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Nutrients May 2022The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a pandemic and upheaval that health authorities and citizens around the globe are still grappling with to this day.... (Review)
Review
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a pandemic and upheaval that health authorities and citizens around the globe are still grappling with to this day. While public health measures, vaccine development, and new therapeutics have made great strides in understanding and managing the pandemic, there has been an increasing focus on the potential roles of diet and supplementation in disease prevention and adjuvant treatment. In the literature, the impact of nutrition on other respiratory illnesses, including the common cold, pneumonia, and influenza, has been widely demonstrated in both animal and human models. However, there is much less research on the impact related to COVID-19. The present study discusses the potential uses of diets, vitamins, and supplements, including the Mediterranean diet, glutathione, zinc, and traditional Chinese medicine, in the prevention of infection and severe illness. The evidence demonstrating the efficacy of diet supplementation on infection risk, disease duration, severity, and recovery is mixed and inconsistent. More clinical trials are necessary in order to clearly demonstrate the contribution of nutrition and to guide potential therapeutic protocols.
Topics: COVID-19; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; Vitamins
PubMed: 35565876
DOI: 10.3390/nu14091909 -
AMA Journal of Ethics May 2022Patients expect that dietary supplements they purchase-and physicians expect that dietary supplements they recommend-are safe, accurately labeled, quality products....
Patients expect that dietary supplements they purchase-and physicians expect that dietary supplements they recommend-are safe, accurately labeled, quality products. Since many dietary supplements, especially vitamins and minerals, are key parts of evidence-based interventions for patients with many conditions, illegal, fraudulent, adulterated, or improperly labeled products should be regarded as sources of clinical and ethical concern. Adverse events (AEs) can occur and, when they do, relevant data should be carefully collected and analyzed. This article considers how many physicians' and patients' confusion about dietary supplement regulation can undermine quality caregiving and responses to AEs. This article also summarizes a recent American Medical Association Council on Science and Public Health report on dietary supplement supply and marketing practices and on physicians' roles in guiding patients when dietary supplement use is clinically indicated.
Topics: Attention; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Marketing; Physicians; Public Health; United States
PubMed: 35575573
DOI: 10.1001/amajethics.2022.410 -
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 -
Nutrition Journal Feb 2014Dietary supplements are used by half to two-thirds of American adults, and the evidence suggests that this usage is one component of a larger effort to develop a... (Review)
Review
Dietary supplements are used by half to two-thirds of American adults, and the evidence suggests that this usage is one component of a larger effort to develop a healthier lifestyle. Dietary supplement users tend on average to be better educated and to have somewhat higher incomes than nonusers, and these factors may contribute to their health-consciousness. Dietary supplement use also tends to be more prevalent among women than among men, and the prevalence of use increases with age in both men and women. Numerous surveys document that users of dietary supplements are significantly more likely than nonusers to have somewhat better dietary patterns, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid tobacco products. While supplement users tend to have better diets than nonusers, the differences are relatively small, their diets have some substantial nutrient shortfalls, and their supplement use has been shown to improve the adequacy of nutrient intakes. Overall, the evidence suggests that users of dietary supplements are seeking wellness and are consciously adopting a variety of lifestyle habits that they consider to contribute to healthy living.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Chronic Disease; Dietary Supplements; Educational Status; Ethnicity; Exercise; Female; Food Assistance; Habits; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Life Style; Male; Middle Aged; Nutritional Requirements; Vitamins
PubMed: 24499096
DOI: 10.1186/1475-2891-13-14 -
Research in Social & Administrative... Aug 2021The lockdown imposed to counter the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has evoked an unprecedented phenomenon that could affect health behaviors and beliefs.
BACKGROUND
The lockdown imposed to counter the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has evoked an unprecedented phenomenon that could affect health behaviors and beliefs.
OBJECTIVE
To examine how medication-, dietary supplement- and health-related behaviors, beliefs and other psychological constructs changed in Polish online health service users during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
METHODS
A one-time online survey accessed through a health service website was completed before and during the pandemic lockdown by separate samples of respondents. The survey examined beliefs about medicines and dietary supplements, consumption of dietary supplements, trust and contact with their advertisements, sources of dietary supplement knowledge as well as perceived health, diet, physical activity and smoking, among other things.
RESULTS
The study included 1560 participants. Most examined outcomes remained unchanged over COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Beliefs that the dietary supplement quality is well controlled became significantly more pronounced during the lockdown (adjusted ratio of estimates 1.16, 95%CI 1.06-1.27, p = 0.001). Fewer people reported having contact with dietary supplement advertisements (adjusted odds ratio 0.59, 95%CI 0.43-0.83, p = 0.002).
CONCLUSIONS
The results may help understand some health-related issues associated with COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and may be used to shape aspects of health-related policy.
Topics: COVID-19; Communicable Disease Control; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Pandemics; Poland; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 33272858
DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.11.015 -
Nutrients Aug 2021We describe the profile of dietary supplement use and its correlates in the Epirus Health Study cohort, which consists of 1237 adults (60.5% women) residing in urban... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Observational Study
We describe the profile of dietary supplement use and its correlates in the Epirus Health Study cohort, which consists of 1237 adults (60.5% women) residing in urban north-west Greece. The association between dietary supplement use and demographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, personal medical history and clinical measurements was assessed using logistic regression models, separately for women and men. The overall prevalence of dietary supplement use was 31.4%, and it was higher in women (37.3%) compared to men (22.4%; -value = 4.2). Based on multivariable logistic regression models, dietary supplement use in women was associated with age (positively until middle-age and slightly negatively afterwards), the presence of a chronic health condition (OR = 1.71; 95% CI, 1.18-2.46), lost/removed teeth (OR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.35-0.78) and diastolic blood pressure (OR per 5 mmHg increase =0.84; 95% CI, 0.73-0.96); body mass index and worse general health status were borderline inversely associated. In men, dietary supplement use was positively associated with being employed (OR = 2.53; 95% CI, 1.21-5.29). A considerable proportion of our sample used dietary supplements, and the associated factors differed between women and men.
Topics: Adult; Dietary Supplements; Female; Greece; Health Behavior; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Status; Humans; Life Style; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Sex Factors
PubMed: 34445018
DOI: 10.3390/nu13082857 -
Prevalence, patterns, and attitude regarding dietary supplement use in Saudi Arabia: Data from 2019.PloS One 2022Dietary supplements are products containing dietary elements including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, or botanicals. They can aid consumers with low dietary...
Dietary supplements are products containing dietary elements including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, or botanicals. They can aid consumers with low dietary intake and quality, as well as those with high demands, by boosting nutritious value. A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults living in Saudi Arabia aged between 18-60 years old using online self-administered questionnaire. Information regarding sociodemographic characteristics, use and type of dietary supplements, and attitude toward and patterns of dietary supplement use was collected. The chi-square test, Pearson correlations, and the independent t-test were used. In total, 531 participants (115 men and 416 women) were included. Approximately half of the participants (51.8%, n = 275) used dietary supplements. Participants who were using dietary supplements were significantly younger (29.16 ± 9.32 years), more highly educated (85.5%, n = 235), and worked in the health sector (63.7%, n = 100). Herbal supplement use was associated with older age and female sex. Single mineral supplements were used more frequently by married, female, pregnant, or breastfeeding participants and those not working in the health sector. Fatty supplements were used more frequently by participants with a higher level of education. Regarding the attitude toward dietary supplement use, women, single participants, and health care workers showed a significant positive attitude. In-depth investigation into the amount of and reasons for dietary supplement use in the health sector is required. Additionally, educating pregnant and breastfeeding women on the importance of dietary supplements is necessary.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Amino Acids; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Minerals; Pregnancy; Prevalence; Saudi Arabia; Vitamins; Young Adult
PubMed: 36129901
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274412 -
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 -
Journal of Nutritional Science 2022Dietary supplements can be used to compensate for an inadequate diet. However, some studies indicate that supplement users consume healthier diets than non-users,...
Dietary supplements can be used to compensate for an inadequate diet. However, some studies indicate that supplement users consume healthier diets than non-users, although such data are lacking in Japanese children. The aim of the present study was to investigate the food and nutrient intake of dietary supplement users among school-aged children in Japan. A nationwide school dietary survey was conducted at fourteen elementary schools and thirteen junior high schools in twelve prefectures in Japan. Three-day non-consecutive semi-weighed dietary records were obtained on two weekdays and one weekend day. Analysis of covariance was performed to investigate differences in food and nutrient intake from meals consumed at school and outside of school between dietary supplement users and non-users, adjusted for socio-demographic and health-related characteristics. Of the 910 children included in this analysis, 80 (8⋅8 %) reported supplement use. Based on 3-d dietary records, dietary supplement users consumed higher mean amounts of oils and lower amounts of fruits and vegetables than non-users. In school lunches, users consumed significantly higher amounts of oils and lower amounts of protein than non-users. In meals consumed outside of school, dietary supplement users consumed significantly higher amounts of confectioneries and lower amounts of fruits and vegetables, folate, vitamin C and dietary fibre than non-users. Collectively, our findings indicate that dietary supplement users consumed less healthy diets than non-users. Additional studies are warranted to confirm these results and identify factors contributing to poorer dietary habits in supplement users.
Topics: Child; Dietary Supplements; Eating; Humans; Japan; Oils; Schools; Vegetables
PubMed: 35573463
DOI: 10.1017/jns.2021.96 -
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Jan 2013Herbal and dietary supplements are commonly used throughout the World. There is a tendency for underreporting their ingestion by patients and the magnitude of their use... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Herbal and dietary supplements are commonly used throughout the World. There is a tendency for underreporting their ingestion by patients and the magnitude of their use is underrecognised by Physicians. Herbal hepatotoxicity is not uncommonly encountered, but the precise incidence and manifestations have not been well characterised.
AIMS
To review the epidemiology, presentation and diagnosis of herbal hepatotoxicity. This review will mainly discuss single ingredients and complex mixtures of herbs marketed under a single label.
METHODS
A Medline search was undertaken to identify relevant literature using search terms including 'herbal', 'herbs', 'dietary supplement', 'liver injury', 'hepatitis' and 'hepatotoxicity'. Furthermore, we scanned the reference lists of the primary and review articles to identify publications not retrieved by electronic searches.
RESULTS
The incidence rates of herbal hepatotoxicity are largely unknown. The clinical presentation and severity can be highly variable, ranging from mild hepatitis to acute hepatic failure requiring transplantation. Scoring systems for the causality assessment of drug-induced liver injury may be helpful, but have not been validated for herbal hepatotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity features of commonly used herbal products, such as Ayurvedic and Chinese herbs, black cohosh, chaparral, germander, greater celandine, green tea, Herbalife, Hydroxycut, kava, pennyroyal, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, skullcap, and usnic acid, have been individually reviewed. Furthermore, clinically significant herb-drug interactions are also discussed.
CONCLUSIONS
A number of herbal medicinal products are associated with a spectrum of hepatotoxicity events. Advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis and the risks involved are needed to improve herbal medicine safety.
Topics: Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Dietary Supplements; Herb-Drug Interactions; Humans; Liver; Phytotherapy; Plant Preparations; Plants, Medicinal
PubMed: 23121117
DOI: 10.1111/apt.12109