Category Archives: Food Supplements

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Daily consumption of drinks containing caffeine could help in the fight against dementia, a new study has claimed.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) will look at the safety of green tea catechins in a report that could confirm or clear up long-standing concerns over liver damage.

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Vitamin giant BASF is expanding its vitamin A production capacity by 1,500 metric tons to meet growing global demand for the micronutrient.

Kodo millet, an underutilised crop plant used as a staple food by Himalayan communities in India, may have wide-reaching potential for nutraceuticals and functional food products, research has discovered.

A low protein, high carbohydrate diet may be the most effective for stimulating a hormone with life-extending and obesity-fighting benefits in later life, new research suggests.

A single dose of Coromega Big Squeeze or Coromega Omega3 Squeeze produces significant increases in blood levels of the omega-3 EPA, says a new study that supports the bioavailability of the products.

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Dietary supplements, Nutraceuticals, Functional foods ...

Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine Focused on Energetics of Food

Benefits of Whole Food Supplements

Whole food nutritional supplements are foods that have been compressed into tablet form, poured into capsules or powdered.

The word whole indicates that the end product a supplement does not contain parts of foods, or synthetic or isolated vitamins.

Ideally, the foods comprising these supplements have not been subjected to irradiation, contain no pesticide or herbacide residues.

When it comes to providing the best food supplement for our family and friends, that is composed of 17 different fruits and vegetables, there is only one choice. Click here to learn more.

Why? Because of the research that has proved they work.

The clinical studies have PROVEN that they:

The research and has been published in scientific and medical journals, including:

Whole food nutritional supplements are one step away from fresh foods. Medical Science reminds us every day that good nutrition and good health go hand in hand especially when it comes to the health benefits of eating fresh, raw fruits and vegetables.

Researchers continue to find elements in fruits and vegetables that strengthen our immune systems, impede the development of degenerative diseases like cancer and heart disease, and contribute to good health in many other ways.

Unfortunately, most people dont eat nearly enough fruits and vegetables, especially not every day. Those we do eat tend to be over processed, overcooked, or too far removed from the field, and thus lack much of the nutrition provided by fresh, raw fruits and vegetables.

Now people can increase their intake of raw fruits and vegetables without changing their eating habits, without the hassle of shopping and trying to find foods that may not be in season, without having to taste unfamiliar or unpleasant food and best of all, at an affordable price!

Health food supplements are the next best thing to eating fresh, raw fruits and vegetables. Certainly everyone should be encouraged to eat more raw fruits and vegetables but we know that most people simply wont do it.

Whole food nutritional supplements are much more than a vitamin or mineral supplement. Regular vitamins and minerals are isolated nutrients, and they are not always derived from natural sources.

Whole food nutritional supplements are whole food based nutrition, providing not only a wide variety of naturally occurring vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, but also many of the other nutrients phytochemicals, enzymes, even the fiber found in fresh, raw fruits and vegetables themselves.

In nature, vitamins and minerals are never isolated. They are always provided in whole foods in combination with all the other nutrients found there, working together in ways science is only beginning to understand.

In her book Biochemistry of Foods and Supplements, Judith DeCava expresses this perfectly: To isolate or separate a vitamin, mineral, amino acid or other component and call it a nutrient is just as impractical as isolating a steering wheel, battery, or carburetor and calling it an automobile. It wont work without the other parts.

There are thousands of phytonutrients in every food. Each one we study is proving to play an important role in human health and vitality. Without them, we lay the foundation for a weak immune system and degenerative disease. A traditional vitamin and mineral supplement cannot begin to scratch the surface of this vast array of nutrition.

For example, research concerning tomatoes indicates that even a few servings per week can reduce the risk of prostrate cancer. It appears that lycopene and other components in this fruit/vegetable can actually decrease tumor size and kill cancer cells. But, if you take lycopene by itself, it's not going to have nearly the positive effect of eating whole tomatoes or taking whole food nutritional supplements made from dried organic tomatoes.

Vitamin and mineral supplements are necessary for specific people with specific needs. Whole food supplements are for everyone. Whole food nutritional supplements are the key to good nutrition, and are simply a way to get the healthful dose of the daily nutrition you need from fresh fruits and vegetables in a convenient form.

Whole Food Nutritional Supplements

Medical evidence is mounting that whole food based nutrition, like that found in whole food nutritional supplements is the key to better health, especially when it comes to helping prevent degenerative diseases like heart disease, stroke and cancer. Despite this growing evidence of the value of good, whole food nutrition, people including children are eating more poorly than ever.

Like most breakthrough products, the idea behind whole food supplements is simple. Whole food nutritional supplements contain natural fruit and vegetable juice powders in capsule form. The powders are concentrated from fruit and vegetable juices using a proprietary, low temperature process that leaves as much of the nutrition as possible intact.

Whole food based nutrition is the answer to better health, and whole food supplements with a wide variety of nutrients, including vitamins and antioxidants, phytochemicals and enzymes, minerals and fiber are leading the way.

Our recommendation is JP+. Click Here to learn more.

Things you should consider before you buy a nutritional supplement.

THEIR CONCLUSION

Disease is easier to PREVENT than it is to cure.

THEIR RECOMMENDATION

Eat 7-13 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day.

THE PROBLEM

Almost no one does.

Whole FOOD SUPPLEMENTS help fill the nutritional gaps.

Much more than whole food supplements discussed back at the Home Page

Excerpt from:

Food Supplements

Yes, Garcinia Cambogia works not just for helping you burn more fat it also helps keep hunger at bay so you dont overeat. HCA (HydroChloric Acid) is the active ingredient in Garcinia Cambogia.The researchclearly shows higher dosages of HCA result in more weight loss. The problem is, once Dr Oz proclaimed it the []

Click below to jump to the following sections: Farm to College Projects Is There a Need? How do Farm to College Projects Work? What Assistance does the Farm to College Program Offer? For extensive information on farm to college projects around the country and other valuable reviews and information on garcinia cambogia Farm to []

Potatoes are one of the worlds most popular food crops. They are commonly eaten as a snack or fast food, such as potato chips or French fries, which are undoubtedly unhealthy in large amounts. But are boiled or baked potatoes also unhealthy? Recently, a team of Danish researchers conducted a meta-analysis of studies examining the []

There are many health claim benefits that the coconut water producing companies are touting. Among the claims are: it will boost circulation, lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, raise the metabolism, treat kidney stones, reduce the risk of cancer and stroke, has anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties, helps to carry nutrients and oxygen to []

Many people believe that excessive sugar intake is one of the main reasons for the obesity epidemic. This is not because sugar is high in calories. Instead, evidence suggests that sugar may increase cravings and promote higher overall calorie intake. Recently, a team of researchers examined the effects of sugar glucose and fructose []

Have you ever wondered if applesauce is as good for you as apples since, well, it seems to be pretty much just made up of apples right? Sure, the primary ingredient is you guessed it apples, but that doesnt mean that theyre equal in regards to nutrition. They look completely different and that difference leads []

Though youve probably heard of cumin, I bet you didnt know that it can help you with losing weight. Add Cumin to your diet and youll get an increase in your metabolism, kick your immune system into better gear, naturally detox your body on a regular basis and burn fat way faster. Known as Jeera []

The Study that started it all Maybe youve heard about naturopathic doctor Lindsey Duncan. If so, you know that he does not often recommend weight loss supplements. Instead, he recommends proven and healthy ways to lose weight. But participants in the original study by Dr Duncan that Doctor Oz featured on his show back in []

Featured on Dr Oz show On his TV show Dr Oz featured African Mango on his popular. He called it a breakthrough supplement and a miracle in your medicine cabinet, the #1 miracle in a bottle to burn your fat. Melts stubborn body fat Miracle in your medicine cabinet Decrease weight and waist circumference Proven []

The Menstralean diet is a cutting edge weight loss strategy for women. Basically, its synchronized with the phases of the menstrual cycle, and scientists believe that it may be easier to adhere to than the traditional approach. Recently, a team of researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing the Menstralean diet with a conventional weight []

Obesity is a serious health concern. In both children and adults, it may increase the risk of several chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. For successful weight loss, multiple strategies are usually required. One effective approach may be to eat more protein (1). For this reason, researchers set out to see []

Type 2 diabetes causes millions of deaths every year. Elevated blood sugar levels damage the bodys tissues and organs leading to a variety of health problems, poor quality of life, and shortened lifespan. The most commonly used prescription drug is metformin(Glucophage) Berberine has been shown in these studies to be just as effective in lowering []

The USAID Global Health eLearning Center offers a menu of courses that learners from many disciplines and positions can use to expand their knowledge in key public health areas and access important up-to-date technical information. The eLearning Center is available at no cost to learners and can be accessed 24 hours a day from any []

Ahmed F. 1999. Vitamin A deficiency in Bangladesh: a review and recommendations for improvement. Public Health Nutrition. 2(1):1-14, Mar. Akbari, H, J Huang, P Martien, L Rainer, A Rosenfeld, H Taha. 1988. The impact of summer heat islands on cooling energy consumption and CO2 emissions. in Proceedings of the 1988 Summer Study in Energy Efficiency []

There have been 5 Community Food Project grants that have gone to organizations in Kansas. Two of these are profiled below. Kansas Rural Center, Whiting Grant awarded: $120,000 in 2005 for 3-year project With a CFP grant, the Kansas Rural Center established the Kansas Food Policy Council, bringing together a diverse group of public and []

With farm to school programs, the transport of farm products to the schools is in many cases the most challenging issue to be addressed. There is no one size fits all, as individual circumstances differ greatly. Some of the issues to consider are: school district size and the existence of central kitchens or satellite kitchens; []

H.R. 2749, the Food Safety Enhancement Act, addresses the programs and authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA currently has authority over processed foods, fruits and vegetables, and fish, while USDA has authority over meat and poultry. H.R. 2749 proposes to expand FDAs role in agriculture, particularly through creating new food safety standards, []

Federal policy can affect the work you do, whether its through school lunch regulations, access to locally grown foods, or farm conservation that affects our clean air and water. Since policy can influence you, its important to stay informed and let your legislators know how you feel. Remember that you have a valuable local []

The Activities and Impacts of Community Food Projects 2005-2009 Sponsor: USDA/ NIFA Authors: Michelle Kobayashi & Lee Tyson, National Research Center, Inc. Jeanette Abi-Nader, Community Food Security Coalition Preface: Liz Tuckermanty, Community Food Projects Program The Activities and Impacts of Community Food Projects 2005-2009 Preface The Community Food Projects (CFP) Competitive Grants Program (CFPCGP)1 []

But in too many places, its hard to get good foodespecially in low-income areas, where food is often more expensive and lower quality. Reaching the nearest full-service grocery store may take several transit stops or a long drive. People tend to eat the food thats easy to get. When thats mostly low- quality food, its []

Rachel Slocum 15 October, 2004 This paper is intended as a means to help community food security organizations understand how racism shapes the food system. It suggests there is a need to incorporate anti-racism theory and practice into community food efforts. This paper is a work in progress. It will be influenced by independent research []

Barrett Ebright, Congressional Hunger Fellow In collaboration with Sarah Borron, CFSC Policy Associate 2007 Edition edited by Steph Larsen, CFSC Policy Organizer COMMUNITY FOOD SECURITY COALITION Federal Policy Advocacy Handbook Barrett Ebright, Congressional Hunger Fellow In collaboration with Sarah Borron, CFSC Policy Associate 2007 Edition edited by Steph Larsen, CFSC Policy Organizer Acknowledgements: Thank you []

Winter 2009 Environmental Finance Center EPA Region 4 University of Louisville Allison Houlihan Turner Center for Environmental Policy and Management University of Louisville 426 West Bloom Street Louisville, KY 40208 502-852-8042 http://cepm.louisville.edu Acknowledgment The author would like to thank Wayne Long, Jefferson County Agriculture Agent and Office Coordinator, for his thoughtful and constructive comments. []

Several key findings from this research project began to answer the three questions posed by emergency food providers in Calaveras: What are the relationships between the degree of food insecurity and specific sociodemographic characteristics of these food insecure households? What are the primary reasons Calaveras County residents are forced to seek emergency food assistance? What []

United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service 3101 Park Center Drive Alexandria, VA 22302-1500 DA TE: MEMO CODE: SUBJECT: TO: January 23, 2007 SP 02-2007 School Districts and Federal Procurement Regulations Regional Directors Special Nutrition Programs All Regions State Directors Child Nutrition Programs All States We have received numerous inquiries in the past []

CASE STUDY Nancy May, the School Food Service Supervisor, is the main organizer behind this Farm to School project. She came to Healdsburg Junior High School at a time when the cafeteria was being renovated, and decided to change the emphasis from ordering a la carte items from windows to eating a healthy, appealing meal []

To date, 24 states have passed legislation regarding farm to school programs. Below are summaries and links to the text of this legislation. This information should reflect legislation that has passed as of August 11, 2009. CA CO CT DE GA IL IA KY ME MD MA MI MT NM NY OK OR PA RI []

April 15, 2011 Kathy Mulvey, 2025438602 WASHINGTON, DCOn the heels of yesterdays approval of a federal spending plan for the current fiscal year (H.R. 1473), the U.S. House of Representatives today endorsed a budget for the fiscal year that begins on October 1, 2011 (H. Con Res. 34). These bills slash spending on human needs []

Across the country, hospitals are teaming up with local growers and producers to make changes in the food service industry and local food economy. The time is right for farms and hospitals to connect to provide patients and staff with the most healthy and fresh foods available. Community Food Security Coalition WHAT IS FARM TO []

In New York, 12 organizations received 15 CFP grants totaling $2,678,141 between the years of 1997 and 2006. City Harvest, NYC Mount Hope Integrated Community and School Food Security Project Grant awarded: $288,793 in 2006 for a three-year period. The Mount Hope program aims to increase access to nutritious foods among residents of this low-income []

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Best Brands of Garcinia Cambogia - Food Security

The majority of adults in the United States take one or more dietary supplements either every day or occasionally. Today's dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbals and botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and many other products. Dietary supplements come in a variety of forms: traditional tablets, capsules, and powders, as well as drinks and energy bars. Popular supplements include vitamins D and E; minerals like calcium and iron; herbs such as echinacea and garlic; and specialty products like glucosamine, probiotics, and fish oils.

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

If you don't eat a nutritious variety of foods, some supplements might help you get adequate amounts of essential nutrients. However, supplements can't take the place of the variety of foods that are important to a healthy diet. Good sources of information on eating well include the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate.

Scientific evidence shows that some dietary supplements are beneficial for overall health and for managing some health conditions. For example, calcium and vitamin D are important for keeping bones strong and reducing bone loss; folic acid decreases the risk of certain birth defects; and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils might help some people with heart disease. Other supplements need more study to determine their value. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not determine whether dietary supplements are effective before they are marketed.

Many supplements contain active ingredients that can have strong effects in the body. Always be alert to the possibility of unexpected side effects, especially when taking a new product.

Supplements are most likely to cause side effects or harm when people take them instead of prescribed medicines or when people take many supplements in combination. Some supplements can increase the risk of bleeding or, if a person takes them before or after surgery, they can affect the person's response to anesthesia. Dietary supplements can also interact with certain prescription drugs in ways that might cause problems. Here are just a few examples:

Keep in mind that some ingredients found in dietary supplements are added to a growing number of foods, including breakfast cereals and beverages. As a result, you may be getting more of these ingredients than you think, and more might not be better. Taking more than you need is always more expensive and can also raise your risk of experiencing side effects. For example, getting too much vitamin A can cause headaches and liver damage, reduce bone strength, and cause birth defects. Excess iron causes nausea and vomiting and may damage the liver and other organs.

Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving them (beyond a basic multivitamin/mineral product) to a child. Most dietary supplements have not been well tested for safety in pregnant women, nursing mothers, or children.

If you suspect that you have had a serious reaction from a dietary supplement, let your health care provider know. He or she may report your experience to the FDA. You may also submit a report to the FDA by calling 800-FDA-1088 or completing a form online. In addition, report your reaction to the dietary supplement company by using the contact information on the product label.

Dietary supplements are complex products. The FDA has established good manufacturing practices (GMPs) for dietary supplements to help ensure their identity, purity, strength, and composition. These GMPs are designed to prevent the inclusion of the wrong ingredient, the addition of too much or too little of an ingredient, the possibility of contamination, and the improper packaging and labeling of a product. The FDA periodically inspects facilities that manufacture dietary supplements.

In addition, several independent organizations offer quality testing and allow products that pass these tests to display their seals of approval. These seals of approval provide assurance that the product was properly manufactured, contains the ingredients listed on the label, and does not contain harmful levels of contaminants. These seals of approval do not guarantee that a product is safe or effective. Organizations that offer this quality testing include:

Don't decide to take dietary supplements to treat a health condition that you have diagnosed yourself, without consulting a health care provider.

If you don't know the answers to these questions, use the information sources listed in this brochure and talk to your health care providers.

Let your health care providers (including doctors, pharmacists, and dietitians) know which dietary supplements you're taking so that you can discuss what's best for your overall health. Your health care provider can help you determine which supplements, if any, might be valuable for you.

Keep a record of the supplements you take in one place, just as you should be doing for all of your medicines. Note the specific product name, the dose you take, how often you take it, and the reason why you use each one. You can also bring the products you use with you when you see your health care provider.

Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not drugs and, therefore, are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. The FDA is the federal agency that oversees both dietary supplements and medicines.

In general, the FDA regulations for dietary supplements are different from those for prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Unlike drugs, which must be approved by the FDA before they can be marketed, dietary supplements do not require premarket review or approval by the FDA. While the supplement company is responsible for having evidence that their products are safe and the label claims are truthful and not misleading, they do not have to provide that evidence to the FDA before the product is marketed.

Dietary supplement labels may carry certain types of health-related claims. Manufacturers are permitted to say, for example, that a dietary supplement addresses a nutrient deficiency, supports health, or is linked to a particular body function (like immunity or heart health). Such a claim must be followed by the words, "This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."

Manufacturers must follow certain good manufacturing practices to ensure the identity, purity, strength, and composition of their products. If the FDA finds a product to be unsafe or otherwise unfit for human consumption, it may take enforcement action to remove the product from the marketplace or work with the manufacturer to voluntarily recall the product.

Also, once a dietary supplement is on the market, the FDA monitors information on the product's label and package insert to make sure that information about the supplement's content is accurate and that any claims made for the product are truthful and not misleading. The Federal Trade Commission, which polices product advertising, also requires all information about a dietary supplement product to be truthful and not misleading.

The federal government can take legal action against companies and Web sites that sell dietary supplements when the companies make false or deceptive statements about their products, if they promote them as treatments or cures for diseases, or if their products are unsafe.

The National Institutes of Health supports research on dietary supplements.

The Food and Drug Administration issues rules and regulations and provides oversight of dietary supplement labeling, marketing, and safety.

The Federal Trade Commission polices health and safety claims made in advertising for dietary supplements.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides information on a variety of food and nutrition topics.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides an encyclopedia of health topics, personal health tools, and health news.

See the rest here:

Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know

Starting a new business? Here's how

All food business operators must be registered or approved by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration. This also applies for importers of food from other EU Member States or third countries and producers/importers of food contact materials (FCM).

You will find more information about starting a new food business in Denmark here.

Marketing of food supplements in Denmark

You can download an English language version of the registrationform here.

If you change the composition of a food supplement, the product must be registered once again as if it was a new product. An exception to this rule concerns a change in the amount of technological additives. This will not need to be registered.

Fee for product safety checks

Companies that have registered one or more food supplements in Denmark and that have an annual turnover exceeding 50,000 DKK must pay an annual fee of 7,930 DKK as well as an annual fee of 634 DKK per registered food supplement.

These fees are used to cover the expenses in relation to product safety checks. The payment is charged for companies and products registered as of September 1st that year.

When your food supplement is no longer marketed

Unregistered supplements are not allowed to be marketed neither from the wholesale company, websites, nor retail stores.

Which products can be marketed as food supplements?

The most common food supplements consist of vitamins and/or minerals. However, they can also consist of dietary fibers, essential fatty acids, animal ingredients (e.g. fish oil), or plant ingredients (e.g. extracts of garlic). Food supplements must contain the ingredients in quantities that are able to exert an effect on the body.

Moreover, it is required that food supplements are sold in smaller quantities (e.g. as pills, fluids, or powder) and that they are labelled with information about the recommended daily dose.

Regulations on the composition of food supplements

General principles and requirements of food law

It is required that the labelling contains a list of ingredients, the name of the food as well as the name of the company producing it.

In addition to the general requirements mentioned above, food supplements should also be labelled with the following:

Information stating that the product is a food supplement.

Information about which vitamins, minerals, or other ingredients the product contains.

Information about the amount of vitamins, minerals, or other ingredients in the product.

The Danish and Latin name of any herbal ingredients.

The recommended daily dose.

A warning not to consume more than the recommended daily dose.

Information to the consumer stating that food supplements should not replace a healthy and varied diet.

A warning to keep the product out of reach of children.

Information stating that pregnant women and children under the age of 1 should not consume the product without consulting a doctor or health visitor.

Information about the amount of nutrients or substances with a nutritional and/or physiological effect.

Information about the amount of nutrients or other substances expressed as a percentage of the recommended daily dose.

Nutrition and health claims on food supplements

Products claimed to be able to prevent or cure diseases are considered to be medicinal products and are therefore controlled by the Danish Medicines Agency. Follow this link to view their homepage.

If your company sells and/or produces food products, you must have a plan that shows how you regularly ensure that your business complies with the rules. This is called self-regulation and such a plan is called a self-regulation program.

The self-regulation program deals with foodstuffs as well as with cleaning, machinery, and premises.

The program must be plainly written to ensure that all employees can understand it and have no doubt as to what needs to be done.

Additional food regulations

In addition to the above-mentioned rules and regulations there are more specific rules for some types of food products:

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Food Supplements - Fdevarestyrelsen

Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly is something many aspire to do, but the challenge for most people is getting the time and motivation to formulate a regular workout routine and stick to a healthy diet. Though the physical and mental benefits of following a healthy path are well known, many people are still struggling to start and maintain a healthy lifestyle that can lead to a longer life.

In most cases, the choice of eating unhealthy and not exercising is often the easy one evenwhen you are well aware the risk of lifestyle diseases. Illnesses like type 2 of diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, some types of cancer and osteoporosis are some of the risks brought about due to ones failure to follow a healthy diet and maintain proper physical fitness. These diseases are not only expensive to maintain, but they are also life threatening.

Sometimes, even those who are devoted to a regular workout routine may experience energy drains. These are those days when you feel exhausted and find that you cannot motivate yourself to get up and do even one simple workout activity that you love.

While all-out energy drains are easy to recognize, the same cannot be said for low-energy drains. They are not easily recognizable as you do not experience signs of exhaustion like feeling very tired or muscle aches. In such situations, you will start experiencing the loss of will to carry on with your workout activities that you used to enjoy, and when you start your workout routine, you lose focus and find it hard to concentrate on simple tasks. In the end, you become frustrated and finally abandon the task.

But all is not lost, while your own energy is not enough to keep up with the demands of society such as work, school and staying fit, there are many energy supplements available that can provide you with energy. In a world that is always busy and gets more hectic by the day, natural supplements are a good source of extra energy to boost to your own energy. They can help you make it through the day feeling energetic and psyched.

There are many superfoods and natural energy supplements in the market today. Some are better for the body than others, but most of these supplements can help you increase your level of energy and alertness. Here are some you can try to try when you feel like your energy is drained:

Bee pollen is a highly nutritious natural energy supplement collected from the stamen part of flowering plants by honeybees and stored in honeycomb hives. People who consume bee pollen as part of their daily diet are known to generate more energy, physical stamina and vigor.

Its benefits are many including prevention of growth of cancer cells, making it to be termed as a super food. It contains over 40% of proteins, 22 amino acids, 21 minerals, 18 enzymes, fiber, carbohydrates and other minerals. It can be taken in liquid form, as powder mixed in food or drinks, chewable tablets or capsules.

Read more about where to buy bee pollen below where weve listed the best quality online stores.

Where To Buy Bee Pollen?

Mucuna pruriens or KIpikacchu or Cowhage is a creeping vine that is grows in the tropicsof India as well as the tropical regions of the Caribbean and Africa. This plant has been used for many years as traditional medicines and the seeds, both white and black, have therapeutic value.

It has a balancing and restorative effect on the nervous system. It can strengthen the weakened areas of the body as well as enhance ones the intellect. Its seeds have been found to contain nutritive tonic which energizes, nourishes and revitalizes the nervous system and the entire body.

Where To Buy Mucuna Pruriens?

Many people consider Chia seeds as the pinnacle super food. They are natural energy supplements that can give high sustainable energy in a tasty and inexpensive way. They contain high levels of fiber, about 20% proteins, which help in tissue and muscle regeneration. They are also rich in omega 5 and 6 oils as well as other beneficial nutrients.

People who include Chia seeds in their eating habits are reported to notice higher energy levels and regular health benefits right away. They also exhibit other health benefits like muscle generation, cardiovascular health and weight loss in the long run.

Where To Buy Chia Seeds?

Being one of the oldest plants, Ginkgo Biloba has been in use in herbal and natural medicine for thousands of years. Its widely recognized as a supplement to enhance both mental and memory alertness as well as many other health benefits

Todays busy and hectic lifestyle tends to take a toll on many people affecting their physical and mental functions which in most cases leads to memory and focus loss. In such cases, a dose of Gikgo Biloba can come in handy since it helps to increase blood circulation and oxygen levels in the brain, improving concentration and the brain power.

Where To Buy Ginkgo Biloba?

Ginseng is a herb that is used as a natural energy booster and for other medicinal benefits. Oriental and American are the main species of Ginseng. Both these species have been found to boost the immune system and improve vitality.

It contains active ingredients like ginsenocides, which helps to regulate mechanism of nerves and control hormone activity. This helps to influence insulin production, regulate blood pressure and increase metabolism. You can use Ginseng regularly to boost your energy levels, reduce mental fatigue and stress, and improve performance. Ginseng has no toxicity and is thus harmless with no known side effects.

Where To Buy Ginseng?

Pine pollen is a natural testosterone booster, produced by pine trees as a yellow dust during spring. The level of Testosterone in your body will affect your energy levels, sleeping habits and other health issues like libido.

Pine pollen supplements can give your body the extra energy you need to start your workout and can also help you endure energy demanding activities for long. Other health benefits include improved immune systems, hormonal balancing, among others. Take pine pollen with sweeteners before your work out as it doesnt have a good taste.

Where To Buy Pine Pollen?

Caffeine

Caffeine is arguably the most known and widely consumed stimulant in all corners of the world. Caffeine is a chemical found in products like tea, coffee, guarana, and cola. These products are used as energy boosters and help to improve ones mental alertness and brain functions.

Consider taking a beverage with caffeine before your work out to boost performance, lower perceived exertion as well as increase stamina and physical endurance. However, caffeine should be taken in moderation as its habit forming and high doses of caffeine can cause health problems. Its advisable to not take more than 300 mg per day.

Royal Jelly

Royal jelly is a nutritious natural supplement produced by worker bees when they combine honey and pollen in the hive. Produced for the queen and royal family, it is rich in vitamins including vitamin-B complex, amino acids, fatty acids, enzymes, carbohydrates, natural anti-bacterial, antibiotics, calories, and useful minerals.

Royal jelly is said to have rejuvenating powers that can revive your body and lift your mood. It is used as a supplement to restore strength, energy, improve concentration, and boost the immune system. It is also said to promote longevity, although this claim has not yet been fully substantiated.

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola is one of the best brain tonic supplements used to improve brain performance. In fact some refer to Gotu Kola as food for the brain. It is considered as one of the most spiritual and rejuvenating herbs and is commonly used by people who do Yoga to improve meditation.

If you are experiencing energy drains and you are losing concentration in your work out or daily activity, Gotu Kola can help to improve your mental function. Include Gotu Kola in your daily diet and improve your concentration and memory loss. It is also recommended for people suffering from nervous disorders.

Spirulina

Spirulina is yet another natural energy booster. It is a single celled algae, cyanbacteri, that is made of essential amino acids and proteins. It is also a good source of antioxidants, omega 3, 6 and 9, vitamins B and over 100 nutrients, higher than any other plant.

It contains high levels of Chlorophyll which removes toxins from the blood stream and thus improves your immune system. Chlorophyll is also responsible for creating carbohydrates which will go a long way in boosting your energy. It is also recommended for vegetarians as it contains vitamins and amino acids found in animal products.

These natural supplements are only a means but not the end to a healthy leaving. The importance of a balanced diet and exercise cannot be overstated for a healthy and longer life. Natural healthy supplements can boost your energy when your own energy has failed you. A healthy mind in a healthy body will not only make you feel good but also improve your social life.

The importance of exercising is as important as a healthy diet. Even the most basic exercise activities help in burning of calories. Regular workouts and a healthy diet play a crucial role in achieving a healthy lifestyle. You may not lose weight even if you are on a diet if you dont exercise nor will you maintain a healthy weight with exercise alone without a balanced diet.

Your muscles will work best, build up and become stronger by implementing both aspects. Engaging in activities that raise your heart rate for an extended time will help in making your heart strong and healthier.

The human body works best when engaged in regular activities. Through exercise, you achieve physical fitness by improving muscular strength, cardio-respiratory, flexibility, and endurance. Those who engage in a routine workout activity are healthier and at a lower risk of some health problems like, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, among others.

Physical activity helps in blood circulation making your cardiovascular system more efficient when oxygen nutrients are delivered to your body tissue.

People who exercise and eat healthy foods with low fats have flexible and strong bones than those who dont. When you have healthy bones, you reduce the risk of injuries and bone loss associated with aging.

A healthy and antioxidant rich diet and regular exercise is a natural safeguard against cancer. The power to live a longer and healthy life is in your hands. Engage in physical activities and extend the length of your life.

Proper exercise and a healthy diet offer a variety of mental benefits. Mild physical activities can help reduce stress just like some healthy eating habits do. When you engage in physical activities, a chemical in the brain known to make people happy is stimulated. Healthy lifestyle choices which include a healthy diet and regular exercise improve brain performance and reduce the risk of depression.

When you are unhealthy, your self-esteem if affected negatively as you may be worrying about your physical public appearance. This is the case when you are overweight. Being in good shape makes you feel better about yourself improving your self-esteem and reduces anxiety, stress or depression.

Physical activity can be a fun way of interacting with people and making new friends as you prevent excess weight gain by burning calories. You dont need to spend money for a gym membership to keep fit, start with simple activities like taking a walk or using the stairs.

Both eating healthy and physical activities are important in maintaining a healthy social life. When you maintain a healthy weight and improve your posture, you can face the world with more confident.

Start your journey to a healthy lifestyle path today. Eat healthy and start with a simple and fun physical activity. You can make a choice of healthy living, your age or race notwithstanding. Make notable adjustments in your current lifestyle by making small changes that are directed in healthy living. Go for the changes that are not only attainable and achievable, but also fun to encourage you to keep going.

Natural supplements that have minimal or no side effects can help you boost your energy when you feel like giving up. Consult with your physician before taking any supplement.

With all the above information, you cannot go wrong with natural energy supplements. In todays modern society, they have become a must have for people who are constantly on the go.

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MyNutriKids Healthy And Energizing Food And Supplements

FDA regulates both finished dietary supplement products and dietary ingredients. FDA regulates dietary supplements under a different set of regulations than those covering "conventional" foods and drug products. Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA):

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

FDA is responsible for taking action against any adulterated or misbranded dietary supplement product after it reaches the market.

This section provides detailed information about:

Products & Ingredients Information on selected dietary supplement products, ingredients, and other substances.

Information for Consumers Tips for dietary supplement users, including older supplement users.

Information for Industry Resources and links for applications, forms, guidance, and other items of interest to industry members.

Report an Adverse Event Learn how consumers, health care providers, and others can report a complaint, concern, or problem related to dietary supplements. Includes links to guidance for dietary supplement manufacturers, packers, and distributors.

New Dietary Ingredients Notification Process Background information for industry, instructions for submitting premarket notifications, and links to relevant guidance and Federal Register documents.

Originally posted here:

Dietary Supplements - Food and Drug Administration

Recalls, Outbreaks & Emergencies

Food recalls, safety alerts and advisories, outbreak investigations, and keeping food safe in emergencies.

Preventing foodborne illness and info on pathogens, chemicals, pesticides, natural toxins, and metals.

FDA regulates the safety of substances added to food and how most food is processed, packaged, and labeled.

Using dietary supplements and FDA's role in regulating supplement products and dietary ingredients.

FDA's role in helping reduce the risk of malicious, criminal, or terrorist actions on the food supply.

Food from genetically engineered plants, laboratory methods and publications, research strategic plan, and research areas such as risk assessment and consumer behavior.

Guidance documents, FSMA, CGMPs, HACCP, facility registration, retail food protection, and import/export.

Reportable Food Registry, warning and untitled letters, and inspection and compliance programs.

International outreach, trade and interagency agreements, and the International Visitor's Program.

Collected information on topics including milk, seafood, juice, energy drinks, and more.

Information for audiences including consumers, regulated industry, health educators, and others.

Updates and announcements, meetings and events, and food safety grants.

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Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition

Introduction

See Consumer for easy-to-read facts about Zinc.

Zinc is an essential mineral that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. Zinc is also found in many cold lozenges and some over-the-counter drugs sold as cold remedies.

Zinc is involved in numerous aspects of cellular metabolism. It is required for the catalytic activity of approximately 100 enzymes [1,2] and it plays a role in immune function [3,4], protein synthesis [4], wound healing [5], DNA synthesis [2,4], and cell division [4]. Zinc also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence [6-8] and is required for proper sense of taste and smell [9]. A daily intake of zinc is required to maintain a steady state because the body has no specialized zinc storage system [10].

Intake recommendations for zinc and other nutrients are provided in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) developed by the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) at the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies (formerly National Academy of Sciences) [2]. DRI is the general term for a set of reference values used for planning and assessing nutrient intakes of healthy people. These values, which vary by age and gender [2], include the following:

The current RDAs for zinc are listed in Table 1 [2]. For infants aged 0 to 6 months, the FNB established an AI for zinc that is equivalent to the mean intake of zinc in healthy, breastfed infants.

* Adequate Intake (AI)

Food A wide variety of foods contain zinc (Table 2) [2]. Oysters contain more zinc per serving than any other food, but red meat and poultry provide the majority of zinc in the American diet. Other good food sources include beans, nuts, certain types of seafood (such as crab and lobster), whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, and dairy products [2,11].

Phytateswhich are present in whole-grain breads, cereals, legumes, and other foodsbind zinc and inhibit its absorption [2,12,13]. Thus, the bioavailability of zinc from grains and plant foods is lower than that from animal foods, although many grain- and plant-based foods are still good sources of zinc [2].

* DV = Daily Value. DVs were developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help consumers compare the nutrient contents of products within the context of a total diet. The DV for zinc is 15 mg for adults and children age 4 and older. Food labels, however, are not required to list zinc content unless a food has been fortified with this nutrient. Foods providing 20% or more of the DV are considered to be high sources of a nutrient.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Nutrient Database Web site [11] lists the nutrient content of many foods and provides a comprehensive list of foods containing zinc arranged by nutrient content and by food name.

Dietary supplements Supplements contain several forms of zinc, including zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate, and zinc acetate. The percentage of elemental zinc varies by form. For example, approximately 23% of zinc sulfate consists of elemental zinc; thus, 220 mg of zinc sulfate contains 50 mg of elemental zinc. The elemental zinc content appears in the Supplement Facts panel on the supplement container. Research has not determined whether differences exist among forms of zinc in absorption, bioavailability, or tolerability.

In addition to standard tablets and capsules, some zinc-containing cold lozenges are labeled as dietary supplements.

Other sources Zinc is present in several products, including some labeled as homeopathic medications, sold over the counter for the treatment and prevention of colds. Numerous case reports of anosmia (loss of the sense of smell), in some cases long-lasting or permanent, have been associated with the use of zinc-containing nasal gels or sprays [14,15]. In June 2009, the FDA warned consumers to stop using three zinc-containing intranasal products because they might cause anosmia [16]. The manufacturer recalled these products from the marketplace. Currently, these safety concerns have not been found to be associated with cold lozenges containing zinc.

Zinc is also present in some denture adhesive creams at levels ranging from 1734 mg/g [17]. While use of these products as directed (0.51.5 g/day) is not of concern, chronic, excessive use can lead to zinc toxicity, resulting in copper deficiency and neurologic disease. Such toxicity has been reported in individuals who used 2 or more standard 2.4 oz tubes of denture cream per week [17,18]. Many denture creams have now been reformulated to eliminate zinc.

Most infants (especially those who are formula fed), children, and adults in the United States consume recommended amounts of zinc according to two national surveys, the 19881991 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) [19] and the 1994 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes of Individuals (CSFII) [20].

However, some evidence suggests that zinc intakes among older adults might be marginal. An analysis of NHANES III data found that 35%45% of adults aged 60 years or older had zinc intakes below the estimated average requirement of 6.8 mg/day for elderly females and 9.4 mg/day for elderly males. When the investigators considered intakes from both food and dietary supplements, they found that 20%25% of older adults still had inadequate zinc intakes [21].

Zinc intakes might also be low in older adults from the 2%4% of U.S. households that are food insufficient (sometimes or often not having enough food) [22]. Data from NHANES III indicate that adults aged 60 years or older from food-insufficient families had lower intakes of zinc and several other nutrients and were more likely to have zinc intakes below 50% of the RDA on a given day than those from food-sufficient families [23].

Zinc deficiency is characterized by growth retardation, loss of appetite, and impaired immune function. In more severe cases, zinc deficiency causes hair loss, diarrhea, delayed sexual maturation, impotence, hypogonadism in males, and eye and skin lesions [2,8,24,25]. Weight loss, delayed healing of wounds, taste abnormalities, and mental lethargy can also occur [5,8,26-30]. Many of these symptoms are non-specific and often associated with other health conditions; therefore, a medical examination is necessary to ascertain whether a zinc deficiency is present.

Zinc nutritional status is difficult to measure adequately using laboratory tests [2,31,32] due to its distribution throughout the body as a component of various proteins and nucleic acids [33]. Plasma or serum zinc levels are the most commonly used indices for evaluating zinc deficiency, but these levels do not necessarily reflect cellular zinc status due to tight homeostatic control mechanisms [8]. Clinical effects of zinc deficiency can be present in the absence of abnormal laboratory indices [8]. Clinicians consider risk factors (such as inadequate caloric intake, alcoholism, and digestive diseases) and symptoms of zinc deficiency (such as impaired growth in infants and children) when determining the need for zinc supplementation [2].

In North America, overt zinc deficiency is uncommon [2]. When zinc deficiency does occur, it is usually due to inadequate zinc intake or absorption, increased losses of zinc from the body, or increased requirements for zinc [26,27,34]. People at risk of zinc deficiency or inadequacy need to include good sources of zinc in their daily diets. Supplemental zinc might also be appropriate in certain situations.

People with gastrointestinal and other diseases Gastrointestinal surgery and digestive disorders (such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and short bowel syndrome) can decrease zinc absorption and increase endogenous zinc losses primarily from the gastrointestinal tract and, to a lesser extent, from the kidney [2,26,35,36]. Other diseases associated with zinc deficiency include malabsorption syndrome, chronic liver disease, chronic renal disease, sickle cell disease, diabetes, malignancy, and other chronic illnesses [37]. Chronic diarrhea also leads to excessive loss of zinc [24].

Vegetarians The bioavailability of zinc from vegetarian diets is lower than from non-vegetarian diets because vegetarians do not eat meat, which is high in bioavailable zinc and may enhance zinc absorption. In addition, vegetarians typically eat high levels of legumes and whole grains, which contain phytates that bind zinc and inhibit its absorption [31,38].

Vegetarians sometimes require as much as 50% more of the RDA for zinc than non-vegetarians [2]. In addition, they might benefit from using certain food preparation techniques that reduce the binding of zinc by phytates and increase its bioavailability. Techniques to increase zinc bioavailability include soaking beans, grains, and seeds in water for several hours before cooking them and allowing them to sit after soaking until sprouts form [38]. Vegetarians can also increase their zinc intake by consuming more leavened grain products (such as bread) than unleavened products (such as crackers) because leavening partially breaks down the phytate; thus, the body absorbs more zinc from leavened grains than unleavened grains.

Pregnant and lactating women Pregnant women, particularly those starting their pregnancy with marginal zinc status, are at increased risk of becoming zinc insufficient due, in part, to high fetal requirements for zinc [39]. Lactation can also deplete maternal zinc stores [40]. For these reasons, the RDA for zinc is higher for pregnant and lactating women than for other women (see Table 1) [2].

Older infants who are exclusively breastfed Breast milk provides sufficient zinc (2 mg/day) for the first 46 months of life but does not provide recommended amounts of zinc for infants aged 712 months, who need 3 mg/day [2,33]. In addition to breast milk, infants aged 712 months should consume age-appropriate foods or formula containing zinc [2]. Zinc supplementation has improved the growth rate in some children who demonstrate mild-to-moderate growth failure and who have a zinc deficiency [24,41].

People with sickle cell disease Results from a large cross-sectional survey suggest that 44% of children with sickle cell disease have a low plasma zinc concentration [42], possibly due to increased nutrient requirements and/or poor nutritional status [43]. Zinc deficiency also affects approximately 60%70% of adults with sickle cell disease [44]. Zinc supplementation has been shown to improve growth in children with sickle cell disease [43].

Alcoholics Approximately 30%50% of alcoholics have low zinc status because ethanol consumption decreases intestinal absorption of zinc and increases urinary zinc excretion [44]. In addition, the variety and amount of food consumed by many alcoholics is limited, leading to inadequate zinc intake [2,46,47].

Immune function Severe zinc deficiency depresses immune function [48], and even mild to moderate degrees of zinc deficiency can impair macrophage and neutrophil functions, natural killer cell activity, and complement activity [49]. The body requires zinc to develop and activate T-lymphocytes [2,50]. Individuals with low zinc levels have shown reduced lymphocyte proliferation response to mitogens and other adverse alterations in immunity that can be corrected by zinc supplementation [49,51]. These alterations in immune function might explain why low zinc status has been associated with increased susceptibility to pneumonia and other infections in children in developing countries and the elderly [52-55].

Wound healing Zinc helps maintain the integrity of skin and mucosal membranes [49]. Patients with chronic leg ulcers have abnormal zinc metabolism and low serum zinc levels [56], and clinicians frequently treat skin ulcers with zinc supplements [57]. The authors of a systematic review concluded that zinc sulfate might be effective for treating leg ulcers in some patients who have low serum zinc levels [58,59]. However, research has not shown that the general use of zinc sulfate in patients with chronic leg ulcers or arterial or venous ulcers is effective [58,59].

Diarrhea Acute diarrhea is associated with high rates of mortality among children in developing countries [60]. Zinc deficiency causes alterations in immune response that probably contribute to increased susceptibility to infections, such as those that cause diarrhea, especially in children [49].

Studies show that poor, malnourished children in India, Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia experience shorter courses of infectious diarrhea after taking zinc supplements [61]. The children in these studies received 440 mg of zinc a day in the form of zinc acetate, zinc gluconate, or zinc sulfate [61].

In addition, results from a pooled analysis of randomized controlled trials of zinc supplementation in developing countries suggest that zinc helps reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea in zinc-deficient or otherwise malnourished children [62]. Similar findings were reported in a meta-analysis published in 2008 and a 2007 review of zinc supplementation for preventing and treating diarrhea [63,64]. The effects of zinc supplementation on diarrhea in children with adequate zinc status, such as most children in the United States, are not clear.

The World Health Organization and UNICEF now recommend short-term zinc supplementation (20 mg of zinc per day, or 10 mg for infants under 6 months, for 1014 days) to treat acute childhood diarrhea [60].

The common cold Researchers have hypothesized that zinc could reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms by directly inhibiting rhinovirus binding and replication in the nasal mucosa and suppressing inflammation [65,66]. Although studies examining the effect of zinc treatment on cold symptoms have had somewhat conflicting results, overall zinc appears to be beneficial under certain circumstances. Several studies are described below in which zinc is administered as a lozenge or zinc-containing syrup that temporarily "sticks" in the mouth and throat. This allows zinc to make contact with the rhinovirus in those areas.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 50 subjects (within 24 hours of developing the common cold) took a zinc acetate lozenge (13.3 mg zinc) or placebo every 23 wakeful hours. Compared with placebo, the zinc lozenges significantly reduced the duration of cold symptoms (cough, nasal discharge, and muscle aches) [67].

In another clinical trial involving 273 participants with experimentally induced colds, zinc gluconate lozenges (providing 13.3 mg zinc) significantly reduced the duration of illness compared with placebo but had no effect on symptom severity [68]. However, treatment with zinc acetate lozenges (providing 5 or 11.5 mg zinc) had no effect on either cold duration or severity. Neither zinc gluconate nor zinc acetate lozenges affected the duration or severity of cold symptoms in 281 subjects with natural (not experimentally induced) colds in another trial [68].

In 77 participants with natural colds, a combination of zinc gluconate nasal spray and zinc orotate lozenges (37 mg zinc every 23 wakeful hours) was also found to have no effect on the number of asymptomatic patients after 7 days of treatment [69].

In September of 2007, Caruso and colleagues published a structured review of the effects of zinc lozenges, nasal sprays, and nasal gels on the common cold [66]. Of the 14 randomized, placebo-controlled studies included, 7 (5 using zinc lozenges, 2 using a nasal gel) showed that the zinc treatment had a beneficial effect and 7 (5 using zinc lozenges, 1 using a nasal spray, and 1 using lozenges and a nasal spray) showed no effect.

More recently, a Cochrane review concluded that "zinc (lozenges or syrup) is beneficial in reducing the duration and severity of the common cold in healthy people, when taken within 24 hours of onset of symptoms" [70]. The author of another review completed in 2004 also concluded that zinc can reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms [65]. However, more research is needed to determine the optimal dosage, zinc formulation and duration of treatment before a general recommendation for zinc in the treatment of the common cold can be made [70].

As previously noted, the safety of intranasal zinc has been called into question because of numerous reports of anosmia (loss of smell), in some cases long-lasting or permanent, from the use of zinc-containing nasal gels or sprays [14-16].

Age-related macular degeneration Researchers have suggested that both zinc and antioxidants delay the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and vision loss, possibly by preventing cellular damage in the retina [71,72]. In a population-based cohort study in the Netherlands, high dietary intake of zinc as well as beta carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E was associated with reduced risk of AMD in elderly subjects [73]. However, the authors of a systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2007 concluded that zinc is not effective for the primary prevention of early AMD [74], although zinc might reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD.

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), a large, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial (n = 3,597), evaluated the effect of high doses of selected antioxidants (500 mg vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E, and 15 mg beta-carotene) with or without zinc (80 mg as zinc oxide) on the development of advanced AMD in older individuals with varying degrees of AMD [72]. Participants also received 2 mg copper to prevent the copper deficiency associated with high zinc intakes. After an average follow-up period of 6.3 years, supplementation with antioxidants plus zinc (but not antioxidants alone) significantly reduced the risk of developing advanced AMD and reduced visual acuity loss. Zinc supplementation alone significantly reduced the risk of developing advanced AMD in subjects at higher risk but not in the total study population. Visual acuity loss was not significantly affected by zinc supplementation alone. A follow-up AREDS2 study confirmed the value of this supplement in reducing the progression of AMD over a median follow-up period of 5 years [75]. Importantly, AREDS2 revealed that a formulation providing 25 mg zinc (about one-third the amount in the original AREDS formulation) provided the same protective effect against developing advanced AMD.

Two other small clinical trials evaluated the effects of supplementation with 200 mg zinc sulfate (providing 45 mg zinc) for 2 years in subjects with drusen or macular degeneration. Zinc supplementation significantly reduced visual acuity loss in one of the studies [76] but had no effect in the other [77].

A Cochrane review concluded that the evidence supporting the use of antioxidant vitamins and zinc for AMD comes primarily from the AREDS study [71]. Individuals who have or are developing AMD should talk to their health care provider about taking a zinc-containing AREDS supplement.

Interactions with iron and copper Iron-deficiency anemia is a serious world-wide public health problem. Iron fortification programs have been credited with improving the iron status of millions of women, infants, and children. Fortification of foods with iron does not significantly affect zinc absorption. However, large amounts of supplemental iron (greater than 25 mg) might decrease zinc absorption [2,78]. Taking iron supplements between meals helps decrease its effect on zinc absorption [78].

High zinc intakes can inhibit copper absorption, sometimes producing copper deficiency and associated anemia [79,80]. For this reason, dietary supplement formulations containing high levels of zinc, such as the one used in the AREDS study [72], sometimes contain copper.

Zinc toxicity can occur in both acute and chronic forms. Acute adverse effects of high zinc intake include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and headaches [2]. One case report cited severe nausea and vomiting within 30 minutes of ingesting 4 g of zinc gluconate (570 mg elemental zinc) [81]. Intakes of 150450 mg of zinc per day have been associated with such chronic effects as low copper status, altered iron function, reduced immune function, and reduced levels of high-density lipoproteins [82]. Reductions in a copper-containing enzyme, a marker of copper status, have been reported with even moderately high zinc intakes of approximately 60 mg/day for up to 10 weeks [2]. The doses of zinc used in the AREDS study (80 mg per day of zinc in the form of zinc oxide for 6.3 years, on average) have been associated with a significant increase in hospitalizations for genitourinary causes, raising the possibility that chronically high intakes of zinc adversely affect some aspects of urinary physiology [83].

The FNB has established ULs for zinc (Table 3). Long-term intakes above the UL increase the risk of adverse health effects [2]. The ULs do not apply to individuals receiving zinc for medical treatment, but such individuals should be under the care of a physician who monitors them for adverse health effects.

Zinc supplements have the potential to interact with several types of medications. A few examples are provided below. Individuals taking these medications on a regular basis should discuss their zinc intakes with their healthcare providers.

Antibiotics Both quinolone antibiotics (such as Cipro) and tetracycline antibiotics (such as Achromycin and Sumycin) interact with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, inhibiting the absorption of both zinc and the antibiotic [84,85]. Taking the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 46 hours after taking a zinc supplement minimizes this interaction [86].

Penicillamine Zinc can reduce the absorption and action of penicillamine, a drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis [87]. To minimize this interaction, individuals should take zinc supplements at least 2 hours before or after taking penicillamine [85].

Diuretics Thiazide diuretics such as chlorthalidone (Hygroton) and hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix and HydroDIURIL) increase urinary zinc excretion by as much as 60% [88]. Prolonged use of thiazide diuretics could deplete zinc tissue levels, so clinicians should monitor zinc status in patients taking these medications.

The federal government's 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans notes that "Nutritional needs should be met primarily from foods. ... Foods in nutrient-dense forms contain essential vitamins and minerals and also dietary fiber and other naturally occurring substances that may have positive health effects. In some cases, fortified foods and dietary supplements may be useful in providing one or more nutrients that otherwise may be consumed in less-than-recommended amounts."

For more information about building a healthy diet, refer to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's MyPlate.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans describes a healthy eating pattern as one that:

This fact sheet by the Office of Dietary Supplements provides information that should not take the place of medical advice. We encourage you to talk to your healthcare providers (doctor, registered dietitian, pharmacist, etc.) about your interest in, questions about, or use of dietary supplements and what may be best for your overall health. Any mention in this publication of a specific brand name is not an endorsement of the product.

Updated: February 11, 2016

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Zinc Health Professional Fact Sheet

Dog food recipe that is designed to be simple to make and healthy for your dog.

NOTE:In an effort to simplify the dog food recipe I have incorporated the use of supplements. Without the supplements the dog food recipe would need an additional 10 to 20 ingredients. Unfortunately, our current agricultural practices yield foods with a fraction of the nutrient content of wild counterparts.

That said; this dog food recipe is deficient without the two supplements that are essential to the recipe:Dinovitesupplement andLickOchopsomega fatty acid supplement. Feeding this recipe without the supplements will result in multiple nutritional deficiency diseases.

Approximately 40 cups of dog food.

This dog food recipe can be halved or doubled to accommodate the size of your dog or for multi-dog households. Do not feed this dog food recipe without theDinoviteandLickOchopsdog supplements as it will cause this dog food recipe to be deficient.

Place 2-3 days worth of the dog food recipe in zip lock bags or plastic freezer containers. Store them in your freezer.

I personally prefer the freezer containers because they are easy to fill, thaw and serve. There is never any mess. I take one out and let it thaw on my counter. Feed my dogs and store the unused portion in my refrigerator. When its empty I wash it and it is ready for the next batch. Mix up some more of the easy cooked dog food recipe and Im ready to go. It works well.

NOTE:Remember you are handling raw meat so use common sense when making this dog food recipe. Use the same precautions you would use when handling raw meat for your family.

*Special note: These are general guidelines, we are not trying to land a man on Mars. If your dog is losing a little weight and this is not desired, increase the amount you are feeding. If your dog is gaining weight on the serving size then cut back a little. In short, adjust the serving size depending on your dogs age, weight and activity level.

*Special Note: If you add the supplements to the whole batch when making the dog food recipe it is not necessary to add them with each serving. Use whichever method you find easier.

Click here to watch the video.

Please follow this introductory method, your dog will be fine. Your dog will not starve or hate you. Rapid diet changes can cause vomiting and diarrhea. A horrendous mess all over your house!

***Important Note:Do not mix kibble and the Easy Cooked Dog Food together! Doing so will GREATLY increase the chances of digestive upset for your dog!

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Easy Cooked Dog Food Recipe - Homemade Dog Food