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There have been arguments as to whether it is necessary to take lutein and zeaxanthin supplements; this is because some researchers believe that these two substances are ‘non-nutritive bio-active plant components.’ They have also been referred to as ‘micro-nutrients.’

Some also have the belief that deficiency in lutein does not cause any disease; however it is a carotenoid and carotenoids are converted to vitamin A in the human body. For starters, vitamin A deficiency leads to impaired vision (night blindness); if this is not treated, the cornea gets destroyed which eventually leads to total blindness. It is important to note that blindness caused by vitamin A deficiency can not be reversed or corrected; however if it is discovered early and treated in time, the vision could be saved and restored.

This could be done using supplements containing retinol (animal form of vitamin A); the problem with this is that retinol in high dosage is toxic to your body and your body can not get rid of it.

However carotenoids are not toxic so you can take lutein and zeaxanthin supplements to help boost your vision because lutein is a component of retina; retina is that part of your eye that transmits signals to your brain making it possible for you to see. It is also necessary for peripherial vision.

Zeaxanthin on the other hand is concentrated in the macular – that small spot on the retina responsible for central vision.

Another cause of blindness is what is called macular degeneration; it is an age related disease as well as a dietary disease. Diets rich in fats and carbonhydrates contribute to macular disease.

You need lutein and zeaxanthin supplement because our modern diets have also been found to be deficient in vital nutrients and most people don’t even eat enough fruits and veggies; moreover, studies have shown that our fruits and vegetables no longer contain much nutrients as they used to because of the modern methods of farming (for instance the use of pesticides and fertilizers). It is also important to note that these micronutrients are destroyed by cooking.

Studies have attributed macular degeneration to low levels of zeaxanthin; hence the best way to prevent/treat this disease and improve your eye health in general is by regular consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin supplements.

Now that you know the importance of these two micronutrients to your vision, visit my website to learn about a nutritional supplement that I personally take, which contains these and other vital nutrients your body needs to function optimally.

By: Didi Dyke

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The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) is the governing dietary supplement legislation implemented in the United States. Based on its provisions, dietary supplement ingredients are not subject to premarket safety evaluations in the same way as introduction of new food ingredients or new use for old food ingredients is also not evaluated. The legislation provides a different set of requirements for dietary supplements to meet safety provisions.

1. Summary of provisions

The dietary supplement legislation of the DHSEA requires the following from supplement manufacturers: definition of dietary supplements and ingredients, establishment of a framework for assuring safety, guidelines and literature to be displayed in the place where supplements are sold, provision of nutritional support statements and claims, and nutrition and ingredient labeling. The DHEA also grants authority to the FDA to establish GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) regulations. The dietary supplement legislation also requires the establishment of an Office of Dietary Supplements within the National Institutes of Health and an executive level Commission on Dietary Supplement Labels.

2. Intent of dietary supplement legislation

The intent for legislating the DSHEA is to help Americans augment daily diets, provide health benefits, meet concerns of consumers and manufacturers, ensure safety and appropriately labeled products, and be made available for those who want to use them. Congress also states that dietary supplements may have a connection between disease prevention and reduced health-care costs; although further scientific research is needed to substantiate this claim.

3. Safety of dietary supplements

Based on the dietary supplement legislation, the manufacturer is the one responsible for ensuring that the supplement products are safe before they are marketed. There are no provisions for FDA to approve or disapprove dietary supplements for effectiveness or safety before they are manufactured and sold. Also, based on the dietary supplement legislation, dietary supplement manufacturers are not required by law to record, investigate, report to FDA any injuries or illnesses reported in relation to the use of the product. The FDA takes more of a “post-marketing” responsibility: monitoring safety, adverse event reporting, and product information. It is also authorized to establish Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations.

IMPORTANT: If you want to make sure that the supplement products you are buying prepared, packed, and handled safely, choose a manufacturer that strictly adheres to GMP standards as outlined by the FDA. Compliance ensures that the product does not contain any contaminants and that it has the right amount of ingredients.

By: Jean Helmet

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dietary supplement

A dietary supplement is any product that is intended to supplement the diet and that contains at least one of these ingredients: vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, glandulars, metabolites, or a combination of these ingredients. If you choose to take a dietary supplement, read the supplement label carefully. The label will show how much of a specific vitamin, mineral, botanical, or other is in each dietary supplement. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and its Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition developed regulations for manufacturers in order to help consumers make informed choices when choosing dietary supplements. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that their supplements’ facts label and ingredient list are accurate, that the dietary ingredients are safe, and that the content matches the amount declared on the label.

Here is the information that must be on a dietary supplement label:
A descriptive name of the product stating that it is a supplement. The name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor. A list of each ingredient contained in the product, listed in the order of predominance by common name or proprietary blend. Ingredients not listed on the facts panel must appear in the other ingredient statement beneath the panel. The net contents of the product. The manufacturer’s suggested serving size. There are no rules that limit a serving size or the amount of a nutrient in any form of dietary supplements. Information on nutrients when they are present in significant levels, such as vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and sodium, and the percentage Daily Value (% DV) where a reference has been established–this is similar to the nutrients listed in the Nutrition Facts panel on food labels. The Daily Value is essentially the same as the DRI (RDA or AI). All other dietary ingredients present in the product, including botanicals and amino acids–those for which no Daily Value has been established.
Multiple and Single Nutrient Supplementation

When you choose a general multivitamin and multi-mineral supplement, consider those that offer the full nutrient spectrum, the full range of B-complex vitamins, and antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamins C and E. A good rule of thumb is to look for daily value percentage ranges from 50 to 150 percent. If a multivitamin has some but not enough of the other vitamins, you can take additional doses of those particular single supplements. Typically, a multivitamin cannot hold enough calcium. In addition to this basic multivitamin and mineral supplement, you may want to take single supplements to boost your health for specific conditions. To be sure that you will not be taking excessive amounts over what is already in the basic supplement, subtract the amount in the basic supplement from the larger amount listed for that single supplement. The difference is the amount of the single supplement you need to add. For example, if your basic supplement provides 200 milligrams (mg) of calcium, you would only take 800 mg of single supplement calcium to receive 1,000 mg of calcium daily.

Botanicals Common in High-Potency Supplements

Common herbal supplements are sometimes found in the formulation of high-potency or a health-benefit specific multivitamin and mineral supplement. Some herbs are used as specifics and are taken for brief periods or only when symptoms are present. Some herbs are used as tonics and are taken long term, sometimes with short breaks in between. For more information on using herbs and their health benefits, read about them from a reliable source and then discuss them with your health practitioner. Become informed!

Here are a few common herbs and their unique properties that you may find in your supplements:

Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo Biloba) is an antioxidant and improves circulation and memory. It may interact with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors and blood-thinners and may cause gastrointestinal upset and headaches. Ginseng (Panax ginseng, P. quinquefolius) helps increase energy, and is used as a tonic for fatigue and athletic performance. It may worsen the side effects of stimulants, such as caffeine. Some people experience over-stimulation or stomach upset when taking this herb. Avoid this herb if you have high blood pressure, heart palpitations, insomnia, asthma, or a high fever. Siberian Ginseng or Eleuthero (Eleuthero senticosus) helps increase energy and is used as a tonic for fatigue and stress. Its use may increase the effectiveness and side effects of some antibiotics. Saw Palmetto (Sernoa repens) is effective in the treatment of prostate enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Some people experience stomach upset when taking this herb. Echinacea (Echinacea augustifolia, E. pallida, E. Purpurea) is known for its ability to stimulate the body’s defenses against minor vial and bacterial infections such as colds and the flu. Persons allergic to the pollen of other members of the aster family, such as ragweed, may also be allergic to echinacea. Its use may counteract immune-suppressive drugs. Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis plant extract) has antioxidant properties, particularly the phytochemical epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and is used as a tonic. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) is considered a liver protector and healer and is used as a liver tonic. Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) has been shown to be effective for premenstrual and menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes. It may cause stomach upset. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid using this herb.

Copyright 2006. Mary El-Baz. All rights reserved.

By: Mary El-Baz, PhD

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Healthy hair. We all strive to have, after seeing countless Pantene commercials and too many actresses sporting shimmering hair thanks to TV magic. It is a physical trait that everyone wants to have. Men want women with shiny healthy hair, and women want to experience it themselves. With such commotion around the locks on top of our head, it is significant to learn how dietary supplements can actually improve hair care.

What many people do not realize is that the look of hair can actually tell a lot about a person. For instance, if you have extremely dry hair, you may actually have a vitamin deficiency, such as Iron. If you have shiny and healthy hair, chances are you are in good health and are not suffering from any issues. While women’s locks may look beautiful, there are several factors in figuring out if the hair is healthy. Split ends, premature gray hairs, and dandruff are actually signs that the hair is calling out for help. Also, if you have extreme dry or oily ends, this is another warning sign.

In order to acquire healthy hair, one has to actually focus on their nutrition. For instance, diet supplements are wonderful when trying to avoid dry hair. Our bodies actually split up the nutrients we gain from the food we eat, thus our hair and scalp are allowed a certain amount of those minerals. Unfortunately, if we are not eating the right foods with a lot of healthy benefits, then our stomachs are not the only ones paying for it.

The most important nutrients we need for our hair and our bodies are Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and Inositol. These diet supplements actually keep our follicles healthy and shiny. Not sure what foods carry such vital nutrients? Fruits with citrus, strawberries, green vegetables, and soy bean actually possess these minerals. By eating these types of foods and many others including fish, you will be on the right path to great nutrition and healthy hair care.

While foods and diet supplements are wonderful ways to kick your hair into gear, there are products available on the market. For example, there are hot oil treatments that are great for your scalp, which are great if you want to rejuvenate your dry and lifeless hair. There is also diet supplements specifically designed for healthy hair. These usually come in the form of a tablet, and can be found in any health food store. Still not impressed? A favorite product is Biosilk, which helps your hair look healthy and full of life. Although there are many different ways to get healthy hair, hair care does not stop at nutrition or expensive products. You need to incorporate all of these tips and ideas, no matter how many excuses you seem to have. Healthy hair not only makes us look beautiful, but it will make us feel better about ourselves. Hair care can actually lead to a healthier lifestyle, especially if you pay attention to the nutrients you are putting into your body.

By: Natalie Aranda

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The number of obese people is increasing year after year and it doesn’t seem to stop from that. It is becoming one of the world’s major problems and it affects today’s generation greatly. Not only are adults affected by the said condition, children and teens are suffering from it as well. Though it is always said that the best way to combat the situation if by promoting regular exercise and a balanced diet, people find it slow and sometimes provides late results.

This is why supplements for fat loss were created. They are supposed to hasten weight loss and burn fat fast. The production of these products is growing and new product brands and names are introduced almost daily. The main question is, are these pills, capsules, drinks, and programs safe for consumers or not?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking these products?

Advantages:

1. Diet pills, which are a product of well established and reputable companies, usually yield a lot of benefits from weight loss to body cleansing.
2. Products made from natural ingredients like Hoodia, Green tea, and Acai berry are beneficial to health as they contain certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants needed by the body to thrive and function well.
3. Supplements, which are made from quality and dependable materials, can melt belly fat and help a person build muscles and tone his or her body as a whole.
4. Products, which are inspected, standardized, and tested, can help eliminate bacteria, chemicals, toxins, and waste deposits from the body, hence making it healthy and fit.
5. Most supplements pair up with exercise and balanced meal for overall body fitness and nutrition.

Disadvantages:

1. Some supplements are not tested and recommended by the FDA.
2. Other products contain chemicals that are harmful to the body when used for a long duration.
3. Many of these weight loss products do not promote good nutrition and exercise.
4. Side effects can be fatal and some had led to the death of a number of people.
Given the advantages and disadvantages, it is now up to you to decide whether to buy these fat loss products or not.

By: Ruben McDaniels

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Even if you are not new to taking a fish oil dietary supplement maybe you have never thought about the things you need to know a little bit about, in order to help you make the right choice.

What I mean is understanding that some of the small but important differences that exist between same looking products, will have an impact of how effective they are in delivering the stated health benefits. This is surely the main reason we take them.

Take for example the amount of DHA in your current capsule. This is considered by many researchers to be one of the best essential fatty acids to have in a supplement. Sadly it’s missing in the cheaper brands or in such small quantities that could be considered a waste of money. The better quality fish oil dietary supplement will list it alongside another fatty acid EPA and show it as a combined dosage in milligrams. By looking at this you will have a better idea of the true amount of omega 3 fatty acids. It’s often the case that a higher dose will give better results.

One other fact that we often ignore is the purity of the oils used, which is measured by the amounts of heavy metals, PCB’s and dioxins they contain. In the case of these supplements there are four international standards in place. Any respectable producer will be able to display what’s known as a COA on its website, short for Certificate of Analysis, showing a breakdown of the levels of any pollutants in its product. If the brand you are currently using is unable to do the same, then it may be hiding something from its consumers.

There’s a few more things to take note of like the freshness of the fish oil dietary supplement, which I discuss on my main site. For the sake of a few minutes you could find yourself a more effective, value for money product.

By: Tony Tucker

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