A Study To Understand Public Knowledge And Perception Towards Immunity Food Booster's Consumption During COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 pandemic has brought a significant change in the lives of all population segments. Irrespective of the country, religion, economic status, and position worldwide, a committed thought is developed on "IMMUNITY" and "IMMUNITY BOOSTERS."The nutrition and health portfolio of many populations worldwide reported severe impacts from changing trends in modern lifestyle, food habits, food consumption, and the environment. Defining health remains a crucial task over several decades. The present study is to understand and evaluate the knowledge and purchasing behaviour of the population during COVID-19 time. A survey is conducted through social media platforms with pre-designed and tested questionnaires. Data were collected from 200 respondents. A rapid assessment survey was conducted using Google Forms. Google Form was distributed through various social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and LinkedIn in Indian communities residing across the globe. The above data shows that 64% have consumed Vitamin C supplements almost every day for 15 days, 13% for one month, 10% of the respondents more than one month, and 13% took supplements as supplements per the doctor's advice. The results indicate that nearly 73% of the respondents started consuming supplements, 15% sometimes, and 4% of the respondents expressed their consumption was on and off. When questioned in detail, it is mentioned that they have taken supplements. The results depict buying behaviours, reading and understanding the food labels, purchasing supplements and immune boostersCopyright © 2023, Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences.All Rights Reserved.

Beneficial Effects of Daily Consumption of Garlic and Onion Extract Concentrate on Infectious Respiratory Diseases in Elderly Resident Volunteers.

Aging is a biological process with high susceptibility to several infections. This risk increases in older patients in residential care facilities (RCF). Thus, there is a clear demand for developing preventive interventions with new therapeutic compounds that combine efficacy and safety. This could be the case of compounds derived from plants of the genus Allium spp. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a combination of a garlic and onion extract concentrate standardized in organosulfur compounds derived from propiin on the incidence of respiratory tract infections in elderly patients of RCF. Sixty-five volunteers were selected at random to receive a placebo or a single daily dose of the extract for thirty-six weeks. Different clinical visits were performed to evaluate the main respiratory diseases with an infectious origin, as well as the associated symptoms and their duration. The extract showed a clinical safety profile and significantly reduced the incidence of respiratory infections. Moreover, the treatment decreased the number and duration of the associated symptoms compared with the placebo group. For the first time, we demonstrated the protective effect of Alliaceae extract in respiratory infectious diseases in elderly healthy volunteers, which could be used prophylactically against the most common infectious respiratory diseases.

Dietary supplements' knowledge, attitude and consumption pattern among United Arab Emirates population

PurposeTo study the consumption pattern, attitude and knowledge of the general population about dietary supplements (DS) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Design/methodology/approachA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data on knowledge, attitude and consumption pattern related to the use of DS. Participants aged = 18 years were asked to complete a self-administered online questionnaire that included demographic characteristics, health and lifestyle information, consumption patterns, attitudes and knowledge levels regarding the use of DS.FindingsA total of 207 individuals participated in the study, and 117 (56.5%) participants reported using DS products as influenced by the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), of which 63 (53.8%) participants had been using DS for more than one month but less than one year. The majority of the participants was females (64.7%), non-UAE nationals (60.9%) and employed (51.7%). Multivitamins (77.8%) were the most commonly used DS. Use of DS was more prevalent among older participants (n = 78 (61.9%), p = 0.006), non-UAE nationals (n = 79 (62.7%), p = 0.025) and employed (n = 69 (64.5%), p = 0.023). Improving general health (76.1%) and immune booster (47%) were the most frequently identified reasons for using DS, which is relatable to the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of study participants (72.12%) reported knowing relatively little about the use of DS. About 154 participants (74.4%) did not know that DS products do not treat diseases.Research limitations/implicationsFurther studies with a larger sample size need to be conducted to examine the association between gender or chronic disease and the consumption and type of DS products used to fill the gap in the literature and overcome the limitations identified in this study.Originality/valueThis study highlights the need for community education programs and strategies that can raise awareness of the health benefits and risks of using DS. Further studies with a larger sample size need to be conducted to examine the association between gender or chronic disease and the consumption and type of DS products used to fill the gap in the literature and overcome the limitations identified in this study.

Development Of Technology for Obtaining Natural Nutriceutics in Solid Form

This article discusses development of technology for obtaining natural nutriceutics in solid form. Currently, a healthy lifestyle, a healthy diet and the body's resistance to external negative factors have become topical issues, especially after the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Basically, the prevention and treatment of diseases occurs due to the replenishment of the complex of bioactive substances that the body receives from healthy food. Otherwise, if the tissues and organs do not receive the elements necessary for the normal functioning of the body, then the strength to fight the disease decreases. Here, dietary supplements, that is, nutraceuticals, play an important role, they are consumed with food and are mainly obtained from products of natural origin: vegetable, animal and bacterial.Copyright © 2023, Codon Publications. All rights reserved.

Impact Analysis Of Fear, Knowledge, And Attitudes On Purchase Behavior Of Nutritional Supplements Before And After COVID19: A Cross-Sectional Study In Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Nutritional supplements are essential driver not only for normal growth but also to boost immunity to fight against infection. Fear and lack of proper treatment for COVID19 have created many concerns worldwide, which has given rise to finding alternative options for prevention and ways to build immunity. Consumption of dietary supplements, herbal extracts, and other natural products has increased remarkably to improve immunity. People's belief systems have changed towards consuming supplements before and during COVID-19. The influence of social media and the other related sources on the internet were the primary sources of motivation for purchasing accessories. Though there is not enough scientific data to establish the role of dietary supplements and the prevention of COVID19, the sales of the DS have dynamically increased. The present study examines the consumer knowledge, fear, and attitude toward the purchase behaviour of supplements before and during COVID 19. The cross-sectional study was conducted in the Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, India. A total of 214 individuals in the age group above thirty participated in the study. Patients visiting the hospital patient department participated in the study. The questionnaire was divided into two sections. The first section contains general information like age and demographics, and the second questions about purchasing behaviour. Behaviours were analyzed with SPSS AMOS, SEM analysis, and factor analysis. The results indicate a meaningful relationship between supplement purchase and fear, attitude, and immune-building stress. Most of the respondents consumed supplements during COVID 19. It was attributed to worry and to building immunityCopyright © 2023, Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences.All Rights Reserved.

Home Remedies, Dietary and Lifestyle Changes during Covid-19 Pandemic

December 2019 has become one of the most surprising days in the whole world in light of the flare-up of a most infectious sickness brought about by novel Covid or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study is conducted to assess the benefits of the use of home remedies to prevent the cause of Covid-19 and evaluate the assessment of dietary changes and physical activity in the prevention of Covid-19. A questionnaire-based online survey is conducted using Google forms consisting of multiple-choice questions about home remedies, lifestyle and dietary changes made by the people during this pandemic. These home remedies included using different types of herbal preparations, steam inhalation, physical exercise and OTC medications for prophylaxis. Questions likewise included about being infected by Coronavirus-19(during first wave or second) and their recovery period, additionally collected their viewpoint for changes made, for example how much they are useful in the prevention of the attack and whenever encountered any undesirable impacts. Total responses were 210, among which 121(57.6%) responses were from females and 89(42.4%) from males. 65 people tested Covid positive (42 during the first wave and 23 during the second wave). 118(56.2%) of people think these changes are very beneficial. (Rated 4 and 5 out of 5 points). From our survey, we concluded that different herbal preparations of their composition, which they thought are helpful, and steam inhalations have been used. Rating regarding the use and effectiveness was also found to be average. Further studies are needed to prove and provide clear evidence about adverse and side effects associated with the use of herbal products.Copyright © 2022 Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. All rights reserved.

Dietary supplement use and associated variables among Turkish women: cross-sectional study

Introduction: Dietary supplement use is continuously increasing in the world and it seems to be more common among women. Data on supplement habits of women in Turkey are still limited. The purpose of this study is to determine dietary supplement use and to evaluate associated factors in Turkish women in the pre-COVID-19 period. Methodology: A total of 727 Turkish women (33.4[10.3] years;25.9[4.57] kg/m2;162.9[6.81] cm) participated in this cross-sectional study. After piloting, the participants completed a six-part questionnaire form that was administered either face-to-face or over the phone by a trained dietitian. The questionnaire intended to collect data about demographic characteristics, use of dietary supplements and factors influencing supplement choices such as eating habits, physical activity and lifestyle habits. Result(s): A total of 307 participants (42.2%) used at least one dietary supplement within the previous year. The most commonly used was iron (30.6%) followed by vitamin D (30.6%), vitamin B12 (26.7%), multivitamins (18.2%), and calcium (11.4%). Supplement use decreased with higher physical activity (p=0.002). Furthermore, it was significantly higher among women who consume meals at regular times (p=0.001) and those that avoid fast food consumption (p=0.014). However, the use of dietary supplements was not associated with lower BMI, older age or higher academic level (p>0.05). Conclusion(s): More than 40% of women were reported using dietary supplements. The use of supplements was not associated with lower BMI, higher physical activity, older age, higher academic level smoking or drinking. Turkish women seem to show a different consumer profile from typical dietary supplement users.Copyright © 2022 Asociacion Espanola de Dietistas-Nutricionistas. All rights reserved.

Nutritional Intervention for the Treatment and Prevention Against Novel Coronavirus-19

Introduction: The ongoing pandemic of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS COV-2) has jeopardized people's health and the global economy. The infection caused by these viruses inflicts immunosuppression and an unprecedented range of symptoms leading to mortality. At this stage, there are no countermeasures or medicines to overcome rapid disease proliferation and aberrant immunological response. Objective(s): The study aims to determine different immunomodulatory therapeutics that could be potential agents to alleviate viral and other lethal infections and possibly rejuvenate immunological and tissue repair response against this disease. Method(s): A review of the literature was performed by screening different scientific databases to procure various immunomodulatory therapies for the treatment of SAR COV-2. Result(s): A comprehensive literature review indicated that different foods rich in vitamins (A-D), selenium and iron can enhance immunological response against various deleterious infections, whereas different nutritious drinks that include hydrogen-enriched water and green tea alleviate inflammation and elicit wound healing properties. Black cumin seeds and Garlic have a myriad of biological activities due to abundant bioactive phytochemicals that play an important role in the elimination of various bacterial and viral infections. Conclusion(s): These foods/supplements are relatively safe to consume and possess high toxicity profile and could be a potential nutritional intervention in order to create adequate immunity within a population to fight against this prevailing infection.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.

Differences in ulcerative colitis patients regarding COVID-19 status

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is the novel coronavirus that caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19) outbreak. Studies have increasingly reported the involvement of other organs, including the gastrointestinal system, in addition to the respiratory system. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease with an unknown cause. Emerging data suggest that the gastrointestinal system may be influenced by COVID-19 via the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2, but data on the association between COVID-19 and ulcerative colitis, are lacking. Method(s): In 6-month time (June to December 2021) 49 ulcerative colitis (UC) outpatients from Riga East Clinical University Hospital were included in a cross-sectional study. All patients were divided into groups according to medically proven COVID-19 status (COVID-19+ vs COVID- 19-) in the last 6 months. Information about diet, IBD medications, food supplements, vitamins, sports activities, marital status, education level, and income level was collected. Data were analyzed with SPSS 20.0. Result(s): Out of 49 patients, 33(63.3%) were males and 13(36.7%) were females, median age was 38.0 [IQR=17] years. Fourteen patients (28.6%: 7(50%) in each gender) were Covid-19+ within last 6 months. Median time patients suffered from COVID-19 was 7 [IQR=15.3] days. The most common symptoms were: 11(19.6%) fever, 6(10.7%) rhinitis and 5(8.9%) weakness. The most common diet among all patients was IBD diet 33(67.3%) from those 12(21.4%) were COVID-19- and 4(78.6%) were COVID-19+, p=0.00. Out of 49 patients, 25(44.6%) were using food supplements (fish oil, curcumin, collagen, zinc, calcium) of those 17(30.4%) patients were COVID-19-, 8(14.3%) COVID-19+, p=0.00. Most commonly used vitamins were vitamin D 18(64,3%), from those 15(42.9%) were COVID-19-, 3(21.4%) COVID-19+, p>0.5;vitamin C - 7(32,8%), from those 4(11.4%) were COVID- 19-, 3(21.4%) COVID-19+, p>0.5. Twenty-four (49%) were doing sports, of those 18(51.4%) were COVID-19-, 6 (42.9%) COVID+;p>0.5. Most common sports activities were cycling 8(16.3%), running 8(16.3%) and fitness 6(12.2%). Most commonly used IBD medications were mesalazine 35(71.4%), azathioprine 7(14.3%) and biologics 4(8.16%), there were no statistically significant differences between COVID-19+ and COVID-19-. There were no statistically significant differences between marital status, education level, and income regarding COVID-19 status. Conclusion(s): COVID-19 was less common among patients who were using food supplements and followed IBD diet.

A brief review on the medicinal uses of Cordyceps militaris

Introduction: Cordyceps, a popular Chinese medication, is made by drying caterpillar-borne Cordyceps fungus. The parasite needs an insect host or larvae host to survive. To strengthen those who were lacking in vitality, it was administered in tonic form. The biological effects of Cordyceps species are well documented. Its medicinal properties are because of the chemical constituents present in the mushroom namely cordycepin, cordymin, polysaccharides, glycoprotein, ergosterol, and other extracts. Material(s) and Method(s): Some of the biological activities of C.militaris are anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, immunomodulatory, antimicrobials, immunosuppressive, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, neuroprotective, and fertility enhancer. Because of their bioactive compounds, edible fungus like C. militaris is a multifunctional food supplement. Many mushroom species can be grown on domestic refuse, popularizing the mushroom industry in sustainable economies worldwide. Conclusion(s): C. militaris extract can improve health when added to the diet. Further, the complexity of clinical investigations and the challenges of developing therapies using mushroom extracts are both exacerbated by the abundance of bioactive chemicals present in mushrooms. Cordycepin has the most therapeutic potential of all the bioactive compounds described in the studies. Recent studies indicate that cordycepin may be effective against COVID-19's SARS-CoV-2 strain. Therefore, this review lays the groundwork for clinical use and examines the research program for the near future.Copyright © 2023 The Author(s)

Sleep, dietary melatonin supplementation, and COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, people suffered from major mental health problems. These include stress, anxiety, and confusion about the existing situation of home confinement. Melatonin is a popular anti-inflammatory and antioxidant molecule sold as an over-the-counter dietary supplement. OBJECTIVE: This review discusses the indications for using melatonin in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, including treatment. METHODS: A comprehensive search of publications was conducted in electronic databases focusing on the administration of melatonin in COVID-19. RESULTS: Stress has a huge negative impact on sleep routines and the quality of life of individuals. Sleep is considered an important modulator of the immune response. Thus, a lack of sleep can weaken immunity, increasing organism susceptibility to infection. For instance, shorter sleep durations are associated with a rise in suffering from the common cold. The administration of melatonin protects against viral and other pathogens and speeds clinical recovery. CONCLUSION: In patients admitted to intensive care units, melatonin decreases the risks of severe complications, such as thrombosis and sepsis, and mortality rates. In addition, it is efficacious in lowering vessel permeability, depression, and sedation, and improving the quality of sleep, which could also help COVID-19 patients achieve better clinical outcomes.

A Review of Phytochemistry and Pharmacology on Moringa Oleifera

Natural extracts have been of very interest since ancient times due to their enormous medicinal use and research attention. Moringa oleifera is well known as miracle tree as it consists of high nutritive values. Originally from India is widely distributed in many tropical regions, in the pacific region, west Africa as well as central America. India is the major supplier of Moringa worldwide, accounting for around 80% of global demand. It is a multipurpose plant cultivated for medicinal applications. It contains rich sources of Vit- A, B1, B2, B3 and C, It also has calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, zinc and phospherus. Moringa species contain various phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, saponins,tannins, steroids.phenolic acids( gallic, vanillic and p-coumaric acids) and flavanoids(catechin), tocopherol ,glucosinolates and terpenes. Investigations of ethanol extract of the leaves gives lutein, B-carotene,phytyl fatty acids, esters, poly phenols, B- sitosterols,triglycerols,fatty acids and saturated hydrocarbons. Leaves were obtained by super critical extraction with CO2 using ethanol as a cosolvent, temperature 35-80 0C.The phenolic acids( gallic, vanillic and p- coumaric acids) and flavanoids(catechin) were identified in all extracts. Extracts obtained at 35 degrees shows the highest values of total phenolic compounds. The activities of plant include Anti-oxidants, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-viral,anti- hyperglycemic,anti-hyperlipidemic,anti-inflammatory,anti-hypertension, anti-spasmodic and others. Due to covid-19 pandemic, the global Moringa products market size is estimated to be worth USD 5167.2 million in 2022. Leaf powder is expected to exceed USD 6 billion by 2025 on account of increasing demand in the dietary supplement and food applications.

P17-03 New approach methodologies to evaluate botanical safety

Natural products, such as botanical dietary supplements, are used globally and in some regions growing in their popularity and use, especially in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring the safety of these products is an important public health priority. Botanicals are naturally complex, with varying chemical compositions due to factors such as differences in growing conditions, extraction processes, and/or changes to the finished product. Globally, conventional in vivo and in vitro testing schemes are built on single chemicals, not on complex mixtures such as botanical products. Because of the chemical variability and a reliance on history of use data, toxicity data for many botanical mixtures are lacking and few tools have been tested for their suitability for these complex mixtures. A cross-sector collaboration between scientists in industry, government, and academia for botanical safety has been initiated with the goal of providing a sound scientific basis for integrating existing data with new approach methodologies to evaluate botanical safety. Thirteen botanicals with existing toxicity and/or clinical information available were chosen as initial candidates to evaluate various in silico and in vitro assays for their suitability to detect toxicological endpoints. Characterization of all thirteen botanicals was completed in early 2022, with quantification information obtained for selected individual constituents. Using this information as well as already available constituent details in the literature, the suitability of various in silico models and their use in various aspects of botanical safety evaluation were explored;as a screening step in an overall safety assessment for specific toxicological endpoints (e.g., genotoxicity, DART), to predict pharmacokinetic properties for use in PBPK modeling, and to predict formation of potentially toxic metabolites. Planned in vitro studies targeting specific endpoints of interest (hepatotoxicity, genotoxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and systemic toxicity) will be initiated mid-2022. This presentation will provide an overview of work completed to-date as well as a summary of the test materials, planned assays, and learnings to-date regarding advancements available for botanical safety assessment. Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V.

Mental and Physical Performance of Adult during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Use of Dietary Supplements

Background: Life during the COVID-19 pandemic was miserable, most of the people were in a panic situation either because of being affected by COVID-19 or losing their near and dear ones. Majority of Indian population was in the trauma condition impacting physical and mental health directly or indirectly either due to the infection or repeated lockdowns. Aim(s): The present study was carried out to gain knowledge of people's physical and mental health such as anxiety, depression, and stress during the period of the pandemic in the year 2021. Material(s) and Method(s): The standard questionnaires were used to conduct the online survey using google form. The questionnaire contains five sections and collects the information on anxiety, stress, depression, and physical activities. The survey started on May 23, 2021, and ended on June 2, 2021 by circulating the link through emails, WhatsApp, and messages. Result(s): A total of 291 people participated in this survey process and all responses were analyzed, out of which 165 were men and 126 were women. It was calculated that 59.4% of men and 40.6% of women were affected by COVID-19. Total 49.5% of people affected by COVID-19 were in favor of improvement in physical and mental performance while taking dietary supplements. Whereas 19.8% denied the statement and 28.7% of people saw slight changes in their health status. Conclusion(s): During the pandemic people were mostly affected by anxiety, depression, stress, and physical health and to cope with these situations dietary supplements surely be the utilitarian for the society. Through this study, it was found that if a person includes both exercise and nutraceutical products in their lifestyle, there will be a chance of living a sustainable and healthy life. Copyright © 2022 International Journal of Nutrition, Pharmacology, Neurological Diseases Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow.

Vitamin C and D Supplements to Prevent the Risk of COVID-19

Background: A virus is a tiny agent, around one-hundredth the size of a bacterium which can infect cells of plants and animals. Seven coronaviruses are known to infect humans;three of them are serious, namely, SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome, China, 2002), MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome, Saudi Arabia, 2012), and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) (2019-2020). SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV belong to beta coronaviruses (betaCoVs). Objective(s): In this mini-review, we want to consider the importance of vitamin D and C, especially plants containing these two vitamins, in the fight against COVID-19. Method(s): The manuscript includes review articles, randomized control experiments, analytical studies, and observations, which have been gathered from different sources such as Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, and PubMed. A literature review was carried out using keywords such as vitamin D, vitamin C, COVID-19, influenza, plant, and coronaviruses. Result(s): Various sources of vitamin D for humans are food, dietary supplements, and the skin by exposure to 7-dehydrocholesterol to ultraviolet light. There are some new findings on the influence of vitamin D in preventing and controlling influenza and COVID-19. Vitamin D may play a role in preventing influenza and COVID-19 by producing large quantities of IL-1 and IL-6 or interleukins. Conclusion(s): Vitamin D deficiency is a potential link between respiratory infection and immune eva-sion, and vitamin D is a pleiotropic factor known to modulate the immune response against the patho-gen. Copyright © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.

Analysis of Nutritional Supplements' Price Change in Turkiye

Objectives: Nutritional supplements are products prepared in various forms to supplement daily nutrition, with a daily intake dose. COVID-19 pandemic increased the use of supplements which may reflect the increase of price. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the changes in the prices of nutritional supplements containing antioxidant, fish oil, glucosamine, collagen, probiotic, probiotic and vitamin-mineral in the last 1 year during COVID-19 pandemic for Turkiye. Method(s): In this study, the price changes of the top 24 most sold products belonging to 7 subgroups of the nutritional supplements group were examined in Turkiye. The data of the study were obtained from the websites (www.akakce.com;www.cimri.com) where the prices of nutritional supplements are presented. The price changes of 7 subgroups determined during the evaluation between 08.04.2021 and 08.04.2022 were analyzed. For these price changes, calculations were conducted for each group and general price change rates were calculated. The analyzes of the study were conducted through the Microsoft Office Excel program. Result(s): As a result of the analysis, the highest price change rate was observed for glucosamines with 49.80%, while the lowest average price change rate was observed for collagen with 4.47% in Turkiye. The average price change of the groups, except for the collagen, fish oil and propolis groups, increased by more than 30%. The average price change rate of 7 different groups taken as a basis is 29.41%. Conclusion(s): As a result of the analysis, it is seen that a price increase is present in all nutritional supplement groups examined in Turkiye. For the price increase between the determined dates, it is thought that people prefer food supplements to protect and strengthen their immune system due to the COVID-19 pandemic which influences the whole world. Copyright © 2022

A Detailed Comparison of the Use of Dietary Supplements before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background and aim: Considering the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the expectation that dietary supplements (DS) boost the immune system of individuals, the aim of this research was to evaluate the use of DS and related factors by comparing periods before and during the pandemic. Method(s): A descriptive cross-sectional internet-based study was conducted with 1488 participants from the general public aged above 19 years. Result(s): The median age of participants was 33.0 (19-69) years and 88% of participants were women. A total of 48.9% of participants (50.2% of females, 39.9% of males) used DS before COVID-19, and DS use during COVID-19 was reported to be 57.9% (58.6% of females, 52.8% males). Independent variables of DS use before and during COVID-19 were sex, age, body mass index (BMI), education, income, vitamin/mineral deficiency (VMD), alcohol use, and medication use. Participants who had no VMD used more DS, mostly herbal supplements such as grape seed, gotu kola, ginseng, ginkgo biloba and green tea. Vitamin D and C were the most commonly-used DS among participants with vitamin/mineral deficiency, followed by zinc and multivitamins. The main reason for DS use (47.2%) during COVID-19 was to strengthen immunity. Conclusion(s): The current findings may help to understand the preferences of individuals about DS use during pandemics. Understanding factors associated with the use of DS and their claimed immune-boosting effects may support future studies aiming to provide accurate information and motivate individuals towards healthy use of supplements during pandemics. Copyright © Mattioli 1885.

Dietary supplements' knowledge, attitude and consumption pattern among United Arab Emirates population

Purpose To study the consumption pattern, attitude and knowledge of the general population about dietary supplements (DS) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Design/methodology/approach A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data on knowledge, attitude and consumption pattern related to the use of DS. Participants aged = 18 years were asked to complete a self-administered online questionnaire that included demographic characteristics, health and lifestyle information, consumption patterns, attitudes and knowledge levels regarding the use of DS. Findings A total of 207 individuals participated in the study, and 117 (56.5%) participants reported using DS products as influenced by the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), of which 63 (53.8%) participants had been using DS for more than one month but less than one year. The majority of the participants was females (64.7%), non-UAE nationals (60.9%) and employed (51.7%). Multivitamins (77.8%) were the most commonly used DS. Use of DS was more prevalent among older participants (n = 78 (61.9%), p = 0.006), non-UAE nationals (n = 79 (62.7%), p = 0.025) and employed (n = 69 (64.5%), p = 0.023). Improving general health (76.1%) and immune booster (47%) were the most frequently identified reasons for using DS, which is relatable to the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of study participants (72.12%) reported knowing relatively little about the use of DS. About 154 participants (74.4%) did not know that DS products do not treat diseases. Research limitations/implications Further studies with a larger sample size need to be conducted to examine the association between gender or chronic disease and the consumption and type of DS products used to fill the gap in the literature and overcome the limitations identified in this study. Originality/value This study highlights the need for community education programs and strategies that can raise awareness of the health benefits and risks of using DS. Further studies with a larger sample size need to be conducted to examine the association between gender or chronic disease and the consumption and type of DS products used to fill the gap in the literature and overcome the limitations identified in this study.

A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Trial of Inulin to Boost Response to a Third COVID-19 Vaccine Dose in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Purpose: Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) commonly exhibit inadequate responses to 2-dose COVID-19 vaccination schedules and remain at increased risk of severe COVID-19. Gut dysbiosis is common among KTRs and has been associated with poor vaccine responses. We hypothesised that a dietary fibre supplement may correct dysbiosis and enhance responses to a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine in KTRs. Method(s): KTRs who had received 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine were recruited from 2 transplant programs in Australia. KTRs with an inadequate response (defined by anti-RBD <100U/mL) were randomised to receive inulin (fibre) or maltodextran (control), 10g dissolved in 200ml water twice daily for 4 weeks prior to, and 4 weeks after a 3rd vaccine, at which time vaccine response was measured by anti-RBD titre, vaccine-specific B and T cell responses, and changes in the gut microbiome. Patients and investigators were blinded to treatment assignment. COVID-19 infection was excluded by measurement of anti-nucleocapsid antigen. Result(s): Of 85 KTRs screened, 71 had baseline anti-RBD<100U/mL and were randomised to inulin (n=37) or control (n=34). Participants were 33% female, mean age 59 yrs (SD 11), with mean eGFR 56 ml/min/1.73m2 (SD 24.8), and were most commonly receiving tacrolimus, mycophenolate and prednisolone. All participants received a third dose of a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine after receiving a dietary supplement for 4 weeks. Week 8 assessment of vaccine response, supplement tolerability and change in microbiome are ongoing. Four participants tested positive for COVID-19 during the study. Conclusion(s): Gut dysbiosis is one potential contributor to the poor COVID-19 vaccine responses exhibited by KTRs. This trial will determine whether a simple dietary fibre supplement is well tolerated and effective in correcting gut dysbiosis and restoring vaccine responsiveness. Improved vaccine responses are urgently required to better protect KTRs from ongoing morbidity and mortality from COVID-19.

Just because you can...does not mean you should: an examination of efficacy and potential harms from non-prescribed supplements taken by members of the Christchurch Health and Development Study at age 40

The development and sale of non-prescribed dietary supplements is a growing industry. According to Euromonitor (2020) the value of global retail sales of non-prescribed supple-ments increased by 105% between 2007 and 2021. New Zealand's market grew by 72% during the same period from NZ$194.8 million to NZ$335.5 million. Global demand for supplements such as vitamins C and D, minerals and herbal supple-ments increased as the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened despite, in most cases, no scientific evi-dence that their consumption can directly combat SARS CoV-2. Copyright © 2022 New Zealand Medical Association. All rights reserved.