Daily Archives: July 23, 2021

Opinion | Canada’s troubles with federalism are hindering progress on vaccine passport – StCatharinesStandard.ca

Posted: July 23, 2021 at 4:22 am

All over the world, cases are rising again. Ironically, we see a scene repeated far too often hospitalization rises, governments implement lockdowns, then reopen too quickly in the name of saving the economy. Soon enough, we are back at it again, and the blame game starts.

But thanks to an increase in vaccination, at least in Canada, we have a clear solution to prevent us from falling into the same rabbit hole for the fourth time through using a digital vaccine passport.

Implementing a unified approach to verifying vaccination credentials across all jurisdictions in Canada will not only reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 infections in our communities but will also ensure our brick-and-mortar businesses can stay open even during the worst outbreaks. It will also provide confidence to consumers to safely resume their pre-pandemic shopping activities with reduced fear of exposure or another lockdown, speeding up our economic recovery.

But instead, the lack of collaboration and coordination across provinces and territories on the subject is jeopardizing our hard-earned public health progress.

For instance, Manitoba is handing out immunization cards for access to non-essential services. Quebec also promised to adopt a similar vaccine passport system in the fall if case counts worsen. In the meanwhile, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Ontario have downright rejected the idea.

This discrepancy across our various jurisdictions is problematic as most provinces embark on a new round of reopening, at a greater and wider scale than we have yet seen, as part of a return to normal. Some governments are gambling on the assumption that administering vaccines into arms alone will end the pandemic and believe the country will never again be plunged into another lockdown.

But what they are forgetting is that anywhere from 40 per cent to 50 per cent of each province or territorys respective population has not yet received a second dose to achieve full protection. This is not to mention Alberta and Saskatchewan are already lagging far behind the nation on the first-dose uptake, while Quebec is having clear trouble increasing the second-dose uptake due to vaccine hesitancy and individual complacency.

Governments also forget that viruses dont have borders and wont stop transmitting, especially to those vulnerable or unvaccinated, until appropriate measures are implemented to contain them, even under a vaccinated environment. A vaccine passport is the best bet to get the job done in a domestic setting, especially as variants are fast spreading among unvaccinated across the country.

This is not a time to be worried about a split in our society. Special times require special measures, or else we are at risk of backtracking from our current progress.

We need to prevent a pandemic of the unvaccinated, already warned by multiple top public health officials. We also cannot afford another lockdown at the same scale we have seen before the damage from last year and a half has been too great. Our health and economic survival lie in the hands of sound policy-making from our political and public health leaders at this very moment.

On Friday, we heard that Los Angeles County is bringing back mask orders due to the surging Delta variant overwhelming local hospitals. In the UK, cases are surging with rising hospitalizations, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson is now quarantining following contact with his new Health Secretary, who tested positive on Saturday. Its a narrative weve all became too familiar with, and warning signs are printed all over.

We saw devastating results when provinces and territories failed to implement a co-ordinated approach to public health restrictions across the country for the past year and a half. One wave became three. Lockdowns in some areas lasted for over a year, which became the longest in North America.

It should not be the direction we are heading again with the vaccine passport. Instead, we need to tackle the challenge of managing coronavirus together as a federation before too late. After all, which province will pay for the economic damage of a fourth wave?

Susan Cui is a public affairs and communications professional based in Toronto.

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FPJ Edit: It’s up to the Centre to live up to its slogan of cooperative federalism and make the new ministry of cooperation a successful agent of…

Posted: at 4:22 am

The Narendra Modi government is clearly keen to rewrite the contours of the Centre-state relationships. The passing of the agriculture reform laws was perhaps the first major move in this direction. Agriculture continues to be, as per the Constitution, a state subject and the Centre used an obscure provision which allows it to pass laws controlling the production, distribution and marketing of goods to do so. This has now been followed up by the creation of a Union ministry for cooperation, helmed by no less a personage than Home Minister and de facto Number Two in the government, Amit Shah.

Predictably, the Opposition-ruled states have dubbed this as yet another attack on federalism by the Modi government, since cooperatives are also in the state list. The Centre has argued that the creation of the ministry will re-energise the moribund cooperative movement in the country by providing it with an appropriate administrative, legal and policy framework.

There is no denying the need to reinvent the cooperative sector, which has become a cesspool of financial mismanagement, corruption and misuse of political power. Success stories like Amul are the exception rather than the rule. While the Reserve Bank of India has taken some steps to regulate multi-state and urban cooperative banks the failure of the Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative Bank is still fresh other cooperatives, particularly in agriculture and allied sectors, have seen little reform over the years.

The spirit of the cooperative movement of consumers or producers becoming owners and benefiting from collective power has been given the go-by, with many cooperatives becoming personal fiefs of politicians. The case for reform is strong, but since there is enormous political capital to be gained, the Centres view is being viewed with understandable suspicion by states. It is up to the Centre to live up to its oft-touted slogan of cooperative federalism to make the new ministry a successful agent of change.

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The 3 Supplements You Might Actually Need After 50 – AARP

Posted: at 4:21 am

Be sure to talk to your doctor about whether vitamin D2 or D3 is more appropriate for you. (D2 is plant-based and more often prescribed by health care providers; D3 is animal-derived and more common over the counter, experts from the Cleveland Clinic explain.) And don't forget to ask whether vitamin D might affect medications you're currently taking. Some cholesterol-lowering statins like atorvastatin (brand name Lipitor) may not work as well if you take vitamin D supplements. Similarly, the weight-loss drug orlistat can reduce the amount of vitamin D your body absorbs from food and supplements, according to the NIH.

Your health care provider can also advise you on how much vitamin D to take. Some reports published in the last 10 years have advocated supplementing with up to 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily. But more recent clinical trials suggested that amount of intake does not show benefits (no harms either), so it may not be the best generic approach for everybody, Chan says.

Still, excessive doses the daily upper limit for adults is 100 mcg/ 4,000 IU can do terrible things to the body: vomiting, confusion, dehydration, muscle weakness and more. Extremely high levels of vitamin D can lead to kidney failure and death.

Remember how aging makes it harder for the body to use calcium? And to make vitamin D?

When it comes to vitamin B12, older adults are also at a disadvantage. That's because aging impacts the body's ability to absorb this essential nutrient, which plays an important role in regulating blood, nerve and genetic health, according to the NIH.

Older adults who are vegetarian or vegan, who take the antidiabetic medication metformin or who take gastric acid inhibitors to treat certain digestion problems are even more likely to be B12-deficient. And just like with vitamin D, people with Crohn's or celiac disease are also more likely to have a B12 deficiency.

If you do have a vitamin B12 deficiency and it's estimated that up to 43 percent of older adults do you will be more likely to develop anemia. A B12 deficiency can also lead to neuropathy or nerve damage (which may feel like tingling or numbness in your hands or feet), balance issues, depression, confusion, poor memory and even dementia.

So how much do you need? The NIH recommends that adults get, on average, 2.4 mcg per day of vitamin B12. When it comes to food, you can get what you need from fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, clams and beef liver, as well as from some fortified cereals. Many multivitamin supplements also contain this key nutrient, or you can take it on its own.

And there's no need to worry if your supplement contains a higher dose than what's recommended. Unlike calcium and vitamin D, vitamin B12 has not been shown to cause any harm, even at high doses, the NIH maintains. Just be sure to talk to your doctor about any medications you are on that could interact with a vitamin B12 supplement.

Calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12 that's the very short list of vitamins and minerals older adults may want to consider taking. Many other dietary supplements lack robust data to support their regular use, and in fact, you might want to steer clear of a few altogether.

Vitamin E:A vitamin E deficiency is rare in most healthy people, according to the NIH, even if your diet is short on the recommended daily amount (15 mg for adults). And while vitamin E that is naturally present in food causes no harm and does not need to be limited, getting too much from a supplement can be dangerous.

For example, high doses of vitamin E in supplement form can increase bleeding risks, especially in adults on blood thinners. Research has also linked vitamin E supplementation to an increased risk of prostate cancer in men. For these reasons, routine supplementation of vitamin E should be avoided, Chan advises.

Vitamin C:Despite popular belief, there's no solid data to show that loading up on vitamin C will prevent or cure the common cold. It's a myth. And taking too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps. Instead, opt for citrus fruits and vegetables to get the recommended amount needed to support your overall health.

Folic Acid:For most people, there is no need to take this B vitamin, since many foods, such as cereals, are fortified with folate. Folic acid deficiency is rare in the United States ... its routine use in aging has not been supported by research, Chan says. (One exception is during pregnancy.)

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Two Day Interactive Virtual Seminar on Regulatory Compliance for Dietary Supplements in the US, EU and Canada (August 26-27, 2021) -…

Posted: at 4:21 am

DUBLIN, July 22, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Regulatory Compliance for Dietary Supplements in the US, EU and Canada" training has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

A growing public demand for supplements has resulted in a flurry of companies creating and marketing dietary supplements in the United States, EU and Canada. With the regulatory authorities beginning to take a stronger stance on enforcement of regulatory policies, procedures and GMP compliance, it is important for companies to verify that their products comply with the latest regulations and provisions if they plan to market Supplements in these countries.

This 2-day interactive virtual seminar will review the regulations that impact Dietary Supplements in the US, EU and Canada and discuss how to verify that products are compliant with these regulations. Differences with food and drug regulation in these countries will be noted as well.

The seminar will also cover what qualifies as a dietary supplement or dietary ingredient, how to ensure GMP compliance as well as detailed requirements for labeling and acceptable marketing claims. An update on current events within the Supplement industry and the potential impacts to Manufacturers and Distributors in the US, EU and Canada will also be presented and discussed.

Agenda:

Day 01 (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EDT)

Dietary Supplement Regulation in the U.S.

Dietary Supplement Overview

Organizations and Regulatory Structure

History of Dietary Supplement Regulation

Manufacturing Considerations

Dietary Ingredients

Labeling Considerations

Advertising Considerations

Day 02 (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EDT)

Food Supplement regulation in the EU

Overview

Organizations and Regulatory Structure

Supplement Regulation

Manufacturing Considerations

GMP Requirements

Dietary Ingredients

Labeling Considerations

Advertising Considerations

Natural Health Product regulation in Canada

Overview

Organizations and Regulatory Structure

Supplement Regulation

National Health Products Regulation

Differences between Canada and US

Supplements monographs

Requirements for pre-market approval

Manufacturing Requirements for Natural Health Products in Canada

Dietary Ingredients

Labeling Considerations

Advertising Considerations

Enforcement and Post-Marketing Surveillance

Review of Current Events and other Industry Topics Questions and Answers

Story continues

For more information about this training visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/pot458

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210722005710/en/

Contacts

ResearchAndMarkets.comLaura Wood, Senior Press Managerpress@researchandmarkets.com

For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

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Two Day Interactive Virtual Seminar on Regulatory Compliance for Dietary Supplements in the US, EU and Canada (August 26-27, 2021) -...

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Best Supplements for Women, According to Dietitians | Eat This Not That – Eat This, Not That

Posted: at 4:21 am

Life can get busy, and sometimes we simply don't have enough time in our week to get all the nutrients we need. Or in other cases, we may just be picky eaters or have food limitations that keep us from getting all of the recommended vitamins and nutrients that are naturally found in certain foods.

For those who are restricted by diet or time, we went ahead and talked to registered dietitians Amanda Sevilla, RDN, and Lauren Hoover, RD, to find some of the best supplements for women to take. And if you want more tips on which supplements to take this summer, check out the Best Supplements to Take Every Day, According to a Dietitian.

Omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a fatty acid you can get from certain types of oily fish. According to Sevilla, omega-3 DHA is "very important for heart health, as well as brain health." There is a lot of research out there that supports this as well, especially when it comes to preventing cardiovascular disease and delaying symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, omega-3 DHA not only helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, but it also lowers your risk of death if you have already been diagnosed with this type of disease. For pregnant women, taking omega-3 DHA supplements has also been known to improve fetal health.

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For women, getting enough protein throughout the day is crucial for overall health. "Women often do not consume optimal protein for their needs," says Hoover, "and for some, it is difficult to achieve optimal protein intake purely from food sources. If we don't get enough protein in our daily diet, we may experience negative effects such as thinning hair, loss of muscle mass, and a weakened immune system.

Hoover recommends taking protein supplements if you think you may not be getting enough through your food. "Incorporating protein supplements, in the form of ready-to-drink shakes or powders, can be a convenient way to get extra protein in the diet," says Hoover.

READ MORE:10 Best Protein Powders for Women, According to Dietitians

If you haven't looked into taking folate supplements, you may want to give it a try. "Folate is a B vitamin that is often recommended for prenatal supplements," says Sevilla, "and folate adequacy is important for proper nervous system development for babies and neural tube development."

Not only that, but The National Institutes of Health says that folate is crucial for women at childbearing age, even if they're not pregnant. This supplement can help reduce inflammation, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, help delay symptoms of Alzheimer's, and even fight depression.

Magnesium can be found in oats, whole grains, and many different types of nuts and seeds. If you don't often consume magnesium-rich foods, it might be a good idea to try taking a supplement. According to Sevilla, magnesium helps our bodies with muscle contractions. "Magnesium is not just recommended for athletes, but also for pre-menopausal women because it can help with cramps," says Sevilla.

Research has also shown that along with physical health, magnesium can help with our mental health as well. A 2013 study in Pharmacological Reports revealed that magnesium can help patients diagnosed with depression, usually alongside a prescribed antidepressant.

Calcium is an important part of our diets, especially as we age. "I recommend [calcium] supplements for older women to help prevent age-related bone loss," says Hoover. Not only does calcium help maintain our bone health, but it also helps us keep healthy nerves and muscles.

According to the Mayo Clinic, women between the ages of 19-50 are encouraged to get at least 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day, with 1,200 milligrams for women over the age of 50. For women who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or just don't like dairy products, getting this much calcium in a day can be a challenge. If this is you, try taking a look at some different calcium supplements.

Related: The 20 Best Calcium-Rich Foods That Aren't Dairy

Speaking of bone health, vitamin D is another important supplement for the ladies. "Women are more at risk for bone fractures, especially post-menopause because estrogen is a vital part of bone health," says Sevilla, "and supplementing vitamin D can help strengthen our bones."

Research is still being done to learn even more benefits of taking vitamin D, but studies have already proven that it also helps with immune function, the prevention of some cancers, and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Not only that, but vitamin D can be helpful for women who may be experiencing depression, especially seasonal depression during months with very little sunlight.

Related: Surprising Side Effects of Not Taking Vitamin D Supplements, Says Dietitian

There aren't many reasons to overlook a trusty multivitamin, especially for women. "Look for multivitamins that include vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium," says Hoover, "and additionally look for essential micronutrients, like thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, B12, folate, selenium, beta-carotene, vitamin E, K and D.

Harvard Health recommends talking to your doctor before taking a multivitamin to determine which supplement combinations might be best for you. There are certain vitamins that you may personally need more than others, especially depending on what stage of life you may be in. For example, women before and after menopause may need different things. "If you are premenopausal, look for a multivitamin that contains higher amounts of iron," says Hoover.

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Crackdown results in seizure of 15000 tons of illegal foodstuffs – Food Safety News

Posted: at 4:21 am

More than 15,000 tons of food and drink worth $60 million has been seized globally in operations targeting fake and potentially dangerous products.

Operation Opson X involved 72 countries between December 2020 and June 2021. The annual drive is coordinated by Interpol and Europoland featured police, customs, national food regulatory authorities and private sector companies.

In total, 15,451 tons of illegal products were found with an estimated street value of 53.8 million ($63.3 million).Nearly 68,000 checks were carried out by participating countries, resulting in 1,000 criminal cases being opened.

The top seized goods by quantity were alcohol and food supplements, followed by cereals and grain products and fruit and vegetables. Alcoholic drinks were the most commonly counterfeited.

In Operation Opson in 2020, 77 countries took part and about 12,000 tons of illegal items were confiscated. Animal food was the most seized product followed by alcoholic beverages.

Food posing consumer health riskIn the latest Opson, eight people were arrested and seven companies investigated as authorities clamped down on the trade of bivalves, such as mussels and oysters, unfit for human consumption.This involved seizures of 120,000 ($141,000), 25 vehicles and 12 vessels by the Spanish Guardia Civil and Portuguese National Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana).

Thirty tons of frozen chicken were returned to Poland because of the detection of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in the area goods came from. In Portugal, 61 tons of organic bananas from Ecuador with traces of pesticides were confiscated and in Rwanda, poorly transported meat and expired butter were seized.

In another case, a criminal network used colorants to change the quality of beverages. This led to 14 arrests and seizures including 47,660 liters of whiskey and 9,550 liters of alcohol for the manufacture of fraudulent products by the Guardia Civil and customs authorities.

Jrgen Stock, Interpol secretary general, said removing the enormous quantity of illegal and often dangerous products from the market is an example of how international police cooperation is making the world safer.

Food crime may not always seem like a top policing priority but operations like Opson X demonstrate the massive profits these products generate, which can then fund other organized crime activities.

Action was supported by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), European Commissions Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

U.S. involved in checking honeyMore than 650 arrest warrants were issued during the operation, which is estimated to have disrupted the work of 42 organized crime groups worldwide.

The U.S. was part of a targeted action on honey that featured 495 checks with 7 percent of products non-compliant and 51,000 kilograms of fraudulently treated honey seized.

Officials in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland and Scotland mainly checked the analytical detection of sugar syrup and corn syrup.

In continued work from the previous Opson operation, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy and Spain looked at horse passports and the sale of illegal horse meat.

Catherine De Bolle, Europols executive director, said counterfeit and substandard food and beverages can be found on the physical market and sold online.

The increased health risk for consumers is proportional to the reduced quality of raw materials used in the food processing system. Europol sees a recent development: low-quality products have infiltrated the food supply chain, an evolution possibly related to the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Enforcement action also found fake test kits for COVID-19, HIV and malaria, bush meat and other products of wildlife crime.

The results mark a decade of Opson operations, with the first in 2011 involving just 10 countries and recovering illicit goods worth 300,000 ($353,000).

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News,click here.)

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3 in 10 Americans increased supplement use during the pandemic, according to a new poll – PhillyVoice.com

Posted: at 4:21 am

Nearly 30% of Americans are taking more supplements today compared to their pre-pandemic habits, according to a new survey by The Harris Poll.

The survey, which was conducted on the behalf of the Samueli Foundation, found that 76% of all Americans are now supplement-takers.

The biggest reasons for the increased supplement use were a desire to improve overall immunity and for protection specifically against COVID-19 despite no studies proving that supplements can protect against the coronavirus. Other common reasons cited were a desire to have more control over personal health, to improve sleep and improve mental health.

"The COVID-19 pandemic is a catalyst for increased supplement use," said Dr. Wayne Jonas, executive director of Integrative Health Programs at the Samueli Foundation.

"Supplements when used under the guidance of health care professionals can be beneficial for one's health. Unfortunately, however, many people are unaware of the risks and safety issues associated with their use."

A concerning finding of the survey was that 52% of Americans taking supplements mistakenly believe that most dietary supplements have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Almost one-third of supplement-takers believe that if a supplement was dangerous, it wouldn't be allowed to be sold to the public. And less than half of those who take supplements consulted with their health care provider first before use.

"Contrary to what many believe, the FDA does not regulate supplements. In fact, many supplements are not identified as dangerous until after people are negatively affected by them," Jonas said. "There are benefits to one's health from supplements, but also risks, so I encourage anyone who is taking a supplement or thinking of taking one to discuss it with your health care provider first."

In general, there is still a lack of consistent data on the safety and effectiveness of different supplements. For example, one recent analysis linked high doses of fish oil supplements to atrial fibrillation, a dangerous heart condition. This contradicts earlier studies showing that the supplement improved cardiovascular health.

Melatonin, which is used as a sleep aid, is another supplement on which little research has been conducted, especially on possible long-term effects. It is also not clear what the safest dosage would be for different age groups or the best time to take it.

Because supplements aren't heavily regulated in the U.S., not all ingredients are required to be listed on the labeling, making it difficult for consumers to identify potentially harmful components. Some studies have also found that dietary supplements can be contaminated with heavy metals, bacteria and fungus.

According to the survey, another concern with their use is the potential interactions between prescription medications and supplements. Forty-six Americans taking prescription medications say they didn't discuss with their doctor what supplements they were taking when given a script for medicine.

It's not that there isn't a desire to have this discussions with their health care provider though, the survey results show. A majority of those polled said they would be comfortable talking to their doctor about their supplement usage.

However 41% of the supplement-takers polled said it just didn't occur to them to start the conversation and 35% said they didn't think their doctor cared about their supplement use.

Another 32% said that they didn't think their health care providers were knowledgeable enough about supplements to advise them. Some supplement-takers are also concerned that their doctor would judge them based on the supplements they are taking.

"As more people begin taking supplements, we need to be sure that they have the information needed to make informed and healthy decisions," Jonas said. "My obligation, as a physician, is to help patients understand which supplements can play a safe and effective part of their overall health and well-being goals. The good news is that patients are willing to discuss this topic, but it is up to providers to ask."

The online survey conducted in June 2021 included responses from more than 2,000 U.S. adults.

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7 ways to beat summer sluggishness and increase energy – AZ Big Media

Posted: at 4:21 am

Summer is a time to kick back, relax and indulge in lifes simple pleasures. Unfortunately, the summer Arizona heat can leave us feeling unproductive, lazy and sluggish. In fact, according to the National Sleep Foundation, almost half of all Americans report feeling sleepy during the day between three and seven days per week, and this fatigue is only worsened by warmer temperatures, especially in hot climates like Arizona.

When the weather is colder, our metabolism speeds up, working extra hard to keep our body warm. But with hotter temperatures, our metabolic rate actually slows down to ensure our body doesnt overheat. A slower metabolism can lead to a lack of energy, causing one to feel unusually drained.

READ ALSO: 25 of the best staycation deals in Arizona

To avoid falling victim to summer sluggishness, below are seven simple ways to increase energy this summer.

Get more sleep. Getting a sufficient amount of uninterrupted, quality sleep each night allows your body and brain to recharge, while poor sleep can cause you to feel lethargic and unfocused the next day. As tempting as it may be, try to avoid midday naps and afternoon coffee. Limit your caffeine intake, and in the evening stick to a bedtime routine that consists of putting your phone away, cooling your room to the ideal temperature and taking a natural sleep aid if needed (like magnesium or melatonin supplements).

Eat nutrient dense foods. Food is fuel for your body, and the types of food you eat have a direct impact on your energy levels. Sugars and carbs can provide a quick energy boost, but its short-livedonce the sugar crash hits a few hours later, youll feel more tired and irritable. Eating nutrient dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, protein, legumes and grains, will help sustain your energy levels throughout the day.

Take a probiotic. Gut health plays an important role in many aspects of wellbeing, including mood and energy levels, so it is critical that the good and bad bacteria in the gut remains balanced. Taking a probiotic supplement can help restore gut health, which leads to improved sleep quality and better nutrient absorption, resulting in increased energy.

Supplement with enzymes. Enzymes can also help enhance energy levels. Our bodies expend a significant amount of energy turning cellular debris into fuel for the body, which occurs thanks to systemic enzymes. But as we age, their function decreases, causing our bodies to be less energy efficient. By utilizing an enzyme supplement, our body doesnt have to work as hard on this digestive process, so we have more energy for daily activities.

Dont forget the sunshine vitamin. As temperatures settle into the triple digits, many Arizonans may choose to avoid the sun entirely, opting for a summer spent exclusively in the air-conditioned indoors. Avoiding the sweltering heat can be a good idea, but it is important to supplement the missing vitamin D that we normally get from the sun. A vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 combo will work together to optimize immunity, improve heart health, reduce depression and regulate sleep, which is paramount to preserving energy and wakefulness during the day.

Exercise regularly. It may feel counterintuitive to hear that exercise is what you need when feeling lethargic, but regular physical activity can actually decrease tiredness dramatically. Even just a daily walk is enough to boost energy levels. If youre exercising outdoors, make sure to do so in the morning or evening to avoid putting an unnecessary toll on your body with the extreme Arizona heat.

Stay hydrated. While it may be tempting to indulge in alcohol during summer activities, this can dehydrate your body, and as the weather gets warmer, the risk of dehydration escalates. Over half of the human body is made of water, so when our cells arent properly hydrated, it can have a major impactcausing exhaustion, headaches or even more serious symptoms. It is essential to replenish the fluid loss that occurs throughout the day with electrolytes; use electrolyte mixes or supplements that contain potassium and magnesium to restore these essential minerals.

As we continue to celebrate the warm weather of summer, dont miss out due to sluggishness and fatigue. Make the most of your summer by increasing your energy levels with these tips.

Justin Marsh is the CEO of Arthur Andrew Medical, a Scottsdale-based manufacturer of enzyme and probiotic based dietary supplements. Arthur Andrew Medicals products are rooted in science with no processing agents or fillers. They are dedicated to conducting extensive research and clinical applications with dietary supplements for the advancement of natural health alternatives.

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Blue California and Conagen commercialize fermentation-derived NMN for immunity and healthy aging – FoodIngredientsFirst

Posted: at 4:21 am

21 Jul 2021 --- Blue California and Massachusetts-based biotech company Conagen are on the path to commercialization for fermentation-derived nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). This high-purity, nature-based metabolic component has caught the attention of health-conscious consumers for supporting energy and longevity.

Seventy-one percent of respondents in Innovas 2020 Health & Nutrition Survey indicated that it was either important or very important to choose food and drink products that positively boost nutrition or benefit how the body functions.

Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, Ana Arakelian, head of public relations and communications at Blue California, says consumers seek more natural options in F&B solutions with clean labels. With this trend, they are also looking to find the same health halo benefits in supplements associated with fermentation.

Click to EnlargeConsumers are reassessing their health and rediscovering new health goals, including healthy aging and longevity.Creating non-synthetic NMNCurrent NMN ingredients used in products on the market are produced mainly by chemical synthesis.

While consumers are exploring dietary supplements for a holistic approach to health, they are also demanding clean labels from their supplements and moving away from synthetic ingredients.

Blue Californias fermentation-derived NMN opens new opportunities for producers to consider consumers health more holistically while acquiring a closer-to-nature position.

Naturally derived supplements are on the rise, and we are forging the path with our innovation to support the strong interest in fermentation-derived nutritional supplements, explains Arakelian.

NMN supplements are highly sought-after for healthy aging applications, including brain health, vitality, heart health, metabolic health and cosmetics.

COVID-19 and immunityThe pandemic has consumers reassessing their health and immunity. They are now rediscovering new health goals, including healthy aging and longevity. According to Arakelian, there is a growing demand for NMN.

The so-called longevity vitamins such as PQQ, ergothioneine and NMN are naturally progressing into the holistic health category.

Consumers are understanding self-care beyond supporting immunity and specific cell functions. Therefore, the demand for more holistic and natural health ingredients are on the rise. It isnt uncommon to see new launches and producers building awareness around longevity and healthy aging, she notes.

Notably, functional ingredients in F&B are exploding as consumers are exploring new brands and products that offer not only refreshment or indulgence but also a health value to what they are consuming.

In addition to supporting healthy aging, emerging research suggests NMNs potential support for immune health, energy and inner beauty, flags Arakelian.

Healthy agingClick to EnlargeNMN can be used for fortifying foods and beverages that can pair well with sugar reduction and flavor solutions.The quest to age healthily and support longevity is surging among consumers, says Blue California.

Consumers are reassessing their dietary regimen to make room for ingredients that can support an increased health span, adds Dr. Priscilla Samuel, chief science officer at Blue California.

NMN serves as a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme present in all living cells and critical for mitochondrial function.

Increased intracellular levels of NAD+ boost energy production and improve cellular health, but levels decline dramatically with age. Replenishing NAD+ in the body with its precursor NMN has been proposed to combat age-related degeneration and increase healthy lifespan possibly.

Our fermentation-derived offering is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing recognition of NMN as an important ingredient in the food and supplement spaces, concludes Samuel.

In May, Blue Californias dihydroquercetin (DHQ) was deemed Generally Recognized As Safe in various foods and beverages following a letter of no objection from the US Food and Drug Administration.

Last August, Conagen also created a proprietary process for the scalable production of non-GMO human milk oligosaccharides.

It has also previously worked with Blue California on bitter blocker technology and the preservation solution of high-purity rosmarinic acid.

By Elizabeth Green

This feature is provided by FoodIngredientsFirsts sister website, NutritionInsight.

To contact our editorial team please email us at editorial@cnsmedia.com

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DSSRC Refers Earnings and Health-Related Product Performance Claims for Alliance in Motion to FTC – Inside NoVA

Posted: at 4:20 am

MCLEAN, Va., July 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) of BBB National Programs referred certain representative product performance and earnings claims to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for possible enforcement action after Alliance in Motion Global, a direct selling company that distributes and markets food supplements and premium blended beverages, failed to respond to DSSRC's inquiry.

At issue in DSSRC's inquiry are earnings and health-related product performance claims disseminated on the company website and by salesforce members implying that Alliance in Motion's products can protect against several serious health-related conditions, including COVID-19. In addition, Alliance in Motion salesforce members have made unsupported representations in social media posts about the ability to earn significant income as a member of the Alliance in Motion salesforce.

The following representative claims were brought to Alliance in Motion's attention by DSSRC as part of its ongoing independent monitoring of the direct selling marketplace.

Product claims include, but are not limited to:

Earnings claims include, but are not limited to:

In June 2021, DSSRC commenced a self-regulatory inquiry involving these and other claims. Unfortunately, despite repeated efforts, Alliance in Motion did not respond to this inquiry.

In accordance with DSSRC's Policies and Procedures, if a company does not respond to DSSRC or declines to participate, DSSRC will issue a case decision indicating the company was unresponsive or declined to participate in the DSSRC process and refer the matter to the appropriate government agency. Accordingly, based upon Alliance in Motion's failure to participate in the self-regulatory process, DSSRC referred this matter to the FTC.

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in thecase decision library. For full text of DSSRC decisions, visit the DSSRC Cases and Closures webpage.

About BBB National Programs

BBB National Programs is where businesses turn to enhance consumer trust and consumers are heard. The non-profit organization creates a fairer playing field for businesses and a better experience for consumers through the development and delivery of effective third-party accountability and dispute resolution programs.Embracing its role as an independent organization since the restructuring of the Council of Better Business Bureaus in June 2019, BBB National Programs today oversees more than a dozen leading national industry self-regulation programs, and continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-directed marketing, and privacy.To learn more,visit bbbprograms.org.

About the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council

The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council(DSSRC), a division of BBB National Programs,provides independent, impartial monitoring, dispute resolution, and enforcementoffalseproduct claims and income representations made by direct selling companies and their salesforce membersacross digitalplatforms.TheDSSRCseeks to establish high standards of integrity and business ethics for all direct selling companies in the marketplace.

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DSSRC Refers Earnings and Health-Related Product Performance Claims for Alliance in Motion to FTC - Inside NoVA

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