What GAO Found

GAO's market review during a 2-month period found most examples of memory supplement marketing on the Internet. About 96 percent of marketing identified appeared on the Internet, and a total of 490 memory supplement products were identified by the market review. GAO found 28 examples of advertisements that linked supplement use to treatment or prevention of memory-related diseases, which is generally prohibited by federal law. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials subsequently determined that 27 of these examples appeared to violate federal requirements. Officials reported that they had issued two advisory letters to two firms and would continue monitoring all of the examples that were identified.

Oversight of memory supplements falls under FDA's general authority to regulate dietary supplements and their labeling, and the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) general authority to enforce the prohibitions against deceptive advertising. Between 2006 and 2015, FDA and FTC have taken similar types of enforcement actions for memory supplements as for other dietary supplementswith most FDA actions being warning letters and FTC actions being a mix of administrative and federal court actions. Nineteen of 551enforcement actions involved memory supplements. The agencies coordinate enforcement actions in the same way for all dietary supplements. FDA and FTC have done some outreach to industry and consumers on dietary supplement use by older adults as well as some specific outreach related to memory supplement enforcement actions. In prioritizing enforcement and outreach efforts, the agencies focus on safety, egregiousness of deception, and impact of marketing.

FDA faces challenges related to limited information about the dietary supplement market, including memory supplements, to inform its oversight efforts. FDA officials said the agency is exploring ways to obtain additional market information to improve its oversight. FTC officials believe their existing tools and information are sufficient to inform its oversight efforts. While Internet marketing of dietary supplements was a concern for agencies, consumers, and industry groups, GAO found that consumer groups were unclear about FDA's and FTC's roles for overseeing supplement marketing found on the Internet. FDA and FTC share oversight of marketing on the Internet, with FTC exercising primary jurisdiction over advertising on the Internet and FDA exercising primary jurisdiction over aspects considered to fall under labeling, including information provided at the point of sale. However, few documents explicitly delineate their differing roles and coordination in oversight, or communicate the roles to industry and consumers. Federal internal control standards state that agencies should communicate quality information with external parties to achieve objectives, and GAO has also previously reported that delineating roles and responsibilities are issues agencies should consider when collaborating. Absent clarification of FDA and FTC roles, consumers may not understand which agency to report concerns to involving Internet marketing, and there is a risk that agencies may not receive consumer complaints directly, which may delay agencies taking action to address a problem. Consumer complaints are an important tool for both agencies to learn about potential dietary supplement issues, according to agency officials.

Memory supplementsdietary supplements claiming to improve memoryare a growing market, with sales estimated at $643 million in 2015, almost double 2006 sales. FDA and FTC share oversight of memory supplement marketinglabeling and advertising claimsbut generally do not approve claims before products are marketed.

GAO was asked to review memory supplement marketing and oversight. This report examines (1) how memory supplements are marketed and the extent marketing targets older adults and may violate federal requirements; (2) related enforcement and outreach actions taken by FDA and FTC; and (3) challenges to agency oversight.

GAO reviewed five types of media (Internet, television, among others) to identify examples of memory supplement marketing practices and potential violations of federal requirements. GAO selected these channels using demographic and survey data relevant to older adults. GAO analyzed FDA and FTC data on enforcement actions for fiscal years 2006 through 2015the most recent data available. GAO also reviewed relevant agency oversight policies, interviewed agency officials, and interviewed selected consumer and industry groups.

GAO recommends that FDA and FTC provide additional guidance to consumers clarifying the agencies' differing roles in their shared oversight of memory supplement and other dietary supplement marketing on the Internet. The two agencies concurred with GAO's recommendation.

For more information, contact Seto Bagdoyan at (202) 512-6722 or bagdoyans@gao.gov.

Continued here:

Clarifying FDA and FTC Roles Could Strengthen Oversight and Enhance Consumer Awareness - Government Accountability Office

The government knows it, and the supplement industry knows it. But those who use vitamins every day probably dont know that the label on every multivitamin and most other vitamin and mineral supplements such as vitamin D, calcium, and B complexes -- is wrong and misleading.

Last July, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated decades-old Daily Values (DVs) which are meant to tell you how much of the daily requirement of specific nutrients is provided by a food or supplement. Some of these changes were minor and some were major. Daily Values were raised for eight nutrients and lowered for twelve. A summary of these changes was published at the time by ConsumerLab.com (of which I am President).

Updating the DVs was a good idea. The problem is that they are not yet on labels. Large supplement companies were given two years -- until July 2018 -- to change their labels to reflect these new DVs, and smaller firms were given three years. Thats a long time to wait to get correct information. And things just got worse: Two days ago, the FDA quietly added a note to its website indicating that the implementation is being delayed in a ... desire to give industry more time and decrease costs, balanced with the importance of minimizing the transition period during which consumers will see both the old and the new versions of the label in the marketplace. Now we dont know when labels will be corrected.

The delay is actually driven largely by requests by the food industry, which asked to extend the deadline as 2021 because the new supplement labeling is part of broader revisions to food labels which include the disclosure of amounts of added sugar in products. Before his appointment, the new FDA Commissioner, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, indicated his willingness to extend the deadline.

It may be a very long time before youre able to rely on the label to tell you if youre taking too much or too little of a vitamin or mineral, so its time to make sure you understand your requirements and whats really being promised by products (let alone whether they actually contain these amounts an issue ConsumerLab has been tackling through independent testing since 1999). To help you, be aware that you can quickly check the new DVs, as well as the RDAs, at http://www.ConsumerLab.com/RDAs. In addition, ConsumerLab.com has calculated the correct new Daily Values for many popular Multivitamins and B Vitamins in its reports on those supplements, pointing out those which exceed upper tolerable intake levels.

You should also pay particular attention to the amounts of vitamin D and folate in supplements, as current labels are way out-of-whack in providing proper guidance.

Previously, the DV for vitamin D was set at 400 International Units (IU) for everyone. The new DV (which you wont see on labels) is twice that: 800 IU. Bare in mind that the DVs are a one-size-fits-all system based on the highest Recommended Daily Allowances (or RDAs, which are set by the independent Institute of Medicine) across a population. For example, the RDA for vitamin D is 400 IU during infancy, 600 IU to age 70, and 800 IU over age 70. So if your vitamin claims to provide 100% of the DV for vitamin D, for anyone other than infants it actually provides only 50% to 67% of the daily requirement. (Keep in mind that many people who are not deficient in vitamin D already take too much, such as 5,000 IU daily, and this may reverse the benefits of vitamin D, as noted in my HuffPost post Dont Fall for Vitamin D.

One of the major changes and improvements in the Daily Values relates to folate: a B vitamin found in green leafy vegetables, such as spinach. Folate plays a critical role in cell division, and adequate intake can reduce the risk of heart disease and of developing certain cancers. However, most supplements provide folate in the form of the synthetic compound folic acid and getting too much folic acid can have negative effects.

While the old DVs counted folic acid as equivalent to folate, the new DVs recognize that folic acid is absorbed better than folate and actually counts 70% more. As a result, a supplement which provides 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid and currently shows this as 100% DV would, more accurately under the new DVs, show this same amount of folic acid as 680 mcg of dietary folate equivalents and 170% of the DV. This becomes particularly important with supplements that contain higher amounts of folic acid, many of which (including most prenatal supplements) provide 800 mcg of folic acid. There is no good reason for such a high amount and, according to the new DVs, this is actually 1,360 mcg of folate 360 mcg above the upper tolerable limit of 1,000 mcg per day. On top of this, manufacturers often add extra folic acid to be sure youre getting the full amount listed on the label until the expiration date. With the current labels, what you think is helping you may be hurting you.

Once companies are required to apply the new DVs in their labels, they will likely reduce the amounts of folic acid in supplements. That will be good for the consumer, as most of us already get close to the daily requirement of folate from our diets) without causing harm. (Note: Pregnant women and those of child-bearing age should still look to get 400 mcg of folic acid from a supplement each day, in addition to getting folate from their diets, as this may reduce the risk of birth defects).

Supplements have commonly been considered buyer beware products. The new DVs represent an opportunity to reduce this caution. By dragging its feet on getting the new DVs on labels, the FDA is endangering the consumer and further tarnishing the reputation of the supplement industry. Thats not good for anyone.

Wake up to the day's most important news.

More:

Vitamin Labels Are Wrong and Will Be for Years! - HuffPost

14-Jun-20172017-06-14T00:00:00Z Last updated on 14-Jun-2017 at 16:22 GMT2017-06-14T16:22:02Z

The United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) is launching a new training course, Preventive Controls Workshop for Dietary Supplements: PCQI Training for Dietary Supplement Companies, but spaces are limited.

The 2.5-day course will take place July 17-19 in Salt Lake City, and will be taught by former FDA Investigator Larisa Pavlick, UNPAs VP, Global Regulatory and Compliance. Pavlick is a preventive controls qualified individual (PCQI) and completed PCQI Lead Instructor training through the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA).

In our continuing efforts to raise the bar around industry quality initiatives and to encourage compliance with all federal regulations, UNPA is pleased to offer this important new training to help supplement companies meet the stringent requirements of FSMA, said Loren Israelsen, UNPA president. And as per FSPCA requirements, only 30 attendees will be able to take advantage of this detailed course offering.

Successfully completing this course is one way to meet the requirements for a PCQI as required by the FDA as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

A PCQI is a professional that can oversee or perform the preparation of a Food Safety Plan, validation of the preventive controls, records review, reanalysis of the Food Safety Plan, and other activities as appropriate to the product. This person should have successfully completed training in the development and application of risk-based preventive controls.

This course is an efficient and comprehensive way for dietary supplement company personnel to achieve PCQI certification under FSMA, said Pavlick. With the addition of workshop examples specific to the supplement industry, its highly targeted and will be of great value to all companies that manufacture dietary supplements or dietary ingredients.

NutraIngredients-USA is sponsoring the training and UNPA members receive a $200 registration discount.

For more information, including the full training agenda, lodging information and to register, please visit http://www.unpa.com/events .

See the original post:

UNPA launches PCQI training for dietary supplement companies - NutraIngredients-usa.com

Nicole Long

Are dietary supplements worth buying?

Unfortunately, the answer is often No. Advertisements for dietary supplements frequently claim they will keep you from getting sick, or help you live longer. But according to the National Institute On Aging, Often there is little, if any, scientific support for these claims Some supplements can hurt you. Others are just a waste of money because they dont give you any health benefits.

There are many dietary supplements on the market today that are sold over the counter, including vitamins, minerals, fiber, amino acids, herbs, and hormones. Some products, like drinks or energy bars, have supplements added to them. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not review these supplements before they reach the market, only if they believe a product is considered unsafe.

The best way to get vitamins or minerals is through the food you eat, not added supplements. If you feel you cant eat enough, ask your doctor if you need a multi-vitamin and/or mineral supplement. It does not have to be labeled for seniors, and it does not have to be a large, or mega dose vitamin. The theory if a little is good, a lot must be better, does not hold for supplements. Taking more than 100 percent of the daily value of a vitamin or mineral could be harmful, and your body may not be able to use the entire supplement, so you are wasting your money. People over the age of 50 may need supplements for certain purposes, such as vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, extra iron for women, and vitamin B6.

Antioxidants are natural substances found in food. There is no proof that large doses of antioxidants will prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, cataracts or heart disease. Rather than taking a supplement, try eating at least five servings per day of fruits and vegetables, or using vegetable oil and eat nuts (in moderation). These foods can give you the antioxidants you need.

There are also herbal supplements, like ginseng, Echinacea, or ginkgo biloba, which come from certain plants. When you use any herbal supplements, you are using them as a drug, and they can interfere with other medications you may already be taking. Some herbal supplements can cause high blood pressure, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, seizures, heart attacks, or stroke. Some supplements can increase the risk of bleeding or, if a person takes them before or after surgery, they can affect the persons response to anesthesia. Dietary supplements can also interact with certain prescription drugs in ways that might cause problems. Vitamin K, for example, can reduce the ability of certain blood thinners to prevent blood from clotting. Antioxidant supplements, like vitamins C and E, can reduce the effectiveness of some types of cancer chemotherapy.

Before you start taking a dietary supplement, talk with your doctor or a registered dietician. Do not go on the recommendation of a friend or an Internet site. Consider the source of any information you read: is it from a group that stands to make money from the sale of this product? If something worked for your neighbor, it does not mean that it will work for you. Dont take supplements in place of, or in combination with prescribed medications without your health care providers approval.

All products labeled as a dietary supplement carry a Supplement Facts panel that lists the contents, amount of active ingredients per serving, and other added ingredients (like fillers, binders, and flavorings). The manufacturer suggests the serving size, but you or your health care provider might decide that a different amount is more appropriate for you.

There is a federal Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), part of the National Institutes of Health, which publishes fact sheets that give consumers an overview of individual vitamins, minerals and other dietary supplements. ODS says if you dont eat a nutritious variety of foods, some supplements might help you get adequate amounts of essential nutrients. However, supplements cant take the place of the variety of foods that are important to a healthy diet. You can contact ODS at (301) 435-2920, or visit their website at https://ods.od.nih.gov/HealthInformation/DS_WhatYouNeedToKnow.aspx

Nicole Long is the chief executive officer of Old Colony Elder Services (OCES). OCES serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For information call (508) 584-1561 or visit http://www.ocesma.org.

Original post:

GUEST COLUMN: Should you take dietary supplements? - Wicked Local Easton

BBC News

'I quit protein supplements for six weeks and put on muscle' BBC News As well as going to the gym, he's been taking around 120 grams of synthetic protein or powder a day, on top of his meals. We challenged Ali to stop taking supplements for six weeks , and instead, have a similar amount through food spread out throughout ...

Go here to read the rest:

'I quit protein supplements for six weeks and put on muscle' - BBC News

Market Analysis

Summary

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are deliberated to have health benefits. Products which are sold as probiotics include foods (such as yogurt), dietary supplements, and products that are not used orally, such as skincreams. Popular probiotic products existing in the market include Amway Nutrilite Fiber, Herbalife Activated Fiber, HealthAid Acidophilus plus 4 Billion, Zenith Nutrition Probiotic Immune etc. Although more research is needed, there is an encouraging evidence that probiotics may help treat diarrhoea, especially following treatment with certain antibiotics, prevent and treat vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections, treat irritable bowel syndrome, speed treatment of certain intestinal infections, prevent or reduce the severity of colds and flu. Side effects due to probiotics are rare and most healthy adults can safely add foods that contain prebiotics and probiotics to their diets for better health and strong immune system.

Importance and scope

Probiotics food & beverages had the highest penetration in 2015, and this trend is expected to continue over the next eight years. Differentiated product portfolio and continued innovation in the sector are the primary reasons for this scenario.

Probiotics are finding acceptance in applications such as skin health. Development of proprietary formulation techniques is undertaken by companies to cater to customized needs.

Asia Pacific is expected to witness the highest growth of 7.7% over the next eight years. High population density and percentage of the youth population in countries such as India coupled with rising disposable income are expected to contribute to the market growth.

A major part of market share is held by very few companies. Companies are trying innovative techniques for customer engagement. Mergers & acquisitions are carried out to increase regional presence as well as market share.

Industry participants majorly include Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, Danone, Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., Nestle, Probi AB, Danisco A/S, Lallemand Inc., and Arla Foods, Inc.

Probiotics Market

The global market of probiotics ingredients, supplements, and foods reached nearly $23.1 billion in 2012. This market is expected to grow to nearly $27.1 billion in 2013 and $36.7 billion in 2018 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% over the five-year period from 2013 to 2018 with further projections determined to exceed US $63 billion by 2022, driven by growing clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of probiotics in general health maintenance and disease treatment. Probiotic therapy is growing in polularity in the treatment of lactose intolerance, lipid metabolism, oxalte metabolism, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), ulcerative colitits, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eczema, allergic rhinitis, infectious diarrhea, necrotizing enterocolitis and helicobacter pylori.Japan, Europe and the United States represents major market worldwide. Asia-pacific ranks as the fastest growing market with a CAGR of 12.7% over the analysis period. However, the probiotics market is still at a relatively novice stage, with lack of clarity on usage patterns among consumers, this is expected to play a critical role in market development over the next six years. Labeling regulations, especially in the U.S. and European Union, are also expected to have significant impact on market growth.

Food & beverages dominated the application market and accounted for over 80% of the total probiotics market, driven by growth of fermented meat, dairy, bakery, breakfast cereals, fats & oils, beverages, fish & eggs, meat, and soy products. Dietary supplements are expected to be the fastest growing application segment, at an estimated CAGR of 7.7% from 2012 to 2020.

"Food & beverages was the largest segment in 2015"

Probiotics food & beverages segment was the largest segment in 2015 and accounted for more than 85% of total revenue. This application includes dairy products, nondairy products, cereals, baked food, fermented meat products, and dry food probiotics.

Figure-1: Functional Food Market by Sector (% value)

"Human probiotics dominated the total demand in 2015"

Human probiotics accounted for more than 90% of total revenue in 2015. Growing health concerns and development of more effective probiotic strains is expected to aid the industry growth. Increasing standard of living, as well as disposable income in areas such as Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa as well as Central & South America, has been benefiting the overall market growth.

Animal feed bacteria are expected to show a steady growth over the next eight years. Companies have been trying to develop and market more effective probiotic strains aimed at improving health.

"Asia Pacific is expected to witness the highest growth from 2016 to 2024"

Asia Pacific dominated the global industry and accounted for more than 40%. Strong demand from countries such as India, China and Japan is the major contributing factor for this scenario. Rising population, growing awareness regarding probiotics usage and the strong presence of international players in the region are contributing to the market growth.

North America is expected to grow at an anticipated CAGR of 6.8% over the forecast period. Prevalent awareness regarding these product usages and rising preference for functional foods are the driving factors in the region. The Middle East & Africa and Central & South America are also expected to show modest growth over the forecast period.

"Companies investing heavily in R&D are a major market characteristic"

Major industry participants are investing heavily in R&D to develop more effective probiotic strains. The companies are also striving to develop products which find novel applications such as skin treatment. Third party R&D companies are employed to develop superior cultures to gain competitive advantage. High level of integration between raw material suppliers, manufacturers, suppliers and end users. Major industry participants include Danisco A/S, Danone, Chr Hansen, Nestle, Arla Foods, Inc., Probi and Lallemand Inc., S.A., China-Biotics, Inc., E. I. duPont de Nemours and Company, General Mills, Inc., Lifeway Foods, Inc., PROBI AB, BioGaia AB, Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., Mother Dairy and Chr. Hansen. The growing popularity of probiotics worldwide has attracted many new players to participate in this market.

Key Segments of the Global Probiotic Market

A. Global probiotics market, by application

B. Global probiotics market, by end use

C. Global probiotics market, by strain type

Grand View Research has segmented the probiotics market on the basis of application, end use and region:

1. Global Probiotics Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2024

A. Probiotics food & beverage

B. Probiotics dietary supplements

2. Global Probiotics End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2024)

3. Global Probiotics Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014- 2024)

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Central & South America

Middle East & Africa

European Market

Europe is the second largest global market for probiotics after Asia-Pacific, cornering a share estimated to be 25% in 2014. Growth in demand for probiotics in the region is also likely to maintain a fast pace over the 2014-2020 analysis period. Germany and the United Kingdom are the two largest probiotics markets in Europe, with a combined share estimated at about 55% in 2014, with United Kingdom also expected to be the fastest growing. By product type, dietary supplements and functional foods & beverages are the largest, as well as the fastest growing segments.

Prevention and cure of disorders, such as lactose intolerance and inflammatory bowel disease are some of the benefits offered by probiotics, with rising health-consciousness levels and wider access to probiotic dietary supplements being the major factors sustaining growth. The past decade has been witness to the launch of more than 500 food & beverage probiotic products, which have garnered exceptional response in terms of acceptance. Some of the factors implicated in causes of digestive disorders, bloating and reduction in resistance to infections include poor and not-in-time diet, age and stress levels. Studies have revealed that consuming products enhanced with probiotics has been successful in moderating these conditions to a large extent.

Figure-2:European Probiotics Market Revenue By Product, 2014 - 2024 (USD Million)

Why London, UK?

London is a leadingglobal city in the arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, professional services, research and development, tourism, and transport. It is one of the world's leadingfinancial centres and has thefifth- or sixth-largest metropolitan area GDP in the world. London is a world cultural capital. It is the world's most-visited city as measured by international arrivals and has theworld's largest city airport system measured by passenger traffic. London is the world's leadinginvestment destination hosting moreinternational retailers andultra probiotics food & beverages had the highest penetration in 2015, and this trend is expected to continue over the next eight years. Differentiated product portfolio and continued innovation in the sector are the primary reasons for this scenario.

Industry participants majorly include Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, Danone, Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., Nestle, Probi AB, Danisco A/S, Lallemand Inc., and Arla Foods, Inc. high-net-worth individuals than any other city. London's universities form the largest concentration of higher education institutes in Europe, and a 2014 report placed it first in the world university rankings. According to the report London also ranks first in the world in software, multimedia development and design, and shares first position in technology readiness.

Figure-3:Total Probiotics Market

List of Hospitals Research Centre:

London, UK

Worldwide

Major Probiotic Associations and Society

Companies Associated with Probiotics:

Top Nutrition Universities in UK

Target Audience

Figure-4:Target audience for Probiotics

Glance at Market and Funding for Probiotics Research

Figure-5: Projections Growth by next 5-10 years

Recent studies on Probiotics Market exhibit both the opportunities and forecasts during the period 2014-2022during which the global probiotics market is expected to reach$57.4 billionby 2022, registering a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period, 2016-2022.Asia-Pacificis presently dominant in the market and is expected to be the leading contributor in global revenue, due to its high adoption of probiotic based food and beverages. Bacteria derived probiotics would dominate the market throughout the forecast period as yeast strains are still under research and testing phase and approvals from the Food and Drug Administration would take time to implement. By end use, the probiotics market is segmented into animal probiotics and human probiotics. Human probiotics is in the lead by contributing nearly 90% of global revenue in 2015 and is forecasted to grow at a fastest rate of 7.8% during the period 2016-2022. Growth in awareness about the probiotics benefits among the consumers through various means such as publications, fact sheets, and conferences would help to grow among human end users.

1. Probiotic Microorganism

The term probiotic remains undefined legally in many countries, and regulatory approaches differ among countries worldwide. Diverse categories encompass probiotic products, including: food, functional food, novel food, natural remedy (Denmark Sweden and Finland), natural health product (Canada), dietetic food (Italy), dietary supplement (USA), biotherapeutic and pharmaceuticals (probiotic pharmaceuticals are available in Canada, China, eastern European countries, France, Germany, Belgium, Austria and Italy). There is no official definition of probiotic in Japanese regulation, but several probiotic and prebiotic products have achieved FOSHU (foods for specialized health use) status, with health statements being approved by the Japanese Ministry of HealthWhile few studies have established the minimum effective dose of a probiotic to convey a physiological effect, probiotic-induced changes are rarely seen at daily doses of less than 10810 colony forming units (cfu).24 However, one can only speculate as to how many probiotic cells reach target sites alive. Probiotic bacteria that are tolerant to acid stress would be expected to survive well during stomach passage. Genomic regions, identified through genome sequencing, that may help identify regions critical to the survival and functionality of commensal or probiotic organisms in their corresponding habitats might include: conserved versus distinct gene sets , genes resulting from recent horizontal transfer, altered GC contentislands/regions of adaptability.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th International Conference on Nutrition & Food Sciences May 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas June 07-09 San Francisco; The global nutraceutical event May 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th International Conference on Probiotics in Veterinary Medicine April 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th World Congress on Targeting Microbiota October 2017 Paris, France; The International Scientific Conference on Probiotics and Prebiotics June 19 22 June 2017Budapest, Hungary; Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th International Conference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics Foods July 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th International Conference on Probiotics and Functional Foods March 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

2. Mechanisms of action of probiotics

Recent studies are providing new insight into the mechanisms by which the microbiota regulates the colonization and eradication of pathogens. Particularly revealing the ability of commensals to restrain pathogen growth by dictating the metabolic pathways that control the competition for limited nutrients in the intestine. Furthermore, inflammatory responses have profound effects on the growth of pathogens and certain commensal species. However, the relative contributions of each metabolic pathway and the commensal species involved remain poorly understood. In addition, little is known about how the inflammatory responses affect interactions between pathogens and commensals. There is a delicate balance in microbiota populations in the gut and disruption in this balance leads to dysbiosis and overgrowth of pathobionts leading to pathologic immune responses and disease. The identification and characterization of natural competitors that suppress the growth of pathogens and pathobionts may lead to the development of rational approaches to manage intestinal disease. There is also a clear role for host immunity in controlling microbiota populations. However, recent studies have challenged a critical role of innate recognition receptors in determining the composition of the gut microbiota. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanism by which the host regulates the microbiota.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 2017Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

3. Probiotics and Health: A Clinical Perspective

Probiotics live microorganisms when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host that have been studied for both human and animal applications, and worldwide research on this topic has accelerated in recent years. Administration of probiotics could be effective in the treatment of acute infectious diarrhoea in children and the prevention of antibiotic associated diarrhoea and nosocomial/community acquired diarrhoea. Encouraging evidence is also emerging for the effectiveness of probiotics in the prevention and management of pouchitis and paediatric atopic diseases, and the prevention of postoperative infections. There is also strong evidence that certain probiotic strains are able to enhance immune function, especially in subjects with less than adequate immune function such as the elderly. Efficacy of probiotics has been shown in the prevention of prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, sepsis associated with severe acute pancreatitis, improvement of lactose metabolism and cancers, the management of weight and lowering of blood cholesterol, but there is insufficient evidence to recommend them for use in other clinical conditions.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 2017Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

4. Probiotics in Gastroenterology

Gastroenterologists once defined gastrointestinal health as the absence of chronic disorder such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, this is too restrictive. The increasing frequency of digestive functional disorders, including non-ulcer dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), justifies an enlargement of a definition that includes intestinal well-being and the overall impact on quality of life including reduction of disease risk. Some animal studies are required to investigate this concept. The intestinal microflora has been linked with a number of intestinal diseases including colon cancer, (IBS) and IBD however few details of their involvement have been elucidated. Since colon cancer and IBD can lead to extreme therapeutic approaches, including surgical excision, clarification of the role of the microflora in these diseases may significantly reduce morbidity.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 2017Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

5.Probiotics in Pediatrics

Presenting global evidence for their utility in children, Prof. Sherman illustrated that evidence through randomized controlled trails have demonstrated that certain probiotic strains are more effective than placebo in a variety of conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Multiple meta-analyses indicate effectiveness in reducing the duration of acute enteritis in pre-schoolers and in reducing the frequency of necrotizing enterocolitis in pre-term babies. As probiotics exist naturally in some foods and are also available as dietary supplements in powder, capsule, and tablet forms. In 2002, the industry secured FDA designation of specific strains of B. lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus as substances generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in milk-based formulas for infants aged 4 months and older. Most probiotic bacteria are similar to the beneficial bacteria that occur naturally in the gut, including those of the Lactobacillus species (eg, L. acidophilus). Infants acquire other bacteria during their first months, mainly those of the Bifidobacterium and Enterobacter species. Bifidobacterium species dominate in the gut of breast-fed infants, whereas Enterobacter microbes dominate in bottle-fed infants. This difference in species, which has been identified as key to breast-fed infants superior immunity to many infections, has spurred much of the medical and pediatric communities interest in probiotics. Infant formula manufacturers have also taken interest.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 2017Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

6. Probiotics in Animal Health

The use of probiotics for farm animals has increased considerably over the last 15 years. Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms which can confer a health benefit for the host when administered in appropriate and regular quantities. Once ingested, the probiotic microorganisms can modulate the balance and activities of the gastrointestinal microbiota, whose role is fundamental to gut homeostasis. It has been demonstrated that numerous factors, such as dietary and management constraints, can strongly affect the structure and activities of the gut microbial communities, leading to impaired health and performance in livestock animals. Probiotic microorganisms, which benefit from a natural image, can expect a promising future in animal nutrition. Controlled research studies demonstrate that they can positively balance gastrointestinal microbiota, and thereby improve animal production and health. However, care must be taken in the way that the probiotic candidate-strains are selected. Better knowledge of the structure and activities of the gut microbiota, functional interactions between gut microbes and interrelationships between microbes and host cells represent a fundamental aspect of future probiotic research. In this context new omic technologies will be very helpful to better characterize and understand the effects of probiotics on the balance of the gastrointestinal microbiota. It will be possible to select more powerful or targeted strains on a scientific basis and follow their behaviour in the host animal. Thanks to these techniques, which are complimentary to anaerobic culture methods and gnotobiotic animal or cellular models, probiotic research has had, and will also certainly have in the future, a very important place in the improvement of animal health and nutrition.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 2017Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

7. Plant Probiotics

The increasing interest in the preservation of the environment and the health of consumers is changing production methods and food consumption habits. Consumers increasingly demand safe functional foods that have beneficial properties for health mainly focused on the protection against carcinogenesis and oxidative processes. The consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables containing bioactive compounds has increased considerably in recent years and many studies have been carried out on the potential benefits of such compounds in different aspects of human health. At the same time, there has been a strong increase in studies addressing the benefits of biofertilization for plants and the environment. In this sense plant promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) able to colonize the inside of plants tissues are especially interesting. These beneficial microorganisms are plant probiotics and promote the plant growth through different direct mechanisms such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and the production of different compounds such as phytohormones or indirect mechanisms such as the production of siderophores. To achieve both aims, the promotion of plant growth and the benefits for human health, it is necessary to use non-pathogenic microorganisms in biofertilization schemes.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 2017Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

8.Probiotics in Aquaculture

Aquaculture is the world's fastest growing food production sector. However, fish culture is currently suffering from serious losses due to infectious diseases. The use of antimicrobial drugs, pesticides and disinfectant in aquaculture disease prevention and growth promotion has led to the evolution of resistant strains of bacteria. Thus, the research into the use of probiotics for aquaculture is increasing with the demand for environment friendly sustainable aquaculture. The benefits of such supplements include improved feed value, enzymatic contribution to digestion, inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms, anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic activity, and increased immune response. These probiotics are harmless bacteria that help the well-being of the host animal and contribute, directly or indirectly to protect the host animal against harmful bacterial pathogens. The use of probiotics in aquaculture has just begun, due to the fact that gastrointestinal microbiota of aquatic organisms has been poorly characterized, and their effects are not studied extensively.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 2017Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

9.Probioceuticals: Probiotic- Derived Factors

Probiotic-derived factors have been described as capable of exerting probiotic activities through various mechanisms. However, it is important to distinguish between the concept of probiotic, which is necessarily based on the ingestion of live microorganisms, and the concept of microorganism-derived bioactive compounds that may have useful applications in nutrition and medicine. Bioactive compounds of bacterial or yeast origin, (antibiotics, for example), have been utilized in medicine for decades. Although there are many bacteria-derived products capable of inducing a health benefit, the concept of probiotic is only attributed to microorganisms administered as viable forms, providing the opportunity for a symbiotic relationship between the host, and resident, or in-transit, microorganisms. Secreted probiotic factors, such as reuterin from Lactobacillus reuteri, have been reported to inhibit adhesion and viability of known enteric pathogens, suggesting that probiotic supernatants could be a rich source of new antipathogenic compounds. In an in vitro study in human gastric epithelial cells, spent culture supernatants from certain lactic acid producing bacteria inhibited the growth and attachment of Helicobacter pylori. Roselli et al. demonstrated that supernatants of Bifidobacterium animalis MB5 and Lactobacillus GG could inhibit adhesion of E. coli K88 to Caco-2 cells, with the supernatant exerting identical beneficial effects following protease digestion, suggesting that proteins were not the active constituent.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 2017Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

10. Probiotic Delivery Systems

Since probiotic-containing products in general do not require Food and Drug Administration approval, they are commonly available in the market in various food formats such as fermented milk, cheese, yogurt and juice. In recent years, probiotics have been extensively studied as a treatment option of various diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, human immunodeficiency virus infection, irritable bowel syndrome. Due to probiotics vulnerability to several environmental factors such as temperature and pH, maintaining the viability of probiotics has long been a hurdle to develop successful probiotic delivery systems. Hence to overcome these hurdles in probiotic delivery methods like encapsulation of materials and recent probiotic delivery technologies are being commonly used. Microencapsulation technologies have been developed to protect the bacteria from damage caused by external environment. By the introduction of a straw delivery system containing a dry form of the probiotic bacterium beverage manufacturers can now provide it to the consumer. In addition, viable spores of a spore forming probiotic are available in the market offering advantages during processing. In the same time, the potential of antibiotics substances with antimicrobial properties production by bifidobacteria is being explored in order to be applied in the food area.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 2017Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

11. Traditional Therapies of Probiotics

There is an increasing scientific and commercial interest in the use of beneficial microorganisms, or "probiotics," for the prevention and treatment of disease. The microorganisms most frequently used as probiotic agents are lactic-acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), which has been extensively studied in recent literature. Multiple mechanisms of action have been postulated, including lactose digestion, production of antimicrobial agents, competition for space or nutrients, and immunomodulation. Studies of pediatric diarrhoea show substantial evidence of clinical benefits from probiotic therapy in patients with viral gastroenteritis, and data on LGG treatment for Clostridium difficile diarrhoea appear promising. However, data to support use of probiotics for prevention of traveler's diarrhoea are more limited. New research suggests potential applications in vaccine development and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Further studies are needed to take full advantage of this traditional medical approach and to apply it to the infectious diseases.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 2017Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

12. Functional Foods

Overwhelming evidence from epidemiological, in vivo, in vitro, and clinical trial data indicates that a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of chronic disease, particularly cancer. In 1992, a review of 200 epidemiological studies showed that cancer risk in people consuming diets high in fruits and vegetables was only one-half that in those consuming few of these foods. It is now clear that there are components in a plant-based diet other than traditional nutrients that can reduce cancer risk. Functional foods containing physiologically-active components, either from plant or animal sources, may enhance health. It should be stressed, however, that functional foods are not a magic bullet or universal panacea for poor health habits. There are no good or bad foods, but there are good or bad diets. The range of food products containing probiotic strains is wide and still growing. The main products existing in the market are dairy-based ones including fermented milks, cheese, ice cream, buttermilk, milk powder, and yogurts, the latter accounting for the largest share of sales. The functional food market is expanding, especially in Japan its birthplace with further growth prospects in Europe and the United States and in most countries the largest share of its products is held by probiotics. Common foods containing probiotics include fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, and some juices, smoothies, nutrition bars, and soy drinks. The most common strains found in yogurt are L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus.

13. Beneficial aspects of Prebiotics

Prebiotics are non-digestible, fermentable carbohydrates and fibers, such as inulin-type frucans and galacto-oligosaccharides, which exhibit health promoting properties to host through selective stimulation of growth and/or activities of a limited number of bacteria (i.e., probiotics). Human milk contains substantial quantities of prebiotics. There is a paucity of Random Clinical Trials examining prebiotics in children, showing that there may be some long-term benefit of prebiotics for the prevention of atopic eczema and common infections in healthy infants for which confirmatory well-designed clinical research studies are necessary.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 207Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

14. Regulation and Product Development

Depending on intended use of a probiotic (drug vs. dietary supplement), regulatory requirements differ greatly. If a probiotic is intended for use as a drug, then it must undergo the regulatory process as a drug, which is similar to that of any new therapeutic agent. Despite the promising evidence, the role of probiotics in human health as well as the safety of their application should be further investigated as the current knowledge of the characteristics that are necessary for their functionality in the gut is not complete. The factors that must be addressed in evaluating the effectiveness of the incorporation of the probiotic strains into such products are, besides safety, the compatibility of the product with the microorganism and the maintenance of its viability through food processing, packaging, and storage conditions. The products pH for instance is a significant factor determining the incorporated probiotics survival and growth, and this is one of the reasons why soft cheeses seem to have a number of advantages over yoghurt as delivery systems for viable probiotics to the gastrointestinal tract. Current technological innovations provide ways to overcome probiotic stability and viability issues offering new options for their incorporation in new media and subsequent satisfaction of the increasing consumer demand. The safety profile of a potential probiotic strain is of critical importance in the selection process. This testing should include the determination of strain resistance to a wide variety of common classes of antibiotics such as tetracyclines, quinolones and macrolides and subsequent confirmation of non-transmission of drug resistance genes or virulence plasmids. Evaluation should also take the end-product formulation into consideration because this can induce adverse effects in some subjects or negate the positive effects altogether. A better understanding of the potential mechanisms whereby probiotic organisms might cause adverse effects will help to develop effective assays that predict which strains might not be suitable for use in probiotic products.

Related Conferences: 9thInternationalCongress on Nutrition & HealthFebruary 20-21, 2017 Berlin, Germany; 10thAnnualNutrition & Food Sciences CongressMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan; 11thEuropeanNutrition and Dietetics ConferenceJune 29- July 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain; 10thInternationalConference on Clinical Diabetes, Diabetes care & NutritionJuly 20-21, 2017 Chicago, USA; 13thWorldCongress on Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Neurocognition, July 27-28, 2017, Rome, Italy 10th InternationalConference on Nutrition & Food SciencesMay 29-31, 2017 Osaka, Japan;IPA World Congress + Probiota AmericasJune 07-09 San Francisco;The global nutraceutical eventMay 09 - 11 2017 Geneva Switzerland; ICPVM 2017: 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics in Veterinary MedicineApril 8 - 9, 2017 Dubai, UAE; 5th WorldCongress on Targeting MicrobiotaOctober 2017 Paris, France; The International ScientificConference on Probiotics and PrebioticsJune 19 22 June 2017Budapest,Hungary;Probiotics Congress: USA October 3-4 2016 San Diego, USA; The 2ndProbiotics Congress: Asia Mar 1-2 2017 Hong Kong; ICPFPF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics, Functional and Pediatrics FoodsJuly 10 - 11, 2017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands; ICPFF 2017 : 19th InternationalConference on Probiotics and Functional FoodsMarch 9 - 10, 2017 Miami, USA.

Excerpt from:

Probiotics Conferences | Europe | Asia | USA | Middle East ...

On 27 April 2017, the Court of Justice of the European Union issued a judgement upon request of the Tribunal de Grande Instance of Perpignan (France) for a preliminary ruling under Article 267 TFEU, made by decision of 5 August 2015.

The request concerned the interpretation of Directive (EC) 2002/46 on the approximation of laws of the Member States relating to food supplements and Articles 28 and 30 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) on the free movement of goods.

The question arose in the context of a criminal proceeding brought against Noria Distribution SARL (Noria Distribution) for putting on sale or sold food supplements not authorised in France because they exceeded the maximum daily doses of vitamins and minerals which may be used for the manufacture of such food supplements, as set forth in the inter-ministerial order of 9 May 2006 on nutrients (Order).

Background of the case

Noria Distribution, a French company that markets food supplements in the European Union, is prosecuted in France for having sold food supplements containing vitamins and minerals in quantities exceeding the maximum daily doses provided in the Order. The Company does not substantially contest the violation of French Law, but it claims that the Order on which the criminal proceeding is based is not compatible with the European Law.

According to Article 5 of Decree No 2006/352 transposing Directive (EC) 2002/46 under French Law ("Decree"), vitamins and minerals can be used in the manufacture of food supplements only under the conditions set forth in an implementing inter-ministerial Order. The Order provides a positive list of vitamins and minerals that can be used in the manufacture of food supplements and establishes the maximum daily doses that must not be exceeded in the context of that use. It follows that food supplements with content of nutrients exceeding the limit set forth in the Decree, cannot be legally placed in the French market even though they are legally sold in other European Member States. Although the Decree provides a simplified "mutual recognition" procedure, this shall not apply to food supplements containing vitamins and minerals.

Question referred to the Court

The Tribunal de Grande Instance of Perpignan, unsure on the conformity of national legislation with Directive (EC) 2002/46, decided to stay the proceeding and refer to the Court a request for preliminary ruling. In particular, the referring Court inquires:

Findings of the Court

As to the first question, the Court of Justice of the European Union ("CJEU") observes that until the adoption by the European Commission of an act setting forth the maximum amount of vitamins and minerals to be used in foodstuffs, Member States remain competent to adopt the legislation concerning these amounts. However, in the exercise of that competence, they shall comply with the rules concerning the free movement of goods, as well as with principles laid down in Article 5(1) and (2) of Directive (EU) 2002/46, including the requirement for a risk assessment based on generally accepted scientific data.

According to the CJEU, the French Decree constitutes a measure having an effect equivalent to a quantitative restriction, since it prohibits the marketing of food supplements exceeding the maximum limits of nutrients even if they are lawfully manufactured or marketed in another Member State. According to the CJEU's case law, measures having equivalent effect to a quantitative restriction are justified when two requirements are fulfilled. First, national rules provide a procedure enabling economic operators to obtain the authorisation to market food supplements non-compliant with these limits and the procedure is: easily accessible; can be completed within a reasonable time; and, in case of refusal, the decision can be challenged before the courts. Secondly, the application to obtain the authorisation to market those food supplements may be refused by the competent national authorities only if those supplements pose a genuine risk to public health.

Since the French legislation forbids the marketing of food supplements whose content in nutrients exceeds the upper limits set by the legislation without providing a procedure of mutual recognition, the restriction does not seem justified under the European Law.

With reference to the second question, concerning the method used to set maximum amounts of vitamins, the CJEU affirms that it shall be based on a scientific risk assessment based on generally accepted scientific data and it must be carried out on a case-by-case basis. It follows that a method which consists of setting those amounts without taking into account all of these elements, is not compatible with rules on free movement of goods.

Finally, addressing the third question, the CJEU points out that by requiring that the assessment is based on generally accepted scientific data, Article 5(1) of Directive (EC) 2002/46 intends that the assessment shall be based on reliable scientific data, regardless of whether they are national or international. It follows that if recent and reliable international scientific data are available on the date on which the scientific assessment of risks is carried out, that assessment cannot be made without having regard to those data.

Comment

In the case at issue, the Court of Justice provides a new ruling on boundaries of national legislation which provides measures having an effect equivalent to a quantitative restriction to free circulation of goods. According to the Court, these measures are not generally forbidden provided that they are based substantively on a full risk assessment based on up-to-date science and, procedurally, on a system that allows a Member State to verify whether a genuine risk to public health actually exists.

Addressing the first question, the Court confirms the findings of the Solgar decision (C-233/10), where it stated that maximum amounts of vitamins and minerals shall be based on generally accepted scientific data and on risk assessment, as generally required by Regulation (EC) 178/2002 for all measures concerning food safety.

Dealing with the procedural requirement, the Court clarifies the meaning of "mutual recognition procedure", that it shall not be intended as a procedure according to which Member States automatically recognize and authorize the import of any food supplements, but as a procedure that allows Member States to verify whether a genuine risk to public health exists. In the light of this, Member States are required to provide a procedure for repeating the assessment when importers are able to present new scientific evidence that could lead to a reconsideration of the original restriction.

This decision confirms that the lack of harmonization in sensitive matters such as food supplements still leads to the creation of barriers to free circulation of goods even though Regulation 764/2008/EC ("Mutual Recognition Regulation") has clarified the procedure which national authorities shall follow before they can restrict goods which are lawfully marketed in other Member States. This has been clearly pointed out by the EU Commission itself in the document "Upgrading the Single Market: more opportunities for people and business" where the Commission has highlighted that "National regulations and practices continue to create barriers ()While these problems occur in many industrial sectors, they are particularly present in the fields of construction, foodstuffs, food supplements and fertilisers. This translates into lost business opportunities, less competition and higher prices for consumers".

Even though the referring Court has not yet provided a decision on the case at issue, the ruling of the CJEU has led the Italian Ministry of Health to revise the maximum levels of vitamins (Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin K) allowed in food supplements, bringing legal levels in line with the European Food Safety Authority opinions and international safety data.

Visit link:

Nutrients in Food Supplements: the European Court of Justice Rules on Boundaries of National Legislation Imposing ... - Lexology (registration)

Liz Crawford , WTSP 2:43 PM. EDT June 08, 2017

Having a child is one of life's most amazing milestones but a growing trend has some moms saving more than others.

10 News ReporterLiz Crawfordtook a deeper look at the latest craze of mothers consuming placenta after their babies are born.

Like many moms, Blair Hodges was excited to welcome her second child but this time around, she wanted to be more prepared.

With my first, I got postpartum really bad so I wanted something that would help with the anxiety and just the depression part of it, Hodges told 10News WTSP.

So she turned to a pill unlike anything else in the world- her very own placenta in pill form.

I had a lot of people ask if I was crazy.

Hodges heard about Kim Wadsworth and her business,Fruit of Your Wombfrom a friend. Wadsworth has been encapsulating placentas for four years.

Hodges said she had a much better experience post-partum when taking the placenta pills. I really didn't get depressed, I had more energy, I slept better and I didn't have anxiety.

Kim Wadsworth told 10News her business has really picked up in the last few years. She usually takes on about fifteen clients a month.

It stabilizes your hormones, it's supposed to help combat baby blues, post-partum depression. It also helps boost your milk supply, said Wadsworth.

Wadsworth, who completes the process in her family kitchen, breaks the raw placenta in pieces, then places them in the dehydrator for about 20 hours before grinding the pieces into a powder in her blender.

CLICK HERE:Step-By-Step Placenta Encapsulation

Wadsworth told 10News the average size placenta makes about 120-140 capsules.

While the trend might be growing, its not popular among everyone. 10News spoke toMadelyn Butler, MDof the Womans Group in Tampa. Shes been asked about placenta pills by her patients.

Dr. Butler said, There's absolutely no scientific evidence that this is going to help you in anyway. Think of all the bacteria that live in a home kitchen. Is this blender being sterilized in the same way we would sterilize something in the medical field?

No scientific evidence, but what about all that anecdotal evidence?

I think the power of the mind, if you believe that something is going to work, it's like the placebo effect, it's going to work, explained Dr. Butler.

But forWadsworths clientslike Blair Hodges, placenta pills work.

I swear by them. I did have concerns. Most people are doing it out of their homes, but I haven't had any side effects like that and it's all been positive so I would do it again.

Fruit of Your Womb sent 10News this information about their sanitization techniques:

First off, we take this issue of sanitation very seriously. We use hospital grade cleaning solutions throughout the process, sanitation absorption pads, and MERV 14 hospital grade air filters, which are installed in our home. When using our chemicals we follow OSHA policies and procedures. Where we perform the process we thoroughly clean the area and surrounding areas before, during, and after the process. We do not process more than one placenta at a time. We have a labeling system that tracks the process until it's complete.We have decided not to use a industrial kitchen for this process, like some encapsulators do, because we believe it would be harder to maintain a sanitary workplace in a public area. During the dehydration process temperatures exceed 100 which kills off many of the bacteria or contaminants that may be present.

The FDA sent 10News this statement:

The FDA regulates products in interstate commerce. Therefore, a mother eating her own placenta does not fall within FDA's jurisdiction.

The FDA does not consider human placenta to be a food or a dietary ingredient for use in dietary supplements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Given that human placenta may transmit disease, the FDA would consider a dietary supplement or other food product that contains it to be adulterated. The FDA strongly recommends that consumers avoid dietary supplements and other food products containing human placenta, as the risk of bacterial infection is significant.

2017 WTSP-TV

See more here:

Placenta Pills: Growing trend among new moms - WTSP 10 News

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161114/438683LOGO )

Holistic Benefits of Botanical Supplements Leading to their Higher Consumption

Consumers often look for dietary supplements that can offer holistic benefits when consumed rather than any specific benefits. Hence, many of the food brands are now offering products that contain botanical supplements owing to their holistic properties. This, in turn, is expected to drive the demand for botanical supplements to a certain extent. Moreover, manufacturers are also concentrating on developing customized products in an attempt to create exclusivity. Also, liberal regulations for manufacturing of botanical supplements encourage market players to experiment with their existing products, as they are not under any serious obligation to provide efficacy data. Liberal regulations pertaining to herbal/botanical supplements has led to the introduction of more products over the years.

As per PMR's study, the global botanical supplement market is projected to reach a valuation of US$ 37,950 Mn by 2017-end. In terms of revenue, the market is set to witness a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period. Factors such as inclination of consumers towards naturally derived products and increasing health awareness will be majorly accountable for this growth.

View Market Overview and Research Methodology@http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/botanical-supplements-market.asp

Additional Highlights of the Report Include:

Among regions, Europe is the largest market for botanical supplements, followed by North America. In 2016, the market in Europe stood at around US$ 11,385 Mn. Meanwhile, in Asia Pacific, countries such as China and India will continue to represent lucrative market opportunities. Manufacturers in this region are generating significant sales revenue from selling new botanical supplements. Towards the end of 2025, the market in Asia Pacific is estimated to reach a valuation of US$ 16,926.6 Mn, reflecting a CAGR of more than 6%.

View Report Table of Contents, Figures, and Tables@http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/botanical-supplements-market/toc

PMR in its report has profiled some of the leading companies operating in the global market for botanical supplements, which include -

A sample of this report is available upon request@http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/2797

Persistence Market Research Overview

Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.

To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.

Contact Persistence Market Research U.S. Sales Office: 305 Broadway, 7th Floor New York City, NY 10007 United States T: +1-646-568-7751 USA - Canada Toll-Free: 800-961-0353 Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com

Web: http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com

SOURCE Persistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd.

Visit link:

Botanical Supplements Market to Reach US$ 69 Bn by 2025 - Persistence Market Research - PR Newswire (press release)

If youve taken a peek through Instagram recently, one thing is clear: Black food is everywhere. Perhaps a goth response to the ubiquity of unicorn lattes and rainbow bagels, dyeing foods a deep, inky black has become one of the years biggest food trends. Activated charcoal, the ingredient that creates this super-black hue, has made its way into coconut ash ice cream, detoxifying lemonades, pizza crusts, and boozy cocktails that are as black as your cold, dark soul.

Activated charcoal, also known as activated carbon or coconut ash, has long been a staple in hospitals, where it is used to prevent poisons and lethal overdoses of drugs from being absorbed by the body. Its a potent detoxifier, which has also helped activated charcoal attract an ardent following among the crunchy juice-cleanse types, who claim that the supplement (usually taken in pill form, though the powder can be mixed into a glass of water) can do everything from preventing hangovers to mitigating the side effects of food poisoning.

The idea of charcoal as a detoxifier isnt going away anytime soon, but consumers are now more interested in charcoal-tinted ice cream and pizza because it makes for excellent Instagram fodder. The black ice cream from shops like Morgensterns in New York City and Los Angeles Little Damage have been posted to social media thousands of times, along with inspiring countless copycats at ice cream shops across the country. This time, the craze isnt necessarily attributed to activated charcoals purported health benefits. Instead, the appeal is directly attributed to the fact that black-hued dishes are relatively rare and unique and also happen to look really, really cool.

Still, as the trend has grown, a number of articles have raised concerns about whether or not activated charcoal is safe to consume. Theres been a little bit of fearmongering regarding the ingredient, like pieces at Self and BoingBoing that warn people to definitely avoid foods dyed black with activated charcoal because theyre not safe.

As always, the truth lies somewhere in the middle, between the natural health evangelists and complete skeptics. If consumed in excessive amounts, activated charcoal can cause some adverse health effects but definitely it isnt as dangerous as some might believe.

While technically made of the same material as the charcoal briquettes in your barbecue, activated charcoal is a decidedly different thing. Food-grade activated charcoal is most frequently produced by heating coconut shells to extremely high temperatures until they are carbonized, or completely burned up. The resulting ash is then processed with steam or hot air at equally high temperatures to produce a microporous structure.

This process dramatically increases the surface area of the charcoal, which partly explains why it is such a powerful detoxifier. You can imagine activated charcoal as a sponge with its many tiny pores, writes Discover Magazines Eunice Liu. In fact, it is these little pores that endow the activated charcoal with its powerful adsorption properties, referring to the process by which atoms or molecules from a gas, liquid, or dissolved solid bind onto a surface.

Before it hit mainstream food culture, activated charcoal was a popular ingredient for detox enthusiasts. Added to juice cleanses and cayenne pepper lemonades, the powdered charcoal has been touted by natural health advocates for its anti-aging benefits, as a way to lose weight and lower cholesterol, draw poisonous spider venom out of wounds, and minimize gastrointestinal distress. Long before that, even, it was used by Ayurvedic and Eastern medicine practitioners to whiten teeth and cleanse toxic mold spores from the body.

Pretty much the only reason to add activated charcoal to ice cream or pizza crust is to produce that rich, Instagram-worthy black color. In terms of flavor, activated charcoal doesnt really bring much to the mix, which is why Morgensterns added coconut and burnt honey vanilla flavors to its black ice cream when it was introduced last year. Little Damage offers a rotating selection of flavors, like almond, dyed with activated charcoal.

The inspiration for Little Damages black ice cream came after owner Jenny Damage noticed activated charcoal in a number of juice shops across Los Angeles, and found that it was a really good way to produce a pure, super-black color. Black is not an easy color to achieve when youre mixing white ice cream with it, Damage says. I first saw it in charcoal lemonades, and I thought that was fun. The ingredient itself didnt have too much of a taste, so it was a really good base for us to rotate our flavors, using that as our iconic color.

At Prohibition Creamery in Austin, Texas, owner Laura Aidan first whipped up a batch of black ice cream as a Halloween special last year, but its been so popular that its made its way back to her constantly rotating menu a few times since. On a weekly basis, she gets requests from people via Instagram, Facebook, and email for the black ice cream, which was originally intended to just be a one-time-only offering.

When she decided to do a black ice cream, Aidan originally thought she might use squid ink, which is used to dye Italian pastas, or maybe black sesame seeds. Ultimately, though, activated charcoal was the best option. Activated charcoal was totally the best fit. I was familiar with it as a health food supplement, but I had never put it in ice cream before, Aidan says. It adds just a slight bit of crunch, a really fine little crunch to the texture, but for the most part it was amazing how smoothly the charcoal mixed into the ice cream.

Activated charcoal is really good at adsorption, or soaking up all the molecules in its path, but it isnt so good at picking out whats toxic and what isnt. When a person consumes activated charcoal in ice cream, the charcoal sucks up the calcium, potassium, and other vitamins that would be found in the milk. This prevents the stomach lining from absorbing those nutrients, which means that the body eliminates them as waste alongside the charcoal. In extreme cases, this can result in malnutrition.

For people who take prescription medications every day, activated charcoal may pose an even bigger concern. Activated charcoal is given to people who take too much medication because charcoal is so absorbent and can counteract an overdose, gastroenterologist Patricia Raymond, M.D. told Womens Health. But if youre drinking it and you also are on any meds, even birth control pills, the charcoal is likely to absorb the drugs. So you risk having them become ineffective. According to Drugs.com, that warning applies to more than 200 drugs, ranging from the ibuprofen you take to fend off a headache to albuterol, used to stop asthma attacks. As such, most companies that sell the product as a supplement recommend waiting at least two hours between taking activated charcoal and other prescription drugs.

Its especially concerning for people who use hormonal contraceptives, as consuming activated charcoal within just a few hours of taking the pill can reduce its efficiency. In a January interview with Imbibe, Bittermens founder Avery Glasser joked that he was going to make an activated charcoal cocktail called See Ya In Nine Months, referring to its potential to produce an unplanned pregnancy. It was a nod to the ethical dilemma at hand: Should bartenders really be serving these drinks to unwitting patrons, and if they do, should they come with a warning?

The science is somewhat mixed on the health benefits of activated charcoal, but as with most other detox products, most scientists are skeptical. There is little hard evidence that consuming activated charcoal actually does anything to detoxify the body or improve liver function, but that hasnt stopped natural health enthusiasts from consuming it, much like turmeric lattes or juice cleanses. Perhaps not surprisingly, natural lifestyle maven Gwyneth Paltrow is an ardent activated charcoal proponent.

Activated charcoal is amazing, says Elissa Goodman, a Los Angeles-based holistic nutritionist whos developed cleanse plans for celebrities like Kate Hudson. I have used it for myself, my children use it, and we always travel with it. Its powerful, potent stuff that is able to trap toxins and chemicals in the body and help flush them out so that theyre not absorbed. I think our bodies are really toxic.

For Goodman and her now college-aged kids, activated charcoal is mostly used as a hangover cure. She also packs it when traveling to places where shes concerned that the water may make her sick, and believes that it can be effective in helping remove toxic mold spores (which are prevalent in the laundry rooms and bathrooms of many homes and apartments) from the body. We all have digestive issues, and charcoal can alleviate gas and bloating, which is usually produced by some kind of fermentation in our guts, she says. We inhale spores of toxic molds. In places where water is crappy, tap water can be toxic and have chemicals. A lot of people dont have filtration systems in their homes, so its great to use.

Still, despite Goodmans obsession with eliminating toxins, she doesnt see activated charcoal as the kind of thing that should be eaten every day. Everything in moderation. We get onto these crazes and run with them, even if its potentially not that great for us in the long run, she says. I dont think its good to eat or drink it all the time. When youre feeling bad, its great to use. When youre healthy and normal, you dont need it. Goodman also knows that activated charcoal can interfere with adsorption of medications and other supplements, which is why she recommends taking it first thing in the morning.

In small quantities, activated charcoal is perfectly safe to consume, even if the purported health benefits are scientifically dubious. In the black ice cream at Prohibition Creamery, only a few ounces (by weight) of activated charcoal go into an 18-gallon batch of ice cream, which means that each scoop only contains a tiny amount. But because its hard to judge exactly how and when your body will process the charcoal, its still a good idea to wait a few hours after taking prescription medications like birth control before eating that charcoal pizza crust.

The amount that goes into each serving isnt great enough to make a huge difference when youre talking about ice cream, says Damage. Youd have to consume a huge amount. Of course, I dont know every medicine each and every person is taking, so if youre on medication, people should consult with their doctors before trying our ice cream.

Its also important to remember that activated charcoal isnt the only common ingredient used in restaurants that can interfere with medications. Grapefruit juice is known to increase the absorption of some drugs, including statins used to regulate cholesterol, HIV protease inhibitors, and over-the-counter cough syrup those who consume those medications are encouraged to avoid drinking grapefruit juice within two hours of downing their pills.

A natural compound called tyramine, found in aged cheeses, cured meats, and certain wines, can also be deadly for people using monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, to treat depression and personality disorders. (Fun fact: In The Silence of the Lambs, when Anthony Hopkins, starring as diabolical cannibal Hannibal Lecter, tells FBI agent Clarice Starling that he ate a census workers liver with fava beans and a nice Chianti, that particular assortment of foods (all high in tyramine) provides a subtle clue that Lecter is off his medications. Otherwise, as Mental Floss notes, its a combination that would have otherwise killed him.)

Still, despite the fact that activated charcoal is harmless in small quantities, its probably not a good idea to eat (or drink) it every single day. Over time, activated charcoal will adsorb crucial nutrients away from the body, which could eventually lead to malnutrition. Kim Kardashian might keep her fridge stocked with activated charcoal lemonades, but regular consumption comes with some less-than-glamorous side effects, like constipation, dehydration, and some very metal black-tinted poop.

Ultimately, its unlikely that consuming ice cream or pizza dyed black with activated charcoal every once in a while is going to result in any serious health complications. It might still be a good idea to treat this trendy ingredient much like the ice cream it is stirred into as an occasional splurge instead of a diet staple.

Amy McCarthy is the editor of Eater Dallas and Eater Houston. Editor: Erin DeJesus

See original here:

Everything You Need to Know About Eating Activated Charcoal - Eater

facebook pinterest email copy link Antioxidants may not live up to all the hype.Flickr/Ano Lobb The INSIDER Summary:

Food and supplement companies make it seem like antioxidants are little warriors that start vanquishing diseases in your body as soon as you ingest them. It's easy to assume that consuming more of them must be better than consuming less.

But science shows loading up on antioxidants may not be as beneficial as you'd think some research suggests it can even cause harm. Here's what you need to know.

First, a quick primer on how antioxidants work:

Blueberries are a source of dietary antioxidants.Flickr/mystuart

Antioxidants have the power to stop free radicals, highly reactive chemicals that tear through the body, damaging cells and possibly playing a role in the development of diseases like cancer. Free radicals are an inescapable fact of life: The body makes them as a natural byproduct of digesting food, and it also makes them in response to pollution or radiation exposure.

"Antioxidants" is the catchall name given to the hundreds probably thousands of chemicals that can quench destructive free radicals. The body makes a lot of its own antioxidants, but we can also get them from our diet. Some antioxidants are also vitamins vitamins A, C, and E, to be specific but most others aren't.

When it comes to antioxidants, more is n0t always better.

Vitamin E supplement pills.Flickr/John Liu

A few decades ago, scientists began to understand that free radical damage might play a role in conditions like heart disease, cancer, vision loss, and more, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. So they decided to study what would happen if they gave people large doses of antioxidants in supplement form.

The results have been largely disappointing.

In 1985, for instance, American researchers recruited 18,000 people at high risk for lung cancer and had some of them take vitamin A supplements. But the study was halted almost two years early because participants taking the supplements were lung cancer than participants taking a placebo.

Antioxidant supplements aren't always beneficial.Shutterstock

Newer research hasn't been much more promising. A 2007 review found that taking antioxidants beta carotene, vitamin A, or vitamin E could increase mortality yes, that's the fancy scientific term for death. And while some trials have found a benefit to antioxidant supplementation, most simply haven't.

"The supplement trials have really failed," Christopher Gardner, PhD, professor of Medicine at Stanford Prevention Research Center and member of the True Health Initiative (THI), told INSIDER.

The antioxidant "scores" on food packages don't mean much, either.

You've probably come across tons of foods with claims about antioxidants on the label.

The test that companies use to make such claims is called the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, or ORAC. The problem is that it's a done in a test tube, not in humans. And just because a food has lots of antioxidant power in a test tube, Gardner explained, doesn't mean it's going to translate to a tangible health benefit in your body.

Food companies like to boast about antioxidant content.Flickr/Ty Konzak

"Even though [there's an antioxidant] in a food, you would have to absorb it without breaking it down," Gardner said. "Then it would have to be delivered to some part of your body that needs it. Then it would have to be the case that you didn't have enough to begin with, so this [antioxidant] made up for your deficiency. And then the last thing is, how would you measure that it did something?"

It's really tough to prove that the antioxidants in your morning goji berries, for example, are the reason you do or don't get heart disease 50 years from now.

Antioxidant content isn't the only reason you should buy a food.Flickr/Mike Mozart

Because of all this, the USDA decided to shut down its online ORAC database back in 2012, writing that ORAC values were "routinely misused" by food and supplement companies.

This doesn't mean products that list ORAC scores are necessarily bad for you. On the contrary, foods with high ORAC scores are often very nutritious choices, cardiologist Joel Kahn, MD, another THI member, told INSIDER.

But you shouldn't let antioxidant-based marketing claims sway your food decisions. Don't spend more on a certain type of berry solely because it has a high ORAC score or the word "antioxidants" plastered all over the package. Just buy whatever berries you want to eat.

One thing is clear: Foods that contain lots of antioxidants are good for your health.

Fruits and vegetables are the way to go.Flickr/Jason Paris

Most health authorities agree: Antioxidant supplements aren't worth your money, but antioxidant-rich foods definitely are.

"Antioxidant-rich foods probably sound familiar because we've been telling you to eat those for a really long time," Gardner said.

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains these foods are all rich in antioxidants, but they also have healthful fiber and essential nutrients your body needs. Plus, a robust body of evidence says that they're beneficial for long-term health.

"People should get the majority of their antioxidants from brightly colored fresh fruits and vegetables," Kahn said. "There's no doubt eating fruits and vegetables is a dose-related way to improve your health."

Like what you see here? Subscribe to our daily newsletter to get more of it.

See more here:

All of those antioxidant supplements are a huge con - INSIDER

The first 100 days of life under President Donald Trump has been a tumultuous time. While policy proposals from his White House are generally light on details, consumer advocates can use the presidents budget proposal as a window into his priorities. And while the continuing resolution that passed last week funded the federal government through September at or near previous levels, President Trumps call for a good shutdown in September reveals his ultimate agenda. His own plan, the grandiosely titled America First: A budget blueprint to make America great again, includes $54 billion dollars in cuts to a variety of government programs, many of would decimate key U.S. consumer protections.

With the presidents ill-advised tweets stealing thunder from the need for sound policy decisions, its easy to forget that consumer protections, and the agencies that enforce them, exist for a very good reason. For example, the official mission of the FDA is to protect the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nations food supply, cosmetics and products that emit radiation. Even in this day and age, when government seems to bear the blame for everything, protecting our safety and health remains a good use of taxpayer dollars.

The White House is proposing a major increase in FDA user fees, which are collected every time a new drug or medical device is submitted for a review. While increasing these fees might help offset costs, its unrealistic to think they can make up for total cuts.

The nearly-15,000 person FDA plays a regular and visible role in our lives, setting policy for review and labeling of foods and drugs in kitchen pantries and medicine cabinets across the country. Its mission is vital to keeping our food and prescription drug supply safe and secure.

The internet has generally made products of all kinds cheaper and more available to consumers, with widespread benefits. On the downside, it has provided a platform for bad actors to prey on unsuspecting customers seeking to stretch their ever-dwindling incomes.

The global market for dietary supplements was $82 billion as of 2013. Many of these supplements containing untested ingredients are sold directly to customers online. Surprisingly, these products can go into the market without any safety, purity or quality testing by the FDA. Margaret Hamburg, FDA commissioner from 2009 to 2015, echoed many when she observed that there is a widespread concern about where these products are coming from and whats in them. Consumer Reports found that an estimated 23,000 people annually end up in the emergency room after taking supplements. To fulfill its agency mission, the FDA must be empowered and funded to oversee product integrity for dietary supplements.

The FDA, even at former funding levels, is stretched too thin enforcing laws currently on the books. Unapproved drug products to treat glaucoma and asthma, as well as cosmetic treatments such as illicit Botox, have been seized by FDA enforcement officials. However, the FDA is limited, by statute and funding, in monitoring the vast sea of questionable counterfeit drugs and dietary supplement products online.

Low penalties, combined with the already inadequate FDA budget, dont incentivize the kind of prosecutions needed to stop of the flow of illicit products. According to a recent Washington Legal Foundation brief, A number of statutory gaps in the penalty provisions of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) pose a risk to American consumers including unequal treatment of counterfeiting and diversion, as well as differing penalties for certain types of diversion. Combined with chronic underfunding of the agency tasked with enforcement, these statutory gaps hinder regulators and prosecutors from stopping the bad actors.

Its likely that the user fees proposed by the Trump budget would go to fund the expedited approval of new drugs, which while commendable if done safely, would jeopardize the agencys other duties. President Trump needs to understand the true impact of his proposed budget cuts. If he doesnt, Congress must step up and fill the leadership void.

Ken McEldowney is executive director of Consumer Action, a nonprofit organization working for social change since 1971.

Morning Consult welcomes op-ed submissions on policy, politics and business strategy in our coverage areas. Updated submission guidelines can be foundhere.

Go here to see the original:

FDA Budget Cuts and Increased User Fees Are Bad for America - Morning Consult

Whats the story?

WWE Champion Jinder Mahal recently did an interview with GQ Magazine. They discussed a range of topics including the rumours of PED use, what supplements he takes, and his preference for fast food.

Jinder was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 1986, and has a business degree in communications and culture from the University of Calgary. His uncle Gama Singh is also a professional wrestler, and the person who trained him wasthe legendary Stu Hart.

When it comes to fast food, Jinder says that you can actually eat very clean at Chipotle. He says that hell get chicken with lettuce and rice, but stays away from guacamole and sour cream. As for places like McDonalds and pizza delivery, he cannot remember the last time he had either.

Jinder also brought up his suspected PED use and his response in the following Instagram post:

He would tell GQ that most people dont realise the hard work that goes into getting your body into this shape. No one sees him going to the gym to do cardio first thing in the morning and most people dont realise that hydration plays a large role as well.

In regards to the supplements that he takes, Jinder stated that he takes only a few. He always has protein with him and uses amino acids and magnesium to prevent muscle breakdown and cramping. There is also a multi-vitamin/digestive enzyme packet he takes every morning.

Jinder will have his first title defence at the Money In The Bank pay per view on June 18th. He will try to keep the belt when he faces The Viper Randy Orton.

We cannot be the judge, jury, and executioner when it comes to a WWE Superstar taking PEDs, that is up to those who enforce the Wellness Policy. Its easy to look back at Jinder from two or three years ago and compare him to today and say yep hes on roids, but without any proof, its just a baseless claim.

Jinder has obviously put in a lot of work since his return to the WWE, and it is not just in his physique. There is a reason why he holds the WWE Championship now, and people should respect the hard work he has put in to get to where he is today.

Send us news tips atfightclub@sportskeeda.com

Fetching more content...

Go here to see the original:

WWE News: Jinder Mahal talks about fast food, supplements and accusations of PED use - Sportskeeda

Could knowledge of our individual genetic variants guide us in making better, more personalized lifestyle choices, including the foods we eat and the dietary supplements we take? And could we leverage this information to mitigate our individual risk of obesity and other conditions? Experts in the fields of genetics, microbiology, the -omics (including metabolomics, proteomics, and more) and nutritional science generally say yesbut their opinions differ on what conclusions we can draw now with the information we currently have in this field, and how and when the science will be translatable into meaningful, scientifically sound commercial applications.

Much more than a trendy buzzword, nutrigenetics has as its main goal to understand the gene-based differences in response to dietary components and to develop recommendations that are the most compatible with the health status of individuals based on their genetic makeup, explains Jos M. Ordovs, PhD, director, Nutrition and Genomics, and professor, Nutrition and Genetics, at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University (Boston). Another way of putting it? Nutrigenetics is about how individual responses to food are driven by genetic differences.

Hooman Allayee, PhD, professor, Departments of Preventive Medicine & Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California (Los Angeles), and president-elect, International Society of Nutrigenetics/Nutrigenomics, adds, Nutrigenetics asks, Do the DNA differences between any two people make them respond differently to nutrients? The concept is based on relating genetic differences at the DNA level to the response to nutritional components.

This science is poised to disrupt the nutrition field and its blanket public-health guidelines as we now know them, and the potential applications hold tantalizing appeal for industry and consumers alike. The ultimate personalized nutrition comes, of course, from nutrigenetics, Ordovs says.

Characterizing the field as extremely complex, Ordovs explains that while he and his colleagues have been studying nutrigenetics for decades, it is, in his opinion, still in its infancy from a practical perspective. Early on, progress was limited by more-primitive technology and poor knowledge of the human genome, Ordovs says. Since then, technology has vastly improved, and our knowledge of the human genome is betterthough rather incomplete.

Still, Ordovs says, we have to integrate nutrition and genetics using very solid scientific approaches if we want the field of nutrigenetics to mature and yield meaningful solutions and applications.

Nutrigenetics & Weight Management: What We Know, What We Have Still to Learn

The question, What do we currently know about nutrigenetics, particularly related to obesity and weight management, and what can we do with that knowledge? yields varying answers depending on whom you ask. A portion of an American Heart Association statement published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics in 2016 and to which both Ordovs and Allayee contributed reads, Nutrigenomics has the potential to identify genetic predictors of disease-relevant responses to diet, and this potential and its applicability in the context of personalized nutrition have popular appeal. However, nutrigenomics has also been the subject of much hyperbole and has been ascribed much promise, particularly in the arenas of personalized nutrition, functional foods, and nutraceuticals. Unfortunately, the science has not yet fully delivered on this unrealized potential. The statement does acknowledge enthusiasm about possible clinical applications but maintains that the evidence base remains limited.

While the tone of that particular statement is one of cautious optimism, Tufts Ordovs does, in comments shared with Nutritional Outlook, point to promising findings related to nutrigenetics and weight management, including research performed at Tufts University that concluded that limiting saturated-fat intake may help promote healthy body-mass index (BMI) especially in people whose genetic makeup increases their risk of obesity.1 (For this study, researchers identified 63 gene variants related to obesity and used them to calculate a genetic-risk score for obesity for more than 2800 white adults. Participants with a higher genetic-risk score who also consumed more of their calories as saturated fat were more likely to have a higher BMI, the researchers found.)

See more here:

Nutrigenetics, Weight Management, and Dietary Supplements - Nutritional Outlook

We often talk about how a growing number of weekend warriors and everyday athletes are increasingly embracing sports nutrition supplements. But what about the professional athletes for whom supplementation involves more than just a hobby, but a career? How are these athletes now being advised to incorporate sports supplements in their training regimens?

We spoke to Erika Whitman, RD, CSSD, team sports dietitian at The Madison Square Garden Company in New York, about the role supplementation plays in professional sports today. Whitman is the team dietitian for all Madison Square Garden sports teams, including the New York Rangers, New York Knicks, New York Liberty, Westchester Knicks, and Hartford Wolf Pack.

Nutritional Outlook: As a sports dietitian, what do you believe are the biggest benefits of supplementation for athletes?

Whitman: Supplementation can assist with specific nutrient needs that an athlete might not be getting in adequate levels through the diet alone. It may be as a result of food choices or preferences, which we will always address and discuss but may not be something they are able and/or willing to adjust in diet alone. Supplementation provides another avenue of getting necessary nutrients an athlete might need. They may also have increased needs for certain nutrients at certain times to aid in recovery or certain training regimens that might benefit from assuring there is no insufficiency or deficiency in a nutrient that might be critical for the bodys optimal performance levels to be achieved.

What kinds of gains have you seen athletes experience as a result of supplementation?

I have seen athletes increase blood values from deficient or insufficient levels to adequate levels through supplementation. There is also a lot of anecdotal feedback. An athlete might state it help[s] with energy levels and feeling like they can perform better and/or longer. I have also seen electrolyte supplementation significantly decrease cramping and signs of dehydration.

How do you typically recommend that athletes incorporate dietary supplements in their health and wellness regimen?

When discussing supplements with any athlete, the approach is consistency and timing, depending on the training schedule as well as individual nutrient needs.

How often do players ask you, if at all, whether or not they should take a dietary supplement?

The question isnt usually Should I take this or not? but Hey, Erika, what do you think of this? They then hand me something or pull up a picture of something on their phone they want me to check. That happens on a somewhat regular basis, but I am also in a situation where we provide the supplements that we believe are necessary and will benefit the athlete, so that helps limit their need or desire to look elsewhere for various supplements.

How closely do you work with an athletes physician or trainer, if at all, when designing a supplement regimen?

I have great relationships with physicians and trainers, and we always work together on recommendations and implementation of supplement regimens.

What steps do you and the athletes you work with take to ensure that supplements are free of banned substances?

We primarily provide only NSF Certified for Sport products, as we know they have specifically been tested to assure they are free of banned substances as well as true to the ingredient label. It is important that products have gone through third-party testing to provide a sense of security of knowing what you are getting in the product, as supplements can hit the shelves without any label guarantee of knowing what is really in the container. It is a risky business and something we have to constantly remind our athletes about, as many believe supplements have the same requirements as food, which is simply not true. Supplements in food is then a whole other conversation which will continue to be monitored.

In addition to banned substances, are there any other primary safety concerns athletes have when taking supplements?

There are always concerns when taking a supplement that you have to consider, such as quality and source of the supplement (as well as manufacturing conditions); dosage amounts for effectiveness and safety; interactions with other supplements, medications, and/or foods; and, just as stated before, knowing that what they say on the label is really what it is.

Does personalized nutrition often play a role in the supplement recommendations you make?

Absolutely, I dont provide supplementation recommendations without considering the specific individuals diet, training, and markers that may indicate any specific nutrient needs as well as timing.

Also read:

2016 Sports Nutrition Ingredient Trends

Sports-Nutrition Formulators Eye Opportunities, Challenges of Plant Proteins

Latest Sports-Nutrition Product Trends

View original post here:

How a Sports Dietitian Recommends Dietary Supplements - Nutritional Outlook

It has become a trend that instead of eating fruits, vegetables and meat, a large number of people prefer food supplements without realiasing their side effects.

Most of the food supplements available in the market are not only unregistered but also contain steroids that can damage body organs such as brain, kidneys, liver etc.

Steroids were developed for the treatment of different diseases, especially among elderly people.

Some steroids also behave like male sex hormones and doctors prescribe them for treating problems such as late puberty as well as a significant muscle loss in cancer and Aids patients. But theyre often used illegally by athletes, sportsmen and bodybuilders.

Besides, a large number of people who have nothing to do with sports also use the food supplements, vitamins, minerals etc.

Media coordinator for the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) Dr Waseem Khawaja told Dawn that most people believed that they should have food supplements and vitamins to remain healthy.

People use food supplements and other medicines containing steroids without realising their side effects.

They gain weight temporarily but because of the use of steroids their body organs stop working. I have seen patients who used steroids and later their kidneys, liver and even brain stopped working. They remained on ventilators till their death, Dr Waseem said.

He said people should eat normal diet as normal people did not require any food supplement or vitamins.

There is a lack of awareness due to which parents approach doctors with the complaint that their children do not eat sufficient food. They insist that multivitamins and food supplements should be suggested for their children.

He said a majority of steroids were sold under the name of alternative medicines but people used them without realising their side effects.

The food supplements and vitamins are sold for thousands of rupees. People can get the same amount of vitamins and minerals from fruits and meat without spending a huge amount of money.

He also said people should understand that food supplements are given to those elderly patients who cannot digest or eat normal food.

A normal person never requires food supplements, he said.

An official of the Ministry of National Health services (NHS) said because of the unavailability of rules and regulations the sale of alternative medicines could not be regulated.

Last year, Secretary Health Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mohammad Abid Majeed wrote a letter to Secretary Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) Ayub Sheikh raising the issue of unregistered medicines being sold in the market.

He claimed that from January to June 2016 as many as 534 nutrition/alternative medicines were analysed by the provincial drug laboratories.

It was found that there were ingredients which become a reason for severe damages to health.

Mr Majeed requested that rules should be formulated to address the issue.

However, the NHS ministry official said even allopathic medicines were sold in the name of herbal products but at very high rates due to which a number of companies had stopped manufacturing allopathic medicines and shifted to alternative medicines.

He said cod liver oil was given to children, women and elderly people as it was good for the bones.

However, the bottle of cod liver oil, which used to be available for Rs150, has disappeared from the market and the same oil is now being sold for Rs1,200 under the name of herbal oil.

A bottle of surbex T (vitamin) is available for Rs50 in the market but the same medicine is also being sold for Rs1,500 in the name of an alternative drug.

Allopathic medicines are reliable as they are made under licensing and in a controlled environment but no one knows where and how herbal medicines and food supplements are prepared and if they contain steroids.

He said even a number of skin whitening creams can be hazardous.

A number of times we have received complaints that skin whitening creams are using mercury which can cause cancer.

However, whenever it is decided to take action against the manufacturers the latter say they have nothing to do with the creams and it should be treated as cosmetics. I believe that any commodity which makes clinical claims should be treated as a drug, he said.

Chief Executive Officer of Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) Dr Mohammad Aslam said the use of steroids in food supplements was a very sensitive issue and Drap was working on it.

Our teams time to time test the products. We received complaints about skin whitening creams after which 15 products were checked but all of them were found free of mercury, he said.

Dr Aslam said there was a lack of awareness due to which people used food supplements.

They should eat natural food instead of having medicines. Even eating a fruit is much better and safer than drinking a fruit juice, he said.

In reply to a question about the use of steroids by bodybuilders, Dr Aslam said they used steroids to strengthen their mussels.

The human body has 60pc water but some bodybuilders use medicines to reduce their weight by dehydration to participate in the competition of a category of their choice, he said.

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2017

More here:

Know your supplements unregistered brands flood markets - DAWN.com

Is kale no longer cool? The proof is in the baby food.

Yes, kale has come for your baby food, along with your vitamins and supplements, deli dip and frozen breakfast entrees.

These are among the more surprising food categories with kale seeing significant sales growth in the last year, according to an analysis by Nielsens Product Insider tool, which uses ingredient data from Label Insight, done for MarketWatch.

Not only is kale is coming for everything you eat, but Americans seem to be going for it, increasingly buying kale-infused wholesome snacks, pasta sauce, fresh sausage, and even fish food, according to the sales figures.

Those areas have seen sales dollars increase by as much as 391% (frozen breakfast entrees) and 143% (fish food) between Feb. 2016 and Feb. 2017.

Dollar sales of vitamins and supplements with kale grew by 125%, and pasta sauce with kale by 60%.

Researchers at Ohio State University say they've found a way to use food waste as an alternative to some of the carbon black in tires. Photo: OSU/Tell Collective

By contrast, kale on its own only saw dollar sales increase by about 5% over the last year, according to the Nielsen data.

The curly green vegetable has even invaded yogurt, frozen sweet goods, condiments and meat imitation products, the data shows. Those categories have seen less dramatic growth, and even sales slumps, since early 2016.

Another new frontier where kale has been popping up: pet food, as MarketWatch reported last summer.

Dog food was a top kale-containing category by total dollar sales, according to Nielsen, with the categorys sales dollars growing 66% since last year.

Read more: As more people eat healthy, their pets are getting kale and avocado

But before you bow to Big Kale, recall that the vegetable in and of itself does not a healthy food make.

Companies can add a dash of kale to make any food, including junk food, look like a superfood, said Lindsay Moyer, a senior nutritionist at the nonprofit advocacy group Center for Science in the Public Interest. Kale is sometimes a marketing ploy that gives foods a health halo.

Related: McDonalds has ditched wraps as should we all

The front of a package may have a prominent green, leafy display, only to have kale rank far at the bottom of its ingredients list, Moyer said.

Instances of kale-as-ornament, appearing in supplement, pill or powder form, may even defeat the purpose of eating kale in the first place.

Its not the whole vegetable. It doesnt have fiber or water, its not as filling, Moyer said. But I think the idea is enticing to people. Of course youd want to find an easy way to get more kale in.

But it isnt always easy to tell what kind is in a product, noted Kristin Kirkpatrick, lead dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute and author of the new book Skinny Liver: A Proven Program to Prevent and Reverse the New Silent EpidemicFatty Liver Disease. Generally, unless a product advertises it, the addition of kale likely wont be a full serving of the vegetable, she said.

Consumers should try taking a step back and asking yourself if this is a healthier choice than the real food and 99.9% of the time, I dont think it will be, she said. Getting some kale in a piece of sausage is never going to be healthier than a kale salad. Never.

Kale in baby food might be an exception, though, she said, since it could help babies form their palate around vegetables, rather than solely around sweet fruits such as pear and apple.

See more: Heres the real secret to losing weight and staying thin (Hint: Youre not going to like it)

The best and healthiest way to get your kale fix is the vegetable itself, eaten in salads, slaws, stir-fry and more, both Moyer and Kirkpatrick said.

But for the vegetable-averse, do products containing kale powder have any value?

Im hard-pressed to say that, Moyer said. Often times in these processed foods, chips and things, kale powder comes after the oil or even the salt its just such a small amount.

The kale trend has gone so far that its even infiltrated nail polish, notes Moyer: Sephora sells a NailKale Superfood Base Coat that claims to be infused with kale extract to strengthen nails.

Original post:

Kale is coming for everything you eat and then you - MarketWatch

Everyone is against doping, but those at the heart of sports and athletics can do more, argues Luca Bucchini.

Everyone is against doping. Present and retired sportsmen and women often speak up against doping; all professional athletes are constantly reminded of their responsibility.

For their part, the media continue to raise the issue, and more importantly, NADO:s (National Anti-Doping Organizations) continue to fight their battles with conviction, often joined by the police, by prosecutors or by regulators.

Even the European Commission has been acting as decisively as it can, trying to put together a coherent strategy against doping.

And, most of the European sports nutrition industry is working hard (and well) to be responsible, by shunning banned substances and subscribing to ever more sophisticated certification programs to avoid the inadvertent presence of doping agents.

Sports Nutrition: Game On!

Catch LucaBucchini discussing the key issues in doping and sport alongsideanti-doping expert Professor John Brewer ofSt Mary's University, UK, as part of the NutraIngredients free-to-attend online event: Sports Nutrition: Game On!

The web conference willlook at the way elite sports nutrition is developing, offer market insights on the EU sports nutrition market, and top insights on the role of polyphenols, omega-3, collagen, and protein in sports and lifestylenutrition.

The event is live NOW, and can be played back 'on demand' for the next three months.

REGISTER NOW

So, is it all well? Unfotunately not

Two recent big disappointments are worth considering.

The first relates to the respected French risk assessment body, ANSES. In a recent assessment made available in both French and English , ANSES stated that DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and PEA (phenylethylamine) are permitted in food supplements in the EU even if the two are banned substances according to the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA).

Experts were surely quick to notice that the report listed as permitted other substances which, in reality, are banned under EU law (vanadium, evodiamine or raspberry ketones) and were quick to conclude that the report was very weak from a regulatory perspective.

However, the public is sure to have been confused DHEA and PEA are banned substances for doping, but they are permitted in food supplements? And if they are not prohibited in supplements, are they ok to consume?

In reality, DHEA and PEA are not permitted in the EU; both have a pharmacological action, and products with the either substance are almost sure to be considered unauthorised medicines (and if not, novel food legislation would take care of them).

Obviously, ANSES did not consult regulators or experts, and did not consider implications for consumers and the less informed food business operators of inaccurate statements.

The ANSES report should have been withdrawn and re-written, but it is still online telling potential consumers - including careless athletes that DHEA and PEA may be unsafe, but are legally ok.

The second:A bigger disappointment is that major clubs, including well known football (soccer) clubs, and even sports leagues accept sponsorship from careless manufacturers or retailers.

E-commerce retailers may be huge, but continue to sell products with banned substances. Presumably because they dont care, dont check, or dont understand the laws and the ethics.

It has been claimed that this is the case for F.C. Internazionale .

Unfortunately, even browsing major generalist e-commerce platforms, you are surprised to see - despite what The Economist says is going to occur products with banned substances.

This is striking. Identifying products with doping substances with automated searches would seem a no-brainer, which suggests no checks to implement the WADA list have been put in place.

If you check responsible e-commerce operators, on the other hand, you will soon find that eliminating products with added banned substances is possible.

Why is this important?

Consumers assume a sponsor of their favorite team or league is both legal and safe.

Reactions of consumers are telling. First, people react with disbelief: a sponsor of a major sports club is assumed to be compliant with the law. Secondly, and more significantly, even if they accept the sponsor selling banned substances, they state that the substances cant really be harmful, even if banned, and the ban is relevant for athletes only.

This is a key perception challenge for the industry.

Food versus OTC

Why do people jump when a pharmaceutical substance is found in a food, when medicines containing the identical substance are perhaps available over the counter (OTC)?

The simple reason is that foods, including sports nutrition products, need to be safe without second thoughts. There is a good reason for being proud of the fact that adverse effects of food supplements are dwarfed (or, better, mega-dwarfed) by the adverse effects of OTC drugs.

There is a regulatory and a public health reason for keeping drugs and foods separate, but there is also a strong business logic: consumers need to have absolute confidence in the harmless nature of food products.

If food supplements have the same safety issues of drugs, this paradigm falls apart.

Another effect of careless sponsorships is a creeping legitimisation of doping for the occasional sportsman.

Why not DHEA for the weekend warrior? Why not 7-keto? Why not DMAA? The magnitude of the change that legitimizing doping for those who are not pro could bring about is huge.

Serious health consequences from doping as a police officer recently put it to me used to be mostly a question for a small minority who would subject themselves to any degree of self-harm for achieving certain performance or aesthetic results.

That minority needed, and still needs, to be protected from themselves.

But if the problem comes to concern huge numbers of especially younger people who are primed to consider banned substances an issue for professional athletes only, or to stay away from steroids only, then things start to look more complex.

So what should responsible clubs and federations do?

It is easy to imagine a few minimum requirements for accepting sponsorships from retailers of foods for sports people:

Millions of fans trust the clubs they support, and those clubs rely on the leagues they belong to.

It is only fair that those clubs and leagues, when accepting sponsorships, ensure that they do not inadvertently promote doping to their fan base. And, if they have made a mistake, they should correct it.

See the original post:

Sports, doping and supplements: Where do authorities, clubs and leagues stand? - NutraIngredients.com

The young athlete can only drink amino acid-based shakes that an insurance company won't cover.

Kendra Conlon, WTSP 11:29 PM. EST March 08, 2017

Food is a basic part of our daily lives. We plan holidays and social gatherings around meals. But imagine not being able to eat any food without it making you violently sick. That's the reality for a Pasco County teen.

And now, the familys insurance company is refusing to cover the only thing thats keeping him alive.

Life has thrown 17-year-old Remington Walls a lot of curveballs. The Land O Lakes High baseball player is allergic to food. All food.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis, said Walls of his condition, which doctors diagnosed when he was 4 years old. There's no cure.

When I eat, my white blood cells attack the food, which can cause scarring and ridging in my esophagus, which could eventually cause it to close, Remington explained.

A Neocate EO28 Splash shake, a hypoallergenic amino acid-based liquid formula, is his only source of nutrition. Thats all he has for every meal and every snack, around 18 orange-pineapple shakes a day for the rest of his life.

We are around $2,000 for what he needs per month. Its insane, said his father, Mike Walls.

Insurance has covered that for 13 years, but now the cost is falling on the family.

I was told that we were denied (by insurance), and I was absolutely shocked. I'm like 'What do you mean we've been denied?' They said 'There's been a change in your coverage. The elemental formula is no longer covered,' and I said 'There's got to be some mistake, said Remingtons mother, Stephanie Walls.

Frontier Communications bought out his dad's company last year. The family has been told that the medical costs which Frontier covers through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield changed in January.

The reason for denial says our plan now excludes the following: vitamins, food and food supplements used as dietary supplements. They're saying it's used as a food supplement! I have nothing else to supplement his food source with, said Stephanie Walls.

"Its his sustenance for life, and if you can't understand that, then let's take food away from you for a week, said Mike Walls.

The familys continuing appeals have been denied. Now they're taking the fight to lawmakers and calling for mandated coverage for anyone who needs this formula to survive.

These companies need to be held accountable, and they can't be allowed to choose the dollar over someone's life. With my sons life, it's his only source of nutrition, and they don't seem to get it, Stephanie Walls says through tears.

10News spoke with representatives from Frontier Communications and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. Both companies say theyll look into the familys denied claims.10News will continue pressing for answers.

The family has had an amazing show of support from the community. Since friend Janeen Salzgeber started a GoFundMe page on Friday, they've raised enough to cover Remington's shakes for four months.

You can help: https://www.gofundme.com/remington-walls

2017 WTSP-TV

WTSP

Breaking down the Republican health care bill

WTSP

What Trump's executive order means for your health insurance

View post:

Insurer denying Pasco teen with life-threatening food allergy - WTSP.com

EAST TEXAS (KLTV) -

A&H Focal is recalling 29 of its dietary products due to the possible presence of undeclared erectile dysfunction ingredients.

According to an announcement by the company, the products have historically been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration, but they were found to have PDE-5 inhibitors, an active ingredient in an FDA-approved drug for erectile dysfunction, which made these products tainted, unapproved drugs.

A&H added that these products are a threat because the PDE-5 inhibitors could interact with nitrates found in prescription drugs to lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. People dealing with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease sometimes use these nitrates.

The products listed below were marketed as supplements for male sexual enhancement. Any of these products made since January 2014 to now are included in this recall. If you have any of these products, you should stop using them immediately:

Black Ant (4600 mg)

Indian God Lotion

Evil Root (1200 mg)

Germany Black Gold (2800 mg)

Germany Niubian (3000 mg)

Hard Ten Days (4500 mg)

Lang Yi Hao (Chaonogsuopian) (500 mg)

Gold Vigra

Clalis

Ye Lang Shen (5000 mg)

Zhansheng Weige Chaoyue Xilishi (2000 mg)

Zhonghua Niubian (2000 mg)

Stree Overlord (3800 mg)

Max Man (3000 mg)

Hu Hu Sheng Wei

Tiger King

Viagra 100 (2000 mg)

Power V8 Viagra (200 mg)

Dadiyongshi Xiangganglongshengwu

Lien Chan for Seven Days

Maca Gold (6800 mg)

If anyone has any questions about this recall, they can Henry Choo by calling 646-327-8522, Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., eastern standard time. Users should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any issues.

The FDA is aware of the recall and market action.

Visit link:

A&H recalls several dietary supplements - KLTV.com - Tyler ... - KLTV