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Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2023Seaweeds or algae are marine autotrophic organisms. They produce nutrients (e.g., proteins, carbohydrates, etc.) essential for the survival of living organisms as they... (Review)
Review
Seaweeds or algae are marine autotrophic organisms. They produce nutrients (e.g., proteins, carbohydrates, etc.) essential for the survival of living organisms as they participate in biochemical processes and non-nutritive molecules (such as dietary fibers and secondary metabolites), which can improve their physiological functions. Seaweed polysaccharides, fatty acids, peptides, terpenoids, pigments, and polyphenols have biological properties that can be used to develop food supplements and nutricosmetic products as they can act as antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory compounds. This review examines the (primary and secondary) metabolites produced by algae, the most recent evidence of their effect on human health conditions, with particular attention to what concerns the skin and hair's well-being. It also evaluates the industrial potential of recovering these metabolites from biomass produced by algae used to clean wastewater. The results demonstrate that algae can be considered a natural source of bioactive molecules for well-being formulations. The primary and secondary metabolites' upcycling can be an exciting opportunity to safeguard the planet (promoting a circular economy) and, at the same time, obtain low-cost bioactive molecules for the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries from low-cost, raw, and renewable materials. Today's lack of methodologies for recovering bioactive molecules in large-scale processes limits practical realization.
Topics: Humans; Seaweed; Aquatic Organisms; Dietary Supplements; Carbohydrates; Polysaccharides
PubMed: 37241773
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28104032 -
Journal of Preventive Medicine and... Jun 2022SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, caused a pandemic in 2020, which is only recently slowing down. The symptoms of COVID-19 range from cough to fever and... (Review)
Review
SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, caused a pandemic in 2020, which is only recently slowing down. The symptoms of COVID-19 range from cough to fever and pneumonia and may persist beyond the active state of the infection, in a condition called post-COVID syndrome. The aim of this paper is to review the relationship between COVID-19 and nutrition and to discuss to most up-to-date dietary supplements proposed for COVID-19 treatment and prevention. Nutrition and nutritional dysregulations, such as obesity and malnutrition, are prominent risk factors for severe COVID-19. These factors exert anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory effects on the immune system, thus exacerbating or reducing the immunological response against the virus. As for the nutritional habits, the Western diet induces a chronic inflammatory state, whereas the Mediterranean diet exerts anti-inflammatory effects and has been proposed for ameliorating COVID-19 evolution and symptoms. Several vaccines have been researched and commercialized for COVID-19 prevention, whereas several drugs, although clinically tested, have not shown promising effects. To compensate for the lack of treatment, several supplements have been recommended for preventing or ameliorating COVID-19 symptoms. Thus, it is critical to review the dietary supplements proposed for COVID-19 treatment. Supplements containing α-cyclodextrin and hydroxytyrosol exhibited promising effects in several clinical trials and reduced the severity of the outcomes and the duration of the infection. Moreover, a supplement containing hydroxytyrosol, acetyl L-carnitine, and vitamins B, C, and D improved the symptoms of patients with post-COVID syndrome.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 Drug Treatment; Dietary Supplements; Anti-Inflammatory Agents
PubMed: 36479480
DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2022.63.2S3.2764 -
The Journal of Pediatrics Apr 2021To characterize dietary supplement use among US children, including product type, motivations, user characteristics, and trends over time with a primary focus on...
OBJECTIVES
To characterize dietary supplement use among US children, including product type, motivations, user characteristics, and trends over time with a primary focus on non-vitamin/non-mineral dietary supplements (NVNM).
STUDY DESIGN
Overall, NVNM, and vitamin and/or mineral dietary supplement only (VM-only) use; motivations for use; and trends in use over time were examined in children (≤19 years of age) using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2016 data (n = 42 510).
RESULTS
Between 1999 and 2016, overall dietary supplement and VM-only dietary supplement use among all children remained relatively stable at ∼30%; yet, NVNM dietary supplement use increased from 2.9% to 6.4%, mainly due to increased use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. NVNM use was greater in boys than in girls (3.9% vs 3.3%), and greater in older children than in younger children (P < .0001), the opposite of what was observed with VM-only dietary supplement use. Although both user groups shared 2 primary motivations, both motivations were reported by a significantly greater percent of vitamin and/or mineral dietary supplement users vs NVNM users: to maintain health (38.7% vs 23.1%) and to improve health (33.1% vs 22.6%). NVNM users were much more likely to use dietary supplement for relaxation, stress, and sleep; for mental health; and for colon and bowel health.
CONCLUSIONS
Although the prevalence of any dietary supplement and VM-only dietary supplement use among US children has both remained stable, the prevalence of NVNM use has increased substantially over time. Yet, NVNM use remains relatively low overall. NVNM use exhibited different patterns by sex, age, and motivations when compared with vitamin and/or mineral dietary supplement use. Despite increasing NVNM use, high-quality evidence supporting their use is lacking, especially in children.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Minerals; Motivation; Nutrients; Nutrition Surveys; Time Factors; United States; Vitamins; Young Adult
PubMed: 33340548
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.12.021 -
Obstetrics and Gynecology Mar 2020To estimate the prevalence of use and the micronutrient contribution of dietary supplements among pregnant, lactating, and nonpregnant and nonlactating women in the...
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence of use and the micronutrient contribution of dietary supplements among pregnant, lactating, and nonpregnant and nonlactating women in the United States.
METHODS
Cross-sectional data from 1,314 pregnant, 297 lactating, and 8,096 nonpregnant and nonlactating women (aged 20-44 years) in the 1999-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were combined to produce statistically reliable, nationally representative estimates. Information about dietary supplements used in the past 30 days was collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire and in-home inventory. The prevalence of nutrient-specific supplement use, mean daily nutrient intakes from supplements among users, and motivations for supplement use were assessed. Differences by age, income, and trimester within pregnant women were also tested.
RESULTS
Seventy-seven percent of pregnant women and 70% of lactating women used one or more dietary supplements, whereas 45% of nonpregnant and nonlactating women used supplements. In particular, 64% of pregnant and 54% of lactating women used prenatal supplements. Mean intakes of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, vitamins B6, B12, and C, iron, and zinc from supplements alone were at or above their respective recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) among pregnant and lactating supplement users. About half of pregnant and 40% of lactating women took supplements based on the recommendation of a health care provider. Among pregnant women, those in their first trimester, aged 20-34 years, or in a lower-income family were less likely to use supplements compared with their counterparts.
CONCLUSION
The majority of pregnant and lactating women used dietary supplements, which contributed many nutrients in doses above the RDAs. Although inadequate Intakes of folate and iron are of concern among pregnant women who are not using supplements, supplement users often consumed high doses, suggesting a potential need of health care providers to discuss dietary supplement use and the recommended doses of nutrients during pregnancy and lactation.
Topics: Adult; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Lactation; Micronutrients; Nutrition Surveys; Pregnancy; United States; Young Adult
PubMed: 32028492
DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000003657 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2022Dietary supplements (DS) are used by about 30-50% of adults in developed countries. However, only a few studies have compared the characteristics of DS users in...
Dietary supplements (DS) are used by about 30-50% of adults in developed countries. However, only a few studies have compared the characteristics of DS users in different nations. This study aimed to identify and compare selected health-related behaviors of DS users from three European countries. A total of 3,588 adults (32.08 ± 8.04 years) from Poland (1,030 females, 287 males), Germany (994 females, 190 males), and the United Kingdom (911 females, 176 males) were included in the analysis. The study was based on a self-administered survey consisting of 70 questions regarding baseline characteristics, lifestyle, eating, and health habits. The associations of the obtained results were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test, Pearson Chi-Square test, and Cramer's V value. The highest percentage of DS users (56.98%, = 2,044) had a correct body weight, while higher body weight values were observed in 39.19% ( = 1,406). In terms of lifestyle, statistically significant differences ( < 0.05) were noted for alcohol consumption and the level of physical activity. Fruit and vegetables were most often consumed a few times a weeks (34.67%, = 1,244). A similar result was observed for the consumption of whole grain (37.76%, = 1,355), dairy (39.99%, = 1,435), eggs (49.67%, = 1,782), and meat (51.45%, = 1,846). Most DS users did not have a chronic disease (66.72%, = 2,394). Among the other conditions, a frequent occurrence (a few times a weeks) of gastrointestinal problems (28.29%, = 1,015) and concentration disorders (29.15%, = 1,046) was noted. Cramer's V values (<0.3) indicated a weak (but significant < 0.05) relationship between the country of residence and most of the analyzed variables. In conclusion, DS users were characterized by a healthy lifestyle with appropriate behaviors but not healthy eating habits.
Topics: Body Weight; Dietary Supplements; Feeding Behavior; Female; Habits; Health Behavior; Humans; Life Style; Male
PubMed: 35719650
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.892233 -
International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2022This study aimed to examine the prevalence, associated factors and perceptions of dietary supplement use among pregnant Chinese women. A cross-sectional study was...
This study aimed to examine the prevalence, associated factors and perceptions of dietary supplement use among pregnant Chinese women. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data about prevalence, purchase channels, perceptions, and related factors of dietary supplement use from 572 pregnant women, through a face-to-face survey, using a self-designed questionnaire. Of the respondents, 94.8% used at least one dietary supplement, whereas 29.8% used more than four supplements in the previous month. The majority of the pregnant women were highly educated (81.2% had a bachelor's degree or above) and had the perception that dietary supplements could prevent and improve (89.2%), or treat, nutrition-related diseases (78.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that pregnant women who had used multiple (more than four) supplements were more likely to have a larger gestational age, received fertility treatment, more prenatal visits, and hypothyroidism during pregnancy. Furthermore, pregnant women not only purchased dietary supplements through hospitals (72.6%) and pharmacies (45.1%), but overseas Daigou or online purchases (31.8%) were also a major channel of purchase. A high prevalence of dietary supplement use during pregnancy was observed, with extensive and repeated consumption of nutrients. Pregnant women's craze for dietary supplements calls for more comprehensive guidelines in China.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Nutrients; Pregnancy; Pregnant Women; Prenatal Care
PubMed: 35409746
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074063 -
Public Health Nutrition Apr 2021To date, there have been few studies on dietary supplement (DS) use in Korean children and adolescents, using nationally representative data. This study aimed to...
OBJECTIVE
To date, there have been few studies on dietary supplement (DS) use in Korean children and adolescents, using nationally representative data. This study aimed to investigate the current status of DS use and its related factors, among Korean children and adolescents from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data.
DESIGN
A cross-sectional study.
SETTING
Data from the KNHANES 2015-2017. Participants completed 24-h dietary recall interviews, including DS products that the subjects consumed.
PARTICIPANTS
The study population was 4380 children and adolescents aged 1-18 years.
RESULTS
Approximately 20.3 % of children and adolescents were using DS; the highest use was among children aged 1–3 years old, and the lowest use was among adolescents aged 16–18 years. The most frequently used DS was prebiotics/probiotics, followed by multivitamin/mineral supplements. Factors that were associated with DS use were lower birth weight in children aged <4 years; younger age, higher household income, regular breakfast intake and lower BMI in children aged 4-9 years; and regular breakfast intake and use of nutrition facts label in adolescents aged 10-18 years. Feeding patterns in infancy and having chronic diseases were not associated with DS use.
CONCLUSIONS
We report that over 20 % of children and adolescents use DS. Nutritional education for parents and children about proper DS consumption is needed.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Infant; Nutrition Surveys; Republic of Korea; Vitamins
PubMed: 33040740
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980020003419 -
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Apr 2021The use of herbal and dietary supplement (HDS) in health and disease management has gained global attention. HDS are generally accepted by the public and are associated...
BACKGROUND
The use of herbal and dietary supplement (HDS) in health and disease management has gained global attention. HDS are generally accepted by the public and are associated with positive health behaviours. However, several reports have been documented with regards to their potential adverse effects and interaction with conventional medicines. Limited data is currently available on the use of HDS among elderly population in Malaysia. This present study aims to investigate the prevalence of and pattern of HDS use among a sample of community-dwelling elderly in a suburban town in Malaysia.
METHODS
A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and May 2019 among the elderly aged ≥60 years old. The participants with the following criteria were included in the study: aged ≥60 years, residing in Puncak Alam and able to understand Malay or English language. Data were collected using a pre-validated questionnaire. All statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS ver. 23.
RESULTS
Overall, 336 out of 400 elderly responded to the survey, achieving a response rate of 84%. This study observed that almost 50% of the respondents were using at least one type of HDS in the past one month of the survey. Among HDS non-users, most of them preferred to use modern medicines (62.6%, 114/182). Among the HDS users, 75.3% (116/154) were using at least one type of modern medicine (prescription or over-the-counter medicine). Multivariate analysis showed that having good to excellent perceived health (adjusted OR = 2.666, 95% CI = 1.592-4.464), having felt sick at least once in the past one month (adjusted OR = 2.500, 95% CI = 1.426-4.383), and lower body mass index (adjusted OR = 0.937, 95% CI = 0.887-0.990) were associated with HDS use. It was noted that only a small percentage of HDS users (16.2%, 25/154) had informed healthcare providers on their HDS use.
CONCLUSION
The use of HDS is common among the elderly sampled. Hence, healthcare providers should be more vigilant in seeking information of HDS use for disease management in their elderly patients. Campaigns that provide accurate information regarding the appropriate use of HDS among the elderly are pertinent to prevent misinformation of the products.
Topics: Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Independent Living; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Suburban Population
PubMed: 33794868
DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03287-1 -
Nutrients Oct 2022Some patients use dietary supplements and medicines concomitantly, with an inappropriate perception of their safety and efficacy. To clarify the perception between...
Some patients use dietary supplements and medicines concomitantly, with an inappropriate perception of their safety and efficacy. To clarify the perception between dietary supplement and medicine users and non-users, we conducted an internet survey. In this survey, 38.9% of participants used dietary supplements, 32.6% used prescription medicines, and 14.7% used dietary supplements and prescription medicines concomitantly. Then, we conducted a further survey on four groups, dietary supplement and prescription medicine users, dietary supplement only users, prescription medicine only users, and non-users (500 each). Dietary supplement users had favorable outcomes in terms of both the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements compared to dietary supplement non-users. This perception of dietary supplements was independent from medicine use. The awareness of the Health Food Network consumer navigation site, which provides information about dietary supplements for consumers, was the highest among dietary supplement and prescription medicine users, but it was still low (2.2%). In conclusion, consumers who use dietary supplement and prescription medicine concomitantly have favorable outcomes for their safety and efficacy and a low awareness of their interaction. There is a need to provide information, especially regarding the risk of interaction, that takes into account the consumer's situation.
Topics: Dietary Supplements; Humans; Perception; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 36235766
DOI: 10.3390/nu14194114 -
Research Quarterly For Exercise and... Dec 2021: Dietary supplement use by athletes has been the topic of previous research; however, the lack of homogeneity among published studies makes it difficult to analyze the...
: Dietary supplement use by athletes has been the topic of previous research; however, the lack of homogeneity among published studies makes it difficult to analyze the differences, if any, in the patterns of use between male and female athletes. The aim of this study was to determine gender differences in the patterns of dietary supplement use by elite athletes. : A total of 504 elite athletes (329 males and 175 females) participating in individual and team sports completed a validated questionnaire on dietary supplement use during the preceding season. The dietary supplements were categorized according to the latest IOC consensus statement. : A higher proportion of male versus female athletes (65.3 versus 56.5%, < .05) consumed dietary supplements. Both male and female athletes reported a similar mean consumption of dietary supplements (3.2 ± 2.1 versus 3.4 ± 2.3 supplements/season, respectively; = .45). Protein supplements were the most commonly consumed supplements in male athletes (49.8%) and their prevalence was higher than in female athletes (29.3%, < .01). In females, multivitamins (39.4%) and branched-chain amino acids (39.4%) were the most commonly consumed supplements and iron supplementation was more prevalent than in males (22.2% versus 10.2%, = .01). A higher proportion of male athletes relied on themselves to plan dietary supplements use (48.0%), while female appeared to rely more on doctors (34.0%, < .01). : In summary, male athletes had a slightly higher prevalence in the use of supplements than their female counterparts, specifically regarding protein supplements, and were more involved in the self-prescription of supplements.
Topics: Athletes; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Sex Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 32809924
DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2020.1764469