Relationship Between Nutrition and Supplementary Food Use and Fear of COVID-19 in Nurses Who Worked Actively During the Pandemic

Objectives: This research was conducted to determine the effects of nurses' fear of COVID-19 on their dietary habits and use of supplements. Methods: The research, which is descriptive and cross-sectional, was shared as an online survey over the social net-working site and social networking with the snowball sampling method. It was carried out between December 2020 and March 2021 with 485 nurses who worked actively during the pandemic and agreed to participate in the study. The data were obtained with the questionnaire in line with the relevant literature and the "COVID-19 Fear Scale". The data were used to evaluate the number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, median, minimum, maximum, t-test, ANOVA test, and x(2) test. Results: Fear levels were found to be higher in nurses who regularly took food supplements during the pandemic and didn't have adequate or balanced nutrition, who couldn't eat most of the time due to working conditions, who took the food supplements to help in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and who recommended them to the in-dividuals around them (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that there was an increase in nurses' use of food supplements before and during the pandemic, and this increase was statistically significant (p<0.001).

Supplements purchase intention: young consumer's perspective

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the factors that influence young consumers' purchase intention towards dietary supplements (DS) in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe supplement industry in Malaysia has been growing rapidly recently due to a paradigm shift in healthcare management, from curative to prevention. Thus, it has sparked interest to conduct a study on the factors that influence young consumers' purchase intentions towards DS. With a response rate of 74.5%, a survey questionnaire was used to elicit data from 149 Gen-Y respondents who consume supplements on a regular basis.FindingsThe results revealed that the influencing factors towards purchase decisions among these Gen-Y respondents aged between 17 and 25 are based on product knowledge and product quality. The implications of these findings and directions for future research are outlined at the end of this paper.Originality/valueThis study offers empirical insights from the perspective of an emerging digital economy on the factors that influence young consumers' purchase intentions towards DS in Malaysia.

RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN RHEUMATOLOGIC PATIENTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN POLAND

BackgroundBefore the COVID-19 pandemic it was estimated that nearly 70% of the population is deficient in vitamin D - 25(OH)D <20ng/ml in Poland [1]. The percentage was expected to increase due to indoor isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vitamin D has a positive effect on the condition of the bones, affects the course of autoimmune diseases, the course of neurological diseases, in type 2 diabetes, vitamin D supplementation improves glucose tolerance and reduces insulin resistance [2,3,4].ObjectivesThe aim of the retrospective study was to determine what percentage of rheumatology clinic patients suffer from vitamin D deficiency and whether this condition is effectively treated.MethodsIn January 2023, a retrospective analysis of the documentation of 172 patients treated at the Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic in Bełżyce (Poland) in 2022 was conducted.ResultsResults: The mean age of the 172 patients whose documentation was analyzed was 60.43 years (min 19, max 88). There were 132 women (76.8%) and 40 men (23.2%) in this group. The mean concentration of vitamin D was 25.57ng/ml±SD11.9 (min 5.7, max 75, Me 22.8). Vitamin D deficiency was found in 44% (serum concentration <20mg/ml), suboptimal concentration (20-30ng/ml) in 31%, optimal concentration (30-50ng/ml) in 21%, and high concentration (>50ng/ml) ml) in 4%. All those with a deficit or deficiency (75 people) were prescribed cholecalciferol in a dose of 20,000 units orally, 1 capsule twice a week after breakfast for 2 months [5]. Patients with optimal vitamin D levels were advised to take a dose of 2,000 units per day. Among the patients with deficit or deficiency, 48 people came for a follow-up visit to check the level of vitamin D (64% of the group with too low vitamin D concentration;28% of the entire group whose documentation was analyzed). In the follow-up examination, the mean concentration of vitamin D was 37.14±9.8ng/ml (min 28, max 84, Me 35.3). Therefore, a statistically significant increase in the concentration of vitamin D in the blood was noted (p<0.05). In the group of people who came for the follow-up examination, there were 35 women, whose mean age was 60.7 years and 13 men (mean age 68.2 years).Conclusion:1. During the COVID-19 pandemic in the group of outpatient rheumatology patients, 75% had a deficiency or suboptimal level of vitamin D.2. Treatment with cholecalciferol in a dose of 20,000 IU twice a week orally for 2 months is effective treatment of vitamin D deficiency.3. Too low percentage of patients diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency come for visits and check-ups.References[1]Hilger J., Friedel A., Herr R.. A systematic review of vitamin D status in populations worldwide. Br J Nutr. 2013;9: 1023.[2]Karczmarewicz E., Czekuć-Kryskiewicz E., Płudowski P. Effect of vitamin D status on pharmacological treatment efficiency-impact on cost- effective management in medicine. Dermatoendocrinology, 2013;5: 299-304.[3]Zhu J., Bing C., Wilding J.P.H. Vitamin d receptor ligands attenuate the inflammatory profile of IL-1β-stimulated human white preadipocytes via modulating the NF-κB and unfolded protein response pathways Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 2-18, 503: 1049-1056.[4]Luan W., Hammond L.A. Vuillermot S. Maternal vitamin d prevents abnormal dopaminergic development and function in a mouse model of prenatal immune activation. Scientific Reports 2018;8 (1) article numer 9741.[5]Płudowski P., Karczmarewicz E. i wsp. Witamina D: Rekomendacje dawkowania w populacji osób zdrowych oraz w grupach ryzyka deficytów.Wytyczne dla Europy Środkowej 2013 r. Standardy Medyczne/Pediatria 2013, 10, 573-578 (in Polish).Acknowledgements:NIL.Disclosure of InterestsNone Declared.

Immune enhancers for COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2, also known as COVID-19, is a novel coronavirus that began sweeping the globe at the end of 2019, causing mild illness in some patients while leading to devastating shock, immune dysregulation, multiorgan failure, and even death in others. Immune dysregulation may lead to increased susceptibility to severe disease from COVID-19. Immune enhancers could aid in immune regulation and protect against severe COVID-19 infection. Herbal supplements, spices, and lifestyle modifications have been shown to enhance immune responses to a number of pathogens, which may include COVID-19. These immune enhancers could be used adjunctively with vaccines, social distancing, and pharmacologic treatments to prevent life-threatening infection in susceptible patients. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Drug utilization study in patients affected with COVID-19 in a dedicated COVID hospital

Background: There exists a treatment dilemma regarding the optimal and effective use of therapeutic drugs (hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine/azithromycin) for COVID-19. Furthermore, with changing guidelines, the data on drug utilization patterns across India are limited. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the prescription pattern and drug utilization trends in COVID-19 patients with the aim to study the drug utilization pattern in patients affected with COVID-19 in a dedicated COVID-19 hospital. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of the study are as follows: (1) To study drug utilization patterns according to the severity of the disease. (2) To study the prevalence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Materials and Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from 100 medical records of patients 18 years irrespective of sex admitted in the COVID ward and ICU of a dedicated COVID hospital from May to August 2020. Pregnant and lactating women were excluded from the study. ADRs reported were also analyzed. Results: About 71% were mild in this study, 18% were moderate, and 11% were severe COVID-19 patients. Overall, the most common drugs prescribed were multivitamins, followed by pantoprazole, paracetamol, and azithromycin. Hydroxychloroquine was prescribed in 22%, favipiravir in 7%, and remdesivir in 3% of cases. The majority of moderate COVID patients received injectables piperacillin-tazobactam, methylprednisolone, and enoxaparin. The mean number of medications, duration of admission, and number of days on oxygen were higher and significant in moderate compared to mild and severe COVID patients. Overall, ADRs were encountered in 9% of cases. Conclusion: The prescribed pattern of drugs was by the national standard guidelines. Multivitamins, followed by pantoprazole, paracetamol, and azithromycin dominated the prescription pattern. Polypharmacy was encountered, which needs to be addressed for the rational use of drugs.

Was COVID-19 pandemic anxiety reflected on nutritional habits in adults? (Special Issue: The relationship between nutrition and COVID-19.)

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the reflection of COVID-19 pandemic anxiety experienced in adults on nutritional habits during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. Design/methodology/approach: The study was conducted with 600 adults aged between 19 and 64 years. The general characteristics of the individuals, nutritional habits, use of dietary supplements and COVID-19 pandemic anxiety before and during the pandemic period were questioned via a Web-based questionnaire. COVID-19-related anxiety was assessed using The COVID-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S) and The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 24.0. Findings: In this study, 49.8% of the participants stated that their appetite and food consumption amount increased during the pandemic period. The rate of use of dietary supplements among individuals was found to be 40%. It was observed that the mean body weight and body mass index increased significantly in both genders during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been determined that anxiety about COVID-19 is higher in individuals and women who start using nutritional support during the pandemic period. The total C19P-S and STAI scores of those who started using a dietary supplement during the pandemic were significantly higher than those who did not use a dietary supplement. Similarly, those whose eating habits changed positively and those who bought more packaged products had higher C19P-S scale mean scores (p < 0.05). Originality/value: During the COVID-19 period, it is important to reduce the anxiety levels of individuals, provide psychological support, raise awareness of adequate and balanced nutrition and the correct use of dietary supplements to adapt to the new lifestyle.

The effect of mothers' fears of Covid-19 on their attitudes towards feeding their children and using food supplements.

This study aims to investigate the correlation between mothers' COVID-19 fears and their attitudes toward feeding their children and using food supplements. The mothers of 312 children aged 3-6 years participated in this study. Data were collected online using the Descriptive Characteristics Form for Children and Their Families, the Questionnaire Form on Food Supplement Use, the Mother's Attitudes Toward the Feeding Process Scale (MAFPS), and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. During the pandemic, 58.9% of children used food supplements. Of these, 38.7% used vitamins/multivitamins, 39.4% used food supplements to strengthen their immunity against the disease, and 23.8% of mothers stated that the food supplement was effective in preventing COVID-19. As the fear of coronavirus increased, the mothers' attitudes toward feeding their children were negatively affected. The mothers' fears of COVID-19 negatively affected their attitudes toward feeding their children by 24.0%. Therefore, nurses should ask whether mothers use food supplements for their children during the pandemic period and inform those who use them about the effects and possible side effects of using this method.

Hypoglycemia Induced by Zinc Supplementation for COVID-19 Prophylaxis: A Case Series.

There has been significant research and therapeutic activity within the healthcare sector in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In the United States, a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatment regimen for improving patients' immune systems against COVID-19 prophylaxis includes excess zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin D supplementation administered over a seven-day period. Despite the fact that zinc and other mineral supplements are becoming increasingly popular in Western culture, clinical research on CAM remains limited. This case series examines three patients treated with a surplus of zinc tablets for COVID-19 prophylaxis who presented with moderate-to-severe hypoglycemia. Varying amounts of glucose were administered to these patients to offset their low blood sugar levels. Medical staff noted a positive Whipple's triad in two of the patients but observed no other abnormalities in the laboratory values. All three patients were instructed to cease zinc tablet intake upon discharge. Our findings raise awareness of the potential dangers associated with mineral supplements and serve as a warning for those seeking CAM treatment options.

Was COVID-19 pandemic anxiety reflected on nutritional habits in adults?

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the reflection of COVID-19 pandemic anxiety experienced in adults on nutritional habits during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted with 600 adults aged between 19 and 64 years. The general characteristics of the individuals, nutritional habits, use of dietary supplements and COVID-19 pandemic anxiety before and during the pandemic period were questioned via a Web-based questionnaire. COVID-19-related anxiety was assessed using The COVID-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S) and The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 24.0.FindingsIn this study, 49.8% of the participants stated that their appetite and food consumption amount increased during the pandemic period. The rate of use of dietary supplements among individuals was found to be 40%. It was observed that the mean body weight and body mass index increased significantly in both genders during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been determined that anxiety about COVID-19 is higher in individuals and women who start using nutritional support during the pandemic period. The total C19P-S and STAI scores of those who started using a dietary supplement during the pandemic were significantly higher than those who did not use a dietary supplement. Similarly, those whose eating habits changed positively and those who bought more packaged products had higher C19P-S scale mean scores (p < 0.05).Originality/valueDuring the COVID-19 period, it is important to reduce the anxiety levels of individuals, provide psychological support, raise awareness of adequate and balanced nutrition and the correct use of dietary supplements to adapt to the new lifestyle.

Special Issue: Supplement of rhinology and anterior skull base - laryngology and head and neck surgery - Covid-19 in Ent and mucormycosis. (Special Issue: Supplement of rhinology and anterior skull base - laryngology and head and neck surgery - Covid-19 in Ent and mucormycosis.)

This special issue contains 491 featuring clinical reports, clinical studies, research articles in basic and applied Otolaryngology, short communications, clinical records reporting unusual presentations or lesions and new surgical techniques in laryngology and head and neck surgery in COVID-19 and mucormycosis.

Special Issue: Diet and nutraceuticals for mental and physical performance in athletes. (Special Issue: Diet and nutraceuticals for mental and physical performance in athletes.)

This supplement containing 7 articles stresses the importance of diet and selected nutraceuticals that may impact both the physical and mental performance of athletes. The past 2.5 years living with the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic have taxed all of us mentally and possibly to a greater extent in the athletic population. While life in general has returned to some form of normalcy for many, emerging from this pandemic has alerted us to the importance of vaccines and physical-distancing measures, especially as they relate to sport. The return of organized sport at all levels has also underscored the important roles that exercise and sport play in the lives and mental health of everyone, including athletes. The goal of this supplement is to provide recent information that will help athletes achieve optimal physical and mental performance in their chosen sport.

Relationship Between Nutrition and Supplementary Food Use and Fear of COVID-19 in Nurses Who Worked Actively During the Pandemic

Objectives: This research was conducted to determine the effects of nurses' fear of COVID-19 on their dietary habits and use of supplements. Methods: The research, which is descriptive and cross-sectional, was shared as an online survey over the social networking site and social networking with the snowball sampling method. It was carried out between December 2020 and March 2021 with 485 nurses who worked actively during the pandemic and agreed to participate in the study. The data were obtained with the questionnaire in line with the relevant literature and the "COVID -19 Fear Scale". The data were used to evaluate the number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, median, minimum, maximum, t-test, ANOVA test, and chi(2) test. Results: Fear levels were found to be higher in nurses who regularly took food supplements during the pandemic and didn't have adequate or balanced nutrition, who couldn't eat most of the time due to working conditions, who took the food supplements to help in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and who recommended them to the individuals around them (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that there was an increase in nurses' use of food supplements before and during the pandemic, and this increase was statistically significant (p<0.001).

The Relationships among Fear of Covid-19, Health Consciousness, Attitude toward Supplements, and Purchase Intention Using a Moderated Mediation Analysis

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between fear of Covid-19 (FoC), attitudes toward supplements (AtS), health consciousness (HC), and purchase intention (PI) by using moderated mediation analysis. The data acquired from 308 customers via faceto-face surveys were analyzed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling, and the process model produced by Hayes tested the hypotheses. The results show that the variable of AtA partially mediated the association between FoC and purchase intention. Health consciousness moderates the strength of the relationships between FoC and PI mediated by AtS. According to this, the influence of fear of Covid-19 on purchase intention via the attitudes toward food supplements differs according to consumers' health consciousness (low vs. high). The study provides essential cues for researchers, marketers, and advertisers of food supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vitamin D on COVID-19 Patients During the Pandemic, 2022. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Numerous connections between the level of vitamin D (Vit-D) and the novel coronavirus disease -19 (COVID-19) have surfaced during the pandemic. So, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the effect of Vit-D deficiency and its supplementation on the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients. We looked for relevant articles in Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web Science, PubMed, and EBSCO up until the end of 2022. The Open Meta Analyst software was used to analyze the extracted data. We classified them into two main categories based on their objectives. First, the studies that evaluated the effects of Vit-D deficiency in patients, and lastly, the studies that evaluated Vit-D as a supplement, both on mortality rate, hospitalization duration, ICU admission rate, and mechanical ventilation rate. A total of 8001 COVID-19 patients from 42 studies were included. A high serum Vit-D concentration compared to those with lower levels was associated with a significantly lower mortality rate (RR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.11: 2.02, p = 0.01). According to the estimated effect of 18 studies, those who took Vit-D supplements had a significantly lower mortality rate, hospitalization duration, ICU admission rate, and mechanical ventilation rate than those who did not. The group receiving Vit-D doses between 50 000 to 100 000 IU had a significantly better clinical outcome compared to lower and higher doses. COVID-19 patients with normal Vit-D levels had significantly lower death rates than those with hypovitaminosis. Vit-D supplements in COVID-19 significantly improved clinical outcomes. Vit-D supplementation between 50 000 to 100 000 IU, in patients with COVID-19 significantly outperformed other doses in terms of mortality. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Enviro Research Publishers.

Association between Consumption of Dietary Supplements and Chronic Kidney Disease Prevalence: Results of the Korean Nationwide Population-Based Survey.

Despite the enormous global market of dietary supplements, the impact of dietary supplements on kidney disease is still unclear. Based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2015 to 2017, this study evaluated the association between dietary supplement and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 13,271 Korean adults. Among the dietary supplements, vitamin and mineral intake was the highest at 61.41%, followed by omega-3 fatty acids at 11.85%, and ginseng at 7.99%. The prevalence of CKD was significantly higher in those who consumed amino acids and proteins, ginseng and red ginseng, and herbal medicine (plant extract)-berries than in those who did not. Conversely, patients who consumed probiotic supplements had a significantly lower prevalence of CKD than those who did not. In the population without CKD risk factors or history of CKD, the prevalence of CKD was high in the group consuming ginseng and red ginseng. After adjusting for covariates, the herbal medicine (plant extract)-berry group showed an independent association with CKD incidence. In conclusion, it is suggested that dietary supplements may affect kidney function. Further large-scale cohort studies are required to elucidate the exact effects of each dietary supplement on CKD.

Knowledge and attitudes towards herbal and dietary products use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background and aim: The outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has made a global public health disaster. Little information is known about how to combat this infection. Therefore, preventive health measures that can reduce the severity and progression of this disease are needed. Some dietary supplements and herbal products have antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, it may be used to enhance immunity and reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. In this study, we reviewed selected supplements that may play a key role in the prevention and management of COVID-19 (e.g. vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc), and that was to determine the level of knowledge and attitudes toward them by the adult population in Jordan. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study design, in which an online questionnaire was conducted and distributed on different social media websites. People who are above 18 years old were included in this study. Demographic, Attitudes, and knowledge data were collected and then analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 23). Results: In this study, (62.8%) of participants became more concerned with their health during the COVID-19 pandemic, and (49.2%) of them used dietary and herbal supplements to protect themselves from the coronavirus. In addition, (18.5%) of participants reported that they had used these supplements for a while and then stopped. Conclusion: The findings of our study provided evidence that the general population in Jordan has a reasonable level of knowledge and acceptance of dietary and herbal supplements used during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Influence of perioperative oral nutritional supplementation on short-term efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for obesity patients: a prospective study

Objective: To investigate the effect of perioperative oral nutritional supplementation on the short-term curative effect of obese patients after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Methods: A prospective research method was adopted. The clinical data of 218 obese patients who underwent LSG in Ningxia Medical University General Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021 were selected. The patients who received oral nutritional supplement therapy during the perioperative period were set as the experimental group, and those who received conventional treatment were set as the control group. Observation indicators: (1) Grouping of enrolled patients. (2) Postoperative and follow-up situation. (3) Nutrition-related indicators. (4) Diet compliance. (5) Status of weight loss-related indicators. Follow-up visits were conducted by telephone, We Chat and outpatient visits. The patients were followed up once 30 days after discharge, including albumin (Alb), hemoglobin (Hb), dietary compliance and weight loss-related indicators. The follow-up time will end in February 2022. The measurement data with normal distribution were expressed as x+or-s, and the comparison between groups was performed by independent sample t test. The measurement data is represented by M (range), and the comparison between groups is performed by Mann?Whitney U test. Enumeration data were expressed as absolute numbers or percentages, and the X2 test was used for comparison between groups. Repeated measures data were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance. The rank sum test was used to compare the rank data. Results (1) Grouping of the enrolled patients. Screened 218 eligible patients;42 males and 176 females;age (32+or-9) years;body mass index (BMI) (39+or-7) kg/m2. Among the 218 patients, there were 109 cases in the test group and 109 cases in the control group. Gender (male, female), age, BMI, preoperative Alb, and preoperative Hb of patients in the test group were 17 and 92 cases, (33+or-9) years old, (39+or-7) kg/m2, (40.6+or-4.8) g /L, (141.7+or-13.9) g/L;the above indicators in the control group were 25 and 84 cases, (31+or-8) years old, (39+or-8) kg/m2, (40.9+or-4.2) g/L, (142.9+or-9.7) g/L;there was no significant difference in the above (X2=1.89, t=-1.52, 0.51, 0.40, 0.71, P > 0.05). (2) Postoperative and follow-up situation. The first hospitalization time and first hospitalization expenses of the patients in the experimental group were (9.1+or-2.9) d and (3.6+or-0.5) ten thousand yuan respectively;the above indicators of the patients in the control group were (4.9+or-1.0) ten thousand yuan respectively;There were statistically significant differences in the above indicators between the two groups (t=5.58, 12.38, P < 0.05). Among the 218 patients, 119 were followed up, including 62 in the experimental group and 57 in the control group. The 119 patients were followed up for 31.0 (25.0-38.0) days. Among the 218 patients, 14 cases had postoperative complications and led to rehospitalization, including 2 cases in the experimental group, 1 case of nausea and vomiting and 1 case of intestinal obstruction;12 cases in the control group, 10 cases of nausea and vomiting, gastric fistula 2 cases;there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in hospital readmission (X2=7.63, P < 0.05). The time interval between re-admission and first discharge of 14 patients was (22.0+or-6.7) days. (3) Nutrition-related indicators. The Alb and Hb levels of 62 patients in the experimental group who were followed up before operation, before the first discharge, and 1 month after operation were (40.4+or-5.5) g/L, (35.9+or-3.8) g/L, (45.4+or-2.9) g/L, respectively and (140.8+or-13.9) g/L, (130.5+or-16.9) g/L, (147.8+or-17.2) g/L;the above indicators of 57 patients in the control group were (41.2+or-3.9) g/L, (34.2 +or-3.9) g/L, (42.7+or-5.3) g/L and (143.0+or-9.7) g/L, (122.9+or-12.8) g/L, (139.0+or-11.4) g/L;There was a statistically significant difference between the Alb and Hb groups from preoperative to postoperative 1 mont

Authentication of Tinospora cordifolia derived herbal supplements using high resolution mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approach – A pilot study

Tinospora cordifolia herbal supplements have recently gained prominence due to their promising immunomodulatory and anti-viral effects against SARS-CoV-2. Mislabelling or diluting Tinospora supplements for profit may harm public health. Thus, validating the label claim of these supplements in markets is critical. This study investigated how high resolution mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and chemometrics can be used to distinguish Tinospora cordifolia from two other closely related species (T. crispa and T. sinensis). The Orthogonal Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) and PLS-DA based chemometric models predicted the species identity of Tinospora with 94.44% accuracy. These classification models were trained using 54 T. cordifolia, 21 T. crispa, and 21 T. sinensis samples. We identified 7 biomarkers, including corydine, malabarolide, ecdysterone, and reticuline, which discriminated Tinospora cordifolia from the two other species. The label claim of 25 commercial Tinospora samples collected from different parts of India was verified based on the relative abundance of the biomarker compounds, of which 20 were found authentic. The relative abundance of biomarkers significantly varied in the 5 suspicious market samples. This pilot study demonstrates a robust metabolomic approach for authenticating Tinospora species, which can further be used in other herbal matrices for product authentication and securing quality. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.

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.

Research and Development of a New Sustainable Functional Food under the Scope of Nutrivigilance

Background: The New Global Economy is represented by a series of major features, such as the use of green energy, the reduction of the carbon footprint in all industrial and civil fields, as well as finding alternative food resources. Our main objective was the research of a sustainable food product with a special nutritional purpose in the vision of nutrivigilance, developed in Romania, as an adjuvant in the repair of gastric mucosa. Methods: The materials used in the research and development of the new food are the following: inulin, lactoferrin, sericin, and sodium bicarbonate. The new adjuvant food product in the repair of the gastric mucosa was added to certain foods in order to prevent the patients from being satiated by a single food from a sensory point of view. The resulting food products were organoleptically and physico-chemically analyzed. Results: The new food is sustainable and has versatile uses. It can be hydrated with water, non-carbonated drinks, mixed with cottage cheese, or with fruit puree and oatmeal. It is stable under normal storage conditions and microbiologically safe. Conclusions: Through its versatile use, the new food product for special nutritional conditions represents a worldwide novelty. Through the development of forestry for the cultivation of white or black mulberry (Morus alba and Morus nigra), the raising of silkworms (Bombyx mori), the processing of fibroin to obtain natural silk and the processing of sericin resulting as a residue in the textile industry, the new food product developed actively contribute to the global economy II.