Monthly Archives: February 2022

Tribune News Service

Ravinder Saini

Rohtak, February 18

Food supplements and other drugs have been found dumped in a canal passing near Mayna village here raising the possibility of illegal trade of dietary supplements.

Local officials of the Food and Drug Administration Department visited the spot to inquire about the case.

The matter came to the fore when volunteers of Suno Nahro Ki Pukar, a special campaign to motivate people not to dump anything in the canal went there to clean the canal.

They found packets of supplement capsules and powder floating on the water.

We spotted around 500 small packets of food supplements floating on the water. Many were also lying on the bank of the canal. It seems that these have reached here from other places. While the date of best use of many supplements has already expired, many others are about to expire in the coming days, said Dr Jasmer Hooda, Assistant Professor, All-India Jat Heroes Memorial College, Rohtak.

Hooda, who is leading the campaign, informed that a man who was on evening walk there told the volunteers that such packets had been floating on the water for the past two days. These are used in body building.

Deepak Chhara, an environmentalist and another participant in the campaign, said they felt pain on finding garbage and other materials dumped in the canal whose water was supplied to houses every day.

We do not know when people will stop it but our campaign will continue to make them aware about it, he added.

An official of Food and Drug Administration Department, on the condition of anonymity, informed that they inspected the spot today to take stock of the situation. The information about dumping of food supplements will be sent to DCOs of adjoining districts from where the canal passes through, he added.

Dr Harsh Kumari, Food Safety Officer, said she had not got any information about dietary supplements being dumped in the canal. There is a procedure to dispose of supplements after expiry date. These are returned to the company concerned. Hence, it is illegal to dump supplements into the canal. We will look into the matter if any complaint comes, she said, adding that surprise inspections at regular intervals were conducted at sale counters of food supplements.

Most beyond expiry date

We spotted around 500 small packets of food supplements floating on the water. Many were also lying on the bank of the canal. While the date of best use of many supplements has already expired, many others are about to expire in the coming days. Dr Jasmer Hooda, assistant professor

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Rohtak: Food supplements found dumped in canal - The Tribune India

Many people are familiar with probiotics, the live microorganisms known to improve gut health. Probiotics are naturally found in some foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi and are also commonly taken in supplement form to help support the digestive system.

But what about prebiotics?

Even though prebiotics affect the health of your digestive system as well as many other parts of the body these nutrients are often overlooked.

This article tells you everything you need to know about prebiotics, including what they are, how they affect your health, and how to take prebiotic supplements.

Gut microbiota refers to the trillions of microorganisms that live in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract and make up your gut microbiome. Your large intestine is home to the majority of these microorganisms (1).

They carry out functions that are essential to overall health, including nutrient metabolism and regulation of the immune system (2).

Your gut microbiota can even influence disease risk, including the risk of developing colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and type 2 diabetes (3).

Diet and lifestyle factors significantly impact the diversity and types of microorganisms that live in the GI tract (2).

Prebiotics are essential to a healthy microbiome. In simple terms, theyre nutrients that get broken down by gut bacteria.

Bacteria in the large intestine ferment prebiotics. This releases byproducts called short-chain fatty acids. These byproducts act as energy sources for the cells lining the colon, called colonocytes, and benefit health in many other ways (1).

Prebiotics also influence the makeup and function of gut bacteria, promoting the growth of beneficial microbes.

According to the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics, in order for a compound to be classified as a prebiotic, it should (1):

There are many different types of prebiotics, including (1):

Most prebiotics are considered carbohydrates. However, some prebiotics are not classified as carbohydrates. Cocoa flavonols are an example of non-carbohydrate oligosaccharides.

Although prebiotics are often confused with probiotics, they are not the same. Probiotics are live microorganisms found in your gut, certain foods, and supplements that benefit health when taken in certain amounts.

On the other hand, prebiotics are nutrients that are dietary compounds that stimulate the growth and activity of certain microorganisms (4).

Some experts have referred to prebiotics as microbiome fertilizers (5).

Read more about the differences between prebiotics and probiotics here.

Prebiotics exist naturally in some foods, including (1, 6):

There arent a lot of foods that naturally contain prebiotics. Plus, many foods that are high in prebiotics, such as artichokes and beans, arent a regular part of many folks diets.

For this reason, synthetic prebiotics are added to some foods to improve their nutritional content and health value. Prebiotics are also made into dietary supplements like powders and capsules.

Prebiotic supplements are used to treat specific health conditions and to improve overall gut health.

Some studies have shown that supplementing your diet with prebiotics may benefit people with gut-related conditions, high blood sugar, and more (7, 8).

However, compared with probiotics, research investigating the health effects of prebiotic supplements is much more limited.

Prebiotics are essential to a healthy microbiome. Prebiotics act as a fertilizer to the microbiome, as they stimulate the growth and activity of certain microorganisms.

A diet rich in prebiotics promotes digestive system health by stimulating the growth of beneficial microorganisms.

The fermentation of prebiotics produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetate, propionate, and butyrate. They play important roles in gut and metabolic health.

For example, SCFAs provide energy for colonocytes and are involved in mucus production, regulation of intestinal pH, and more.

In addition to gut health, prebiotics influence immune function, blood sugar regulation, appetite, and energy expenditure (9, 10).

Studies suggest that when taken in specific amounts, prebiotics may improve health in various ways.

Because prebiotics stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria and improve certain aspects of gut health, they may benefit those who have gut-related health conditions like constipation.

A 2020 review noted that treatment with inulin, a type of prebiotic, may benefit folks who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation (11).

It may improve the frequency and consistency of stool as well as intestinal transit time, or the time it takes food to move through the digestive tract (11).

However, a 2021 review found limited evidence that treatment with prebiotics or prebiotics mixed with probiotics (synbiotics) is helpful for treating IBS and that the quality of existing studies is low (12).

So, most experts, including the American College of Gastroenterology, dont recommend prebiotics as a treatment for IBS.

Another 2020 review that included 21 randomized controlled trials found that prebiotic treatments were effective for improving stool consistency, number of bowel movements, and bloating in people with chronic constipation.

However, the researchers noted that its still unclear which prebiotic formulation is best for treating constipation (13).

Even though more research is needed to assess the effectiveness of prebiotic supplements on constipation and IBS, consuming a diet rich in foods high in prebiotics supports overall gut health and may help stimulate the growth of beneficial microorganisms.

Eating a diet rich in prebiotics and taking prebiotic supplements may benefit certain aspects of metabolic health, including blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.

A 2019 review of 33 studies found that treatment with the prebiotics called Inulin-type fructans (ITF) significantly reduced fasting blood sugar, a long-term blood sugar control marker called glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fasting insulin levels (14).

The researchers found that these results were most significant in people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and recommended that people with these conditions supplement with 10 grams of ITF per day for 6 weeks and longer to reap these potential benefits (14).

Additionally, a 2021 review of 33 randomized controlled human trials found that ITF supplements significantly reduced levels of blood sugar, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in people with prediabetes and diabetes (15).

However, not all studies of prebiotics in these populations have found benefits.

A small 2021 randomized, double-blind crossover trial including 29 people with type 2 diabetes found that treatment with 16 grams of ITF daily for 6 weeks had no effect on fasting or post-meal blood sugar levels compared with a control treatment (16).

While prebiotic supplements may help improve certain aspects of metabolic health in people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.

In addition to having possible benefits for metabolic health and the potential to improve certain digestive conditions, prebiotics may benefit health in the following ways.

Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive, and there are many other potential benefits related to prebiotics.

Clinical trials exploring the effects of prebiotic supplements on knee osteoarthritis, obesity, allergies, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, atopic dermatitis, and more are currently underway (22, 23).

Prebiotics may help improve constipation, blood sugar levels, inflammatory markers, and more. However, more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.

Most types of prebiotics are considered safe and arent associated with serious side effects (24).

Prebiotics are even considered safe during pregnancy and lactation (25).

However, because prebiotics are fermented in the large intestine, taking large doses may lead to symptoms like gas, cramps, diarrhea, and bloating.

The likelihood of a prebiotic causing the side effects listed above depends on several factors.

Prebiotics with a shorter molecular structure or chain length, such as inulin, are more rapidly fermented in the first part of the colon, while prebiotics with longer chain lengths are fermented at a slower rate in the latter part of the colon.

So, shorter-chain prebiotics are more likely to cause GI side effects (24).

Whats more, larger doses of prebiotics are more likely to cause certain side effects than smaller doses.

While low doses of 2.510 grams per day can lead to mild symptoms like gas, high doses of 4050 grams per day could cause diarrhea (24).

Its important to note that a daily dose of 2.510 grams of prebiotics is necessary in order to reap their health benefits. That means prebiotics may cause side effects, even at recommended therapeutic doses (1).

Although prebiotics havent been associated with dangerous side effects, it doesnt mean theyre the right choice for everyone. While some people may have no side effects after they take prebiotics, some may experience significant bloating and GI discomfort.

If youre interested in taking prebiotics, its best to get advice from a knowledgeable healthcare professional first. They can help you decide whether prebiotics are appropriate for your health needs.

Prebiotics are considered safe but may cause GI side effects in some people, including bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.

Experts suggest that if you want to take prebiotics, a daily dose of 2.510 grams is the minimum required for a meaningful effect on your health.

The majority of prebiotic supplements on the market contain between 1.55 grams of prebiotics per serving (1).

Most prebiotic supplement manufacturers recommend taking a serving of prebiotics one or more times per day with a food or beverage.

Prebiotic powders can be mixed with beverages like water or smoothies.

They can also be added to foods like yogurt.

Keep in mind that some prebiotics have special instructions for use.

For example, psyllium husk, a fiber with prebiotic properties, should be taken with plenty of fluids, as it has a bulking effect on stools. It can lead to constipation and even intestinal or esophageal obstruction if its not taken with adequate fluids (26).

If youre trying out a new prebiotic supplement, its important to read instructions and use the prebiotic as recommended to avoid potential side effects.

Also, its suggested to start with a smaller dose of prebiotics and slowly increase the amount over time in order to minimize digestive side effects.

The majority of prebiotic supplements on the market contain between 1.55 grams of prebiotics per serving. They can be taken with food or beverages. Be sure to follow the supplement instructions to avoid potential side effects.

Prebiotics are sometimes referred to as microbiome fertilizers.

They promote the growth of beneficial microbes, fuel colonocytes, and influence health in many other ways.

Some evidence suggests that prebiotic supplements may be helpful for those with chronic constipation, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and more but more research is needed.

If youre interested in taking a prebiotic supplement, talk with a healthcare professional first. They can help you decide whether a prebiotic supplement is right for you.

Originally posted here:

What Are Prebiotics? Prebiotics Benefits, Foods, and Downsides - Healthline

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is one of the deadliest human cancers with no clinically effective treatment options. PDA is characterised by an intense fibroinflammatory stroma, poor vascularity, deregulated nutrient levels, and rich deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. A pancreatic tumours microenvironment is highly stromal, meaning the mass itself is mostly comprised of connective tissue and non-cancerous immune cells. Hyaluronic acid or hyaluronan (HA) is a major stromal component and its accumulation has been shown to play a central role in promoting tumorigenesis and progression of disease.

Hyaluronic acid, or HA, is a known presence in pancreatic tumours, but a new study from researchers at theUniversity of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center shows that hyaluronic acid also acts as food to the cancer cells.

The findings were recently published ineLife and provide interesting insight into how pancreatic cancer cells grow indicating new possibilities to treat them.

Lead investigator Doctor Costas Lyssiotis and his study team looked at the metabolism of pancreatic cancer in preclinical models:how cells obtain nutrients and the spectrum of nutrients they utilize to fuel growth and enable therapeutic resistance.

READ MORE:Gloria Hunniford health: Presenter's diagnosis came as a 'huge shock'

Many people take hyaluronic acid supplements for its skin benefits, especiallyalleviating dry skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and speeding up wound healing.

It can also help relieve joint pain in people with osteoarthritis.

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the skin, eyes, and joints.

Its primary function is to trap water inside tissue cells, keeping joints lubricated which according to the recent study could be the driving factor for increased pancreatic cancer tumours.

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Stroma occurs in the bodys natural scarring process, Lyssiotis explained.

As these scars are formed, an abundance of hyaluronic acid gets released.

Hyaluronic acida polymer or long chain of sugars attracts and retains water.

When a lot of it is present, pancreatic tumours become hyperdense, collapsing veins and blood flow.

Lyssiotis says these tumours then become very hard.

Its not that there arent veins or arteries inside the tumour. But the vasculature that is there cant withstand the extreme pressure.

Lyssiotis and his lab wanted to understand hyaluronic acid beyond its contribution to the physiological make-up of pancreatic cancer cells.

They considered the density of these tumours, and wondered: If cancer cells arent getting access to blood-derived nutrients, how are they getting the nutrients that fuel cell growth and become tumours?

Cells which make up a tumour are a combination of many different cell types, some malignant, some not.

A pancreatic tumours microenvironment is mostly comprised of connective tissue and non-cancerous immune cells.

The labs new work indicates that one-way cells do this is by scavenging the hyaluronic acid itself.

Hyaluronic acid doesnt only affect tumours by creating this density, which does make it difficult to treat, Lyssiotis said.

It is literally a chain of sugars. In retrospect, it makes good sense that the malignant cells are also feeding off hyaluronic acid.

Lyssiotis says this study demonstrates just how well pancreatic cancer cells scavenge nutrients in order to maintain their survival and growth.

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include abdominal pain which radiates to the back, loss of appetite, jaundice, light-coloured stools, dark-coloured urine or itchy skin.

The rest is here:

Supplement warning: Popular pill taken for osteoarthritis acting as food to cancer cells' - Express

KANSAS CITY, MO. The United States will celebrate National Love Your Pet Day on Feb. 20, as if pet owners needed another reason to pamper their furry companions.

Steady growth in pet product sales over the last decade shows there is no shortage of love for todays dogs and cats. The continued humanization and premiumization of these products including pet food, treats and supplements is helping pet owners spoil their four-legged family members daily.

To join in the festivities, Pet Food Processing has highlighted eight pet nutrition products and announcements putting the human in humanization.

Maev Vitamin Bars

Maev, an emerging direct-to-consumer raw dog food brand, is reporting rapid month-over-month sales growth for its human-grade formulas and supplements. Aside from its raw dog foods and bone broth cubes, the company offers Vitamin Bars it describes as a dogs daily multivitamin.

"Maev Vitamin Bars are a daily supplement offering targeted, balanced nutrition to support your dogs functional goals, which map to the four most common health concerns in dogs in the United States: Anxiety & Mental Health, Weight & Digestion, Hip & Joint, and Coat & Skin, said Katie Spies, founder and chief executive officer of Maev. Many of Maevs customers like to mix and match Raw Food wellness goals with Vitamin Bar goals, to meet each dogs unique needs."

The Vitamin Bars look like something a pet owner could find in the natural health section of their local supermarket. They are formulated with peanut butter, shredded coconut flakes, chia seeds and functional ingredients based on the specific formula, all of which are human grade.

Come-pooch-a

In the final days of 2021, NutriSource Pet Foods introduced its first three meal topper products, all inspired by kombucha. A popular fermented drink touting probiotic and antioxidant benefits for humans, NutriSource has spun the fad into a line of liquid bone broth toppers formulated with postbiotics to support digestion and hydration in dogs.

Come-pooch-a makes mealtime a little more exciting while providing dogs with important nutrients that support their overall wellness, said Adam Martodam, marketing director at NutriSource.

CLIF Pet

In December 2021, Clif Bar & Company announced a new line of plant-based, jerky-style dog treats under its latest brand: CLIF Pet. Set to hit store shelves in early 2022, the line includes three formulas Sweet Potato & Blueberry Recipe, Pumpkin & Apple Recipe, and Butternut Squash & Cranberry Recipe each formulated with seven ingredients and promoting digestive health, according to the company.

Clif Bars flagship brands feature on-the-go snacks for active and health-conscious consumers. The companys expansion into the pet snack space reflects increased demand for function, humanization and convenience in the pet treat market.

To source ingredients for its new plant-based jerky for dogs, Clif Bars Chief Innovation Officer Rizal Hamdallah stated the company will be exploring integration with its existing ingredient supply chain as much as possible.

v-dog meatless jerky

While jerky isnt a novel sight in the pet treat market, the way some companies are formulating their jerky treats is. Roughly one year ago, v-dog introduced kindjerky, its first meatless jerky treats for dogs. Kindjerky treats are chewy and all natural, containing only animal-free ingredients like pea protein, sweet potato and non-GMO coconut glycerin.

"We're confident pet parents want clean, allergen-free options for their pups, said Darren Middlesworth, president at v-dog.

Vegan pet owners looking to pass on their food philosophies to dogs are seeing an increasing number of vegan dog food and treat products on the market today. V-dogs kindjerky adds to its portfolio of vegan dog food and dental chew products.

UnKibble

The human-grade trend continues with fresh, direct-to-consumer pet food brand Spot & Tango. The company launched UnKibble, a line of human-grade, fresh kibble alternative diets, in April 2020, and recently committed to establishing its first in-house production plant in Pennsylvania.

The ability to tailor formulations to each pets nutritional needs also speaks to the increasing humanization of this marketplace. For example, UnKibble diets can be customized based on a dogs age, weight, breed or activity level.

We created this brand because we wanted all pet parents to find comfort and confidence in what they were feeding their dogs, said Russell Breuer, founder and chief executive officer of Spot & Tango.

Goat milk for pets

Meyenberg, a producer of goat milk products for people, extended its consumer base to include puppies and kittens in early 2021. The company launched Tailspring, a brand of milk alternative products formulated to resemble the mothers milk. The 100% human-grade products are intended for nursing puppies and kittens and offer key vitamins, minerals and ingredients to support digestion.

At Meyenberg, weve been hearing from customers for decades how goat milk helped their animals to thrive sometimes even saving lives and we really wanted to serve the community of pets and their owners as well, said Kate Slaney, brand manager for Tailspring.

Staying hydrated

As pet owners become increasingly aware of the importance of keeping their dogs and cats hydrated, DoggyRade and KittyRade entered the market with isotonic beverages for pets that offer health benefits beyond hydration. Both products are designed to be low-calorie, energy-boosting and rehydrating solutions for dogs and cats.

DoggyRade is formulated with prebiotics and can help restore electrolytes lost during activity. KittyRade is formulated with glutamic acid to support intestinal function, as well as taurine to promote heart and eye health.

Bone Apptit

Bon voyage, and bone apptit. In May 2021, global hospitality company Hilton launched a culinary menu for dogs, available at more than 30 of its hotel locations in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The menu was curated in partnership with veterinary nutritionists and includes four mouth-watering courses: Beef Doguignon, a slow-cooked beef brisket with mashed potatoes, carrots, green beans, sweetcorn and gluten-free gravy; Mutt Roast, a gluten-free tomato pasta topped with cheddar cheese; Earl Greyhound, a beverage blend of lavender, rose petals, lime flower and orange flowers to promote calmness in dogs; and Tailwagger Creek, a non-alcoholic dog wine made from elderflower, nettle, ginseng, lime flower and black carrot.

In an effort to encourage travelers to bring their canine companions along, Hilton has branded 74 of its global hotels as dog-friendly getaways. These locations include dog beds and water bowls, Bone Apptit room service at the select 32 locations, and other amenities for tail-wagging tourists.

Keep up with the latestpet food trendson our Trends page.

Excerpt from:

Putting the 'human' in pet product humanization - Pet Food Processing

Dr. Michael Daignault| Opinion contributor

The 5 best foods for hair growth

If you want longer hair, there are certain foods that promote hair growth and are good for overall hair health. Buzz60's Sean Dowling has more.

Buzz60

The popular beauty supplement biotin is trending again, but not for the reasons you think.

Concern over biotin's potential interaction with COVID-19 diagnostic tests peaked right about the same time the US government was sending out millions of rapid antigen tests to peoples' homes. The widespread news coverage and interest suggested that a lot of Americans take biotin as a supplement or as part of a daily multivitamin.

So, does taking biotin as a supplement interact with rapidtests? Short answer: Very unlikely. But more on that later.

This spotlight on biotin is a great opportunity to examine whether the scientific evidence supports the many results promised by the beauty industry.

Biotin is part of the essential vitamin B-complex. It helps the body convert food into energy and regulateblood sugar levels. It also plays key role in helping cells function well.

The recommended daily allowance for biotin is 100mcg (0.1mg). The biotin in multivitamins is typically 30mcg, or 0.03mg. This amount is easily obtained from a well-balanced diet. Foods that contain the most biotin include eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts, and certain vegetables (such as sweet potatoes). As such, biotin deficiency is a rarely made diagnosis by physicians.

However, it can be quite debilitating for patients. Biotin deficiency presents with multiple symptoms including brittle nails, thinning hairand a scaly red rash around the eyes, nose, mouthand perineum. Some research has shown that high-dose biotin supplementation can help in particular with improving the strength of nails in those with known deficiency. However, the research studies are flimsy when it comes to whether supplementing with biotin will further strengthen or accelerate growth in the hair and nails of healthy people.

The beauty industry extrapolated the results of limited research and a small number of case studies to promote biotin supplements for all matter of applications, including skin, hairand nail growth and quality.

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Their promises appear to be based on three research studies that feature daily supplementation of 2.5mg of biotin - 25 timesthe daily recommended dose in participants with brittle nails. In the most oft-cited study, eightwomen who had their nail samples obtained before and after 6 months of daily biotin supplementation, demonstrated an increase in nail thickness by 25%. A second study of 45 patients showed that 91% of them had firmer and harder fingernails after an average of 5.5 months. A third retrospective study found that 63% of patients had improved nail quality after 6-15 months of treatment.

While all threestudies demonstrate improvement in nail quality in those who had been diagnosed with brittle nails, none included a placebo group for comparison, an important aspect of a randomized-control trial that increases a studys validity and worth. However, what this research does indicate is that biotin supplementation likely helps in patients withknownbiotin deficiency. What these studies don't demonstrate, is what effect biotin supplementation will have in people with normal nails.

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The evidence to support biotin supplementation for improved hair and skin health is even weaker. There exists only a small number of case reports with claims that biotin supplementation promoted hair health or resolved skin rashes and these were only done in children again without a comparable placebo group.Case studies represent a low strength of evidence when it comes to research studies.

The good news? Supplementing with high-dose biotin is unlikely to be toxic (however high doses can cause stomach distress in some individuals). And since biotin is water-soluble, the body does a pretty good job of excreting excess amounts through urination.

Prior to the pandemic, the FDA had cautioned that high doses of biotin could affect the results of blood tests measuring thyroid levels and other hormones, and some heart tests, which we commonly order in the ER to assess for congestive heart failure and heart attacks. Many lab tests use biotin technology due to its ability to bond with specific proteins which can be measured to detect certain health conditions. In theory, if you take a high-dose biotin supplement, it can produce "false-positive" or "false-negative" blood test results.

Fact check: Experts debunk claim that COVID-19 antibodies turn breast milk green

COVID-19 rapid antigen and PCR tests are nasal (and sometimes saliva) tests. Its extremely unlikely that theres sufficient biotin in the nose and mouth (if any at all) to alter either a rapid antigen or PCR test. And almost all COVID-19 diagnostic tests, including the ones we were sent in the mail, do not include biotin technology, so theres no need to worry about that potential interaction.

Most people are not biotin deficient given that it is abundant in a variety of food sources. But if you think you are suffering from brittle nails or other symptoms, consult your doctor before self-diagnosing yourself with a biotin deficiency. Any of these ailments alone could be caused by a wide range of conditions that should be addressed before landing on biotin deficiency as the cause. And the current available scientific evidence does not strongly support high-dose supplementation with biotin in healthy individuals for cosmetic purposes, including nail/hair growth and/or strengthening.

The answer may surprise you: Can spending more time in the sauna save your life?

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Everyone is talking about biotin supplements. Here's what you need to know. - USA TODAY