Euthanasia – ProCon.org

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Proponents of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (PAS) contend that terminally ill people should have the right to end their suffering with a quick, dignified, and compassionate death. They argue that the right to die is protected by the same constitutional safeguards that guarantee such rights as marriage, procreation, and the refusal or termination of life-saving medical treatment.

Opponents of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide contend that doctors have a moral responsibility to keep their patients alive as reflected by the Hippocratic Oath. They argue there may be a "slippery slope" from euthanasia to murder, and that legalizing euthanasia will unfairly target the poor and disabled and create incentives for insurance companies to terminate lives in order to save money.

PROS & CONS BY CATEGORY

CORE QUESTION

Definitions

Euthanasia in Practice

Legal Right and End-of-Life Documents

American Healthcare System

Physician Involvement in Euthanasia and PAS

Moral Differences in Forms of Assisted Dying

Historical Issues

Opponents of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide contend that doctors have a moral responsibility to keep their patients alive as reflected by the Hippocratic Oath. They argue there may be a "slippery slope" from euthanasia to murder, and that legalizing euthanasia will unfairly target the poor and disabled and create incentives for insurance companies to terminate lives in order to save money.

PROS & CONS BY CATEGORY

CORE QUESTION

Definitions

Euthanasia in Practice

Legal Right and End-of-Life Documents

American Healthcare System

Physician Involvement in Euthanasia and PAS

Moral Differences in Forms of Assisted Dying

Historical Issues

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Euthanasia - ProCon.org

New Zealand’s euthanasia and cannabis referendums will rightly give power to the people – The Guardian

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New Zealanders will take part in a world-leading double referendum next year when they vote in the countrys general election. In addition to electing a new government, one referendum question will ask about the legalisation of cannabis for recreational use, and the other will ask whether euthanasia should be legalised in certain circumstances.

Its going to be messy, emotional, and polarised. Theres already a lot of anxiety and negativity about the referendums across the political spectrum. Much of this is influenced by the ongoing fallout from the Brexit referendum, as well as a general fear of conservative populism.

On the left, many are worried that voters are not up to the task of these difficult questions, and that interest groups including social conservatives and churches will dominate the campaign. Theres also concern about misinformation and ignorance affecting the outcome.

The justice minister, Andrew Little, said this week that: The chances it will be a reasonably ugly election are reasonably high due to clearly egregiously factually incorrect statements. Hes therefore ordered his ministry to set up a unit to deal with misinformation on the referendum debates. And hes committed to fighting it himself, saying: I will do the best I can to make people alert to the possibility that half of what you might see on social media might be bullshit.

On the right, Nationals leader, Simon Bridges, is warning that the cannabis referendum will amount to New Zealands own Brexit. He argues the exercise has been badly set up, which will lead to uncertainty about the results.

All of these concerns have validity, even if they are somewhat over-egged. There will be plenty of problems with the referendums and the associated campaigns. Its true that the formulation of the referendums leaves a lot to be desired.

For example, only the euthanasia question is binding. If passed, the vote would allow terminally ill people with less than six months to live to choose assisted dying if approved by two doctors. The legalisation of cannabis for recreational purposes question, in contrast, will only provide an indicative vote. The public are expected to trust the politicians to sort out significant details of the legalisation after the vote, leaving the possibility of voter betrayal or confusion. Cannabis was legalised for medicinal purposes in 2018.

But thats what politics is all about an open contest of ideas, including bad ones. A referendum involves some of the messiest parts of democracy. But progressing difficult social change is best when it takes the people along with it, giving them the ultimate say.

The cannabis and euthanasia votes should also be celebrated as a chance for the New Zealand public to lead the world no other country has dealt with these issues via a full public referendum. The two issues have been pushed to referendum by the minor parties in the Labour-led coalition government. The Greens have negotiated for the cannabis question, and the populist New Zealand First party have demanded that a euthanasia decision go to voters. NZ First also favours abortion liberalisation being put to the public vote, too.

Theres been something of a backlash among the commentariat against the public being tasked with deciding these important issues. Many have lamented that a perhaps less informed electorate are doing the job that should rightfully be done by parliamentarians.

Cabinet minister Willie Jackson recently said I dont believe in referendums We are put there to make decisions if you dont like us, vote us out every three years.

And he argued that progressive accomplishments, such as same-sex marriage, homosexual law reform, abortion, womens rights would all have been lost if the public had been given the vote on them.

Thats why many politicians and pundits argue issues like these should be decided by conscience votes in parliament, in which individual MPs get to make their own personal decisions unencumbered by party lines. For the democratically minded, its hard to see how this is superior, as this process is simply involves an elite-driven outcome based on the peculiarities of unpredictable MPs, who cant generally be held to account for their vote.

This desire for MPs to take control generally reflects an elitist mood that seems to be growing in democracies around the world at the moment one that says the public are not to be trusted with too much power.

And yet, for every populist elected, there are examples of more socially progressive advances. Even in traditionally conservative Ireland, for example, theres now been a string of referendums with enlightened results: same-sex marriage in 2015, abortion and blasphemy law reform in 2018, and then divorce law modernisation this year. And in 2020, New Zealand might join this socially liberal trend.

Referendums should be celebrated for resolving difficult and divisive issues, as well as for their ability to draw the public into political decision-making and debate.

Putting questions to the public means that a much bigger societal debate occurs, and ultimately the decisions made have greater legitimately and endurance.

In an age of increasing suspicion of elites, as well as a growing public discontent with democracy, more devolution of power to voters on key issues is surely the way forward.

Bryce Edwards is a senior associate at the Institute for Governance and Policy Studies at Victoria University, Wellington

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New Zealand's euthanasia and cannabis referendums will rightly give power to the people - The Guardian

Thursday’s papers: Orphan repatriation, priests on euthanasia and tips on handling the darkness – YLE News

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The camp at al-Hol has been on Finland's political agenda. Image: Fadel Senna / AFP

Finnish politics has been shaken in recent weeks by news that the country is looking to bring back children from a camp in northern Syria.

The camp at al-Hol houses women who are or have been married to Isis fighters. Also at al-Hol are children, and orphans who were in the region when the Isis caliphate fell.

Early on Wednesday morning Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto survived a confidence vote brought by the opposition parties after rancorous debate inside parliament and on social media, with the focus on the adults at the camp.

The question as posed by Centre Party leader Katri Kulmuni in a hastily-deleted Instagram poll was whether to repatriate the women and children at the camp, or just the children.

On Wednesday evening Haavisto told Yle that an operation was underway, before Helsingin Sanomat reported that two orphans from the camp had left on their way to Erbil, and from there to Finland.

Soon afterwards Yle also confirmed the events, with the Finns in the camp gathered by guards and photographed before the two children were removed from the facility.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is expected to announce news of the repatriation once the children are with Finnish authorities in Erbil.

A doctoral thesis has drawn plenty of media attention after it suggested that up to half of Lutheran priests in Finland may be positive about euthanasia, if it remains separate from standard healthcare provision.

Iltalehti reports that the study found two out of five priests willing to consider euthanasia as an option if the patients life expectancy was a few days, but just one in five was similarly inclined if the patient could expect to survive for months.

"This is surprising, considering that Christian churches and communities tend to oppose euthanasia. Earlier studies have also shown that religious professionals are usually against euthanasia," said doctoral candidate Miia Kontro in a widely-quoted press release.

The study showed that female priests were more positive than male ones in relation to euthanasia.

Saturday marks the winter solstice and at this, the darkest time of the year, many people in Finland turn to thoughts of hibernation, special daylight lamps and other support measures to get through the winter.

The Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) is not immune to these thoughts of kaamos, and has produced a handy list of ten tips for those craving daylight.

Business daily Kauppalehti reports the list.

The use of daylight-imitating lamps, regular exercise (but not in the evening), winding down properly in the evening before sleep (no bright lights or phones), and making sure you see friends even if you feel like hibernating at home are among the top hints from Finlands health and wellness boffins.

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Thursday's papers: Orphan repatriation, priests on euthanasia and tips on handling the darkness - YLE News

Passive euthanasia: Retired professor couple registers ‘living will’ in Chandigarh court – ANI News

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ANI | Updated: Dec 22, 2019 04:58 IST

Chandigarh [India], Dec 22 (ANI): A retired professor couple based in Chandigarh has moved an advance directive in the local court here that will let them state their wishes for their future medical care in case of a terminal illness.The advance directive, or 'living will', has been moved in the Chandigarh district court.Speaking to ANI, professor DN Jauhar, who has executed the living will, noted that passive euthanasia became legal in India after the Supreme Court, in its March 2018 verdict, gave a legal sanction to it and permitted advance directive."Passive euthanasia has become legal after the Supreme Court's landmark March 2018 judgement. You have to execute a document known as advance directive. You can call this living will, although this word has not been used in the judgement," the professor said."We are perhaps the first people to move an advance directive. Back in 1999, we worked on a thesis where we had strongly argued that passive euthanasia should be allowed. Under the Constitution, I have the fundamental right to live with dignity, which also includes my right to die with dignity," he added. (ANI)

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Passive euthanasia: Retired professor couple registers 'living will' in Chandigarh court - ANI News

After promising 5-year review, Trudeau govt instead moves to expand euthanasia now – Lifesite

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December 18, 2019 (Euthanasia Prevention Coalition) Canada's Justice Minister, David Lametti, was reported in aRadio Canada interviewas considering extending euthanasia to teenagers and people who are incompetent but made a previous request.

Lametti, who voted against Bill C-14 in 2016 because it didn't go far enough, has been ordered byPrime Minister Trudeau to expand Canada's euthanasia law.

All of this is based on the fact that theLiberal government did not appealaQubec court decision that struck downthe section of Canada's euthanasia law requiring that a person's "natural death must be reasonably foreseeable."

The Liberal government double speak is particularly concerning. Last Spring the government announced that no changes will be made to the law until after the government completed a five year review, that would begin in June 2020.What is the purpose of a five year review if the government eliminates the restrictions in the law previous to the consultation?

Christian Nol reporting for Radio Canada explains what Lametti said in the interview (Google translated):

... the Minister of Justice said he was juggling the idea of allowing people who suffer from a neurodegenerative disease, such as Parkinson's disease, to seek medical aid in dying early, before being unable to express their consent.

The possibility that seriously ill young people between the ages of 14 and 17 may seek medical assistance in dying, with psychological tags in place, is also being considered.

We will have to see if we have a strong consensus. The Canadian and Quebec societies of 2019 are not the same as in 2015. There is an evolution, a greater acceptance of assisted dying in Canada.

Lametti did recognize that he could simply amend the law based on the Quebec court decision.Radio Canada reported:

The other option on the table is to settle the question of reasonably foreseeable death in time for March 11, while keeping an in-depth review of the law for this summer. The government had promised to review the law every five years, a deadline that arrives in June.

The Globe and Mail suggested a more cautious approach in itsDecember 16 editorial. It suggested that legislation require that before MAiD is done, all other options be tried first and that the government assure better services for people with chronic conditions that cause suffering. The Globe and Mail editorial concluded:

But Ottawa should not just throw up its hands and enforce no precautions. That could tilt the balance too far in the other direction. Making access to assisted death too difficult is undesirable, but so is making it too easy.

The federal government announced that there would be a five year review of the euthanasia law beginning in June 2020 and yet it is now considering amending the legislation before the review is done.

Canada's euthanasia law does not provide oversight and control. EPC would like the government to step back and agree to an honest analysis of what is the actual happening with euthanasia in Canada.

Published with permission from the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition.

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After promising 5-year review, Trudeau govt instead moves to expand euthanasia now - Lifesite

Home for the Holdiays – Journal of the San Juan Islands

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Submitted by the Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor

Many of you in the community know about Cowboy, but for those who dont, he has been a long-term resident at the Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor. Cowboys journey home has taken almost two years. He was originally brought in as a stray, with no information about his history, to a shelter in Modesto, California, where shortly after he was scheduled to be euthanized. Around this time, Lead and Love Dog Rescue in Bend, Oregon, saved over 10 dogs from euthanasia at that shelter, Cowboy being one of them. On March 27, 2018, he was transferred to APS-FH through connections with Becky Pohlad, one of our Advisory Board members. Cowboy has been at our shelter since. Although he had been labeled an intimidating dog, everyone who took the time to get to know Cowboy couldnt understand why such a wonderful dog was overlooked time and time again. Eventually, he became an honorary staff member and won many hearts along the way, but none-the-less he sat. And waited.

Little did we know Cowboy had a secret admirer all along, and it started with a kiss. Cowboy was out on a walk one day and was introduced to Susan Mazzarella, APS-FH board president. When she put her hand out to let him smell her, he reciprocated with a gentle lick. After that she was a solid member of his fan club. Time went by, and soon Susan was ready to add to her fur family. She immediately turned to Cowboy. They started things off slowly, with gentle walks and many treats, which eventually led to an overnight stay. Cowboy never came back from that overnight visit. Susans family welcomed him in with warm arms, cozy couches and lots of love. The adoption was made official, and Cowboy had found his perfect home just in time for the holidays.

The APS-FH team would like to thank everyone who believed in Cowboy and provided the support to make his holiday wish come true.

Our mission is to provide compassionate care and brighter futures for homeless animals, with a commitment to providing a safe haven for homeless and lost animals; reuniting lost pets with their owners; placing animals in our care into qualified and loving homes; reducing pet overpopulation through spay/neuter education and assistance; advising and advocating for the protection of animals; networking with other shelters and pet rescue groups impacted by overcrowding or natural disasters to decrease euthanasia rates to save lives; advocating for animal welfare through education, outreach and assistance; promoting a stronger sense of the animal-human bond; and always adhering to our no-kill philosophy for adoptable animals.

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Home for the Holdiays - Journal of the San Juan Islands

Struggling animal shelter budgets on kindness of others – KTBS

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MINDEN, La. Recent meetings of Mindens City Council have resulted in little more than shouting matches.

"You all look like a bunch of damn idiots, a woman named Lisa McKinney shouted at the council at an early December meeting, following heated debates and the rejection of grant money for the citys airport.

In early November, three council members walked out minutes after the meeting began, costing the council its quorum and forcing the meeting to adjourn. The walkout was the result of a motion to add an item to the meetings agenda, seeking to discuss the citys employee manual.

On a quieter side of Minden, a city department with only one employee struggles to stay afloat on a shoestring budget.

"Im just here taking care of these animals and doing the best I can," said Tommy Primeaux, Mindens sole animal control officer who also runs the citys animal shelter.

Minden Animal Control operates on a budget of $99,385 per year, which includes Primeauxs salary and benefits.

A part-time, uniformed volunteer assists Primeaux at the shelter, which cant afford the liability of allowing volunteers from the community at large.

"We rely on a lot of donations to keep us going," Primeaux said.

The shelter would barely function without the generosity of local nonprofits.

"Its a very hard job, but we have to look at it as if we didnt do it, I dont know who would," said Stephanie Gantt, a volunteer for the Webster Humane Association.

The school teacher and mother of three spends much of her spare time rounding up loose animals and assisting with adoptions across Webster Parish.

"We do work a lot with the (Minden) shelter, trying to pull animals out because they are very limited on their supplies and any in-housing facilities that they have there," Gantt said.

Webster Humane provided food and beds for the Minden Animal Shelter, along with outdoor kennels and large fans so that dogs have a place to go when the shelters eight indoor kennels are being cleaned. Gantt said Webster Humane even had to donate drain covers after puppies began falling into the drains.

Webster Humane is also in charge of adoptions in Minden because the shelter can't afford its own program.

Tommy Primeaux tends to a dog and her day-old puppies.

"With the Sterilization Act with the State of Louisiana, all animals have to be spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter, and fully vetted, Primeaux said. And since were not allocated all that money to all that service, we rely on rescue groups to take care of that part for us."

The shelter came close to euthanizing multiple dogs in early December because it was past capacity, until the nonprofit was able move the animals out at the 11th hour.

Primeaux said collaborating with nonprofit rescue groups has helped hundreds if not thousands of dogs escape euthanasia. Thats something the shelter wasnt doing before Primeaux took over in 2015.

According to Primeaux, 242 stray animals were taken in between October 2018 and October, and 122 were euthanized during that time (Primeaux said he has not euthanized an animal since). The previous year, 154 strays were taken in and 112 of them were euthanized.

Before Primeauxs tenure at Minden Animal Control, he said the previous director was putting 200 to 300 dogs down each month.

Primeaux is now asking the city for more money to help in his efforts.

"We have to wait our turn just like everyone else," Primeaux said.

The city relies on (the shelter) to help clean up the streets with the animals and cats and dogs that are out in the street, but then they dont support the shelter when the shelter needs their help," Gantt said.

Mayor Terry Gardner said money is tight in Minden, and the city has been forced to cut millions of dollars across different departments.

Gardner said hed like to take advantage of grant programs, like those that assist in training service animals, to bring more money to the shelter.

For that to happen, it would have to go through the city council.

"I'm hoping that we all come back after Christmas with a fresh approach, a good attitude," Gardner said.

Primeaux is urging members of the community to do their part to help reduce euthanasia rates by spaying or neutering and micro-chipping their pets.

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Struggling animal shelter budgets on kindness of others - KTBS

Cat program worthy of city’s approval | Our Opinion – Bowling Green Daily News

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Its a real shame that more people dont take the time to spay or neuter their pets.

It is a relatively inexpensive and quick procedure, which is why we have a hard time figuring out why more people dont have it done. In a perfect world, this wouldnt even be an issue, but obviously we dont live in a perfect world.

A problem that our community is having with feral cats was spotlighted in a Daily News story in October. The Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society has been working on a Community Cat Program in which feral cats are caught, spayed or neutered and then released back to the outdoors.

The humane society received a $90,000 grant this year from the Petco Foundation to start the program and end the practice of cat euthanasia, which officials said hasnt been effective in decreasing the feral cat population.

The fact that there has not been a significant decrease in the feral cat population emphasizes why this program is needed.

Thankfully, the Bowling Green City Commission has approved a trial period for a program to help address the citys feral cat population. The trial period will go to June 30, 2021, at which time the commission could extend the program or amend the citys code of ordinances to allow the program to run permanently.

We believe this was a wise move by the city commission not only to cut down on the amount of euthanasia, but also to control the population of cats that run wild in our area.

We appreciate the city and the humane society for being proactive on this most important issue.

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Cat program worthy of city's approval | Our Opinion - Bowling Green Daily News

Article 21s scope needs to be expanded, says SC judge – The Hindu

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Article 21 in the Indian Constitution was formulated after hours of discussion and deliberations and there is scope for expansion, said Supreme Court Judge V. Ramasubramanian.

Justice Ramasubramanian was delivering the D.V. Subba Rao Memorial Lecture on Expanding horizon of Article 21, organised by Centre for Policy Studies and Visakhapatnam Public Library, here on Saturday.

Article 21, considered the heart and soul of the Constitution, states, No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. Initially, the wording was due process of law in place of procedure established by law. But after painstaking discussions, it was decided to use the latter in the fine print, as the former would have burdened the judicial system, Justice Subramanian said.

He also noted that though the then Constituent Assembly comprised about 82% Congressmen, Chairman of the Drafting Committee B.R. Ambedkar invited members from opposition parties to also be a part of the committee, so that it could be framed in the most democratic way.

Justice Ramasubramanian said that the British were of the opinion that there was a dearth of intellectuals in India and that Indians would be incapable of drafting a Constitution. But we proved them wrong, he said.

Talking about expanding horizons, the Supreme Court judge was of the opinion that there were untouched areas which needed to be focused on due to the changing times.

According to him, there are two main aspects in the Article Life and liberty and equality. While life and liberty are political and civil rights, equality encompasses economic, social and cultural rights.

The developing area is fraternity. It is the third generation of rights and covers areas such as collective rights and green rights, he said.

Elaborating on it, he said that this aspect touches upon sensitive but relevant areas such as dignity in death or euthanasia, right to self-identity and right to privacy.

Justice Ramasubramanian was introduced to the gathering by Director of Centre for Policy Studies Prof. A. Prasanna Kumar. He also spoke about D.V. Subba Rao and hailed him as a legal luminary.

Andhra Pradesh High Court Judge and son of D.V. Subba Rao, D.V.S.S. Somayajulu, spoke.

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Article 21s scope needs to be expanded, says SC judge - The Hindu

Two archbishops urge support of House resolution on assisted suicide – Crux: Covering all things Catholic

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WASHINGTON, D.C. Two U.S. archbishops urged support of a House concurrent resolution that calls for comprehensive medical care over suicide or assisted suicide for patients nearing the end of their lives.

We must do what we can to uphold the dignity of life, cherish the lives of all human beings, and work to prevent all suicides, said a joint Dec. 20 statement from Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, chairman of the U.S. bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the bishops Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.

Assisted suicide fractures the human family by targeting its most vulnerable members, including the elderly and persons with disabilities, suggesting that their lives are not worth living, the two archbishops said.

The resolution, introduced Dec. 12 by Rep. J. Louis Correa, D-California, has 10 co-sponsors. It was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

We urge the U.S. Congress to do all it can to protect Americans from this cruel practice, and to ensure those who are ill, disabled, or facing the end of life receive comprehensive medical and palliative care instead of a facilitated suicide, Naumann and Coakley said.

There is no constitutional right to assisted suicide, the resolution says. The government has a legitimate interest in prohibiting assisted suicide, and such prohibitions rationally relate to protecting the vulnerable from coercion and protecting disabled and terminally ill people from prejudice, negative and inaccurate stereotypes, and societal indifference.'

The federal government should ensure that every person facing the end of their life has access to the best quality and comprehensive medical care, including palliative, in-home, or hospice care, tailored to their needs, it adds. The federal government should not adopt or endorse policies or practices that support, encourage, or facilitate suicide or assisted suicide, whether by physicians or others.

The Pontifical Academy for Life hosted the World Innovation Summit for Health Dec. 11-12 in Rome. The day before the conference began, the academys president, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, said end-of-life issues would be on the agenda.

Helping communities and countries take notice of this issue is key, Paglia said, if they hope to avoid that the growing number of elderly leads not just to a culture of disposal, but actual disposal, that is the culture of euthanasia.

Crux is dedicated to smart, wired and independent reporting on the Vatican and worldwide Catholic Church. That kind of reporting doesnt come cheap, and we need your support. You can help Crux bygiving a small amount monthly, or witha onetime gift. Please remember, Crux is a for-profit organization, so contributions are not tax-deductible.

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Two archbishops urge support of House resolution on assisted suicide - Crux: Covering all things Catholic

Consistent multivitamin use positively associated with adequate intake of micronutrients: Study – NutraIngredients-usa.com

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Micronutrient insufficiency and clinical deficiency are more common in middle-aged to older adults, and multivitamin use has been shown beneficial in this population. To gain insight into this demographic, researchers assessed contributions of sporadic and consistent multivitamin use compared to micronutrient intakes as well as associated nutritional biomarkers among middle-aged to older adults based on weight.

Researchers at theGeorge Mason Universityexamined multivitamin use in relation to usual nutrient intakes and nutritional biomarkers in American adults age 51 years, classified by obesity status.

The study, published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements, was led by Taylor C. Wallace, PhD, CFS, FACN, adjunct professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies at George Mason University and CEO at the Think Healthy Group.

The study used combined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from years 20072008, 20092010, 20112012, and 20132014 to analyze micronutrient intake that was self-reported. The study defined dietary supplements as nutrients that provide 100% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), or adequate intake (AI) if no RDA was available, for nine or more vitamins and minerals with established dietary reference intakes (DRIs).

The sample size included 9,901 participants who were 51 years of age, had provided 24 hour dietary intake data, and had complete demographic and anthropometric data. Nutrient biomarkers such as red blood cells, iron, B12, and selenium was also used to make assessments.

Dietary intake and biomarker data were analyzed by weight status (nonobese and obese)per body mass index (BMI).

The frequency of multivitamin use was broken down into three groups: 0 days (nonconsumers), 115 days (sporadic consumers), and 16 days (regular consumers).

Researchers concluded that a portion of the US population aged 51 years experiences nutritional inadequacies, and obesity may somewhat influence and/or contribute to these shortfalls. Sporadic and consistent multivitamin use is associated with more middle-aged to older adults meeting nutritional requirements for most micronutrients, regardless of weight status. Non-obese and obese users of multivitamins were more likely to avoid clinical deficiencies for vitamins B6, B12, and D. The study reports that multivitamins may be increasingly useful for older adults who are obese, as their requirements for vitamins B6 and D may be higher than the established dietary reference intakes (DRIs). The study suggests age-specific multivitamins may serve as a practical means to increase micronutrient status and decrease vitamin deficiency in the middle-aged to older population, particularly those who are obese.

"There has been a lot of scientific commentary (absent of data) suggesting that consumers use multivitamins to compensate for poor dietary habits. The data in this study (among others) suggests exactly the opposite that supplements are used by consumers as part of a healthy lifestyle and not as a compensation," Dr. Wallace told NutraIngredients-USA.

The Council for Responsible Nutrition Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements recently revealed the highest overall dietary supplement usage to date. Underscoring the vital role supplementation plays in the lives of most Americans, the survey found that 77% of Americans report they consume dietary supplements. Despite the health benefits, most people pay out-of-pocket.

The results of this study bolster the argument for getting multivitamins covered by Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts. "To me, this studys findings (among others) imply that multivitamins should be covered by FSA/HSA plans," Dr. Wallace told us.

Currently, nutritional supplements are only be eligible for reimbursement with a FSA, HSA, and HRA with a Letter of Medical Necessity from a doctor. Certain vitamins, such as glucosamine, chondroitin and prenatal vitamins are eligible for FSA, HSA and HRA reimbursement with no restrictions.

Source:

Journal of Dietary Supplements

05 Aug 2019https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2019.1645785

"Multivitamins and Nutritional Adequacy in Middle-Aged to Older Americans by Obesity Status"

Authors: C. Frankenfeld, et al

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Consistent multivitamin use positively associated with adequate intake of micronutrients: Study - NutraIngredients-usa.com

Today is the shortest day of the year, and that lack of sunlight can be harmful – West Central Tribune

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And in our northern climate, winter isnt heralded by the slow march of mythical White Walkers (unless you consider the shadowy, bundled-up, ice-clad people hurrying from the parking lot to their homes during winter storms) but by the darkest day of the year.

When the Northern Hemisphere is at its farthest point away from the sun, this marks the beginning of astronomical winter. Every year on the Winter Solstice, we see the least amount of sunlight because of the Earth's tilt.

While the limited amount of daylight can be an annoyance, health practitioners also highlight possible risks to a person's bodily health, as a lack of sunlight creates a vitamin D deficiency.

During the 2019 Winter Solistice, the amount of darkness will depend on the Earth's tilt. iStock/Special to The Forum

Sunlight is key in your bodys natural production of vitamin D3. According to health.harvard.edu, the sun's ultraviolet B rays turn a chemical in your skin into vitamin D3, which is carried to your liver and then to your kidneys before it transforms to active vitamin D. In fact, the National Center for Biotechnology Information and U.S. National Library of Medicine published a 2012 study where vitamin D was referred to as "the sunlight vitamin".

Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption, helping to maintain adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations to optimize mineralization of bone, said Amanda Nack, senior dietitian at Sanford in Fargo. Vitamin D also plays an important role in cell growth, immune function, and reducing inflammation.

In laymens terms, a lack of vitamin D can create conditions for brittle bones and cancer cell growth.

Without adequate vitamin D intake, over time bone health can be negatively affected as bones may become weak and brittle, increasing the risk for osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults, and rickets in children, Nack said.

In fact, vitamin Ds role in regulating cell growth becomes vital when the body is threatened by unrestrained cell multiplication that characterizes cancer, according to health.harvard.edu. Nack echoed these recent findings.

Epidemiologic data suggests adequate vitamin D intake may play an important role in reducing risk of breast, colon and prostate cancer, Nack said.

Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator Jenny Bednar at Essentia in Fargo says vitamin D deficiency can be painful. People who lack vitamin D may feel fatigued, lethargic or depressed. Others may feel "pain in their bones" and experience frequent illness. Others who lack vitamin D may gain weight or suffer from hair loss.

So are we all doomed to an inevitable brittle bone, pale and generally gloomy existence as the Earth slowly turns in favor of the sunlight?

Fortunately for us, Nack provides suggestions of foods to add to your diet to ensure an adequate daily dosage of vitamin D.

Besides sunlight, Sanford Senior Dietician's Amanda Nack says food sources like eggs, raw milk and salmon can increase vitamin D intake. iStock/ Special to The Forum

Vitamin D is found in foods like salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, cheese, egg yolks and beef liver, she said. There are a variety of foods that are fortified with vitamin D, including ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, cows milk, soy milk, oat milk, almond milk and some brands of orange juice and yogurt.

Before changing your diet or reaching for supplements, Nack shares the recommended dietary allowances for vitamin D.

Children, ages 0 to 12 months need 400 International Units (IU) a day

Children, ages 1 to 18 years need 600 IU a day

Adults, ages 18 to 70 years also need 600 IU a day

Senior citizens, ages 70 years or older need 800 IU a day

People should consult their primary health professional to figure out their ideal daily dosage of vitamin D.

But for some groups of people with certain dietary restrictions or health issues, supplements or simulated sun lamps which can stimulate the body's D3 production, may be their only option during the short winter days.

Breastfed infants, older adults, people with limited sun exposure, irritable bowel syndrome, or a history of gastric bypass surgery may be at increased risk for inadequate intake or absorption of vitamin D, Nack said.

He also identifies those with a milk allergy, lactose intolerance or follow an ovo-vegetarian or vegan diet could be vitamin D deficient. People wondering about their vitamin D intake can evaluate their current health needs with a physician or registered dietitian. These health professionals will be able to provide guidance if changing your winter diet or adding a supplement can help.

Do you feel a physical difference in the winter due to winter and lack of sunlight?

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Today is the shortest day of the year, and that lack of sunlight can be harmful - West Central Tribune

A Healthier New Year Starts in the Gut – WholeFoods Magazine

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As we enter a new year and the beginning of a new decade, theres no better time to make sure your digestive health aisle is well-stocked: Products that heal and nourish the gut are likely the helping hand your customers will need to achieve all their health resolutions in 2020. The composition of the gut microbiome influences every aspect of our physiology and regulatory processes, which affects not only digestive health but also systemic health and ones risk for developing diseases, asserts Samantha Ford, Business Development Director, AIDP Inc.

Indeed, over the past decade, study after study has uncovered new ways that the trillions of bacteria in the gut can influence everything from nutrition absorption to hormone balance to protection against pathogens like the flu virus. People typically consider probiotics for digestive health. However, based on scientific research it is becoming increasingly clear that they have other health benefits as well, notes Andrew G. Swick, M.S., Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Life Extension. A healthy gut microbiome promotes healthy immunity, metabolism, mood, heart, liver and other organ systems.

All told, this growing awareness of the microbiome has the digestive health market booming, and it stands to soar even higher in the coming decade: A report by Grand View Research Inc. projects global sales of digestive health products will reach $57.5 billion by 2025a big jump from the $31.2 billion of 2017 (1). Significant growth is anticipated in the digestive health category, affirms Hank Cheatham, Vice President, Daiwa Health Development. With the awareness of the connection between gut health, overall health and cognitive function as well as athletic performance, growth seems to be a sure thing. In addition, researchers have only just begun to identify methodology to define a healthy microbiome; as this investigation evolves, growth in the market will occur, not only in personalized medicine, but overall.

That said, its not just probiotics and other microbiome-nourishing supplements fueling the market. Theres also a big opportunity to gain loyal customers who are dealing with specific digestive complaints like IBS, GERD and leaky gut and want to avoid the side effects and costs associated with traditional OTC and prescription treatments. According to the Natural Marketing Institutes (NMI)/Nielsens recently published report Opportunities in Digestive Health, 37% of consumers consider themselves to be managing some type of digestive health issue, Cheatham notes. People look to digestive remedies to help with the side effects of unhealthy diets and stressful lifestyles.

To help you navigate this increasingly flooded market so you can point your customers in the right direction to optimize their health, we tapped leading industry insiders for the low-down on the most promising new trends and technological advances in probiotics and microbiome support, as well as the research-backed natural options for the most common digestive concerns.

A study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology posited that if everyone in the U.S. took probiotics, health care payers would save an estimated $373 million in medical bills and sick days would be reduced by 54.5 million, saving the economy approximately $1.4 billion per year in medical costs and lost productivity (2). And thats just savings associated with probiotics immune-boosting ability to fend off respiratory tract infections that cause cold and flu-like symptoms in healthy individuals.

With recent scientific advances, probiotics for obesity, dental health, diabetes and even heart disease could become a reality over the next decade. A wide variety of probiotic strains are being investigated for viability in specific health areas, such as oral health, mood/cognitive support, cholesterol management and more, notes Sam Michini, Vice President of Marketing & Strategy, Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes. Condition-specific action and support is the future of probiotics.

Dr. Swick agrees. With advancing technology, scientists have been able to select specific strains of organisms to accomplish precise tasks. Here, just a few strains shown to deliver targeted benefits that are already on the market:

Immune support. More than 70% of your immune system is in your gut, says Dr. Swick. He recommends a probiotic blend like Life Extensions Immune Support that combines B. lactis BS01, L. plantarum LP01, L. plantarum LP02, L. rhamnosus LR04, and L. rhamnosus LR05, which have been demonstrated to promote a healthy immune response.

Mood support. Experts estimate that up to 90% of the bodys serotonin is produced in the gut. Clinical and pre-clinical studies indicate that gut microbes can support mood and behavior by affecting the gut-brain axis, a complex communication network that links your gut with your brain, explains Dr. Swick, noting that innovative probiotic strains, L.helveticus Rosell-52 and B. longum Rosell-17, which are found in Life Extensions Florassist Mood Improve, are particularly helpful here: In two randomized controlled trials, study participants given these strains reported significant mood, stress response and emotional balance support as compared to placebo.

Also of interest for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth: The probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 is backed by clinical data in mood and anxiety support post-partum, says Ford. AIDPs Actazin in combination with HN001 has been shown to fuel the growth by as much as 140% in-vitro.

Fitness performance: Our spore-forming probiotic strain, Bacillus subtilis DE111, has the science to show its viability in fitness and athletic achievement, notes Michini. He points to a recent study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research that showed DE111, in conjunction with adequate post-workout nutrition, produced statistically significant improvements in the reduction of body fat percentage, and a strong trend indicating improved performance of the deadlift exercise (3.) In a separate study, DE111 was also found to promote tissue recovery and reduce the likelihood of injury.Weight management.Studies have suggested that there is an association between gut bacterial diversity and body weight, notes Dr. Swick. While specific strains are still being investigated, L. rhamnosus and L. gasseri show great promise in preliminary studies.

Whether your customers are shopping for a general health probiotic or a benefit-specific one, its better to focus on getting a diverse mix of bacteria strains rather the quantity or number of live active cultures, advises Neil E. Levin, CCN, DANLA, Senior Nutrition Education Manager, NOW Foods. Diversity and variety are important for gut health. A healthy gut will have no fewer than 50 to 100 probiotic strains present and that amount is actually at the low end of whats required. He notes that NOW Foods generally provides between at least 8 to 10 strains in their probiotic formulas to help foster this diversity.

Diversity can also be achieved by combining targeted strains found in a supplement along with probiotic food sources like yogurt, kimchi, kombucha and kefir, as well as functional snacks enriched with heat-resistant microbes like Kerrys spore-forming probiotic GanedenBC30. Some experts also recommend changing up the brand or formula of your probiotic supplement every few months to introduce new strains to the microbiome.

Trisha Sugarek MacDonald, BS, MS, Sr. Director of Research & Development/National Educator, Bluebonnet Nutrition Corporation, adds that its also critical to understand the quality of the probiotic, and each strains specific applications. Genetic DNA identification is the only way to ensure that you are getting the most effective probiotic strains, she says, noting that all probiotic strains in Bluebonnets Advanced Choice SingleDaily Probiotic formulas have been genetically identified and characterized by the Pasteur Institute, the scientific non-profit foundation dedicated to the study of microorganisms. Depending on ones food sensitivities, dietary benefits, such as made with non-GMO ingredients and free of most allergens, may also be important to look for on the label.

Survivability through the GI tract is also a consideration, but Levin believes theres little need to sweat it. We all know that probiotic foods are often effective without special delivery systems, and fortunately for both consumers and manufacturers, many modern probiotics are robustly acid-tolerant. For example, acidophilus literally means acid loving, he notes. Acidophilus and other common strains such as bifidobacteria have been tested for their ability to survive stomach acid for an hour at body temperature, and are rated at over 90% survivability. That can eliminate the need for enteric coatings, which contain some controversial ingredients and add to costs.

Many of the health-promoting effects of a balanced microbiome come not from the probiotics themselves, but from the short-chain fatty acids that are produced when bacteria ferment indigestible fibers, dubbed prebiotics, as food. Fermentation of certain fibers leads to the production of short-chain fatty acids, other metabolites and some vitamins, explains Kyle Krause, Product Manager, Functional Fiber and Carbohydrates, Beneo. Science demonstrates that short-chain fatty acids, achieved through this prebiotic fermentation, can reach the brain and other organs directly through the blood, or indirectly via the stimulation of immune cells, the hormonal or nervous system and the release of messenger substances. As a result, the gut microbiota can influence digestive health, an individuals inner well-being and overall health.

These prebiotic fibers play a critical role in helping good gut bacteria to thrive and multiply. While its possible to get sufficient prebiotics from food sources (onion, garlic, artichokes, bananas, barley, oats, beans and apples are all good sources of inulin and other soluble fibers and resistant starches), Michael Bush, President and CEO, Prenexus Health and Executive Board Member of the International Probiotics Association (IPA), cautions that most people struggle to get enough through diet alone. Dietary fiber is great but only 5% of Americans consume the recommended amount of dietary fiber, so supplemental prebiotics are necessary to properly feed the good bacteria that is already found in the gut. Plus, notes Cheryl Myers, Chief of Scientific Affairs and Education at EuroPharma, Inc., Supplemental prebiotics have the benefit of being consistentwhich is exactly what probiotics need to thrive.

Fortunately, theres no shortage of ingredients on the market that are effective in small doses and can be easily snuck into functional food and beverage. For instance, inulin and oligofructose, such as BENEOs chicory root fiber-derived Orafti Inulin and Oligofructose, can be easily and undetectably added to food and drink products, and have been shown to contribute to better digestive health and inner well-being by first and foremost selectively promoting the growth of beneficial microbiota, notes Krause. Studies also show improvements in bowel regularity as well as in calcium absorption and thus bone health. BENEOs prebiotic fibers have been proven to support weight management. This all results in an improved quality of life.

Xylooligoscacharides, or XOS, found in AIDPs propeitary ingredient PreticX, also show promising health perks. PreticX selectively feeds beneficial bacteria, without feeding the bad bacteriacausing a favorable alteration in gut microbiome, notes Ford. This is a tremendous advantage over other, higher dose prebiotics, which tend to feed all the bacteria, without a meaningful impact in the gut ratio. She points to a clinical trial which found that a dose of 2 grams of PreticX daily significantly increased levels of the bacteroidete B. fragilis strain, without increasing the firmicutes strain Lactobacillus. This suggests that PreticX may foster a more beneficial Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio, which has been linked to improved metabolic response and benefits to weight management.

Consumers who are sensitive to starch or fiber based prebiotics may want to consider emerging phage technology, advises Michini. Phages are minuscule bundles of DNA or RNA enrobed in a protein shell. Phages are diverse and abundant: there are 10-fold more phages than bacteria populations in the human body. The role of each type of phage is to overtake a specific bacterium. He explains that phages, like those found in Deerlands PreforPro, work as a dual action prebiotic. These compounds destabilize the cell wall of the bad bacteria, which then provides nutrients as well as space for the good bacteria to grow. Whats more, he notes, PreforPro is effective in a small dose (15 mg) and does not incur bloating or flatulence because it doesnt become fermented.

Also showing promise as a prebiotic: Antioxidants like anthocyanins from berries, notes Melanie Bush, Director of Science, Artemis International, Inc. Studies have shown that flavonoids essentially behave as prebiotics and modulate a healthy balance of good bacteria in the gut. Additionally, researchers studied how gut microbes can metabolize berry flavonoids into metabolites that have significant health benefits.

SOS for digestive distress

Chronic digestive issues, including inflammatory bowel disease, acid reflux and food intolerances, can be painful, frustrating and downright embarrassing. And often, the long-term side effects of the OTC and prescription treatments can be as troubling as the condition itself. Case in point: An alarming new study published in the BMJ found that extended use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are routinely prescribed to treat heartburn, ulcers and acid reflux, was associated with a 17% increased risk of early death (4). No wonder so many Americans are trying to get off their PPIs. A new survey from the University of Michigan Medical School revealed that 79% of patients had at least some concern about PPI side effects, even if they couldnt necessarily name any specific side effects, and 83% had attempted to get off of the meds without a doctors recommendation (5).

If customers come in looking for a natural solution to digestive problems, be sure to advise them to talk to their healthcare practitioner about transitioning off meds, notes Levin. But there is natural help to be found for GERD and IBD, and its largely compatible with OTC meds, notes Myers. Some consumers choose to take their OTC and the natural product together for a week or two, then slowly wean off the OTC drug. Once inflammation (especially 5-LOX inflammation, seen in many inflammatory bowel diseases) is under control or eliminated with natural products, the digestive relief and symptom remission is going to be much more sustainablewithout the potential side effects of OTCs.

Help for heartburn, acid reflux or GERD. Myers notes that the PPIs typically used to treat reflux and heartburn shut down acid production, which may temporarily stop the pain, but used long term, it leaves users vulnerable to other problems, including increased susceptibility to food poisoning, bone density loss, and increased rates of other infections. Stomach acidity is a natural barrier against microbes entering the body along with food or liquids since the low pH discourages the growth or most organisms, explains Levin. If the acidity level is too weak, foods wont be properly digested and that immune barrier would be compromised.

Whats more, Levin notes, its been estimated that perhaps half of those taking antacids have insufficient stomach acid production to enable digestion (and provide a proper immune barrier). The clinical pearl that clinical nutritionists learn is to consider the timing of heartburn after a meal. Delayed onset heartburn is an indication to look at the probability of the acid being too weak to actually digest the food, especially protein. When this is the case, he recommends exploring a supplement with betaine HCl to supplement the stomachs own acid production and pepsin, the stomach main digestive enzyme.

Other reflux soothers: Two of the best ingredients to fight heartburn and GERD naturally are d-limonene and sea buckthorn, says Myers. D-limonene is a clinically tested component of citrus oil that appears to coat and protect the stomach walls and mucosa from the potential damage of stomach acid (without interfering with acid production), and supports healthy peristalsisthe muscle action of the intestines that moves food through the digestive system. In one study, she notes, 19 adults with a history of mild to moderate symptoms of heartburn or GERD were asked to discontinue their OTC or prescription medications and take d-limonene instead. By the second day of taking d-limonene, 32% of the participants experienced symptom relief. After 14 days, 89% of the participants were symptom free.

Seabuckthorn works another way, Myers continues. It has a protective effect on the stomach and actually helps prevent and heal gastric ulcers. It also soothes the mucosal in the digestive tract. Similarly protective of the esophagus is deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) extract, adds Levin. Licorice has been shown to support healthy concentrations of compounds that promote mucus production, which may provide an improved protective barrier between the delicate lining of the esophagus and the acidic stomach contents.

Help for inflammatory bowel disease. One of the most effective botanicals for dealing with IBS or other digestive issues is boswellia, says Myers. She notes that this botanical, found in BosMed Intestinal Bowel Support, fights 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inflammation. Inflammation through the small bowel and colon may be one of the physical causes and effects of IBS and other diseases. Because boswellia stops the 5-LOX cascade, it is a valuable ally. For example, in the case of Crohns disease, individuals were treated with either boswellia or the drug mesalazine (a drug commonly used to treat Crohns, ulcerative colitis, and IBS). Boswellia performed as well as the drug, but without the dangerous side effects.

Another smart supplement: Zinc L-carnosine offers a comprehensive approach to protect your stomach lining and promote gastric health, notes Levin. Several clinical studies showed that 150mg daily of zinc L-carnosine significantly reduced factors associated with gastric discomfort within eight weeks.

Help for food sensitivities or intolerances. A broad-spectrum enzyme blend can be a great solution for those who experience digestive discomfort when they eat, as it helps facilitate better digestion of the many components of a mealfats, carbohydrates and proteins, says Michini. But if a food sensitivity is claimed by your customer to be an issue, point them to supplements containing specific enzymes. Deerland makes a trio of targeted enzyme ingredients, ProHydrolase, Dairylytic and Glutalytic, that can help customers consume hard-to-digest protein peptides (like those in meat or protein powders), dairy and gluten with fewer digestive symptoms. Glutalytic is also clinically proven to reduce levels of IgA and CRP, supporting a proper immune response, he notes.

Help for leaky gut. Leaky gut is caused when inflammatory compounds (like gluten in people with gluten intolerances) and other toxins damage the digestive tract lining, creating microscopic tears that allow endotoxins and waste to leak out of the GI tract and into the bloodstream. This is notoriously difficult to treat, but Miles Sarill, National Educator, CV Sciences, sees big potential for a raw CBD component called cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) for speedier healing. He explains that this compound, which is found in CV Sciences new raw CBD oil, is a non-psychoactive precursor to CBD that has been shown in preliminary animal studies to actually facilitate healing of the digestive health tract. CBDA cant cross the blood-brain barrier, so it goes to work within the body along with 500 other anti-inflammatory compounds in a full spectrum oil, he explains. Full spectrum raw CBD oil can be deeply supportive for both inflammation response, as well as that gut barrier and the microbiome.

When it comes to growing your digestive health sales, Dr. Swick notes, It is important to educate consumers about the importance of probiotics and how they play a beneficial role within and outside the gut. Specifically, with respect to condition specific probiotic strains and how they can complement other interventions. For example if you are promoting mood support with traditional herbs or amino acids, also consider a probiotic product that has been studied and demonstrated to support the same health concern.

Myers agrees, Having printed materials that explain the connection between gut health and overall wellness are essential, too. It gives customers something to think aboutand ideally, some other lifestyle and supplemental optionsthat can encourage them to return to the store. Also, stores can invite guest speakers and experts to talk about the connection between gut health and well-being that may resonate in more direct ways than printed material.

Dont be afraid to make use of the complexity of the digestive health in illustrations or imagesthey can draw customers in, adds Michini. The gut is the bodys main manufacturing facilityit processes all the raw materials taken in from food, beverages, supplements to pharmaceuticals. This concept works well for visual storytelling, which can be used in store on a white board or other display, as well as in social media. Get the consumer involved in a way that rewards him or her. WF

References

Grand View Research, Digestive Health Products Market Size Worth $57.54 Billion By 2025,GrandViewResearch.com. Posted 2/19. Accessed 12/3/19. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-digestive-health-products-market

Lenoir-Wijnkoop, et al. Probiotics Reduce Health Care Cost and Societal Impact of Flu-Like Respiratory Tract Infections in USA,Frontiers in Pharmacology. Published 8/28/19. Accessed 12/3/2019. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2019.00980/full

Toohey, et al. Effects of Probiotic (Bacillus subtilis) Supplementation During Offseason Resistance Training in Female Division I Athletes,The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Published 06/26/18. Accessed 12/3/2019. https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Abstract/publishahead/Effects_of_Probiotic__Bacillus_subtilis_.95273.aspx

Kristina Sauerwein, Heartburn drugs linked to fatal heart and kidney disease, stomach cancer, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Publised 5/30/19. Accessed 12/3/19. https://medicine.wustl.edu/news/popular-heartburn-drugs-linked-to-fatal-heart-disease-chronic-kidney-disease-stomach-cancer/

Jina Sawani, Many Americans Are Worried About Taking PPIs and Have Tried Stopping Them Without Doctor Approval, University of Michigan Health Lab. Published 5/22/19. Accessed 12/3/19. https://labblog.uofmhealth.org/industry-dx/many-americans-are-worried-about-taking-ppis-and-have-tried-stopping-them-without

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A Healthier New Year Starts in the Gut - WholeFoods Magazine

New Year goal: hit the gym, eat healthy. What could spoil it? Dodgy supplements and weak regulation – Economic Times

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New Year goal: hit the gym, eat healthy. What could spoil it? Dodgy supplements and weak regulation - ET Prime

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A wellness wave is fuelling an unabated proliferation of dietary supplements in India. Unlike medicines, which must pass a series of steps before launch, these supplements, classified as food products, fall under the purview of the FSSAI and don't attract any price cap. But how real are the tall claims of spectacular health benefits?

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Airtel and Vodafone Idea are racing against time to clear their mammoth AGR (adjusted gross revenue) dues. But its also time the festering AGR dispute was finally settled. There are global paradigms India can learn from. ET Primes virtual assistant Dr. Prime is back with alternate approaches to levying licence fees and their pros and cons. The second in a two-part series.

Starting off with last-mile deliveries for restaurant chains, Shadowfax soon discovered the limitations of its model. So, it quickly moved into servicing e-commerce, pharma, and enterprise customers, as well. It is now aiming for the next level to become a full-stack, tech-driven, end-to-end logistics player.

UPI makes it easy for a merchant to accept payments digitally without an upfront cost of a POS machine. But it fares poorly when compared with a card transaction. This is a consequence of too many moving parts and a poor architecture of UPI.

In a world where a shift from labour-heavy industrial production to robotics, increased use of information technology, and large-scale migration of workers are tilting the economic balance, India should look beyond traditional metrics to gauge real productivity. To achieve its ambitious 2024 target, the country should focus on economic effectiveness more than absolute numbers.

To assess the on-ground situation and the possibility of an uptick in economic demand, we undertook a four-city survey. The interactions suggest that most of the bottoming-out has happened and there is an improvement in private capital formation, driven by foreign companies potentially Chinese and second-generation MSME entrepreneurs who are resilient and hungry for growth.

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New Year goal: hit the gym, eat healthy. What could spoil it? Dodgy supplements and weak regulation - Economic Times

Have you caught onto the benefits of selenium? – Science 101

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Selenium has been associated with positive health outcomes. Heres what you need to know.

Selenium is a mineral that appears naturally in soil, water, and some foods. Ongoing research has suggested that it can have positive effects on your health as it boosts immunity and staves off cancer, cardiovascular disease, thyroid problems, cognitive decline, infertility, and asthma. If its new to you, or youre just looking for more information, here are some things you should know.

Whether you get it through a supplement or by eating certain foods that well identify below, here are the recommended daily dietary allowances for selenium:

An overdose from consuming selenium in food is unlikely but one is more possible when taking selenium in supplements.

You can consume selenium via supplement, but can also find it in the following foods:

Studies published in the British Journal of Urology, Biological Trace Element Research, and Journal of Veterinary Research indicate that taking selenium supplements may increase testosterone levels and enhance male fertility.

Specifically, one 26-week study involving 468 men with infertility who took 200 mcg of selenium together with N-acetyl-cysteine daily showed increased testosterone production, sperm count, and sperm quality. In addition, asecond study involving 690 men with infertility who took 200 mcg of selenium together with 400 units of Vitamin E showed improved sperm motility and appearance in 53% of participants after just 100 days. Eleven percent of the men in that study got their partners pregnant.

Brazil nuts have also been linked with boosted testosterone levels as a result their high levels of naturally occurring selenium. Just one 28-gram serving of Brazil nuts provide 988% of the daily recommended dietary allowance of selenium.

Brazil nuts offer all kinds of positive health effects: boosts to antioxidants; support of thyroid function; theyre high in heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats; they have protective effects on the brain and mood-elevating properties; they may decrease blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity; and reduced inflammation.

Researchers at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, University of South Dakota, and Texas A&M Univesity have experimented with supplementing the diets of farmed Nile tilapia with organic and non-organic selenium.

As it turns out, supplementing the fishs diet with organic selenium helps maintain their health. It also produced fish with higher concentrations of the beneficial mineral to be consumed by people. Its a potential win-win and a big deal, since aquaculture has shown the capacity to help respond to worldwide malnutrition.

Ongoing research has suggested that selenium can have positive effects on or help prevent immune health, cancer, cardiovascular disease, thyroid problems, cognitive decline, infertility, and asthma.

If you stay within those recommended daily dietary allowances, you should experience no negative side effects from selenium consumption. Going beyond recommended doses, however can be a problem. These are some signs of selenium toxicity:

Selenium can interact with other medicines and supplements, so you should always keep in mind what else youre consuming to avoid any negative complications. Things that Selenium can interact with include antacids, chemotherapy drugs, corticosteroids, niacin, statins to lower cholesterol, and birth control pills.

There have been studies indicating a relationship between Selenium supplements and an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer). If youre already at high risk of developing skin cancer, avoid taking Selenium supplements.

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Have you caught onto the benefits of selenium? - Science 101

Do we really need vitamin supplements (Part 2): Everything you wanted to know about B vitamins, starting… – Firstpost

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You have probably heard of B-complex. Maybe youve even taken a few B-complex capsules now and again. But what is B-complex, and just how many B vitamins are there to form a whole complex?

The simple answer is eight. (No, they dont run from B1 through B8. The eight B vitamins are B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12).

Representational image. Image source: Getty Images.

Each of the B vitamins plays a crucial role in keeping us in brilliant health. While most of heard of folic acid and its benefits during pregnancy, few of us know about the other seven Bs.

In this second article in a two-part series on vitamin and mineral supplements, we take a close look at the role each of the B's plays in proper brain functioning, maintaining energy levels and promoting cell growth and whether we need to take supplements for any (or all) of them:

Thiamine is an essential vitamin which helps the body to change carbohydrates into energy at the cellular level.

Food sources:Plant foods that are rich in vitamin B1 are asparagus, sunflower seeds, green peas, flaxseed, spinach, cabbage, eggplant, whole grains, and legumes. Tomatoes and onions also have a small amount of vitamin B1 in them. Animal sources of B1 include pork and offal.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 1.2 milligrams (mg). For women: 1.1 mg. For pregnant women: 1.4 mg, and for lactating women: 1.5 mg. For children, 0.2-1.2mg.

Verdict on supplements:You get tiny amounts of vitamin B1 from practically every (healthy) thing you eat. So you dont need to take supplements if youre taking a proper diet or unless your doctor prescribes.

The coenzymes present in riboflavin play a major role in energy production (by breaking down carbohydrates), cellular growth and function and the metabolism of fats, drugs, and steroids.

Food sources:All the cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, kale, garden cress, bok choy, broccoli and Brussels sprouts are rich in riboflavin. All these vegetables should be lightly steamed and not cooked to a pulp to extract the maximum riboflavin from them.

Other food sources of riboflavin include chicken, liver, meat, pork, dairy products, nuts, mushrooms and asparagus.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 1.3 mg. For women: 1.1 mg. For pregnant women: 1.4 mg, and for lactating women: 1.6 mg. For children: 0.3-1.3 mg.

Verdict on supplements:If you are lactose intolerant or if you have a gut infection, then you need to take B2 supplements. The reason: our intestines are not very good at absorbing it from food.

Niacin helps in cutting down bad cholesterol (LDL), thus lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Food sources:Grilled chicken breast, liver, turkey breast, red salmon, cooked brown rice, enriched breakfast cereals (muesli), dry roasted peanuts, grains and legumes are rich sources of niacin.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 16 mg NE. For women: 14 mg NE. For pregnant women: 17 mg NE, and for lactating women: 18 mg NE. For children: 2-16 mg NE.

NE stands for niacin equivalent. An amino acid called tryptophan does a similar job to this vitamin, but you need it in higher quantities: 1 mg NE = 1 mg niacin or 60 mg of the essential amino acid tryptophan.

One cup of cooked brown rice contains 5.2 mg NE whereas 84 grams of grilled chicken breast has 14.9 mg NE.

Verdict on supplements:One bowl of chicken and rice is enough to give you your daily dose, so avoid supplements unless your doctor recommends otherwise: high-dose niacin is sometimes prescribed by doctors to lower cholesterol levels. You should not take niacin supplements without a doctors prescription.

Vitamin B5 keeps our energy up by metabolising carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It is rich in coenzyme A which helps in the synthesis of fatty acids, which are required for energy production in the body.

Food sources:Mushrooms, avocados, broccoli, sweet potatoes, corn, cauliflower, yeast, peanuts, sunflower seeds, whole-grain cereals, dairy products, legumes and animal sources like pork, chicken and liver are rich in vitamin B5.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 5 mg. For women: 5 mg. For pregnant women: 6 mg, and for lactating women: 7 mg. For children, 1.7-5 mg.

Verdict on supplements:People must stick to dietary sources for meeting the recommended dose, as taking vitamin B5 supplements without prescription may cause harm to your body. An overdose of vitamin B5 can cause diarrhoea and increase the risk of bleeding.

Also read: Not just weight loss:An avocado a day keeps diseases away

Pyridoxine helps the central nervous system pass messages through neurotransmitters like serotonin - the happiness hormone. It also helps in improving brain function.

Food sources:Chickpeas, yellowfin tuna, chicken breast, tofu, avocados, brown rice, milk, potato, spinach, and whole-grain cereals are rich sources of vitamin B6.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 1.3-1.7 mg. For women: 1.3-1.5 mg. For pregnant women: 1.9 mg, and for lactating women: 2 mg. For children: 0.1-1.3mg.

One cup of chickpeas contains 1.1 mg of vitamin B6 whereas 84 grams of grilled chicken breast contains 0.5mg of vitamin B6.

Verdict on supplements:You can get your daily fix of vitamin B6 from food. Take supplements only if your doctor recommends them, as an overdose may cause temporary peripheral neuropathy (loss of feeling in the arms and legs).

Good nails, hair and skin, and a great metabolism are the chief health benefits of vitamin B7. It also helps in metabolizing fats and carbohydrates for energy.

Food sources:peanuts, milk, cereals, beans, organ meats like liver, whole cooked eggs, sunflower seeds, sweet potato, almonds, wheat bran, cheddar cheese, mushrooms and cauliflower are rich sources of biotin.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 30 micrograms (mcg). For women: 30 mcg. For pregnant women: 30 mcg, and for lactating women: 35 mcg. For children: 5-25 mcg.

One large cooked egg contains 10 mcg of biotin. About 84 grams of cooked chicken liver contains 30.8 mcg of biotin.

Verdict on supplements:If you eat a balanced diet, it is unlikely that you will have a biotin deficiency. However, conditions like seborrheic dermatitis (a skin condition that causes a scaly, itchy rash), heavy drinking and surgical removal of the stomach can cause biotin deficiency. Supplements must be taken after seeking medical advice.

Just like the other B vitamins, folate helps in metabolising fats and proteins in the body. It also plays a major role in clearing out high levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that may lead to the development of various diseases including heart disease.

Folate is the naturally occurring vitamin B9, and folic acid is the synthetic or manmade form of vitamin B9.

Food sources:mushrooms, broccoli, lentils, beans, spinach, lettuce, avocados, beans, egg yolk, garden asparagus, beetroot and organ meat like liver are rich sources of folate.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 400 mcg. For women: 400 mcg. For pregnant women: 600 mcg, and for lactating women: 500 mcg. For children: 80-400 mcg.

Half a cup of boiled spinach gives you about 131 mcg of folate.

Verdict on supplements:Food should be your primary source of B9, unless youre planning to get pregnant or going through menopause - in both cases youll need to take supplements as prescribed by your doctor.

Vitamin B12 helps in energy production in the body. It is also essential for proper brain function and the synthesis of red blood cells.

Food sources:vitamin B12 is naturally found in fish, meat, eggs, and dairy products like cheese, milk, yoghurt.

How much of it do you need in a day:For men: 2.4 mcg. For women: 2.4 mcg. For pregnant women: 2.6 mcg, and for lactating women: 2.8 mcg. For children: 0.4-2.4 mcg.

Verdict on supplements:vegetarians, people above the age of 50 years, people with gastrointestinal diseases like Crohns disease and people who consume alcohol regularly are more prone to vitamin B12 deficiency. They must seek medical advice before starting any supplements.

This is the second article in a two-part series. Thefirst articlein this series talked about vitamins - A, C, D, and minerals like calcium and iron.

For more information, please read our article onVitamin B: Benefits, Sources, Dosage.

Health articles in Firstpost are written by myUpchar.com, Indias first and biggest resource for verified medical information. At myUpchar, researchers and journalists work with doctors to bring you information on all things health.

Updated Date: Dec 17, 2019 19:10:16 IST

Tags : b12 Deficiency, Folate Deficiency, Folic Acid, Health Supplements, NewsTracker, Riboflavin Uses, Should You Take Supplements, Thiamine Uses, Vitamin Deficiency, Vitamin Supplements, Vitamins For Pregnancy

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Do we really need vitamin supplements (Part 2): Everything you wanted to know about B vitamins, starting... - Firstpost

Amaranth Extract Market Global Food and Beverages Trends Transforming the Market – News Cast Report

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Market Introduction:

Cultivated by Aztecs 8,000 years ago in Peru, the ancient history of amaranth can be traced to Mexico and Yucatan Peninsula. It is sometimes referred to as a Pseudo Cereal because its nutritional profile is very much similar. Amaranth extracts are one of the best sources for omega series fatty acids. Amaranth extract also consists of 5-9% squalene in it which is well known for its several immune benefits like immune system strengthening, cell rejuvenation and anti-oxidant properties. The amaranth extract also provides anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. The other amaranth extracts has found applications in food supplements, aromatics and in high grade lubricant additives. The cosmetics and other personal care industry and the food industry are the largest consumers of amaranth extracts which account for a large share of the total global amaranth extract market. These segments are also expected to grow and strengthen the global amaranth market because of the increasing demand for the cosmetics and personal care products and food additives obtained from the natural sources. The pharmaceutical segment is expected to have the highest growth rate in the global market of amaranth extract.

One of the greatest contributors to theglobal amaranth extract marketin the past was Europe and is expected to escalate its demand for the amaranth extract within the forecasted period.

Global amaranth extract market: Segmentation

Global amaranth extract market can be segmented on the basis of form, application, sales channel

On the basis of form, global amaranth extract market can be segmented into Liquid extract and Powder extract. Liquid extract can be further sub segmented into oils and dyes.

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On the basis of application, global amaranth extract market can be segmented into Cosmetics, Foods and Pharmaceuticals. Cosmetics can be further sub segmented into anti-skin aging, perfumery. The pharmaceuticals can be further sub segmented into antiburn, antitumor, bactericide, wound healing.

On the basis of sales channel, Global amaranth extract market can be segmented into direct and retail sales. Direct sales refers to direct selling amaranth extract as an ingredient to other industries. Retail sales is further segmented into modern trade, convenience stores, grocery retailers, health stores, online retailers, and other retailing formats.

Global amaranth extract market: Drivers, Restraints, and Trends

The global amaranth extract market is primarily driven by its health benefits such as high nutritional value, temperature versatility, skin identical nature and high squalene content.

Secondly, the increasing demand for the amaranth extracts in various industrial sectors such as the cosmetics and pharmaceutical is also believed to be a key igniter in the market of global amaranth extract.

One of the major challenges which stands in the face of the global amaranth extract market is the government support since the amaranth extract market is getting negligible support from the government globally, it is becoming one of the major restraints for the global amaranth extract market.

Global amaranth extract market: Regional Outlook

Depending on the geographic regions, global amaranth extract market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, West Europe, East Europe, and Asia pacific excluding Japan, Japan and MEA.

Because of the strong cosmetic and pharmaceutical industrial base coupled with health aware consumer base, Europe is expected to dominate the manufacturing market of global amaranth extract among all the regions.

Europe is expected to be followed by North America, which was the supreme market of Amaranth extract in the past and is more likely to remain a significant market for the usage of amaranth extract in cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical industry.

Asia Pacific is however expected to be the largest growing market in terms of CAGR within the forecasted period.

Latin America is expected to have a moderate growth within the forecasted period.

Global amaranth extract market: Key Players

Some of the prominent players of global amaranth extract market are: Amaranth Bio, AMR amaranth a.s, Proderna Biotech pvt ltd, RusOlivia, Flavex naturextracte GmbH, Ungerer & company and others

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Amaranth Extract Market Global Food and Beverages Trends Transforming the Market - News Cast Report

Kourtney Kardashian addicted to cosmetics: the incredible price of her night routine revealed! – Somag News

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Kourtney Kardashian has unveiled her beauty routine. And surprise! The star pays a fortune for his favorite cosmetics. We tell you everything!

When it comes to beauty, Kourtney Kardashian doesnt do things by halves. Indeed, the star does not hesitate to spend fortunes on her night routine. Quickly discover the incredible price of her cosmetics!

Its no longer a secret: Kourtney Kardashian is a real beauty addict. The pretty brunette loves make up and luxury cosmetics. She has also launched her own blog where she reveals her beauty secrets. Kims sister is an inspiration to many women around the world. She does not hesitate to promote her favorite products to have a doll complexion!

Kourtney Kardashian explained his night routine to the famous American magazine Harpers Bazaar. The young woman films a tutorial in her bathroom and shows us her favorite products. Before going to bed, the pretty brunette uses no less than 9 skin products. Unbelievable !

KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN UNVEILS THE PRICE OF ITS BEAUTY ROUTINE!The young woman uses many tricks to look good. Mask, food supplements, moisturizer Kourtney Kardashian multiplies care! It will however be necessary to spend a certain amount to adopt the tricks of the star. Indeed, a journalist from the People site conducted a small investigation into the cosmetics used by Kourtney. And hold on tight, because the price of all the products is incredible.

The routine of the pretty brunette costs no less than 500 dollars. Unbelievable ! It must be said that the star uses a majority of luxury cosmetics. But not only ! Kims sister is also a fan of a micellar cleansing lotion for only $ 7. Like what, the latter is interested in all product lines. One thing remains certain, however: Kourtney Kardashian does not hesitate to pay the price for taking care of her. And you what do you think ?

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Kourtney Kardashian addicted to cosmetics: the incredible price of her night routine revealed! - Somag News

Global and Regional Brewer’s Yeast Market Report with Major Vendor Landscape and Their Strategies – News Cast Report

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Global Brewers Yeast Market: Snapshot

Saccharomyces cerevisiae, usually known as Brewers yeast, has been very important to winemaking, heating, and preparing. Brewers yeast, which is the extra item in the wake of fermenting tasks, is utilized as feedstuff for poultry, fish, ruminants, and pigs as an enhancing specialist in the food part. Brewers yeast, that is all the more usual from extensive packaging works, is being utilized as a protein supplement in the animal feed. Inactivated type of this item is an exceptionally significant wellspring of phosphorous, protein, and nutrient B.

As per the raw material trends, the market value chain comprise of manufacturers, raw material suppliers, applications, and distribution channels. The product is available commercially in several forms including fresh, dry, and instant. It finds usage in several sectors, including beer making, and wine, food supplements, and animal feed.

GlobalBrewers Yeast Market: Trends and Opportunities

Feed supplements that are induced with the Brewers yeast enables improved profitability as far as higher production of meat is concerned, expanded milk, and more noteworthy reproduction power in ruminant creature species. A developing feed supplement industry is anticipated to make new roads for item producers.

Rising awareness among the shopper with respect to more beneficial eating regimens and calorie decrease in the entire markets is estimated to advance utilization of wellbeing supplements over the coming years. This will likewise fuel the demand for brewers yeast. Increasing awareness with respect to the significance of fitting protein admission is liekly to remain a main impetus over the estimate time frame.

Rising significance of online business as a moving mode for nutraceutical makers is anticipated to open new industry roads for market players. The U.S. FDA forced various directions expected for naming of nourishment supplements. This comes in light of expanding occurrence of infringement of brand names just as item quality. Thus, food supplement makers are expected to up use on advancement of products with better quality over the forthcoming years.

Global Brewers Yeast Market: Regional Analysis

Geographically, Asia Pacific region is likely to experience the most rapid growth in the forecast period. This is credited to growth in animal feed industry, particularly in China, Japan, and India. Moreover, increasing demand for yeast-infused diets for pork, poultry, and sea food sector is another factor propelling the market development in coming years.

In North America, the U.S. is the important brewers yeast market, due to increased production of animal feed. A direct approach by makers to include product in various feeds is estimated to drive the global brewers yeast market in the region, owing to the increasing demand by the customers for healthy and safe products in the upcoming years.

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In 2017, Europe held a share of around 20.7% as per the volume. Germany, Spain, and France are leading markets in the region based on the increased production of animal feed. Increase in feed production in Turkey, Russia, Belarus, Greece, Poland, and Ukraine is foreseen to fuel the demand of the product in the Europe region in the span of coming years.

Global Brewers Yeast Market

The key players leading in global brewers yeast market are Cargill, Incorporated, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Nutreco N.V., and Lesaffre Group. These players have a strong have a firm foothold in the global market, with the ability to cater both, the international as well as local market.

I am an active day trader spending the majority of my time analyzing earnings reports and watching commodities and derivatives. I have a Masters Degree in Economics from Westminster University with previous roles counting Investment Banking.

Address: 4109 Briarwood Road Crane, MO 65633, USAPhone: (+1) 417-892-8092Email: Sheilashipman@newscastreport.com

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Global and Regional Brewer's Yeast Market Report with Major Vendor Landscape and Their Strategies - News Cast Report

Vitamin C: How Much Is Too Much? Know The Potential Side Effects Of Too Much Vitamin C – NDTV News

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Vitamin C: Excess of its intake can lead to iron overload in the body

Vitamin C is one of the most important nutrients for the body. Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is needed for growth, development and repair of body tissues. This water-soluble vitamin helps in many body functions including formation of collagen, strengthening the immune system, speeding up wound healing and maintaining cartilage, bones, teeth, etc. Along with these functions, Vitamin C is important for the body to absorb iron. Daily recommended intake of Vitamin C for adults is 65 to 90 mg. However, intake of Vitamin C beyond a certain extent can cause some side effects like digestive problems and iron accumulation in the body.

Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, headache and insomnia are some of the side effects of high Vitamin C intake.

Also read:Vitamin C For Cold: Does This Really Work? Know Benefits, Dosage And Best Foods Sources

Digestion problems are most likely to be caused not by eating too much Vitamin C-rich foods but by taking supplements of Vitamin C in excess. Consuming more than 2,000 mg of Vitamin C supplements in a day can cause diarrhoea, nausea and even acid reflux.

Excess intake of Vitamin C can lead to digestion problemsPhoto Credit: iStock

As mentioned above, Vitamin C is known to facilitate absorption of iron in the body. Vitamin C has the capability to bind non-heme iron, which is found in plant-based foods. Non-heme iron is not absorbed as efficiently by the body as heme iron-a type of iron found in animal foods. Taking too much of Vitamin C can lead to iron overload in the body, which can cause damage to liver, heart, pancreas, thyroid and central nervous system.

Also read:Best Iron-Rich Foods To Boost Your Haemoglobin Naturally

Being a water-soluble vitamin, Vitamin C is not stored in the body. Most of it gets transported to your tissues through body fluids, and the excess of it passes through urine. And when you consume excess of it in the form of supplements, it results in digestion problems.

Excess intake of Vitamin C has also been linked to risk of kidney stones. This nutrient is excreted from the body as oxalate via urine. In some cases, the oxalate binds with minerals and form crystals, leading to the formation of kidney stones. Excess vitamin C intake can increase oxalate in urine, thus increasing risk of kidney stones as well.

Vitamin C in excess can increase risk of kidney stonesPhoto Credit: iStock

Also read:Got Kidney Stone? Try Apple Cider Vinegar: Here's How It Works

The best way to maintain optimum intake of Vitamin C is to get it through food sources. Following are some foods with high content of Vitamin C

Risks of Vitamin C are higher when you consume supplements. So make sure you don't consume supplements unless prescribed by a doctor. Make sure you consume in only approved dosages.

All in all, Vitamin C is an important nutrient for the body and its deficiency can result in weak immunity and may put you at risk of diseases.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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