Journal of Dietary Supplements最新文献

Concepts and definitions of 'healthy' have been evolving within clinical treatment algorithms as well as reference standards such as Body Mass Index and Dietary Reference Intakes. Consumers' perception of the word 'healthy' is also changing to reflect longer life span, need to stay active and in a good state of mental well-being while managing multiple diseases. Guidelines from the US Food and Drug Administration indicate that substantiating evidence for support of Structure/Function (S/F) claims for dietary supplements is best derived from clinical research conducted in a 'healthy' population. S/F claims cannot be represented to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. However, in this context, the term 'healthy' is non-descriptive and largely interpreted as an absence of disease. Guidelines for treatment of disease have been broadened to include biomarkers of disease risk such that the pool of 'healthy' volunteers eligible to be enrolled in clinical trials for S/F claim substantiation is greatly diminished. This perspective presents the challenges faced by the food and dietary supplement industry and by researcher efforts designed to substantiate S/F claims and suggest the phrase 'physiologically stable' or 'apparently healthy' as descriptions better suited to replace the term 'healthy.'

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is an independent, nonprofit science-based organization whose mission is to improve global health through public standards and related products for medicines, food and dietary supplements. Probiotic-based dietary supplements are increasingly popular in the marketplace and USP has developed fourteen monographs specific to probiotic ingredients, including representatives from the Genera Lactobacillus, Bacillus, Streptococcus, and Bifidobacterium. These monographs include the definition of the article, tests for identification, quantification assays (enumeration in the case of probiotics), limits for contaminants, and other quality parameters when appropriate. In addition to quality, the USP also considers the safety of probiotics for monograph development. This report includes an overview of the USP admission evaluation process for probiotics as well as a tabular summary of the probiotic monographs currently available. Pharmacopeia monographs can guide manufacturers and brand owners and protect consumers through establishment of quality standards.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most bioactive polyphenol in green tea, exhibits chemopreventive and therapeutic effects against ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers through multi-target mechanisms. This review integrates experimental and epidemiological evidence to reveal EGCG's dual roles as an antioxidant and pro-oxidant, its epigenetic modulation via DNMT/HDAC inhibition, and its suppression of key oncogenic pathways (e.g. PI3K/AKT/mTOR, NF-κB, HPV E6/E7). Experimental studies demonstrate EGCG's dose-dependent suppression of cancer cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo, particularly through reactivation of PTEN/AKT signaling. Notably, EGCG synergizes with chemotherapeutic agents by overcoming cisplatin resistance and enhancing PARP inhibitor efficacy. Epidemiological analyses further associate green tea consumption with reduced risks of endometrial cancer. Despite its potential, EGCG's clinical application is hindered by poor bioavailability and metabolic instability. We highlight innovative strategies such as nanoparticle-based delivery systems and combination therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors to address these limitations. This work positions dietary EGCG as a promising, low-cost adjuvant for female reproductive cancer prevention, advocating for translational research to bridge mechanistic insights and clinical utility.

This study investigates the effects of N‑PEP‑12, a neuroprotective dietary supplement, on cognitive function, neuroplasticity, and neurogenesis in aged 129S1/SvImJ (S1) mice, which are known for age‑associated cognitive impairments. The primary objective was to determine whether N‑PEP‑12 could improve memory retention and enhance neural health by modulating hippocampal plasticity and neurogenesis. S1 mice were chronically treated with N‑PEP‑12 or a Vehicle to assess its impact on cognitive performance using cued fear conditioning (CFC) and object location memory (OLM) tests. Additionally, in vitro studies examined the effects of N‑PEP‑12 on neuroplasticity markers such as Neurofilament Light Chain (NF‑L) expression and vasopressin (AVP) promoter methylation, to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying cognitive enhancements. N‑PEP‑12 treatment significantly improved associative and contextual memory in the CFC and OLM tests respectively. In vitro assays revealed that N‑PEP‑12 increased NF‑L expression and decreased AVP promoter methylation, indicating enhanced neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. Furthermore, N‑PEP‑12 preserved blood‑brain barrier integrity under oxidative stress conditions, suggesting a protective role against vascular‑related cognitive decline. The findings suggest that N‑PEP‑12 promotes hippocampal health by enhancing neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, potentially mitigating age‑related cognitive decline. These results highlight N‑PEP‑12 as a promising agent for supporting healthy cognitive function in aging populations through the modulation of neurobiological pathways associated with learning and memory.

Yeast beta-glucans demonstrate immune-modulating effects; however, few studies have explored the potential of yeast beta-glucans to enhance immune response to vaccination. This pilot study aimed to assess the adjuvant effect of a yeast beta-glucan supplementation on antibody titer response to influenza vaccination. Adults (n = 90; 70.7 ± 10.1 years) were recruited over two vaccination seasons and randomized to receive 500 mg of beta-glucan or placebo (500 mg cellulose) daily in a double-blind study design. Pre- and 4 wk post-vaccination serum influenza-specific antibody titers were assessed using an optimized Hemagglutination Inhibition (HI) assay. Plasma cytokines 24 h post-vaccination were quantified by immunoassay. Cold and flu symptoms, using the Modified Jackson Criteria, fever, and self-perceived fatigue were monitored daily. Linear mixed models were used to test for differences in the fixed effects of time, treatment, and their interactions. In season 1 (Fall 2022), despite a baseline suggesting seroprotection for the Influenza A (H3N2 A/Wisconsin/67/2005) in 92% of the beta-glucan group and 74% of the placebo group, the post-vaccination antibody titer response (Δ = 95.8) favored beta-glucan over placebo (p = 0.037). Influenza B/Austria/1359417/2021 antigen demonstrated poor detection; 7 of the 10 HI detectible antibody responses seen were in the beta-glucan group. In season 2 (Fall 2023), the Influenza A (H1N1 A/Victoria/4897/2022) antigen demonstrated poor detection (14%), which precluded further cohort analyses. Of the cytokines, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) increased similarly in both groups after vaccination, not supporting the adjuvant action of beta-glucan at the cellular level. Reported cold and flu symptoms were low in both groups and did not differ. Overall, the findings suggest that yeast beta-glucan supplementation may elicit a greater change in antibody titer to seasonal influenza vaccination. However, confirmation is needed with a larger sample of older adults and with follow-up to assess protection from disease. Clinical trial registry number and website: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05074303.

Demand for high-quality and standardized phytochemicals (botanicals) and plant extracts if rising in both the food and dietary supplement industries. Ensuring the authenticity of the plant raw materials used in botanical and dietary supplement manufacturing is an important step before processing raw materials. However, authenticating phytochemicals (botanicals) are challenging due to their unique characteristics, including geographical location, seasonal variations, environmental conditions, and plant diversity. These factors cause variability in properties, making consistent authentication methods difficult to establish. The current review is centered on the utilization of multisource and qualitative methods for authenticating the identity of botanical and food ingredients. This review highlights the integral role of various botanicals and plant extracts authentication methods such as micro/macroscopy, chromatography, and spectroscopy technology, including DNA-based approaches. Further summarizing the current state of knowledge and importance its potential contributions to the field of botanical ingredient authentication system. This study also highlights the plants used in dietary supplement categories of weight management, memory enhancement and blood sugar regulation and their adulteration/admixture. Furthermore, discusses considerations for selecting appropriate methods and optimization steps in the implementation and standardization of botanical and plant extract authentication. In addition, we discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with the implementation and standardization of botanical and plant extracts authentication system. The future of botanical authentication will be shaped by advances in molecular diagnostics such as targeted DNA barcoding, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), and chemometric integration with spectroscopic techniques which are set to greatly enhance accuracy, traceability, and global compliance in botanical product safety and quality.

Tamoxifen, a common treatment for estrogen receptor (ER)‑positive breast cancer, is associated with an increased risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Curcumin, a compound in turmeric, has shown potential in mitigating liver disease progression. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of curcumin in preventing NAFLD in breast cancer patients initiating tamoxifen therapy.In this 6‑month triple‑blind, randomized placebo‑controlled trial, 44 ER+ breast cancer patients scheduled to receive tamoxifen were assigned to receive either curcumin (500 mg daily) or a placebo. NAFLD grade was assessed via ultrasound at baseline and after 6 months. Laboratory values and demographic data were collected, and adverse effects were monitored. Statistical analyses was performed using SPSS version 16.Data of a total of 44 participants (22 participants in each group, mean age: 47.1 ± 6.0 years) were analyses. There were no significant differences between the placebo and curcumin groups regarding the demographic and baseline laboratory values. At study completion, significantly fewer patients in the curcumin group showed an increased NAFLD grade compared to the placebo group (13.6% vs. 54.5%; p = 0.03). Additionally, the prevalence of NAFLD grade ≥ 2 was lower in the curcumin group (13.6% vs. 40.9%; p = 0.04). No adverse effects related to curcumin were reported. Curcumin supplementation demonstrated a protective effect against tamoxifen‑induced NAFLD in ER+ breast cancer patients, suggesting its potential as a prophylactic adjunct to tamoxifen therapy. Larger multi‑centric trials are warranted to confirm these findings.

Folic acid also known as folate and vitamin B9 is of the class of B complex vitamins. It is crucial for homeostatic function of the biological system and is not endogenously produced. It is medically approved for the treatment of megaloblastic anemia. Neurological conditions describe a class of disease conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves impacting several important functions such as cognition, movement, emotion and sensation. They can arise from a number of causes which may include one or more of genetic factors, infections, injuries, toxins and degenerative process. Homocysteine, a neurotoxic amino acid converted by folic acid has been identified in the pathology of many neurological conditions while folic acid on the other hand has been investigated multiple times for its neuroprotective function and mechanism. Folic acid is involved in the neutralization of homocysteine to its nontoxic form. This article highlights some of the reports of the neuroprotective effect of folic acid against homocysteine toxicity, neurodegenerative diseases, neuropsychiatric conditions, fetal and neonatal neuronal health.

In recent decades, a new health paradigm emerged which increasingly places diet and nutrition at the center of citizens' healthcare. The resulting evolution of the food market has prompted country governments to adapt their regulatory frameworks to ensure product safety and preserve the health of citizens. Dietary supplements (DS) are products which are increasingly occupying a significant market share in Western countries, contributing to meeting the nutritional and physiological needs of a large portion of the global population. Food supplements must be safe for use by the final consumer who has access to the global market, but currently they are framed by a different legislation worldwide. This search aimed of comparing the legislative frameworks currently in force in the European Union (EU) and in the United States (USA), the two main markets in which DS are purchased, to focus on the strengths, similarities and possible shortcomings, against the backdrop of a global market which often transcends the regulatory barriers of individual countries. Both in the EU and the USA, food supplements are governed by specific regulations to ensure their safety and quality. However, the regulatory approaches differ sharply in some cases. It is expected that more and more operators will launch new DS in Western markets. As a result, it is crucial for competent authorities in food safety to deepen and develop additional regulatory tools aimed to control and safeguard the DS market.

Creatine is a widely studied ergogenic aid known for its effects on muscle performance and body composition. However, its impact or utility for athletes involved in combat sports, who often aim to reduce body mass to meet a specific weight class, remains unclear. To conduct a narrative systematic review of peer-reviewed published studies that examined the effects of creatine supplementation on body mass, body composition, muscular strength, power, endurance, fatigue, recovery, and cognitive performance in combat sport athletes. A comprehensive search was conducted in multiple public databases up to March 2025. Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies evaluating creatine supplementation in combat sports (eg wrestling, judo, taekwondo, boxing) were included. Outcomes assessed included changes in body mass and body composition, performance metrics, and markers of fatigue and recovery. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Creatine supplementation increased body mass, especially during longer-term interventions (≥6 wk) or when combined with structured resistance training. Creatine supplementation also increased measures of body mass and fat-free mass (FFM). Muscular power and maximal strength outcomes improved significantly after creatine supplementation, particularly in studies utilizing short-duration, high-intensity exercise protocols. Creatine supplementation did not influence measures of sport-specific endurance, recovery or fatigue. No serious adverse effects were reported across studies for creatine supplementation. Creatine supplementation enhances body mass, FFM, muscle strength and power in combat sport athletes. Given its safety and efficacy profile, creatine supplementation remains a promising supplement for supporting some aspects of athletic performance in combat sports.