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According to a market research study published by The Insight Partners, the demand analysis of Probiotic Ingredients Market size & share revenue was valued at US$ 3,493.42 million in 2021 to US$ 6,060.51 million by 2028; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2022 to 2028.

New York, June 17, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Insight Partners published the latest research study on Probiotic Ingredients Market Forecast to 2028 COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Type (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Others), Application (Functional Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals, Animal Feed, and Others), and Geography. Peoples hectic work schedules and extended working hours have resulted in negligence toward their daily diet, health, and fitness; leading to various health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and digestive problems. Therefore, people are increasingly focusing on preventive health and preferring probiotic-infused dietary supplements that offer enhanced health benefits without harmful effects. Due to these factors, the probiotic ingredients market growth is expected to propel in the coming years.

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Report Coverage

Details

Market Size Value in

US$ 3,493.42 Million in 2021

Market Size Value by

US$ 6,060.51 Million by 2028

Growth rate

CAGR of 8.2% from 2022 to 2028

Forecast Period

2022-2028

Base Year

2021

No. of Pages

160

No. Tables

58

No. of Charts & Figures

71

Historical data available

Yes

Segments covered

Type, and Application

Regional scope

North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; MEA

Country scope

US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Australia, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Argentina

Report coverage

Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends

Probiotic Ingredients Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments

A few leading players operating in the probiotic ingredients market are ADM; Novozymes A/S; Chr. Hansen Holding A/S; Kerry; Lallemand Inc.; IFF Nutrition & Biosciences; AngelYeast Co., Ltd.; Probiotical S.p.A.; Adisseo; and Probi. These players are focused on developing innovative products to meet the changing requirements of consumers.

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The probiotic ingredients market in Asia Pacific is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The awareness regarding health and nutrition has increased significantly. Moreover, the manufacturers of probiotics are expanding their operations across Asia Pacific owing to the presence of a potential customer base, cheap labor, and adequate manufacturing facilities. Companies such as Probi and Bio-k+ (Kerry) are actively operating in the region. This factor is expected to boost the Asia Pacific probiotic ingredients market growth over the coming years.

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Product Launches with Probiotic as a Key ingredient

Manufacturers across various industries are making significant investments in product innovation to attract a large number of consumers. For instance, Jarrow Formula launched probiotic gummy supplements in three variations: probiotic duo gummies, probiotic and prebiotic gummies, and probiotic and immune gummies. They are pectin-based, non-genetically modified organism (GMO), gluten-free, and vegetarian.

Manufacturers are incorporating probiotics in personal care products and investing in their research and development activities to address consumers needs. For instance, in May 2021, Probi AB and Competence Centre on Health Technologies have inked a long-term R&D collaboration agreement (CCHT). It aims to create new products for women's health based on probiotic lactobacilli strains. Such product innovations help companies extend their reach in domestic markets and gain a competitive edge in international markets.

Probiotic Ingredients Market: Segmental Overview

Based on type, the probiotic ingredients market is segmented into Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and others. The Lactobacillus segment accounted for the largest market share in 2021. Lactobacillus species are probiotics present in the digestive and urinary systems of humans. They can be used to treat diarrhea and improve gut health. Lactobacillus is a preferred probiotic species by the end use industries. Dietary supplements are one of the significant applications for this bacteria. Thus, manufacturers are incorporating this strain of bacteria into their products. For instance, FloraFIT probiotics by DuPont is trusted by many of the worlds leading manufacturers of dietary and nutritional supplements.

Based on application, the probiotic ingredients market is segmented into functional food & beverages, pharmaceuticals & nutraceuticals, animal feed, and others. The functional food & beverages segment accounted for the largest share in 2021. The demand for probiotic-infused food and beverages has also increased significantly in recent years due to the rising number of health-conscious people and the growing prevalence of digestive health problems. With increasing consumer demand, manufacturers are introducing probiotic-infused muffins, nutritive bars, beverages, gummies, and yogurt in the market, which helps improve gut health. Digestive wellness is a significant driving factor owing to the rising demand for low-carbohydrate, high-protein, and paleo diets.

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Probiotics are bacteria and yeast that help humans and animals maintain a healthy microbial balance in their intestines. Probiotics are bacteria that promote the body's digestive juices and enzymes, ensuring appropriate digestion. They can be consumed orally or as a supplement. Probiotics also protect good bacteria from potentially dangerous bacteria. Probiotics are currently being utilized to identify and treat mental issues and digestive and neurological disorders. They also protect proteins and lipids from oxidative damage and eliminate infections in the body.

Based on geography, the probiotic ingredients market is primarily segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), the Middle East & Africa (MEA), and South & Central America (SAM). Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share of the market. The Asia Pacific probiotics industry is rapidly advancing with the rising consumption of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. In Asia Pacific, vitamins and dietary supplements demand increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, people have been focusing on their health since the emergence of the pandemic, and consumers are seeking out immunity-boosting products such as vitamin C or ginseng. These factors are expected to boost the growth of the probiotic ingredients market in the region during the forecast period.

Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and focusing on their lifestyles and diets, resulting in a boom in demand for probiotic-fortified foods and beverages worldwide. To fulfill consumer demand, food manufacturers aredeveloping various new products with instructions and pictures in response to the current healthy eating trend. For instance, Yakult Honsha, a Japanese company, launched a probiotic dairy drink in 1955, which was dismissed by several industry experts; however, currently, its the worlds largest probiotic dairy brand found in Asia Pacific, Europe, and North Americas.

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Manufacturers are deploying food and beverage fortification by adding nutritional additives, such as probiotics, fibers, vitamins, and minerals, to their product offerings. The major motive for incorporating additives in the food & beverages industry is to increase the health benefits of food products. Promising health benefits of probiotic-fortified food and participation of international bodies in the R&D approvals of probiotics are a few of the major factors influencing the global probiotic ingredients market. Functional ingredients such as probiotics are highly used in yogurt to improve the quality of intestinal microflora. Such a trend is expected to fuel the market over the forecast years.

Probiotic-fortified food includes yogurt, bars, snacks, and infant formula. Probiotic drinks are a type of functional beverage that can help improve gut health by balancing the intestine, thereby raising immunity. For instance, Meluka Australia, a subsidiary of ASX-listed Eve Investment, launched Meluka honey and probiotic tonic, a new product, in April 2020, claiming to be the first of its kind in the market. Thus, such innovation and new product launches increase the demand for probiotic-infused functional food and beverages.

Based on type, Lactobacillus segment have largest revenue because, Lactobacillus species are probiotics present in the digestive and urinary systems of humans, and they can be used to treat diarrhea and improve gut health. Lactobacillus is a type of good bacteria that helps the body break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off disease-causing bacteria. It is considered one of the safest bacteria used as probiotics. Lactobacillus is a type of bacteria that primarily finds application in fermented foods such as kefir, sauerkraut, and yogurt. Lactobacillus strains are helpful to people because they can reduce human intestinal disorders, which is expected to boost its demand. The growth of the lactobacillus segment is driven by the rising application of probiotic ingredients in food, such as dairy products.

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Declining use of anti-biotics in animal feed anticipated lucrative opportunities for the growth of probiotics market. Also, there is shift in consumers demand for safe food production. The use of probiotic ingredients as a possible alternative to antibiotics has received renewed interest due to the legislation prohibiting the use of sub-therapeutic amounts of antibiotics. Growing knowledge of the benefits of probiotics for animal health among pet owners, cattle farmers, and hobbyists is a huge opportunity for probiotics manufacturing companies. Also, development strategies by the key players are projected to open lucrative opportunities in the probiotic ingredients market over the forecast period.

Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share of the global probiotic ingredients market. The market growth is attributed to increasing demand for functional food and beverages, especially drinkable probiotic yogurt and plain yogurt, coupled with the growing influence of western culture on the young population in the region. The regions probiotics industry is rapidly advancing with the rising consumption of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. In Asia Pacific, the demand for vitamins and dietary supplements increased during the COVID 19.

For example people have been looking after their health since the COVID 19 and seek immunity-boosting products such as vitamin C or ginseng. Moreover, the manufacturers of probiotic ingredients are expanding their operations across Asia Pacific owing to the presence of a potential customer base, cheap labor, and adequate manufacturing facilities. Companies such as Probi and Bio-k+ (Kerry) operate actively in the region; this is projected to drive the Asia Pacific probiotic ingredients market over the coming years.

The increasing consumer focus in preventive health driving global probiotic ingredients market. Over the past few years, the awareness regarding health and nutrition has increased significantly. Because of hectic work schedules and extended working hours, people cannot concentrate on their daily diet, health, and fitness, thereby leading to various health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and digestive problems. Therefore, people increasingly focus on preventive health and prefer dietary supplements that offer enhanced health benefits without harmful effects. Thus, people are getting more aware of digestive health and prefer to consume probiotics. These dietary supplements improve digestion and nutrient absorption. Thus, the rising consumers focus on preventive health the demand for probiotic-infused dietary supplements that offer nutritional benefits also increased and is further driving the growth of the probiotic ingredients market.

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Probiotic Ingredients Market Growth | Size & Share Worth US$ 6,060.51Mn, Globally, by 2028 at 8.2% CAGR - Industry Trends, Demand, Price, Analysis...

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, it's normal to shed between 50 to 100 hairs daily. However, if you're experiencing more hair loss on a regularly, other factors could be the cause. Hair loss can result of genetics, medical conditions, stress and vitamin deficiencies.

Diet plays a crucial role in developing healthy hair. If you severely lack essential nutrients such as vitamin A, C, D, E, zinc, protein, fatty acids and Biotin, it can lead to hair loss.

With a proper diet, you could have thicker, healthier hair. Keep reading to find out what vitamins are the best for hair growth.

Read more:Best Vitamins for Hair Growth

Vitamins do many amazing things for hair: They can aid in cell growth, prevent free radicals from damaging it, keep it from graying prematurely and nourish the follicles that stimulate growth.

Here are the best vitamins for hair growth and thickness.

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, stimulates the production of keratin to increase follicle growth. Biotin deficiencies tend to be rare, with those diagnosed with Biotinidase Deficiency being the most common. You can find this vitamin in many foods, including eggs, meat, fish, nuts, eggs, sweet potatoes and seeds.

The recommended intake is 30 micrograms for adults daily.

Hair cells are the fastest-growing part of the body. It makes sense, then, that vitamin A is the perfect fuel for that growth. When your body absorbs vitamin A, it produces sebum. That's an oily substance that moisturizes your scalp, keeping it and your hair follicles healthy. Having a vitamin A deficiency could result in you experiencing hair loss.

If you're looking to consume more vitamin A, you'll want to consume foods high in beta-carotene, which turns into vitamin A. Foods high in beta-carotene include sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, spinach and kale. You can also find it in cod liver oil, eggs, yogurt and milk.

The recommended daily intake for vitamin A is up to 900 mcg for men and 700 mcg for women.

Oxidative stress is one of the main factors contributing to hair loss. This occurs when we have an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in our bodies which can lead to an electron imbalance that could result in hair loss.

The solution is to consume foods with vitamin C. Your body possesses antioxidants that curtail free radicals' hair damage by balancing their electrons when you do. Along with balancing the scales, Vitamin C aids your body in producing collagen (prevents hair from graying prematurely) and absorbing iron which can help hair grow. Smoking, drinking alcohol and having a poor diet can lead to a vitamin C deficiency.

You'll find vitamin C in citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries, tomatoes and guavas. Since your body doesn't produce it, you'll need to include these in your diet or have a supplement with vitamin C.

Daily intake for vitamin C is up to 90 milligrams per day for adult men and 75 milligrams for adult women. Taking too much Vitamin C could result in heartburn, muscle cramps, fatigue, skin flushing and possible kidney stones.

Read more: Best Multivitamins

Vitamin D deficiencies can lead to hair loss conditions like alopecia, female pattern hair loss and excessive shedding. You'll find these depletions more in people aged 65 and over.

To get more vitamin D intake, you can incorporate fatty fish, cod liver oil, fortified foods (cereal, eggs, bread, yogurt) and mushrooms into your diet. Alternatively, you can catch some midday sun rays.

600 IU of vitamin D is the recommended dosage for adults. Taking too much vitamin D could result in nausea, weight loss, disorientation, and heart rhythm issues.

Vitamin E contains the same antioxidant prowess as its vitamin C counterpart possesses. It means it can curb oxidative stress by balancing out the electron level in free radicals. People more susceptible to vitamin E deficiencies include those with health conditions such as Crohn's or cystic fibrosis.

Vitamin E is an effective method for treating hair loss. A small study revealed that people taking vitamin E supplements for eight months experienced a 34.5% increase in hair growth. You can also find vitamin E in sunflower seeds, spinach, avocados, and almonds.

If you plan to go the supplemental route, the recommended dietary allowance is 15 milligrams daily.

Read more: Best Food Sources of Every Vitamin and Mineral You Need

Iron fuels the production of hemoglobin, a protein found in your body's red blood cells. These cells distribute oxygen to cells throughout your body, aiding in their repair and growth. An iron deficiency can lead to hair loss, with women being the most susceptible.

You'll find iron in foods like eggs, red meat, lentils, spinach, oysters and clams. If your doctor recommends it, you can take an iron supplement.

The recommended daily iron intake is 45 mg. Keep in mind that taking too much iron could result in constipation, stomach pain, and vomiting.

Zinc promotes hair growth and keeps the oil glands surrounding the follicles working well. If you have a Zinc deficiency, you could experience hair loss. Those most susceptible to zinc deficiencies are those who drink alcohol excessively, people with Crohn's, pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with chronic kidney ailments.

You can find zinc in many common foods like beef, spinach, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, oysters and lentils. The recommended daily dosage of iron is 11 mg for men and 8 mg for women. Taking too much could result in loss of appetite, cramps and headaches. It can also lower your good cholesterol.

Read more: Best Vitamins for Hair, Skin and Nails

Hair supplements are not overnight solutions. It may take months before you'll notice small improvements. Remember that the success rate depends on the cause of the hair loss, your diet, genetics and other factors.

Vitamins can restore damaged hair, prevent it from aging prematurely, reduce hair loss, and improve growth and volume. However, they're not a one-size-fits-all solution. You'll want to consult your doctor if your hair loss stems from stressful environments, underlying medical conditions or genetics, as they can create a targeted treatment plan that might include vitamins.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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Take These 7 Vitamins if You Want Longer, Thicker Hair - CNET

In recent years, the relationship between nutrition and mental well-being has been gaining considerable interest. Whereas in the past, common disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD would be treated with medication, today study shows there is much evidence to suggest that diet can play a major preventive role.

Dr Uma Naidoo, M.D., is a nutritional psychiatrist, whose book, The Food Mood Connection, outlines the many ways diet can contribute to good mental health. The major biomechanism that runs through all her diagnoses is the gut-brain axis and the preponderance of inflammation that certain substancesprimarily sugar and glutencause. The gut bugs are not getting the right foods they need to thrive, and consequently, dysbiosis is set upthey are not able to form the necessary short chain fatty acids and butyrate.

She emphasizes the importance of not simply giving up certain foods that can trigger symptoms, but rather incorporating whole foods into the diet. Processed vegetable oils, as found in cheap fast foods, are another major cause of inflammation, flipping the ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids. Better to use avocado or extra virgin olive oil. Incorporating more fiber, such as beans or berries, into the diet is also important as it helps keep insulin steady, avoiding the sugar crashes associated with anxiety highs and lows. Caffeine can drive anxiety, though its more a case of the amount that countsgenerally no more than 400 mgs. of caffeine (which is about three 8-oz. cups/237 mL of brewed coffee per day) is advisable.

Some kinds of fasting can cause low blood sugar leading to panic attacks. Everyones physiology is differentskipping meals can cause some people to feel nervous or jittery due to the drop in blood sugar. The brain can interpret feeling hungry or thirsty, or even cold, as anxiety, but what the body is actually asking for is to be fed, suggested Naidoo, in an interview with Tom Bilyeu.

Naidoo does not prioritize any one particular diet, though she definitely considers the Mediterranean diet to be particularly beneficial when dealing with depression and anxiety. Its basically a diet rich in healthy fats, such as avocado and virgin olive oil, protein from chicken and seafood, and also beans, nuts, legumes, and whole grains. Its not necessarily perfect, but a good guideline. For example, there are studies which show that consumption of trans fats is associated with aggression.

As regards red meat, its all to do with sourcing. Grass-fed beef is the key. Most commercially produced beef has been grain fed to bump it up and is treated with hormones, such as natural estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and their synthetic versions, which then affects the Omega 6, a type of fatty acid that plays a crucial role in brain function and in normal growth and development. It helps stimulate skin and hair growth, maintain bone health, regulate metabolism, and maintain the reproductive system. Study shows that the hormone residues in meat result in adverse effects on human health, such as disrupting human hormone balance, causing developmental problems, interfering with the reproductive system, etc.

Naidoos approach is not to enforce the elimination of certain foods completely, but to take a measured, step-by-step approach. A gradual way to start changing things up is to focus on prebiotic foods as they are easy to include. Prebiotics are found in many fruits, vegetables, and whole grains: like apples, bananas, berries, tomatoes, artichokes, asparagus, garlic, leeks, peas, beans, barley, flaxseeds, and more.

By balancing your gut bacteria, youre also taking care of your immunity, fighting the inflammation which also drives mental health diseases. Brain states that produce mental illness also tend to activate inflammation. And inflammation is equally capable of producing depression, anxiety, fatigue, and social withdrawal. Fermented foods such as kefir, miso, and kimchi also contribute to gut health, as does eating the rainbowin other words, incorporating as many different colors of fruits and vegetables as possible into the diet. Be careful though not to ruin a salad full of healthy greens by adding store-bought dressings, as the majority of these commercial salad dressings contain unfavorable amounts of sodium and sugar, unnatural additives, unhealthy fats, and excess caloriesall things to avoid if you aim to optimize your health.

A quick word on supplements. People are often deficient in magnesium which is associated with high levels of depression and anxiety. Magnesium is found in a wide variety of foodsespecially nuts, leafy green vegetables, legumes, and whole grainsbut supplements can also offer benefits, particularly for people with low magnesium intake. The symptoms of magnesium deficiency include loss of appetite, fatigue and weakness, pins and needles, sleepiness, and abnormal heart rhythms.

Another useful supplement is Vitamin D. Study shows that Vitamin D deficiency can also affect peoples mental well-being. The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, muscle aches or cramps, and mood changes, like depression.

Understanding food labeling is also vital. We often dont realize how much hidden sugar there isthere are some 200 different names for sugar! Carry a photo of a list of additives around when shopping and try to avoid them, but dont be too overly cautious as they arent as scary as some may say. Just understand them betterthats the key.

Another culprit is glutamate, the infamous G in MSG, which has been found to worsen conditions like OCD. Since MSG can be found in foods such as parmesan cheese, oyster sauce, and even miso (an otherwise healthy food that is good for the gut), its important to recognize its possible side effects, just as with sodium.

Turmeric would be Naidoos number one go-to, combined with black pepper to activate the curcuma, making it more bioavailable. Also, as mentioned before, using extra virgin olive oil in cooking. The gentle heat used for Sofrito (a base mixture of onions, garlic, celery, and sometimes chilli peppers) makes the oils polyphenols more available.

Onions and garlic are great prebiotic foods. Prebiotics are foods that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Also, spices such as cinnamon, saffron, ginger, and herbs like rosemary and sage have been shown to protect cognition. The antioxidant, lutein, is of great benefit. Juniper berries, fresh peppermint, sage, thyme, parsley, celery seeds, certain types of hot and sweet peppers, artichokes, and Mexican oregano are all lutein rich. So, if youre struggling with brain fog, these are an easy addition to the diet, as well as being sodium and sugar free. Speaking of sodium, it gets a bad press. Naidoo advises moderation, but unless you have an underlying medical condition such as high blood pressure, its down to our individual constitutions as to how much or how little we consume.Naidoo encourages people to find out for themselves what foods help with their own problems (rather than being handed a prescription) and put the person in the drivers seat to understand the pros and cons of their decisions.

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Food and Mood: How to Eat Well for Your Mental Health - The Epoch Times

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The poor nutritional status of the Palestinian population is worrying, with a high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies among groups for whom good nutrition is particularly important, such as children under five years old and pregnant and postnatal women.

There are many reasons why: In the West Bank and Gaza, heightened food insecurity contributes to an insufficient intake of micronutrients, and poor households especially have limited access to micronutrient-rich foods, such as red meat, fresh vegetables, and milk.

Other factors, such as the physical barriers that limit access to health services, as well as prolonged periods of insecurity, prevent many initiatives that have been taken to address micronutrient deficiencies from having much effect. The resulting, persistently high prevalence of micronutrient deficiency is likely to have grave consequences for human health and economic development if no action is taken.

Micronutrient deficiencies are caused by poor dietary intake and/or poor absorption of micronutrients, an increased need for micronutrients (due to childhood growth or chronic disease), the presence of parasitic, bacterial, and viral infections, and other environmental risk factors. In women and children, micronutrient deficiencies are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. They lead not only to serious health outcomes, but also to lower educational outcomes and lower productivity at work.

Micronutrient deficiencies a public health threat

Anemia is when the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues. It can be caused by a lack of iron and other micronutrients. In Gaza, anemia is a severe public health problem. Over half of pregnant women and over half of children aged 623 months were anemic, according to Ministry of Health (MOH) and national nutrition surveys conducted in 2018 and 2020. In the West Bank, anemia is a moderate public health problem, with more than a quarter of pregnant women and more than a quarter of children aged 623 months anemic.

High proportions of the Palestinian population are also deficient in vitamins A, D, and E, which play key roles in vision, bone health, and immune function.

We appreciate the World Banks assessment study towards the improvement of the nutritious status. The study clearly showed the significance of supporting oils with vitamins A, D, and H. We aspire to having continued cooperation on additional assessments and technical assistance in different areas of the health sector for supporting decision and policy making for the improvement of the Palestinian health sector.Dr. Mai Salem AlkailaPalestinian Minister of Health

Data from the most recent national survey conducted by the MOH in 2013the most reliable and comprehensive source of data on micronutrient status to dateshowed about 72% of children (659 months old) and 47% to 58% of pregnant women (depending on the trimester of pregnancy) suffered from low plasma vitamin A. About 54% to 68% of children (659 months old) and 99% of pregnant women (1843 years old) in their second and third trimesters had low vitamin D. About 65% of children (659 months old) and 16% to 42% of pregnant women (depending on the trimester of pregnancy) had low vitamin E.

Despite a decade of efforts by the MOH, this problem still exists. The MOH asked the World Bank for help to identify the factors hindering improvement in micronutrient levels and to find practical, innovative solutions, adapted to the local context. Two detailed assessments were conducted by the World Bank between 2019 and 2021 (1) to identify the bottlenecks in anemia prevention and control programs and (2) to examine the feasibility of an edible oil fortification program.

These two multi-sectoral assessments were conducted to answer key questions, such as food consumption, supply chain systems, consumer behavior, market distribution, and service delivery systems. The findings from the assessments illustrate the large numbers of Palestinians with persistent micronutrient deficiencies. The actions proposed by the World Bank team can improve the coverage and quality of interventions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Toward better nutrition

Current anemia prevention and control services target the most vulnerable, including pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding, as well as children aged under five years old. However, existing interventions, such as iron and folic acid supplementation for pregnant women and a universal flour fortification program, do not seem to increase blood micronutrient levels.

Current anemia prevention and control services target the most vulnerable, including pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding, as well as children aged under five years old. However, existing interventions, such as iron and folic acid supplementation for pregnant women and a universal flour fortification program, do not seem to increase blood micronutrient levels.

Opportunities for effective interventions exist but need more technical and financial support. To improve outcomes, the stock management of iron supplements needs to be revised, quality of care in nutrition counseling strengthened, and public awareness raised about the importance of adequate micronutrient intake. Monitoring and evaluation systems also need to be introduced for service delivery and fortification enforcement.

For example, interactive information sessions for pregnant women and other caregivers of children, three years old and younger, could be leveraged to give participants advice on preventing anemia and the importance of compliance with the practices recommended for good health.

An edible oil, fortified with vitamins A, D, and E, could be a platform for increasing the intake of these vitamins in the general population. Technical and financial support should be provided to strengthen the work of local laboratories, conduct spot checks of samples, and establish or revise technical regulations. More capacity is also needed for monitoring vitamin content at points of entry, such as in repacking factories and retail shops in markets, and for equipping repackaging factories with the premix needed to fortify edible oils with the vitamins.

More information about the assessments results and recommendations can be found in Micronutrient Deficiencies in the Palestinian Territories: Identifying the Bottlenecks of Anemia Prevention and Control and Assessing the Feasibility of an Oil Fortification Program.

Read more:

Hidden Hunger: Micronutrient Deficiencies in the West Bank and Gaza [EN/AR] - occupied Palestinian territory - ReliefWeb

TikTok's wellness world has been rife with people eating sea moss gel out of glass jars.

"Started taking sea moss gel about 3-4 weeks ago and now my skin is glowing more than ever before," one LA holistic nutritionist wrote on TikTok. "Energy levels are higher & gut health is doing better."

Others have shared videos on how to make your own: forage sea moss or buy it raw, mix with water, maybe add a cup of fresh fruit, and let it sit overnight and voil. What looks like applesauce, but tastes like seaweed, has quickly become a new health trend promising an array of benefits from weight loss to glowing skin, and perhaps even a way to fight Parkinson's Disease. Devouring sea moss gel was recently featured on Kourtney Kardashian's Goop-like Poosh website, and has previously been touted by Kim Kardashian herself who eats sea-moss smoothies.

RELATED: We're not safe from Big Wellness: 'They'll get you with a crystal or pouf'

"This may be your first time hearing about sea moss, but it's not new," Mascha Davis, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, told Salon via email. "Sea moss is a type of red algae that has been used medicinally by different cultures, like Jamaican and Irish, for example, for hundreds of years."

Davis added many people don't know much about sea moss, but it's certainly becoming more popular. A few of her clients in Los Angeles have been "seeing it on Erewhon shelves" and asking her about it.

"Sea moss's cousin (seaweed) is much more well known and researched," Davis said. "Up until recently, sea moss had not been extensively studied, but its benefits are believed to be similar to those of other seaweeds."

For the unfamiliar, sea moss is a type of red algae. Also known as "Irish moss," or more technically Chondrus crispus, it grows along the rocky parts of the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America. Chondrus crispus is a "foundation species in the North Atlantic intertidal zone," Susan Brawley, a professor at the University of Maine's School of Marine Sciences, told Salon. "It provides 3-D structure for smaller organisms and food for invertebrate herbivores in the low zone."

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This algae specifically has an industrial history of being used as a natural source for a thickener in milk products (like half-and-half, coffee creamers, heavy cream), some processed foods and ice cream and now it's just starting to become more mainstream in the alternative health world. But is there any merit to this wellness trend, or is this yet another Goop-ified wellness fad that makes false promises and could come with more risks than benefits?

"There are a lot of health benefits in terms of vitamins and nutrients; it's got fiber in it, plenty of vitamins B2, B12, calcium, magnesium, chromium, zinc, a ton of stuff, so that's a really good thing," Dr. Jen Caudle, family physician and an associate Professor at Rowan University, told Salon. "There are a lot of claims, that sea moss does this and does that anything from preventing Parkinson's to helping the immune system, and the thing about those claims is we don't have a lot of evidence to back that up."

Indeed, one 12-week study of people consuming 1,000 milligrams of red seaweed extract per day reported having a reduction in total body weight compared to the placebo group. However, it was a small study of 78 adults. Another study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies concluded that red sea moss can be used to support gut health as a prebiotic, but the study was done on rats. As for the Parkinson's claims, these likely stem from one study where researchers concluded that an antibacterial extract from Chondrus crispus could possess a neuroprotective activity to potentially prevent Parkinson's. It should be noted that this research was conducted on worms.

Caudle added there are many different ways to consume sea moss yes, there's sea moss gel which has become the popular form of consumption on TikTok, but there are also gummies, powder, supplements and vitamins.

"When it comes to vitamins and supplements, they're not regulated in the United States, like prescription medications, and what that can mean is that the product may have varying amounts of ingredients in it," Caudle said, adding that a concern is about how these supplements might interfere with medications and other supplements a person is taking. "[Sea moss] may not be right for some people based on their underlying conditions like sodium content and magnesium and potassium."

However, in addition to the promotion of claims that lack sound scientific evidence and not knowing what's in supplements, Caudle said one of the biggest concerns of the sea moss trend is perhaps ingesting too much iodine and potential exposure to heavy metals. While iodine deficiencies can be a concern for the human body, too much iodine is also problematic.

"It is possible to get too much iodine in your diet, and that's one concern that many of us have about sea moss, too much iodine can affect the thyroid and so many other parts of your body," Caudle said. "Sea moss is harvested in water sources, depending on where it's harvested from it may be contaminated with heavy metals that can be very dangerous, potentially."

Caudle emphasized "the risk is variable" and it depends on the type of sea moss a person is consuming, but these are risks people should be aware of, which is why she made a TikTok on the "dangers of sea moss."

However, if people are going to collect their own raw sea moss, Brawley from Maine's School of Marine Sciences said it shouldn't be done in an area that's close to a factory or a sewage plant.

"In many countries along the North Atlantic, wild harvest for sale is regulated both to protect the resource from over-harvesting and to ensure it is not from a polluted area," Brawley added. "Small amounts for personal use can often be collected without a permit except for it being prohibited in conservation areas, marine parks, et cetera."

Unlike how Instagram's succulent trend drove a black market for succulent poaching and concerned environmentalists, Brawley said she doesn't see a negative environmental impact if people forage for their own Chondrus crispus.

"Indeed, for centuries, that is exactly what coastal people did across the North Atlantic," Brawley said. "When I came to Maine, a colleague who was a native Mainer gave me her handed-down family recipes for how to collect, clean, and prepare Irish moss, as well as a pudding recipe."

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Sea moss gel: demystifying the new wellness trend that's a lot older than you think - Salon