Research Topic: dietary supplements

The Co-Evolution of Markets and Regulation in the Japanese Functional Food Industry: Balancing Risk and Benefit

This research examines how Japan regulates functional foods – products designed to promote health beyond basic nutrition. The study shows that food regulations have evolved alongside industry growth, trying to balance protecting consumers from unsafe products while allowing companies to innovate and make health claims. Using a framework that examines both safety concerns and consumer benefit information, the authors trace how Japan’s regulatory system changed from the 1960s to today, showing how regulations respond to industry needs and safety incidents.

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Efficacy and safety of MT104, a dietary supplement based on Cuscuta seeds and heat‐killed probiotics, on cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment: A 12‐week, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial

Researchers tested a dietary supplement called MT104 made from Cuscuta seeds and special probiotics to see if it could improve memory and thinking in people with mild cognitive impairment, an early stage before dementia develops. In a 12-week study with 200+ participants, those taking MT104 showed better memory recall and overall cognitive function compared to those taking a placebo. The supplement appeared to be safe with no serious side effects, suggesting it could be a helpful natural approach to slow the progression toward Alzheimer’s disease.

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Association of the use of nonfood prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics with total and cause-specific mortality: a prospective cohort study

This study of over 53,000 American adults found that people taking nonfood supplements containing prebiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics had significantly lower risks of dying from any cause, heart disease, cancer, or other causes compared to those who didn’t take these supplements. The benefits were particularly strong in women and people without high blood pressure. These findings suggest that these supplement types may play an important role in preventing early death.

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Effect on consumers’ sustainable purchase intention of dietary supplement purine labeling

This study examined how labeling the purine content on dietary supplements affects whether consumers continue buying them long-term. Researchers found that clearly showing purine levels encourages people to make sustainable choices, especially those concerned about gout or similar health conditions. The effect works by making health-conscious consumers more aware of potential risks and connecting their purchases to both personal health and environmental values.

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Mushroom-Based Supplements in Italy: Let’s Open Pandora’s Box

Researchers tested 19 mushroom supplement products sold in Italy and found serious quality problems. Many supplements didn’t actually contain the mushroom species listed on their labels. Some products also contained toxic substances or inconsistent amounts of beneficial compounds. The study highlights the need for better regulation and manufacturing standards to ensure these popular health products are safe and effective.

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Neurotoxicity associated with the medicinal mushroom product-Diamond Shruumz: A case report

A 17-year-old girl became severely ill after eating a chocolate bar containing a medicinal mushroom product that was contaminated with muscimol, a toxic compound from poisonous mushrooms. She experienced confusion, uncontrollable muscle jerks, dilated pupils, and excessive drooling, requiring hospitalization and temporary breathing assistance. Though her symptoms resolved within 8 hours and she recovered fully, this case highlights the serious danger of unregulated mushroom supplements that can be contaminated with deadly toxins.

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The Role of Plant Extracts in Enhancing Nutrition and Health for Dogs and Cats: Safety, Benefits, and Applications

This review examines how plant-based supplements like tea extracts, curcumin, and quercetin can improve the health of pet dogs and cats. These natural compounds act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, supporting gut health, immune function, and overall wellness in companion animals. While generally safe when properly dosed, cats and dogs metabolize these compounds differently, requiring species-specific dosing strategies to maximize benefits and minimize risks.

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Exploring Bioactive Compounds from Fruit and Vegetable By-Products with Potential for Food and Nutraceutical Applications

This review explores how food waste from fruit and vegetable processing can be transformed into valuable health supplements and functional foods. By-products like peels, seeds, and leaves contain powerful compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Modern extraction techniques can efficiently recover these compounds in environmentally friendly ways, making it possible to create nutritious supplements while reducing food waste and supporting sustainable food production.

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Increased Rates of Supplement-Associated Oxalate Nephropathy During COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, more people took dietary supplements and high-dose vitamin C for health reasons. However, this study found that excessive supplement intake led to a significant increase in a kidney disease called oxalate nephropathy, where calcium oxalate crystals damage the kidneys. The good news is that when patients stopped taking these harmful supplements, their kidney function often improved, emphasizing the importance of careful supplement use.

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Nutrivigilance: the road less traveled

This paper discusses nutrivigilance, which is the monitoring of side effects from dietary supplements and health products. Unlike medicines, dietary supplements in the US don’t need approval before being sold to consumers. The paper explains what nutraceuticals are, how they’re classified, and the different ways the US and Europe try to keep track of harmful effects. The authors argue that better systems are needed, including more reporting from consumers and better communication between companies, regulators, and healthcare providers.

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