Honest News on Nutraceuticals and Herbaceuticals by Healthcare professionals
What are Nutraceuticals and Herbaceuticals
Nutraceutical is two words put together - nutrition and pharmaceutical. Herbaceuticals is a combination of herbal and pharmaceutical. Both are dietary supplements - vitamins, minerals, herbals, botanicals, prebiotics/probiotics and over-the-counter medications. All of these do not require a prescription.
Follow us while we explore this $300B industry with over 25,000 products available. Which ones are good for you?
Nutraceuticals and Herbaceuticals
What Are They?
12.23.2023 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC
Nutraceutical is two words put together - nutrition and pharmaceutical. Herbaceuticals is herbal and pharmaceutical. Both are dietary supplements. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines dietary supplements as any food substance with medical or health benefits containing an ingredient meant to add to what a person gets in their usual diet.
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Dietary Supplements – What Are They?
12.26.2023 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC
Dietary supplements are a wide range of products intended to add/or supplement the diet. Supplements are ingested and come in many forms, including tablets, capsules, soft gels, gel caps, powders, bars, gummies, and liquids.Common supplements include:read more
Dietary Supplements – Label Requirements
12.28.2023 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC
The label of a dietary supplement product must be truthful and contain at least one of three types of claims.• Health Claim - describe a relationship between a food, food component, or dietary supplement ingredient and reducing the risk of a disease or health-related condition. • Nutrient Content Claim -
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Evolution of Dietary Supplements
1/5/2024 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC
Dietary supplements have undergone a remarkable evolution throughout history. Supplements have played a pivotal role in health and wellness. Dietary supplements date back thousands of years. Ancient Chinese medicine read more
Dietary supplements have undergone a remarkable evolution throughout history. Supplements have played a pivotal role in health and wellness. Dietary supplements date back thousands of years. Ancient Chinese medicine read more
Vitamin A - Source, Benefits and Cautions
1/6/2024 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC Nutra-News
Vitamin A can be obtained from animal livers, fish liver oils, green or yellow fruits, and vegetables. Claims of useful benefits of Vitamin A include eye health, skin health, gastric health, bone health, dental health, cold prevention, reduced infections, cancer prevention, and heart health. read more
Vitamin A can be obtained from animal livers, fish liver oils, green or yellow fruits, and vegetables. Claims of useful benefits of Vitamin A include eye health, skin health, gastric health, bone health, dental health, cold prevention, reduced infections, cancer prevention, and heart health. read more
Dietary Supplements - Market Statistics
1/7/2024 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC Nutra-News
The dietary supplement market is highly profitable. Annual sales in 2021 topped $145 billion with a projected market value expected to exceed $240 billion by 2028.
Some reasons for this staggering profitability are... read more
The dietary supplement market is highly profitable. Annual sales in 2021 topped $145 billion with a projected market value expected to exceed $240 billion by 2028.
Some reasons for this staggering profitability are... read more
Why Do We Need Dietary Supplements
1/8/2024 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC Nutra-News
Eating a healthy diet is difficult for most Americans. The US Department of Agriculture estimates people in the US routinely consume only 60% of the recommended daily allowance of key essential nutrients. Many foods today lack adequate nutrients due to over-farming, over-processing, and overcooking. read more
Eating a healthy diet is difficult for most Americans. The US Department of Agriculture estimates people in the US routinely consume only 60% of the recommended daily allowance of key essential nutrients. Many foods today lack adequate nutrients due to over-farming, over-processing, and overcooking. read more
Essential Vitamins - Vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B5
January 18, 2024 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC Nutra-News
B vitamins are essential to maintain the health of the nervous system, skin, eyes, hair, liver, mouth, muscles, and cognitive function. B-complex vitamins – including B1, B2, B3, and B5 – function as coenzymes that help enzymes react with other elements involved in energy production.
Vitamin B1 – Thiamine (water-soluble Thiamine Hydrochloride) functions to enhance heart function and read more
Vitamin B1 – Thiamine (water-soluble Thiamine Hydrochloride) functions to enhance heart function and read more
Essential Vitamins – B6 and B12
January 21, 2024 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC
Vitamin B6 and B12 are essential in forming red blood cells and fortifying the immune system. There are differences between the two in other functions they perform. Vitamin B6 helps regulate hormones. Vitamin B12 aids in synthesizing and supporting nerve cells and fibers, as well as RNA and DNA formation.
Vitamin B6 – known as Pyridoxine, is involved in over 100 essential bodily functions... read more
Vitamin B6 – known as Pyridoxine, is involved in over 100 essential bodily functions... read more
Brain Fuel - PQQ and CoQ10
January 22, 2024 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC Nutra-News
Cells in the human body are “powered” by converting the food we consume into cellular energy. This is the function of the mitochondria – the power centers of cells. Unfortunately, aging causes mitochondria to falter and fail. For years, millions of Americans have taken the supplement - CoQ10 - a co-enzyme marketed with claims to help recharge functioning mitochondria.
CoQ10 does not generate new mitochondria to replace non-functioning mitochondria. There continues to be a gradual loss of mitochondria function, resulting in a continued loss of cellular energy and cognitive, cardiac, respiratory, and memory concerns as people age.
Researchers recently discovered PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) - a nutrient made by bacteria in fruits and vegetables. read more
Cells in the human body are “powered” by converting the food we consume into cellular energy. This is the function of the mitochondria – the power centers of cells. Unfortunately, aging causes mitochondria to falter and fail. For years, millions of Americans have taken the supplement - CoQ10 - a co-enzyme marketed with claims to help recharge functioning mitochondria.
CoQ10 does not generate new mitochondria to replace non-functioning mitochondria. There continues to be a gradual loss of mitochondria function, resulting in a continued loss of cellular energy and cognitive, cardiac, respiratory, and memory concerns as people age.
Researchers recently discovered PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) - a nutrient made by bacteria in fruits and vegetables. read more
Ten Surprising Benefits of Psyllium
January 22, 2024 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC
Psyllium is a grain utilized for its fiber content. It serves as a stool softener, laxative, and intestinal cleanser. It is the most popular fiber used.
Ten benefits of psyllium include:
• Facilitates fiber absorption• Acts as a stool softener• Functions as a laxative• Cleanses the intestine• Increasing weight loss• Balances good vs bad digestive bacteria• Controls appetite• Helps lower cholesterol• Manages hormone levels• Improving glycemic index
With its gastrointestinal benefits, psyllium helps increase read more
Berberine – 8 Possible Benefits
January 24, 2024 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC
Berberine (berberine hydrochloride) is an alkaloid found naturally in many plants. Alkaloids can have antioxidant properties that include being antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antineoplastic. Berberine has been a part of Chinese and Hindu medicine for thousands of years. Studies from the early 1920s found the dietary supplement berberine beneficial in preventing degenerative diseases by processing free radicals and inhibiting the activity of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Berberine activates an enzyme called AMP-Activated Protean Kinase (AMPK) that regulates many bodily functions including metabolism and energy levels.
Eight beneficial claims include: read more
Berberine (berberine hydrochloride) is an alkaloid found naturally in many plants. Alkaloids can have antioxidant properties that include being antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antineoplastic. Berberine has been a part of Chinese and Hindu medicine for thousands of years. Studies from the early 1920s found the dietary supplement berberine beneficial in preventing degenerative diseases by processing free radicals and inhibiting the activity of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Berberine activates an enzyme called AMP-Activated Protean Kinase (AMPK) that regulates many bodily functions including metabolism and energy levels.
Eight beneficial claims include: read more
Ten Benefits of Ashwagandha
February 10, 2024 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC
Consumers are turning to dietary supplements more than ever these days. Ashwagandha could be a good choice with all the "claims to fame" reported by its manufacturers.
The ashwagandha plant has been reported as a
tonic - a medicinal substance that gives a feeling of vigor or well-beingnarcotic – a sleep-inducing or numbness-inducing chemical thermogenic – a chemical that increases metabolic activitiesstimulant – a chemical that speeds up messages from the brain to the body
Benefits reported are: read more
The ashwagandha plant has been reported as a
tonic - a medicinal substance that gives a feeling of vigor or well-beingnarcotic – a sleep-inducing or numbness-inducing chemical thermogenic – a chemical that increases metabolic activitiesstimulant – a chemical that speeds up messages from the brain to the body
Benefits reported are: read more
Important Information about Diverticula, Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
February 12, 2024 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC
Diverticulosis and diverticulitis have similar names and are related, yet they are distinctly different diagnoses. The similarity in their names could be highly confusing.
Diverticulosis is the formation of abnormal pockets called diverticula in the lining of the lower large intestine - especially in the sigmoid colon. A low-fiber diet often causes this. It becomes hard and difficult to pass without sufficient fiber to soften fecal matter.
The increased pressure required to force the hardened stool through the colon causes small pockets to form at weak points in the wall of the colon - especially in the sigmoid colon. Nearly 50% of people over 65 have developed diverticulosis.
Unfortunately, once diverticulosis forms, it will not resolve. The good news is that it does not usually cause read more
Diverticulosis and diverticulitis have similar names and are related, yet they are distinctly different diagnoses. The similarity in their names could be highly confusing.
Diverticulosis is the formation of abnormal pockets called diverticula in the lining of the lower large intestine - especially in the sigmoid colon. A low-fiber diet often causes this. It becomes hard and difficult to pass without sufficient fiber to soften fecal matter.
The increased pressure required to force the hardened stool through the colon causes small pockets to form at weak points in the wall of the colon - especially in the sigmoid colon. Nearly 50% of people over 65 have developed diverticulosis.
Unfortunately, once diverticulosis forms, it will not resolve. The good news is that it does not usually cause read more
Soothing Acid Reflux - GERD
February 16, 2024 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC
Almost everyone will experience acid reflux at some point. Acid reflux - also commonly called heartburn - can affect anyone at any age.
It occurs when the corrosive digestive acids in the stomach back up into the esophagus. The reflux causes esophageal lining irritation, pain, and burning in the upper chest or bottom of the esophagus known as GERD – gastroesophageal reflux disease.
The esophageal sphincter muscle typically pinches itself shut and prevents acid reflux into the esophagus. If the sphincter does not functioning properly, gastric acid can leak into the esophagus - resulting in read more
Almost everyone will experience acid reflux at some point. Acid reflux - also commonly called heartburn - can affect anyone at any age.
It occurs when the corrosive digestive acids in the stomach back up into the esophagus. The reflux causes esophageal lining irritation, pain, and burning in the upper chest or bottom of the esophagus known as GERD – gastroesophageal reflux disease.
The esophageal sphincter muscle typically pinches itself shut and prevents acid reflux into the esophagus. If the sphincter does not functioning properly, gastric acid can leak into the esophagus - resulting in read more
Helpful Information about Lactose Intolerance
February 18, 2024 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC
Worldwide, lactose intolerance affects nearly 75% of the population. Lactose intolerance is the inabilityof the body to digest lactose – a sugar in cow and goat milk products - because the small intestine cannot produce adequate lactase – the enzyme responsible for the digestion of lactose. Lactase splits lactose into fragments that can be absorbed and processed through the intestinal lining. In the US, an estimated 40 million people are lactose intolerant.
Signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance can begin within 30 minutes to two hours after eating or drinking food containing lactose. The severity level will vary between individuals.
Common signs and symptoms include: read more
Worldwide, lactose intolerance affects nearly 75% of the population. Lactose intolerance is the inabilityof the body to digest lactose – a sugar in cow and goat milk products - because the small intestine cannot produce adequate lactase – the enzyme responsible for the digestion of lactose. Lactase splits lactose into fragments that can be absorbed and processed through the intestinal lining. In the US, an estimated 40 million people are lactose intolerant.
Signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance can begin within 30 minutes to two hours after eating or drinking food containing lactose. The severity level will vary between individuals.
Common signs and symptoms include: read more
Coping with Crohn’s Disease
February 18, 2024 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammation affecting the gastrointestinal tract. This autoimmune disease attacks healthy tissue, causing digestive system inflammation.
The most common symptoms of Crohn's disease are
abdominal paingasbloatingdiarrheafatigueabdominal crampsweight loss feverloss of appetitejoint pain
Treatment for Crohn's disease includes reducing inflammation, controlling symptoms, and prevent complications. This will include medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and biologics, as well as dietary changes, stress management, and, in some cases, surgery to remove damaged read more
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammation affecting the gastrointestinal tract. This autoimmune disease attacks healthy tissue, causing digestive system inflammation.
The most common symptoms of Crohn's disease are
abdominal paingasbloatingdiarrheafatigueabdominal crampsweight loss feverloss of appetitejoint pain
Treatment for Crohn's disease includes reducing inflammation, controlling symptoms, and prevent complications. This will include medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and biologics, as well as dietary changes, stress management, and, in some cases, surgery to remove damaged read more
Outsmarting Celiac Disease
February 19, 2024 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC
Living with celiac disease can be challenging, as it requires strict adherence to a gluten-free diet to prevent inflammation and damage to the small intestine. However, with the rise in awareness and availability of gluten-free products, there are more resources than ever to help those with celiac disease navigate their dietary restrictions.
1. What is Celiac Disease and how does it affect your body?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects how your body processes gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the small intestine. read more
Living with celiac disease can be challenging, as it requires strict adherence to a gluten-free diet to prevent inflammation and damage to the small intestine. However, with the rise in awareness and availability of gluten-free products, there are more resources than ever to help those with celiac disease navigate their dietary restrictions.
1. What is Celiac Disease and how does it affect your body?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects how your body processes gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the small intestine. read more
Behind Closed Doors: Understanding Hemorrhoids
February 21, 2024 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC
Hemorrhoids are a common and often embarrassing condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite their prevalence, many individuals are still hesitant to seek help due to the private nature of the issue. In reality, hemorrhoids are a normal part of the human anatomy, but when they become swollen or inflamed, they can cause discomfort and distress. Understanding hemorrhoids' underlying causes and symptoms is crucial to managing and treating this condition effectively.
Hemorrhoids are enlarged and inflamed blood vessels in the rectum and anus that cause discomfort, pain, and sometimes bleeding. While they are a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide, read more
Hemorrhoids are a common and often embarrassing condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite their prevalence, many individuals are still hesitant to seek help due to the private nature of the issue. In reality, hemorrhoids are a normal part of the human anatomy, but when they become swollen or inflamed, they can cause discomfort and distress. Understanding hemorrhoids' underlying causes and symptoms is crucial to managing and treating this condition effectively.
Hemorrhoids are enlarged and inflamed blood vessels in the rectum and anus that cause discomfort, pain, and sometimes bleeding. While they are a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide, read more
Natural Remedies - The Power of Herbal Supplements
February 22, 2024 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC
Herbal supplements are natural remedies for various health conditions and ailments. For centuries, herbal remedies have been passed from generation to generation as an alternative to conventional medicine.
Herbal supplements have been used for centuries to treat various health conditions and ailments. Herbal supplements can be traced to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese, who discovered the healing properties of plants and herbs.
The Egyptians were known to use herbs such as garlic, aloe vera, and chamomile for medicinal purposes, while the Greeks were early practitioners of herbal medicine and developed a system of medicine based on balancing the body's four humors - blood, yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm. The Chinese also have a long history of using herbal remedies dating back thousands of years. read more
Herbal supplements are natural remedies for various health conditions and ailments. For centuries, herbal remedies have been passed from generation to generation as an alternative to conventional medicine.
Herbal supplements have been used for centuries to treat various health conditions and ailments. Herbal supplements can be traced to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese, who discovered the healing properties of plants and herbs.
The Egyptians were known to use herbs such as garlic, aloe vera, and chamomile for medicinal purposes, while the Greeks were early practitioners of herbal medicine and developed a system of medicine based on balancing the body's four humors - blood, yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm. The Chinese also have a long history of using herbal remedies dating back thousands of years. read more
Take Charge of Your Health: Home Medical Test Kits
February 28, 2024 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC
In today's fast-paced world, taking control of your health has never been more critical. With the rise of technology and accessibility to medical information, individuals can now monitor their health from the comfort of their homes. Home medical test kits are a convenient and efficient way to stay on top of your well-being, allowing you to detect potential health concerns early and take proactive steps toward improving your overall health.
Home medical test kits offer various options to address multiple health needs, from monitoring cholesterol levels to testing for read more
In today's fast-paced world, taking control of your health has never been more critical. With the rise of technology and accessibility to medical information, individuals can now monitor their health from the comfort of their homes. Home medical test kits are a convenient and efficient way to stay on top of your well-being, allowing you to detect potential health concerns early and take proactive steps toward improving your overall health.
Home medical test kits offer various options to address multiple health needs, from monitoring cholesterol levels to testing for read more
Unseen Threat: Lyme Disease
February 25, 2024 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC
Are you a nature lover who enjoys spending time outdoors? If so, you should know the unseen threat lurking in the woods - Lyme disease - Borrelia Burgdorferi causes a tick-borne illness. Any outdoor activity can put you at risk of the risk of contracting Lyme disease.
What is Lyme DiseaseLyme Disease - a bacterial infection - is spread by the black-legged tick - also called the deer tick. These tiny pests can be found in wooded and grassy areas, making it easy to latch onto read more
Are you a nature lover who enjoys spending time outdoors? If so, you should know the unseen threat lurking in the woods - Lyme disease - Borrelia Burgdorferi causes a tick-borne illness. Any outdoor activity can put you at risk of the risk of contracting Lyme disease.
What is Lyme DiseaseLyme Disease - a bacterial infection - is spread by the black-legged tick - also called the deer tick. These tiny pests can be found in wooded and grassy areas, making it easy to latch onto read more
Gout - What You Need to Know
February 26, 2024 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC
If you've ever experienced sudden, intense pain in your big toe or another joint, you may have been dealing with gout - a form of inflammatory arthritis. Gout can be extremely painful and disruptive to your daily routine. It is essential to understand gout, how it develops, and how it can be managed.
What is Gout?Gout is an inflammatory type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid. The excess uric acid can form into sharp crystals that get deposited in joints, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. The most commonly affected site is the big toe, but it can occur in other joints - the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. read more
If you've ever experienced sudden, intense pain in your big toe or another joint, you may have been dealing with gout - a form of inflammatory arthritis. Gout can be extremely painful and disruptive to your daily routine. It is essential to understand gout, how it develops, and how it can be managed.
What is Gout?Gout is an inflammatory type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid. The excess uric acid can form into sharp crystals that get deposited in joints, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. The most commonly affected site is the big toe, but it can occur in other joints - the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. read more
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February 18, 2024 Jane Jackson, RN, CRC
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About us...
Articles today about dietary supplements claim miracles - diseases being vanquished, symptoms-be-gone, incredible weight loss -- without even dieting… all unrealistic, disappointing and, perhaps, dangerous.
Nutra-News will concentrate on facts and consumer safety first and foremost. As healthcare professionals, we are well-positioned to filter through the noise and hype to uncover what you really need to know about dietary supplements.