding a probiotic-containing Greek yogurt to any salad dressing with crudits, or blend kefir into a berry smoothie.

Probiotics(Photo: RomarioIen / Getty Images)

When it comes to gut health and probiotics, you want to look for a few specific things when purchasing supplements. "One is that you want to make sure the probiotic you're buying has some research behind it to show a benefit in the area -- in this case, gut health that you're looking for," Gorin said. Some strains have been shown to have benefits for people with irritable bowel syndrome, according to Gorin. Other strains help keep gut health strong while a person is taking antibiotics. "Also look to see that the probiotic lists the genus, species, and strain."

Dark chocolate(Photo: Svetl / Getty Images)

Dark chocolate helps gut health not because of something in the sweet treat, but because of how good bacteria living in our gut interact with antioxidants and fiber in cocoa. It contains polyphenols, which are compounds with antioxidant properties, that help the production of healthy microbes in the colon.

"However, the amount of cocoa tested to produce these results was a rather large amount, which means the harmful effects of all the sugar and fats would likely outweigh any real gut health benefits," Fitzgerald said. It can still be enjoyed in moderation. "Look for higher percentages of cocoa as that means it contains less sugar."

Blueberries(Photo: BrianAJackson / Getty Images)

Blueberries are an antioxidant powerhouse. The small fruit enhances the gut microprofile, according to the Plants for Human Health Institute, a North Carolina State University research and education organization. Its research has shown that blueberries can serve as anti-inflammatory agents in the gut by stimulating the production of healthy gut bacteria.

Broccoli(Photo: Serena Williamson / Getty Images)

This may not be enough to win over broccoli haters, but there is evidence, according to Penn State University researchers, that cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, contain an organic compound called indole glucosinolates that breaks down in the stomach. They help the gut flora maintain a healthy balance between good and bad bacteria. Broccoli also helps reduce inflammation in the colon.

Tempeh(Photo: AndiArman / Getty Images)

Fermented foods are a good source of probiotics, which some research suggests may improve gut health. Tempeh, a meat substitute, is made from fermented soybeans. One study has found that soy tempeh may stimulate the growth of Bifidobacteria, which have been added to many foods due to their healthy properties. Tempeh may also improve gut health by boosting nutrient absorption.

Bananas(Photo: bhofack2 / Getty Images)

Bananas are one of the best sources of prebiotics, which can be thought of as the food for probiotics, according to Fitzgerald. Bananas contain resistant starch, which ferments in the large intestine and basically becomes food for the good bacteria in the gut, improving gut health.

Artichokes(Photo: Funwithfood / Getty Images)

Artichokes are another great source for prebiotics. They are rich in inulin, a prebiotic that breaks down in the colon, stimulating the production of healthy bacteria and preventing the growth of bad bacteria. It also helps with water and electrolyte absorption, which are essential for overall good health.

Green peas(Photo: Martin Barraud / Getty Images)

Peas are a good source of soluble fiber, Fitzgerald said. Soluble fibers "help to add bulk and move food through the gut." Other benefits of soluble fiber include lowering cholesterol, stabilizing blood sugars, and feeding healthy gut bacteria, she noted. Fiber stimulates the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. There is evidence that people on fiber-rich diets have more indolepropionic acid, an anti-inflammatory chemical made by gut bacteria, which may help prevent diabetes, according to a recent Finnish study.

Whole grains(Photo: egal / Getty Images)

In general, one of the best sources of fiber, other than fruits and vegetables, are whole grains, Fitzgerald noted. Whole grains contain indigestible fiber, which is fermented by the gut microbiota, producing fatty acids that help maintain proper gut health. Whole grains help reduce the amount of Enterobacteriaceae, bacteria found in the intestinal flora that can trigger inflammation, according to a 2017 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Raspberries(Photo: KateSmirnova / Getty Images)

A preliminary study by the Institute for Food Safety and Health from the Illinois Institute of Technology has shown that red raspberries may help improve the ratio of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, bacteria generally dominant in the gut. The ratio usually decreases with age. Raspberries are also very high in fiber, which is good for gut bacteria and food digestion.

Green tea(Photo: Chiociolla / Getty Images)

Green tea is a good source of polyphenols, which help the production of healthy microbes in the colon. Consumption of green tea has been shown to increase the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio and levels of short-chained fatty acids, which are key to good gut health. Green tea also helps reduce Fusobacterium, a bacteria that may cause numerous infections and colorectal cancer.

Kimchi(Photo: Nungning20 / Getty Images)

Pickled vegetables that have been fermented naturally not using vinegar are a rich source of probiotics. Some of the known benefits of kimchi, aside from helping with constipation and colorectal health promotion, may include anti-cancer and obesity, cholesterol reduction, and boosting the immune system.

Sweet potato(Photo: tashka2000 / Getty Images)

Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, which research has shown to protect against colon cancer. Dietary fiber is not digested in the small intestine. The fiber makes it to the colon, where it promotes healthy composition of gut microbiota. Antioxidants in purple sweet potatoes stimulate the growth of healthy gut bacteria, including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, two probiotic strains that also play a role in preventing and treating certain infections.

Walnuts(Photo: seb_ra / Getty Images)

A 2018 study from the University of Illinois shows that walnuts play a key role in keeping the gut in a healthy balance between good and bad bacteria. They are rich in fiber, which the microbiota needs in order to digest food and absorb nutrients. Consuming walnuts increases microbes that produce butyrate, a fatty acid important for colonic health. The nuts also lead to higher levels of Faecalibacterium in the body, which reduces inflammation.

24/7 Wall Street is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news and commentary. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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17 of the best foods for your gut health including dark chocolate, raspberries and sweet potatoes - USA TODAY

Dietary Supplement Marketapplies the most effective of each primary and secondary analysis to weighs upon the competitive landscape and also the outstanding market players expected to dominate Dietary Supplement Market place for the forecast 2020 2025.

Scope of The Dietary Supplement MarketReport:

User attitude is very optimistic regarding dietary supplements with included wellness and health benefits. Increasing healthcare costs, increasing geriatric population, food innovation, changing lifestyle, expectations regarding their higher costs, and medical discoveries have assisted the product demand as well as the global market growth.

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Dietary supplement is described as a product aimed to supplement the diet and has any of a number of elements such as: herbs, minerals, vitamins, or other amino or botanical acids. Dietary supplements are intended to be consumed orally and come in capsule, pill, powder, tablet, or liquid form.

By ingredient, the global dietary supplement market is divided into botanicals, vitamins, minerals, protein & amino acids, enzymes, and others. By product the global dietary supplement market is divided into tablets, capsules, powder, liquid, soft gels, and gel caps. By application the global dietary supplement market is divided into additional supplements, medicinal supplements, and sports supplements. By distribution channel the global dietary supplement market is divided into pharmacies & drug stores, supermarkets & hypermarkets, online, and others.

Dietary Supplement Manufacturers

The major players included in the global dietary supplement market forecast are,

Dietary Supplement Market Key Market Segments:

Ingredient:Vitamins, Botanicals, Minerals, Proteins & Amino Acids, Fibers & Specialty Carbohydrates, Omega Fatty Acids, Others

By Form:Tablets, Capsules, Soft gels, Powders, Gummies, Liquids, Others

Application:Energy & Weight Management, General Health, Bone & Joint Health ,Gastrointestinal Health, Immunity, Cardiac Health, Diabetes, Anti-cancer, Others

End user:Adults, Geriatric, Pregnant Women, Children, Infants

Distribution Channel:OTC, Prescribed

Dietary Supplement Market Report Provides Comprehensive Analysis on Following:

The report also focuses on the global major leading industry players of the Global Dietary Supplement market providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue, and contact information.

Rise In Disposable Income And Rapid Urbanization Are Predicted To Power The Growth Of The Dietary Supplement Market Over The Coming Years

Increasing health issues together with altering diets and lifestyles has increased the product requirement. Positive outlook towards sports nutrition is amongst the primary drivers of the market. Rise in the number of worldwide sports event such as Indian Premium league and Big Bash have obliged athletes to aim on their physical strength. Moreover, increase in the number of gymnasiums and sports complex is predicted to power the growth. User attitude is very optimistic regarding dietary supplements with included wellness and health benefits. Increasing healthcare costs, increasing geriatric population, food innovation, changing lifestyle, expectations regarding their higher costs, and medical discoveries have assisted the product demand as well as the global market growth.

Rise in disposable income, rapid urbanization, and increasing user awareness related to health issues are predicted to power the growth of the market over the coming years. Favorable outlook towards medical nutrition due to the high occurrence of cardiovascular diseases together with weight management initiatives is predicted to power the product requirement. Rising requirement of organic products in Argentina, US, and Australia has obliged regulatory agencies to frame supportive rules to elevate production output for organic items that will lead to lowered application in the upcoming years for dietary supplements.

What our report offers:

Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments

Strategic recommendations for the new entrants

Market forecasts for a minimum of 9 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets

Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)

Strategic analysis: Drivers and Constraints, Product/Technology Analysis, Porters five forces analysis, SWOT analysis etc.

Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations

Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends

Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments

Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Increasing Requirement For Sports Nutrition Is Predicted To Have A Major Role In Growth Of The Dietary Supplement Market In North America

Increasing requirement for sports nutrition due to rising significance of active lifestyle together with increasing awareness related to the advantages of protein consumption is predicted to have a major role in growth of the market in North America. Moreover, increasing consciousness related to the usage of proteins for sustaining optimum nutrition levels and maintaining the muscle mass amongst middle-aged people in developed countries comprising Canada and US is predicted to increase demand.

In Europe, increasing protein usage in developed areas such as UK and Germany is predicted to power the consumption of amino acids for the making of dietary supplements over the coming period. Moreover, increasing sales of multivitamin products specifically, vitamin C and B in light of their rising adoption amongst bodybuilders and working professionals is predicted to have a solid affect on the developed regions in coming future.

Market by Regional Analysis

North America (USA, Canada, Mexico), Europe (UK, France, Germany, Russia, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, South Korea, India, Japan, Rest of Asia-Pacific), LAMEA, Latin America, Middle East, Africa

Table of Content

Chapter 1 Global Dietary Supplement Market: Summary and Quantitative Analysis1.1 Report Description1.2 Global Dietary Supplement Market Revenue Overview1.3 Global Dietary Supplement Market Revenue (USD Billion) and Growth (%) Rate, 2015- 2025

Chapter 2 Global Dietary Supplement Market: Overview and Qualitative Analysis2.1 Executive Summary2.2 Market Drivers2.2.1 Increasing need to improve the process in order to comply with new standards is anticipated to witness a high growth of Dietary Supplement Market2.3 Market Restraints2.4 Market Opportunities2.5 Market Trends2.6 Global Dietary Supplement Market: SWOT Analysis2.7 Global Dietary Supplement Market: PEST Analysis2.8 Global Dietary Supplement Market: Attractiveness Analysis2.8.1 Global Dietary Supplement Market: Attractiveness Analysis by Type2.8.2 Global Dietary Supplement Market: Attractiveness Analysis by Grade2.8.3 Global Dietary Supplement Market: Attractiveness Analysis by Regional

Chapter 3 Competitive Analysis3.1 Global Dietary Supplement Market3.1.1 Global Dietary Supplement market Revenue (USD Billion), By Players 20183.1.2 Global Dietary Supplement Market Revenue Share (%), By Players 2018

Chapter 5 Global Dietary Supplement Market: By Types5.1 Global Dietary Supplement Market Share (%), By Types, 20185.2 Global Dietary Supplement Market Revenue (USD Billion), By Types, 2015 20255.3 Global Dietary Supplement Market Revenue (USD Billion), Based,2015-20255.4 Global Dietary Supplement Market Revenue (USD Billion), Based,2015-20255.5 Global Dietary Supplement Market Revenue Share (%), By Types, 2015 20255.6 Global Dietary Supplement Market Revenue Market Share (%), By Types, 2015-2025

Continued.

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Brandessence market research publishes market research reports & business insights produced by highly qualified and experienced industry analysts. Our research reports are available in a wide range of industry verticals including aviation, food & beverage, healthcare, ICT, Construction, Chemicals and lot more. Brand Essence Market Research report will be best fit for senior executives, business development managers, marketing managers, consultants, CEOs, CIOs, COOs, and Directors, governments, agencies, organizations and Ph.D. Students. We have a delivery center in Pune, India and our sales office is in London.

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Dietary Supplement Market Recent Trends, Demand, Challenges and Opportunities with Industry Size, Share Analysis by Segmentation, Competitive...

Last Updated : 12 April 2013

There are numerous food supplements on the market, but whom are they for? When are they beneficial, ineffective or even harmful? In this article we explore the general recommendations on taking food supplements.

The idea behind food supplements, also called dietary or nutritional supplements, is to deliver nutrients that may not be consumed in sufficient quantities. Food supplements can be vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and other substances delivered in the form of pills, tablets, capsules, liquid, etc.1 Supplements are available in a range of doses, and in different combinations. However, only a certain amount of each nutrient is needed for our bodies to function, and higher amounts are not necessarily better. At high doses, some substances may have adverse effects, and may become harmful. For the reason of safeguarding consumers health, supplements can therefore only be legally sold with an appropriate daily dose recommendation, and a warning statement not to exceed that dose.

Supplement use varies in Europe. For example it is common in Germany and Denmark (43% and 59% of the adult population respectively) but is less so in Ireland and Spain (23% and 9% respectively). Women use supplements more than men.2,3,4,5,6

Supplements are not a substitute for a balanced healthy diet.1 A diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, adequate protein, and healthy fats should normally provide all the nutrients needed for good health. Most European countries agree that messages aimed at the general public should focus on food-based dietary guidelines.7 Supplements do not feature in these guidelines, but there are certain population groups or individuals who may need advice about supplements, even when they eat a healthy balanced diet, i.e. women of childbearing age, individuals on specific medications.

Partly due to our modern lifestyle, not everyone manages to eat a healthy diet. In Europe, dietary surveys have suggested that there are suboptimal intakes for several micronutrients.2,8 The EU-funded EURRECA project found inadequate intakes for vitamin C, vitamin D, folic acid, calcium, selenium and iodine.9 A recent comparison of national surveys showed widespread concern about vitamin D intakes, whereas certain age groups are more likely to have low intakes of minerals.2 For example, there is concern about adequate intakes of iron amongst teenage girls in Denmark, France, Poland, Germany and the UK.2 Poor iron status in young women also increases the risk of infants being born with low-birth weight, iron deficiency and delayed brain development.10 Folate status is also critical for women who may become pregnant. They are advised to take folic acid before conception, and continue for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. An adequate folate status can decrease the risk of having a baby with neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Recent research suggests that 5070% of Europeans have poor vitamin D status.2,11,12 Since vitamin D status is dependent not only on dietary intake but also exposure to UV light, there may be a stronger case for advising supplements for vitamin D in Northern European countries. In some countries (including UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and Sweden) there are already recommendations for certain groups in the population to take a vitamin D supplement, although there are calls for more research.

Other common concerns are shown in Table 1, although groups considered at risk are not the same in different countries.

Population group

Nutrients

People over age 50

Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, folate

Frail elderly may benefit from a low-dose multivitamin supplement.

Women of childbearing age

Folic acid and vitamin D, possibly iron

Children under age 5

Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, although children with a good appetite who eat a wide variety of food may not need them.

Breastfeeding individuals

Vitamin D

People with insufficient sun exposure or darker skin

Vitamin D

Vegans

Vitamin B12, vitamin D2

Particular risks for specific population groups Despite having a role in the health of some individuals, not all supplements are useful for everybody. In fact, for some people, it is not advisable to take certain supplements, in particular in high doses. Some studies show multivitamins can contribute to an increased risk of excessive nutrient intakes, and it has been suggested that multivitamins should be formulated with greater consideration for the intakes of micronutrients from foods.2 Individuals should pay particular attention to reading the label and assure that a supplement is suitable for them. For pregnant woman, for example, supplements containing vitamin A (retinol) including fish liver oil may be harmful and cause birth defects if the recommended dose is greatly exceeded, or exceeded over an extended period of time.

Studies have also highlighted that smokers should be wary of some supplements, in particular high doses of beta-carotene. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has considered the evidence in this area and has concluded that exposure to -carotene below 15 mg/day is safe in the general population, including smokers.13

Some population groups are advised to take specific supplements. The overall message is: follow a healthy, balanced diet, carefully read labels of supplements and fortified foods, and avoid taking multiple doses that exceed the Recommended Daily Amounts (RDAs). In case of doubt, seek advice from a dietitian or medical doctor before choosing a dietary supplement.

Read more here:

What are Food Supplements and Who Needs Them?: (EUFIC)

SOURCES: Institute of Medicine Food and Nutrition Board, Dietary Reference Intakes: "Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D and Fluoride." National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 1999. Journal of Nutrition, October 2005. Position paper of the American Dietetic Association on Food Fortification and Supplementation, Journal of the American Dietetic Association, August 2005. Michael Holick, MD, PhD, professor of medicine, physiology, and biophysics, Boston University Medical Center. Andrew Shoa, PhD, vice president for regulatory affairs, Council for Responsible Nutrition. Alice Lichtenstein, DSc, director and senior scientist, Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory, Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University. Dave Grotto, RD, spokesman, American Dietetic Association; author, 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life. Eduardo Baetti, MD, rheumatologist; Kaiser Permanente. Patrick Rea, editorial director, Nutrition Business Journal. Kristine Clark, PhD, RD, director of sports nutrition, Penn State University. Vasilios Frankos, PhD, Division of Dietary Supplement Programs, FDA. Sarubin, A. The Health Professionals Guide to Popular Dietary Supplements, American Dietetic Association, Chicago, IL, 2000. FDA. WebMD Weight Loss Clinic Feature: "Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D?" National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: "Questions and Answers About Homeopathy."

Link:

The Truth Behind the Top 10 Dietary Supplements

Whatever else weve learned from the race to come up with a COVID-19 vaccine, its clear that consumers depend on federal authorities to make sure the medicines we take are safe and effective.

So why do those same authorities all but shrug off the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements those over-the-counter herbal and holistic remedies intended to address potentially serious ailments?

These products are sold without any requirement for upfront evidence of effectiveness and without a need for regulatory approval prior to being offered to consumers.

While many if not most supplements are benign and pose no apparent health threat to the public, the largely free rein given to the $35-billion industry creates an unwelcome opportunity for unscrupulous businesspeople to indulge their worst tendencies.

Case in point: Checks worth a total of nearly $775,000 are currently being mailed to more than 13,000 consumers nationwide as part of a settlement between the Federal Trade Commission and a Colorado supplements company called AS Research.

The settlement involves a supplement called Synovia, intended to relieve arthritis and joint pain.

The FTC found that AS Research made misleading health claims and used phony testimonials, including one in which a user said he gave away his walker after using Synovia.

The complaint says theres no truth to AS Researchs claims that Synovia is clinically proven to significantly reduce arthritis pain and restore damaged cartilage.

It also says AS Research tried to get customers to upgrade to an enhanced version of Synovia for an extra $9.95 beyond the standard cost of nearly $70, including shipping, for a one-month supply.

In fact, the complaint says, Defendants ship the same product to all consumers, whether or not they pay an additional $9.95 per bottle.

An FTC spokesman told me about 10% of the Synovia settlement cash is going to California residents.

No one at AS Research responded to my requests for comment. The settlement says the owners of the company neither admit nor deny any of the allegations against them.

The practices described by the FTC are obviously skeevy. But weve seen a number of similar instances in recent years, and especially since the outset of the pandemic.

In one such case, I wrote in April about the FTC cracking down on a Los Angeles businessman named Marc Ching, whose company, Whole Leaf Organics, sold a supplement called Thrive that purportedly treats, prevents or reduces the risk of COVID-19.

The company represented that the benefits of Thrive are clinically or scientifically proven, the FTCs complaint says. In fact, there is no competent and reliable scientific evidence that Thrive or any of its ingredients treats, prevents or reduces the risk of COVID-19.

A Los Angeles Times investigation subsequently found that Ching allegedly engaged in troubling practices involving pet-related businesses and an animal-rescue charity.

The questionable supplements sold by both AS Research and Whole Leaf Organics could have been stopped in their tracks if the Food and Drug Administration required supplement makers to meet safety and efficacy requirements similar to those for makers of prescription drugs.

Pharmaceuticals have to undergo multiple tests and trials before theyre approved for use by consumers. The process typically takes years, although the urgency of finding a COVID vaccine accelerated things in a big way.

Supplements, on the other hand, are largely unregulated prior to hitting store shelves.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements are responsible for ensuring that their products are safe and lawful, well-manufactured and properly labeled, and the FDA is authorized to take action when it identifies a violation, said Courtney Rhodes, a spokeswoman for the agency.

In other words, the FDA will weigh in only after a problem arises. The FTC, for its part, focuses on potentially deceptive marketing practices, which, again, typically come to light only after a product goes on sale.

Currently, the FDA has no systematic way of knowing what dietary supplement products are on the market, when new products are introduced or what they contain, Rhodes acknowledged.

The FDA has proposed strengthening its oversight of supplements, but Congress has shown no interest in giving it that power.

Thats clearly not good enough, as recent crackdowns demonstrate.

Daniel Fabricant, chief executive of the Natural Products Assn., a trade group representing the supplements industry, told me theres no need for supplements to be overseen as rigorously as prescription drugs.

They look like drugs, but theyre not drugs, he said. Thats like saying we should put orange juice through clinical trials to make sure it contains vitamin C.

Yeah, no.

Federal law says companies cant claim a supplement will cure an illness but they can say a supplement may be good for addressing certain conditions. For example, you cant say melatonin will cure insomnia but you can say it may help you get to sleep.

The problem is that, in the eyes of at least some consumers, this may be a distinction without a difference.

Walk through the supplements aisle of any big drugstore and its hard not to come away with the impression that the various bottles of pills have medicinal value.

At the very least, the FDA should require that supplement companies demonstrate upfront that their products can do what they say perhaps not as meticulously as testing for prescription drugs, but at least enough to satisfy modest safety concerns.

Cracking down after a health-related product reaches store shelves seems wholly inadequate.

Particularly at a time like this.

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Dietary supplements are largely unregulated. That's just dumb - Los Angeles Times

Colon cancer prevention involves following a healthy lifestyle for instance, exercising and not smoking and periodically getting a screening test such as a colonoscopy. But what impact do diet and medications have? A recent review of 80 statistical analyses published over the last 40 years explored this question. The review was published online Oct. 1, 2020, by the journal Gut.

Over all, the results were disappointing in that no specific drug, food, or supplement stood out in the body of evidence. Yet some of the reviewed studies did show a link between a lower risk of colon cancer and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve) and a higher intake of fruits, vegetables, and fiber. But other studies did not.

The findings did not provide clear-cut information on doses and durations of supplements and food or whether certain ones were better. Most importantly, there is no proof that NSAIDs prevent colon cancer in the general population, and therefore you should not take an NSAID just for cancer prevention unless advised by your doctor. But making some nutritional adjustments in your diet, like adding more fruits and vegetables and getting more fiber is reasonable, since these offer other health benefits as well.

Disclaimer:As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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Certain foods and drugs may lower risk of colon cancer - Harvard Health - Harvard Health

Cold and flu season in conjunction with a global pandemic naturally makes people focus on ways they can support their immune system. While there is no food that will be a magic bullet to preventing you from contracting a cold, the flu, COVID-19, or otherwise, there are nutrients that have been shown to help people support their immune system and possibly reduce the duration or symptom severity of these conditions.

And while some supplement companies may try and convince you that you need to take a fistful of pills to keep your body healthy, dietitians will agree that many key nutrients can very easily be obtained through your diet. Nutrients that have been scientifically-proven to support a healthy immune system (some of which have been linked to COVID-19 specifically) include vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, and vitamin D.

Leaning on snack time is a great way to sneak in immune-supporting vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional features. Instead of noshing on candy, sodas, and other foods that don't offer much in the nutrition department, try eating some of these dietitian-recommended, snacks for immunity instead. Read on, and for more on how to eat healthy, don't miss 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.

California raisins are naturally sweet with no added sugar, and satisfy my 3 PM sweet tooth just as well as sugar-packed candy. But when I am choosing raisins instead of candy, I am choosing a food that naturally contains fiber (7% DV) and potassium (6% DV). Fiber particularly soluble fiber has been shown to positively affect gut microbiota. And since our microbiota plays a key role in our immune function, noshing on fiber-rich foods can help support your immune system in a naturally sweet way.

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"Many people think of just including sweet potatoes at a meal, but they also make for a great snack option. Sweet potatoes are high in Vitamins A and C as well as several antioxidants, making them a great ally for your immune system. Consider throwing them in hummus or sweet potato cookie dough bonus is that kids will love it too! " Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RDN of Bucket List Tummy.

"Snacking on bell peppers gives a natural boost of vitamin C. Pair it with hummus for some gut-friendly fiber to further support the immune system." Melissa Groves Azzaro, RDN, LD, registered dietitian and author of A Balanced Approach to PCOS

"With the interest in immune support foods and supplements, I always like to remind my clients that there are foods beyond the produce patch that also offer the nutrients commonly associated with immune health, like zinc, Vitamin D, iron, and folate. While I certainly encourage consumption of fresh and frozen fruits like berries when available, given the state of the pandemic again it's often challenging to access these for many.

Enter: fortified breakfast cereal! Choose a brand that offers whole grains and fortified nutrients like zinc, iron, vitamin D, and folate. Many often supply 100% of your daily iron needs, as well as 15 to 20% of your daily zinc, vitamin D, and folate needs. A win-win for all!" Elizabeth Shaw, MS RDN CPT, Nutrition Expert at ShawSimpleSwaps.com and author of The Air Fryer Cookbook For Dummies, 2020.

"Sliced apple and peanut butter is one of my favorite snacks for supporting the immune system. Make sure to eat the apple skins because they have nearly all of the quercetin apples offer. Quercetin is a plant compound that helps reduce your risk for infection. Peanut butter packs protein that your body uses to make the cells it needs to fight off germs. Two tablespoons of peanut butter are a good source manganese and supply zinc, two must-have minerals for a strong immune system." Liz Ward MS, RDN, registered dietitian and co-author of The Menopause Diet Plan

"Tea contains polyphenols and flavonoids, antioxidants which may help keep your immune system strong. Grate some ginger and add it to your tea for an added bonus. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties to help fight infections. Spice up your tea with lemon and ginger, cinnamon and honey." Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, registered dietitian nutritionist and author of Finally Full, Finally Slim. For more, check out12 Side Effects of Drinking Tea Every Day.

"Sardines are rich in 3 key nutrients that can benefit the immune system: (1) Zinc: a mineral that plays an important role in the production of immune cells. Even a mild deficiency of zinc will affect your immune system. (2) Omega-3 fatty acids: these are good fats typically associated with heart health, but they may also enhance white blood cell activity. And (3) Vitamin D: studies have shown that it can encourage certain cells to fight infection."

"A suggestion is to make sardine toast: Just mix crushed sardines with lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped onion and place on toasted whole-grain bread." Elena Paravantes RDN, registered dietitian nutritionist and creator of olivetomato.com

"Foods rich in zinc, like beef, have been shown to support the immune system by fighting inflammation and may even help shorten the duration of the common cold!" Elise Compston, RD, registered dietitian and owner of Compston Kitchen

Smoothies are a quick and easy way to sneak in a slew of nutrients with little fuss. Using fortified orange juice will give your concoction a boost of vitamin C and vitamin D two nutrients that help support a healthy immune system.

Since people with low vitamin D levels are more susceptible to colds, the flu, and respiratory infections, choosing fortified orange juice is key during cold and flu season.

For more, check out these27 Best Immune-Boosting Smoothie Recipes.

Just 8 strawberries contain almost 100% of the daily value of vitamin C along with other key nutrients to help keep us healthy. The chocolate covering is used simply because chocolate is delish! Continue to protect yourself from infection with these11 Best Immune-Boosting Foods to Fight COVID-19, Say Doctors.

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10 Best Snacks to Boost Your Immunity From Dietitians - Eat This, Not That

TheGlobal Nutritional Supplements MarketStudy contains data that has been precisely analyzed in depth on the different models and factors influencing the industrial expansion of the Nutritional Supplements market.Increasing awareness about health benefits of nutritional supplements is driving growth of the global nutritional supplement market. Nutritional supplements are used in order to treat nutritional deficiency in the human body. Nutritional supplements consist of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other necessary ingredients. Health benefits associated with consumption of nutritional supplements are reduction in signs of aging and improved cardiovascular health, among others. There has been increasing focus among women on maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails, as well as a rising need to prevent premature skin aging, and rising preference for effective and safe beauty solutions. Such factors are expected to drive growth of the nutritional supplements market.

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Revenue and cost profit analysis of major player dominating the Nutritional Supplements market Abbott Laboratories, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), American Health, Inc., Amway Corporation, Arkopharma Laboratoires Pharmaceutiques, Ayanda, DuPont, DSM, the Natures Bounty Co., Herbalife International of America, Inc, Stepan Company, Pfizer Inc., Nestle S.A., Natures Sunshine, and GlaxoSmithKline.

Detailed Segmentation:

Global Nutritional Supplements Market, By Ingredient:

Global Nutritional Supplements Market, By Form:

Global Nutritional Supplements Market, By Product Type:

Rising demand for organic and natural products is aiding growth of the global nutritional supplements market. According to the Organic Trade Association, the sales of organic products in the U.S. were valued at US$ 52.5 Million in 2018, which was an increase of 6.3% from 2017. Moreover, according to the Plant Based Food Association, the sales of plant-based food increased by 20% in 2018 compared to 2017.Key players operating in the nutritional supplements market are focused on launching organic and natural products in order to cater to rising consumer demand. For instance, in April 2019, Garden of Life, a manufacturer of certified organic vitamins and supplements, launched Garden of Life Collagen Beauty, Garden of Life Collagen Peptides, and Garden of Life Collagen Turmeric, which are non-GMO (genetically modified organism) certified, keto certified, paleo certified, and gluten free to support health of skin, hair, and nails.

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Nutritional Supplements Market Size-Share Analysis and System Production (2020-2027) | Addressing the Potential Impact of COVID-19 by Abbott...

Dublin, Dec. 15, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Astaxanthin Market - Sources, Technologies and Applications" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The report reviews, analyzes and projects the global Astaxanthin market for the period 2017-2026 in terms of volume consumption in metric tons, market value in US$ and the compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) projected from 2019 through to 2026 with a special focus on y-o-y growth for 2019-2020.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on astaxanthin demand is expected to differ in intensity depending on their end-use application and region. Sharpest declines would be expected in astaxanthin for dietary supplements, cosmetics and aqua feed sectors. Demand for astaxanthin in poultry feed and food & beverages, although less than the normal growth, is expected to be somewhat better compared to other applications.

Volume consumption of Astaxanthin in Asia-Pacific is slated to post the fastest corresponding period CAGR and reach a projected 90 metric tons by 2026. Impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for astaxanthin across the globe is forecast to decline in 2020, with North America being hit hardest by the pandemic registering a negative YOY growth of 9.7%, followed by South America, Japan and Asia-Pacific in 2020 compared to 2019.

Research Findings & Coverage

Product Outline

The report analyzes the market for the key types of Astaxanthin (based on raw materials) including:

Major application areas of Astaxanthin analyzed in this study comprise the following:

Geographic Coverage

Synthetic Astaxanthin

Haematococcus Pluvialis Microalgae

Paracoccus Carotinifaciens Bacteria

KEY BUSINESS TRENDS

COMPANY PROFILES

Synthetic Astaxanthin

Natural Source Astaxanthin

Haematococcus Pluvialis Microalgae Astaxanthin Manufacturers

Cultivation Technology, Extraction and Other Services Providers

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/sz08cs

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

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Global Astaxanthin Market Report 2020: Sources, Technologies and Applications 2017-2026 - GlobeNewswire

FAIRFIELD, Conn. Dec. 14, 2020 The COVID-19 crisis has put the world on the brink of a nutrition crisis, Save the Children warned in a new report today, with pandemic-related malnutrition projected to kill an average of 153 children a day over the next two years if action is not taken.

In addition, a COVID-19-induced spike in the number of global malnutrition cases could push an additional 9.3 million[i] children to suffer from wasting, a result of acute malnutrition that can lead to death.

The impact of COVID-19 has led to an increase in poverty, a loss of livelihoods and less access to health and nutrition services, pushing up rates of hunger and malnutrition. In its new report, Nutrition Critical, Save the Children said that the pandemic could reverse years of progress made in the battle against malnutrition, with children in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa being hardest hitespecially those in poorer households or in crises and conflict zones.

Even before the pandemic hit, many communities struggled to provide children with enough healthy food, with one in three children under five suffering from malnutrition.[ii] Almost half of all of deaths among children under the age of five were linked to under-nutrition.

Before COVID-19, the school fed us meals each school day, but now the program has stopped. I hope it will start again soon, said Nassir,* a 12-year-old student in the Somali region of Ethiopia.

The COVID-19 crisis threatens to exacerbate an already dire situation. The report includes new data from the Standing Together for Nutrition consortium (STfN),[iii] which predicts that, unless we act now, an additional 168,000 children will die of malnutrition by the end of 2022.

Michelle,* a 9-year-old girl in the Democratic Republic of Congo, told Save the Children about her one-year-old sister Gloria,* who suffers from malnutrition. Every day, Michelle* carries her sister on her back to the health center to receive food supplements.

My sister has become really skinny because we do not eat well. We only eat once in the morning and in the evening, we go hungry, she said. I carry my sister on my back [to the clinic]. I just want her to get healthy again. I would like to eat twice a day, in the morning and at night.

Without action, millions more children will be at risk of suffering irreversible health damage due to a lack of nutritious foods, Save the Children warned. Vulnerable communities across the globe are already facing an extreme food emergency, as 11 million children under five are facing extreme hunger or starvation, including in five hunger hotspots caused by conflict and the effects of climate change.

In Yemen alone, recent UN data shows that some 16.2 million people will be facing high levels of acute food shortages in early 2021 as an effect of conflict and the COVID-19 outbreak. This includes 7.35 million children, with an estimated 21,338 children at risk of falling into famine.

Gabriella Waaijman, Humanitarian Director at Save the Children, said:

The COVID-19 crisis has led to a wave of new malnutrition cases among vulnerable communities, and we must stop this threat in its tracks. To truly put an end to malnutrition and hunger, we must tackle the root causes of acute nutritious food shortages. That means putting an end to global conflict, tackling changing climate, building more resilient communities, and ensuring aid workers have unhindered access to the most vulnerable communities. Investing now can prevent these deaths. The pandemic has forced us all to rethink the society we live in, giving us a chance to build back better and support children in fulfilling their potential.

To avert a nutrition crisis in the coming years, Save the Children urges governments and other organizations to take immediate action. This means:

Together with the Standing Together for Nutrition consortium, Save the Children emphasized that 2021 is a pivotal year for nutrition. The launch of its report coincided with a kick-off event this week for Nutrition for Growth 2021, convened by the governments of Canada and Bangladesh, in partnership with the government of Japan. The event celebrated new policy and financing commitments to nutrition from a range of stakeholders and formally launched a Nutrition for Growth Year of Action that includes milestone events leading up to the Summit in Tokyo in late December 2021.

*Names changed to protect identities

[i] Data from Standing Together for Nutrition Consortium.

[ii] https://www.unicef.org/reports/state-of-worlds-children-2019

[iii] Standing Together for Nutrition (STfN) is a multidisciplinary consortium of nutrition, economics, food and health system experts working to address the scale and reach of COVID-related nutrition challenges. https://micronutrientforum.org/standing-together-for-nutrition/

The report, Nutrition Critical, can be found here: https://www.savethechildren.org/content/dam/usa/reports/health/nutrition-critical-report-stc.pdf.

Save the Childrenbelieves every child deserves a future.Since our foundingmore than100 years ago, weve changed the lives of more than 1 billion children. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children every day and in times of crisis transforming their lives and the future we share. Follow us onFacebook,Instagram,TwitterandYouTube.

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Malnutrition Could Kill 153 Children Every Day Over the Next Two Years Because of COVID-19, Warns Save the Children - YubaNet

Speaking during the recent Personalized opportunities for microbiome optimization webinar, Jain, founder of Viome, said that personalization is the key to the future of health and wellness.

Any company that is not doing personalization is going to die, he said. Every person in the next five years is going to ask for foods that are personalized for them, and every ingredient is personalized for them. Its up to us to provide them with the right set of ingredients that their body needs.

Viome, said Jain, doesnt focus exclusively on the microbiome but the whole human body.

We saw that your DNA or genes are not your destiny. Your DNA never changes when you develop chronic diseases, he said.What really changes is your gene expression, and thats what we look at at Viome. And thats the gene expression of your microbiome, and of you the host. That means were looking at mitochondrial gene expression, human gene expression, oral microbial gene expression, gut microbial gene expression, on and on.

And once we understand that, then we see what pathways are being activated and how do you modulate these pathways using the foods and supplements to decrease the things that are bad and increase the things that are good?

Speaking about the state of the science, Maritte Abrahams, PhD, CEO & Founder, Qina, said that there is a lack of real-world evidence of what influences somebodys dietary or food choices that can so much impact the microbiome.

The consumer expectation is incredibly high at the moment, with what a microbiome test can tell them. From my point of view, there is a huge responsibility on industry to be transparent about the state of the science because it is early, and we dont really have great long-term data on any of the interventions, especially when it comes to the diet, on long-term health outcomes.

We need to eat every day and theres enough studies and research to show that having a diverse diet, a slightly more plant-based diet, a high-fiber diet, these are the things that we already know that we can impact the health and the diversity of the microbiome. But even that, we are not doing well.

Abrahams added that one of the big questions she gets asked over and over from her clients is about claims, and what can and cannot be communicated to consumers.

Healthcare practitioners are often asked by patients what to do, and they are the translators of the science, she said.

There is a lack of educating the practitioners on what this technology really means, and what they can really say because what they know is what they read. The questions I usually get are, what can we say? and, how far can we go?, she said.

We also know that the people who [currently] benefit from personalized nutrition solutions are the people that dont really need it, or that already have a good diet, but can afford a high-priced test, added Abrahams. And thats not really the target were looking for to reduce global medical expenses. So, accessibility is a key point. We want to make sure that with what we know, the science that we have, that we need to make healthy food affordable for everybody.

Everything about a human, no matter what measure, is individual, said Jim Kaput, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer and Cofounder, Vydiant Inc. So logically, the microbiome must be different. And to think that there is one magic microbiome, as many of the early companies [in this space] thought, was pretty simplistic.

The issue is on how to maintain an individuals healthy biome, and that is still a very open question, added Kaput, who was formerly a senior expert at the Nestl Institute of Health Sciences and before that was director of the Division of Personalized Nutrition and Medicine at the FDAs National Center for Toxicological Research.

So, the question is, because we live within ranges, and if youre within that range that is right for you then youre going to be doing pretty good. And if we can figure out that range for you, I think thats the approach were going to go to get to a definition of health for each individual. Whats your range genetically, and environmentally, and socially, and if youre within that range and if you can adapt to changes in life (and thats broadly speaking), then I think you can say youre healthy.

Marc Brush, Principal of Bend LLC, explained that he is seeing brands move away from general health and see more personalization at a granular level.

This is a hypothesis Im working on, said Brush. When we talk about personalizing, it implies this specificity about our health, but the upshot of that is a very generalized solution: Youre going to take a quiz, pull some diagnostics, and were going to make you healthier. There are some companies that are tackling a category or a claims area, one of these structure-function claims that we all know well in the supplements world, and personalize there.

Gut health would be a clear winner, but its not the only one any more. For immunity, theres a company called Big Bold Health, which is a Jeff Bland venture, that pre-COVID was trying to figure out how to take all these tools and do something different with them. Im expecting more of that, especially when you get to doctors and practitioners.

Sports is obviously an area where this is going to pop up, and even the cognition space.

Qinas Dr Abrahams added, Especially with COVID, people have realized that nutrition plays such a key role in health, but nutrition also plays a key role in microbiome health, and so people are looking at this holistic solution where people want these multi-beneficial products or solutions.

To watch the webinar on-demand, please click HERE.

The webinar was sponsored by:

Atlantia Food Clinical Trials: A world class company that performs acute, observational and intervention studies to ICH-GCP standards for the functional foods and beverages, supplements, pre- and probiotics and microbiome-based therapeutics sectors.

ADM: Leaders in the scale-up and industrial manufacturing of probiotics, developing novel, proprietary and tailored strains for skin health, gastrointestinal health, immune health, oral health, and more every year that go through extensive preclinical and initial clinical evaluation.

LactoSpore: Sabinsas shelf-stable probiotic Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 is known worldwide as LactoSpore. The health benefits and stability of LactoSpore have been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals.

Probi: An international company focused exclusively on developing, producing, and delivering clinically proven probiotics. The company are experts at managing stable, live bacteria from R&D through every stage of the manufacturing process, and into finished products, including bulk formats, supplements, and functional foods.

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'Any company that is not doing personalization is going to die': Viome founder - NutraIngredients-usa.com

Bill is retired and lives alone. Often, hes just not hungry or is too tired to fix a whole meal. Does he need a multivitamin, or should he take one of those dietary supplements he sees in ads everywhere? Bill wonders if they workwill one help keep his joints healthy or another give him more energy? And, are they safe?

Dietary supplements are substances you might use to add nutrients to your diet or to lower your risk of health problems, like osteoporosis or arthritis. Dietary supplements come in the form of pills, capsules, powders, gel tabs, extracts, or liquids. They might contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, amino acids, herbs or other plants, or enzymes. Sometimes, the ingredients in dietary supplements are added to foods, including drinks. A doctors prescription is not needed to buy dietary supplements.

Eating a variety of healthy foods is the best way to get the nutrients you need. However, some people dont get enough vitamins and minerals from their daily diet, and their doctors may recommend a supplement. Dietary supplements may provide nutrients that might be missing from your daily diet.

Talk with your doctor before taking any supplements. Some supplements can change how medicines you may already be taking will work. If your doctor recommends a dietary supplement for you, make sure youre getting the brand recommended by the doctor and that you take it as directed.

Do you wonder if you need a dietary supplement? Maybe you do, but usually not. Ask yourself why you think you might want to take a dietary supplement. Are you concerned about getting enough nutrients? Is a friend, a neighbor, or someone on a commercial suggesting you take one? Some ads for dietary supplements in magazines, online, or on TV seem to promise that these supplements will make you feel better, keep you from getting sick, or even help you live longer. Often, there is little, if any, good scientific research supporting these claims. Supplements may cost a lot, could be harmful, or simply might not be helpful. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian for advice.

People over age 50 may need more of some vitamins and minerals than younger adults do. Your doctor or a dietitian can tell you whether you need to change your diet or take a vitamin or mineral supplement to get enough of these:

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2015-2020 recommend how much of each vitamin and mineral men and women of different ages need. Sometimes, too much of a vitamin or mineral can be harmful. Most, if not all, of your daily vitamins and minerals should come from food.

Vitamin B122.4 mcg (micrograms) each day. If you are taking medicine for acid reflux, you might need a different form, which your healthcare provider can give you.

CalciumWomen over age 50 need 1,200 mg (milligrams) each day. Men need 1,000 mg between age 51 and 70 and 1,200 mg after 70, but not more than 2,000 mg a day.

Vitamin D600 IU (International Units) for people age 51 to 70 and 800 IU for those over 70, but not more than 4,000 IU each day.

Vitamin B61.7 mg for men and 1.5 mg for women each day.

When thinking about whether you need more of a vitamin or mineral, think about how much of each nutrient you get from food and drinks, as well as from any supplements you take. Check with a doctor or dietitian to learn whether you need to supplement your diet.

You might hear about antioxidants in the news. These are natural substances in food that might help protect you from some diseases. Here are some common sources of antioxidants that you should be sure to include in your diet:

Right now, research results suggest that large doses of supplements with antioxidants will not prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease or diabetes. In fact, some studies have shown that taking large doses of some antioxidants could be harmful. Again, it is best to check with your doctor before taking a dietary supplement.

Herbal supplements are dietary supplements that come from plants.

A few that you may have heard of are gingko biloba, ginseng, echinacea, and black cohosh. Researchers are looking at using herbal supplements to prevent or treat some health problems. Its too soon to know if herbal supplements are both safe and useful. But, studies of some have not shown benefits.

Scientists are still working to answer this question. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) checks prescription medicines, such as antibiotics or blood pressure medicines, to make sure they are safe and do what they promise. The same is true for over-the-counter drugs like pain and cold medicines.

The FDA does not have authority over dietary supplements in the same way it does prescription medicines. The Federal Government does not regularly test what is in dietary supplements, and companies are not required to share information on the safety of a dietary supplement with the FDA before they sell it. The companies are responsible for making sure the supplement is safe, but the FDA does not evaluate the safety of the product before the supplement is sold. So, just because you see a dietary supplement on a store shelf does not mean it is safe, that it does what the label says it will, or that it contains what the label says it contains.

If the FDA receives reports of possible problems with a supplement, it will issue warnings about products that are clearly unsafe. The FDA may also take these supplements off the market. The Federal Trade Commission looks into reports of ads that might misrepresent what dietary supplements do. A few private groups, such as the U.S. Pharmacopeia, NSF International, ConsumerLab.com, and the Natural Products Association, have their own seals of approval for dietary supplements. To get such a seal, products must be made by following good manufacturing procedures, must contain what is listed on the label, and must not have harmful levels of ingredients that dont belong there, like lead.

If you are thinking about using dietary supplements:

When she turned 60, Pearl decided she wanted to stay healthy and active as long as possible. She was careful about what she ate. She became more physically active. Now she takes a long, brisk walk three or four times a week. In bad weather, she joins the mall walkers at the local shopping mall. On nice days, Pearl works in her garden. When she was younger, Pearl stopped smoking and started using a seatbelt. Shes even learning how to use a computer to find healthy recipes. Last month, she turned 84 and danced at her granddaughters wedding!

Try following Pearls examplestick to a healthy diet, be physically active, keep your mind active, dont smoke, see your doctor regularly, and, in most cases, only use dietary supplements suggested by your doctor or pharmacist.

Read about this topic in Spanish. Lea sobre este tema en espaol.

Office of Dietary Supplements National Institutes of Health301-435-2920ods@nih.govwww.ods.od.nih.gov

Department of AgricultureFood and Nutrition Information Center301-504-5414FNIC@ars.usda.govwww.nal.usda.gov/fnic

This content is provided by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health. NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure that it is accurate, authoritative, and up to date.

Content reviewed: November 30, 2017

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Dietary Supplements | National Institute on Aging

Many adults and children in the United States take one or more vitamins or other dietary supplements. In addition to vitamins, dietary supplements can contain minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and many other ingredients. Dietary supplements come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, gummies, and powders, as well as drinks and energy bars. Popular supplements include vitamins D and B12; minerals like calcium and iron; herbs such as echinacea and garlic; and products like glucosamine, probiotics, and fish oils.

Products sold as dietary supplements come with a Supplement Facts label that lists the active ingredients, the amount per serving (dose), as well as other ingredients, such as fillers, binders, and flavorings. The manufacturer suggests the serving size, but your healthcare provider might decide a different amount is more appropriate for you.

Some dietary supplements can help you get adequate amounts of essential nutrients if you dont eat a nutritious variety of foods. However, supplements cant take the place of the variety of foods that are important to a healthy diet. To learn more about what makes a healthy diet, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and ChooseMyPlateare good sources of information.

Some dietary supplements can improve overall health and help manage some health conditions. For example:

Many other supplements need more study to determine if they have value. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not determine whether dietary supplements are effective before they are marketed.

Many supplements contain active ingredients that can have strong effects in the body. Always be alert to the possibility of a bad reaction, especially when taking a new product.

You are most likely to have side effects from dietary supplements if you take them at high doses or instead of prescribed medicines, or if you take many different supplements. Some supplements can increase the risk of bleeding or, if taken before surgery, can change your response to anesthesia. Supplements can also interact with some medicines in ways that might cause problems. Here are a few examples:

Manufacturers may add vitamins, minerals, and other supplement ingredients to foods you eat, especially breakfast cereals and beverages. As a result, you may get more of these ingredients than you think, and more might not be better. Taking more than you need costs more and might also raise your risk of side effects. For example, too much vitamin A can cause headaches and liver damage, reduce bone strength, and cause birth defects. Excess iron causes nausea and vomiting and may damage the liver and other organs.

Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider. Many supplements have not been well tested for safety in pregnant women, nursing mothers, or children.

If you think that you have had a bad reaction toa dietary supplement, let your healthcare provider know. He or she may report your experience to the FDA. You may also submit a report directly to the FDA by calling 800-FDA-1088 or completing an online form. You should also report your reaction to the manufacturer by using the contact information on the product label.

The FDA has established good manufacturing practices (GMPs) that companies must follow to help ensure the identity, purity, strength, and composition of their dietary supplements. These GMPs can prevent adding the wrong ingredient (or too much or too little of the correct ingredient) and reduce the chance of contamination or improper packaging and labeling of a product. The FDA periodically inspects facilities that manufacture supplements.

Several independent organizations offer quality testing and allow products that pass these tests to display a seal of quality assurance that indicates the product was properly manufactured, contains the ingredients listed on the label, and does not contain harmful levels of contaminants. These seals do not guarantee that a product is safe or effective. Organizations that offer quality testing include:*

* Any mention of a specific company, organization, or service does not represent an endorsement by ODS.

Tell your healthcare providers (including doctors, dentists,pharmacists, and dietitians) about any dietary supplements youre taking. They can help you determine which supplements, if any, might be valuable for you.

Keep a complete record of any dietary supplements and medicines you take. The Office of Dietary Supplements website hasa useful form, "My Dietary Supplement and Medicine Record," that you can print and fill out at home. For each product, note the name, the dose you take, how often you take it, and the reason for use. You can share this record with your healthcare providers to discuss whats best for your overall health.

Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. The FDA is the federal agency that oversees both supplements and medicines, but the FDA regulations for dietary supplements are different from those for prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Medicines must be approved by the FDA before they can be sold or marketed. Supplements do not require this approval. Supplement companies are responsible for having evidence that their products are safe, and the label claims are truthful and not misleading. However, as long as the product does not contain a new dietary ingredient (one introduced since October 15, 1994), the company does not have to provide this safety evidence to the FDA before the product is marketed.

Dietary supplement labels may include certain types of health-related claims. Manufacturers are permitted to say, for example, that a supplement promotes health or supports a body function (like immunity or heart health). These claims must be followed by the words, This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Manufacturers must follow good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to ensure the identity, purity, strength, and composition of their products. If the FDA finds a dietary supplement to be unsafe, it may remove the product from the marketplace or ask the manufacturer to voluntarily recall the product.

The FDA monitors the marketplace for potential illegal products that may be unsafe or make false or misleading claims. The Federal Trade Commission, which monitors product advertising, also requires information about a supplement product to be truthful and not misleading.

The federal government can take legal action against companies and websites that sell dietary supplements when the companies make false or deceptive statements about their products, if they promote them as treatments or cures for diseases, or if their products are unsafe.

NIH supports research and provides educational materials on dietary supplements.

FDAissues rules and regulations and oversees dietary supplement labeling, marketing, and safety. Recall notices are also posted on the FDA webpage or you can subscribe to receive FDA notices of recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts.

FTCregulates health and safety claims made in advertising for dietary supplements.

USDAprovides information on a variety of food and nutrition topics.

HHS provideswellness information, personal health tools, and health news.

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Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know

TipRanks

Markets are on a roller coaster lately, up one day and down the next, as Wall Streets pros and investors alike try to make sense of the constantly shifting news cycle. To wit: In the first week of October, weve seen a pretty good September jobs report, President Trump spend three days at Walter Reed Hospital with a case of COVID-19, and on his discharge the President withdrew from negotiations with House Democrats on a new COVID economic stimulus package. Its enough to make your head spin.Its also enough to send the S&P up 60 points one day and down 60 points the next day. Investors are nervous; no one wants to see another economic tailspin, no one wants to see the Administration handicapped by coronavirus, and whether there will be a stimulus package or not, of $1.6 trillion, or $2.2 trillion, or just $400 billion, Wall Street would simply like to have some idea of whats in the cards.Watching everything from Wells Fargo, senior global market strategist Sameer Samana summed it all up when he wrote, While risks remain, such as election and COVID-19-related uncertainty, we believe investors should continue to remain fully invested and we favor U.S. large- and mid-cap companies, and the Information Technology, Consumer Discretionary, Communication Services, and Healthcare sectors.With Samanas outlook in mind, we took a closer look at three stocks backed by Wells Fargo. Running the tickers throughTipRanks database, we learned that the firm sees at least 70% upside potential in store for each, and all three have earned a Strong Buy consensus rating from the rest of the Street.Northern Oil and Gas (NOG)First up is Northern Oil and Gas, a small-cap oil and gas exploration company operating in the Williston Basin of North Dakota and Montana. The companys active plays include wells in the Bakken formation, the region that helped put fracking into the national consciousness. Northerns reserves include 7.4 billion barrels of recoverable oil, and production, at 1.5 million barrels per day, has increased 30% over the past three years.Despite the solid production growth, low prices and low demand during the corona crisis have put damper on 1H20 revenues. Earnings, however, are turning around. EPS was just 5 cents in Q1, but jumped to 20 cents in Q2 and is forecast to hit 38 cents in Q3. Unsurprisingly, these gains come as several states are loosening COVID restrictions and overall consumer demand is increasing.Wells Fargo analyst Thomas Hughes sees the companys sound acquisition plan and adherence to it as the key.As NOG improved its balance sheet and cost structure, the E&P sector moved in the opposite direction, particularly within its primary basin of focus (Williston). After closing a ~$300mm acquisition in 2019, NOG has selectively sought what it describes as Ground Game opportunities, or smaller, bite-size parcels offering near-term CF accretion due to: (1) superior acreage productivity analysis and (2) a better understanding of upcoming development plans. Since 2Q19, these have totaled >$90mm, and NOG is now on the hunt for more. Hughes wrote. The analyst concluded: While a smaller-cap operator, we believe NOGs limited beta to near-term oil price volatility provides strong FCF assurance, while a strong (and improving) balance sheet brings optionality to capitalize in a buyer-short market.To this end, Hughes gives NOG shares an Overweight rating (i.e. Buy) along with a $10 price target. This figure suggests a 90% upside potential from current levels. (To watch Hughes track record, click here)Wall Street agrees with Hughes on the potential here; the analyst consensus rating of Strong Buy comes from a unanimous 5 positive reviews. Shares are priced at $5.30 and have an average price target of $14, giving an impressive upside potential of 166%. (See NOG stock analysis on TipRanks)Bonanza Creek Energy, Inc. (BCEI)Next up is Bonanza Creek, another small-cap oil and gas explorer in the North American energy sector. This one operating in the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies. Bonanza Creek has active wells in the Wattenberg Field, using fracking and horizontal drilling to extract oil and gas from formations first put into play in the 1970s.During the second quarter, BCEI reported a 40% sequential decline in revenues, to $36 million, and an EPS net loss of $1.87. At the same time, the stock has managed to retain its value; shares are trading now at the same level they were before their corona collapse in early March.The second quarter also saw capital expenditures come in at the low end of guidance, and debt fall to $58 million. The company expects to repay that outstanding balance by years end. That rosy prediction is predicated on meeting annual production guidance which has been raised to the range of 24 to 25 million barrels of oil equivalent per day. For the quarter, sales volume averaged almost 25K barrels of oil equivalent daily.At Wells Fargo, analyst Thomas Hughes is impressed by this companys balance sheet and production opportunities.With a net cash balance expected by YE20 and PDP net of debt underpinning a valuation above where the stock trades, we view BCEI as a rare SMID value opportunity which also benefits from low leverage risk BCEI lacks the scale required to land itself amongst the ranks of Shale 3.0 operators, but in our opinion, this might not necessarily matter given the clear value disconnect an unlevered balance sheet provides significant dry powder to transact in a market ripe with distress-driven opportunities. Until then, non-operated development should help stabilize volumes until higher oil prices (we estimate $45-50/bbl) warrant development of the companys Legacy acreage, Hughes commented.Hughes written opinion supports his Overweight (i.e. Buy) rating and his $33 price target suggests a robust 72% upside in the next 12 months.Overall, BCEIs Strong Buy analyst consensus rating is based on 4 reviews, breaking down to 3 Buys and 1 hold. The stock is selling for $19.16, and its average price target of $31 implies it has room for 61% upside growth ahead of it. (See BCEI stock analysis on TipRanks)Devon Energy (DVN)Devon Energy, the last stock on this Wells Fargo list, is another North American energy play. This mid-cap company operates in mainly in the New Mexico-Texas-Oklahoma area, with some additional operations in Wyoming. As of the end of 2019, Devon held over 1.8 million acres of mineral rights and 10,800 producing well. Net production last year was 323 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day, and reserves totaled 757 million barrel of oil equivalent. Approximately two-thirds of this total is liquids, with the rest as natural gas.Like the other companies above, Devon is struggling with low oil and gas prices, falling revenues, and low earnings. In Q2, revenues fell sequentially from $2.09 billion to just $394 million. EPS dropped into negative territory with an 18-cent per share net loss.But there was good news, too. Devon reported greater operational efficiency in the quarter, pushing total capex down to $203 million for the quarter, a savings of 10%. Oil production in the quarter beat the guidance by 3,000 barrels per day, reaching 153K barrels. But most importantly, the company finished Q2 with no debt maturities until 2025 and $4.7 billion in available liquid assets, including $1.7 billion in cash.Since the second quarter ended, Devon has made two important moves that bode well for future performance. First, Devon completed the sale of its assets in the Barnett Shale, netting $320 million in cash at the closing. And second, the company announced it will enter a merger of equals agreement with competitor WPX energy. The merger is an all-stock deal and will create the largest unconventional oil and gas producer in the US.Analyst Thomas Hughes was impressed by Devons merger, and what that transaction says about the companys overarching plan. Referring to the near-term.Management expects to generate ~$575 million of annual cash flow improvements by YE21 through initiative already underway at Devon (~$300mm) and synergies from the [WPX merger], Hughes wrote. Looking ahead, Hughes sees Devon following a careful plan with a clear goal in mind.We believe the huge portfolio transformation Devon has undergone over the past 5+ years has been an impressive look at how a large-cap, diversified oil producer can pivot its focus. Acknowledging the challenging road Devon has traversed, "New Devon" looks to further focus operations on core parts of U.S. shale by divesting Canadian Oil Sands and Barnett assets (also Rockies CO2). We see the target of "New Devon" as achievable with the remaining U.S. Shale assets being above average, anchored by a strong position in the Delaware. the analyst noted.In line with these comments, Hughes rates DVN as Overweight (i.e. Buy). His $18 price target is indicative of an 106% one-year upside potential. All in all, the 17 recent reviews on DVN include 14 Buys and 3 Holds, supporting the Strong Buy analyst consensus. The stocks average price target of $15.56 implies a 60% upside from the current trading price of $9.75. (See DVN stock analysis at TipRanks)To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights.Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.

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Industrial Hemp Market by Application (textiles, hemp-based CBD, food and supplements, personal care) and Geography (APAC, North America, Europe,...