Research Topic: dietary supplements

Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials

This comprehensive review examines how medicinal mushrooms contain natural compounds that can boost immune function, fight cancer cells, reduce inflammation, and protect nerve cells. Different mushroom species like reishi, shiitake, and maitake contain various active substances such as beta-glucans and triterpenes that work through multiple biological pathways. While laboratory and animal studies show promising results, more human clinical trials are needed to confirm effectiveness and establish safe dosing guidelines.

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How Do Cyclodextrins and Dextrans Affect the Gut Microbiome? Review of Prebiotic Activity

Cyclodextrins and dextrans are substances commonly used in medicines that may have unexpected health benefits for your gut bacteria. Research shows these compounds can help beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium grow better in your digestive system. When these good bacteria ferment these substances, they produce helpful compounds called short-chain fatty acids that improve overall gut health and may help with conditions like obesity and inflammation.

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Glyoxalase 1 Inducer, trans-Resveratrol and Hesperetin–Dietary Supplement with Multi-Modal Health Benefits

A dietary supplement combining trans-resveratrol and hesperetin activates a cellular defense mechanism called Nrf2, which increases production of an enzyme (Glo1) that helps eliminate harmful byproducts of sugar metabolism. This supplement improved multiple aspects of health in studies, including better blood sugar control, reduced inflammation, and improved liver function. The combination works better than either ingredient alone, and the trans form of resveratrol is much more effective than the cis form.

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Evaluation of the Elemental Composition of Dietary Supplements Containing Iron Available on the Polish Market Using ICP-OES, FAAS and CVAAS Techniques

Researchers tested 24 iron-containing dietary supplements sold in Poland to check if they contained the amounts of iron and other minerals stated on their labels. They found that most supplements had more iron than claimed, and five exceeded safe levels. The study highlights concerns about inconsistent quality and the need for better oversight of supplement manufacturing to protect consumers, especially pregnant women.

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Driving Innovation Through Regulatory Design and Corporate Behaviour: A Case Study of Functional Food Industry in Japan

This study examines how government regulations on health claims for dietary supplements affect how companies in Japan develop and sell these products. The research found that companies willing to invest in their own clinical trials to prove their products work tend to create more successful products and gain bigger market share. The study suggests that well-designed regulations can actually encourage companies to invest more in research and create better, more innovative products rather than just copying existing ones.

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A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial on the Effect of a Dietary Supplement Containing Dry Artichoke and Bergamot Extracts on Metabolic and Vascular Risk Factors in Individuals with Suboptimal Cholesterol Levels

Researchers tested a daily pill combining dried extracts from artichoke and bergamot plants to see if it could improve cholesterol levels and heart health in people with elevated cholesterol. After 12 weeks, people taking the supplement showed significant improvements in cholesterol levels, triglycerides, inflammation markers, and blood vessel function compared to those taking a placebo. The supplement was safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects, suggesting it could be a useful natural approach for managing cholesterol and related cardiovascular risk factors.

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Dissecting the difference between positive and negative brain health sentiment using X data

This study examined over 390,000 posts on X (formerly Twitter) about brain and health to understand how people express positive and negative feelings. Researchers found that negative posts were shared more often and were linked to serious health concerns like COVID-19 and brain inflammation. People expressing negative sentiment mentioned medications like lorazepam and comfort foods like pizza, while those with positive sentiment discussed resilience, mindfulness, and different medications. The research highlights both the benefits and dangers of sharing health information on social media.

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Factors governing consumers buying behavior concerning nutraceutical product

This study examines why people buy nutraceutical products like health supplements and functional foods. Key factors include knowing the health benefits, product taste and packaging, affordability and availability, and recommendations from healthcare professionals. The study found that age, education, and gender affect purchasing decisions, and online shopping has become increasingly important. Companies should focus on innovative products with simple health messages to better serve different consumer groups.

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Assessment of Heavy Metals in Mexican Dietary Supplements Using Total X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry and Health Risk Evaluation

Mexican dietary supplements commonly contain toxic heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and chromium. While individual metal levels in most supplements appeared safe when consumed alone, the cumulative exposure from multiple metals could increase cancer risk over a lifetime. The study found that some popular supplements, particularly those marketed for weight loss and blood detoxification, contained concerning metal levels, especially seaweed-based products and animal-origin supplements. Better regulation and labeling of dietary supplements in Mexico is urgently needed to protect consumers from long-term health risks.

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Benefits and risks of hair, skin, and nail supplements in older adults

This article reviews popular supplements that older adults, especially women, take to improve their hair, skin, and nails. While some supplements like nicotinamide show promise for sun-damaged skin, most lack strong evidence of benefit in healthy people. Important risks include biotin interfering with heart and thyroid tests, too much zinc causing copper deficiency, and excess vitamins A and E building up to toxic levels. Doctors should talk to older patients about these supplements and help them make informed decisions based on scientific evidence rather than marketing claims.

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