Latest news with #dietarysupplements
Medscape
5 days ago
- General
- Medscape
Supplements Show Potential for Kidney Stone Prevention
ORLANDO, Fla. — Certain dietary supplements inhibit the formation, growth, and aggregation of calcium oxalate kidney stones and may ultimately aid in prevention, according to new research presented this week at NUTRITION 2025, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. 'We have searched for many new approaches with a hope of reducing kidney stone disease and its recurrence,' Visith Thongboonkerd, MD, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand, told Medscape Medical News . Recent work by Thongboonkerd and colleagues found that while normal urinary proteins (proteome) inhibit calcium oxalate crystallization, growth, and aggregation, the urinary proteome of individuals who form kidney stones actually promotes these calcium oxalate crystal parameters via oxidative modifications. The new findings, presented at NUTRITION 2025, represent the team's efforts to investigate whether dietary supplements could modulate these oxidative modifications, potentially preventing stones from forming. Inhibitory Effects Revealed Using crystallization, growth, and aggregation assays, the team compared the modulatory effects of caffeine, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), resveratrol, and trigonelline (at 1, 10, and 100 μM — ie, within their physiologic range in urine) on calcium oxalate crystals. They found that the supplements had diverse effects: Caffeine inhibited crystal formation, EGCG inhibited crystal formation and growth, NAC inhibited crystal aggregation, resveratrol inhibited crystal growth, and trigonelline inhibited crystal growth and aggregation. Notably, however, resveratrol also promoted crystal aggregation and thus served as a dual modulator, acting as an inhibitor and promoter at different steps of stone formation. Further analyses revealed that EGCG was the most potent inhibitor against calcium oxalate crystal formation, whereas resveratrol was the most potent inhibitor against calcium oxalate crystal growth. NAC was the only inhibitor against calcium oxalate crystal aggregation. The findings support roles of these supplements in kidney stone disease prevention, the authors suggested. 'It will take a while before we can draw a clear conclusion that prescribing these supplements would really be beneficial to kidney stone patients, without any harms,' Thongboonkerd acknowledged. Next steps would include validating the in vitro findings in clinical settings. Thongboonkerd disclosed having no conflicts of interest.
Globe and Mail
20-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Nutraceutical Excipients Market Size, Emerging Trends, Growth Drivers, Key Segments, and Forecasts
"MarketsandMarkets™" Nutraceutical Excipients Market by Product Source (Organic Chemicals, Inorganic Chemicals), Functionality (Binders, Colorants, Flavors & Sweeteners), End Product, Formulation, Functionality Application and Region The global nutraceutical excipients market is projected to grow from USD 4.2 billion in 2023 to USD 6.1 billion by 2028, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by a heightened focus on preventive healthcare and the increasing consumption of dietary supplements. As consumer demand rises, advancements in processing technologies—such as spray drying, freeze-drying, and granulation—are enhancing the functionality of excipients by improving flowability, compressibility, and formulation consistency. What Are Nutraceutical Excipients? Nutraceutical excipients are inactive substances used alongside active ingredients in nutraceutical formulations. Their roles are vital — from improving stability and enhancing bioavailability to ensuring proper taste, color, and texture. These substances don't provide direct health benefits themselves, but without them, delivering effective, consumer-friendly products would be nearly impossible. Common nutraceutical excipients include: Binders and fillers (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose) Disintegrants (e.g., starch) Flavoring agents and sweeteners (e.g., stevia, sucralose) Coating agents (e.g., hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) Preservatives and stabilizers Nutraceutical Excipients Market Trends Rising Demand for Functional Foods & Supplements: Health-conscious consumers are increasingly turning to dietary supplements for immunity, gut health, cognitive support, and more—boosting demand for well-formulated nutraceuticals. Innovation in Delivery Systems: The push toward chewables, gummies, effervescent tablets, and liquid capsules has created a need for innovative excipients that support alternative formats. Clean Label Movement: Manufacturers are seeking natural, non-GMO, allergen-free excipients to meet clean label standards and consumer expectations for transparency. Aging Global Population: As the global population ages, especially in developed economies, demand for nutraceuticals for joint health, brain health, and cardiovascular support continues to grow—driving the need for better, more bioavailable formulations. Taste Masking Excipients: Enhancing Consumer Acceptance Taste masking excipients play a vital role in improving the palatability of nutraceutical products, which often contain active ingredients with unpleasant flavors or odors. These excipients are especially important for products aimed at children and the elderly, who are typically more sensitive to taste. By enhancing flavor profiles and overall sensory appeal, taste-masking agents contribute to better adherence to supplement regimens and consistent consumption. As demand for functional foods and supplements becomes more integrated into daily wellness routines, manufacturers increasingly rely on these excipients to differentiate their products and boost consumer satisfaction in a competitive marketplace. Download PDF Brochure: Fillers & Diluents: Supporting Formulation Consistency The fillers and diluents segment is projected to hold the second-largest share of the nutraceutical excipients market by functionality. These excipients are essential for adding bulk to formulations, ensuring uniform tablet or capsule size, and supporting consistent nutrient dosage. In addition to enhancing flow properties and reducing powder segregation, certain fillers and diluents aid in tablet disintegration and dissolution, promoting optimal nutrient absorption. Their role in streamlining manufacturing and improving product quality underscores their growing importance within the market. North America dominates the Nutraceutical Excipients Market Share. North America is expected to maintain its position as the leading region in the nutraceutical excipients market throughout the forecast period. This dominance stems from the region's mature nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors, which serve as fertile ground for excipient innovation. Significant investment in R&D fosters the development of advanced excipients with enhanced bioavailability and targeted delivery systems. Moreover, North America benefits from a well-established retail ecosystem—including e-commerce, specialty health stores, and mainstream supermarkets—that ensures broad accessibility to nutraceutical products. These factors collectively contribute to the region's strong market presence and ongoing expansion. Leading Nutraceutical Excipients Companies: The key players in the nutraceutical excipients market include International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (US), Kerry Group plc (Ireland), Ingredion (US), Sensient Technologies Corporation (US), Associated British Foods plc (UK), BASF SE (Germany), Roquette Frères (France), MEGGLE GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), Cargill, Incorporated (US), Ashland (US), IMCD (Netherlands), Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. (US), Air Liquide (France), Azelis Group (Luxembourg), and Biogrund GmbH (Germany). About MarketsandMarkets™ MarketsandMarkets™ has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets™ is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines – TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore™, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts.
Washington Post
08-05-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
Natural Grocers: Fiscal Q2 Earnings Snapshot
LAKEWOOD, Colo. — LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Inc. (NGVC) on Thursday reported net income of $13.1 million in its fiscal second quarter. The Lakewood, Colorado-based company said it had profit of 56 cents per share. The retailer of natural and organic groceries and dietary supplements posted revenue of $335.8 million in the period.
CNN
08-05-2025
- Health
- CNN
Cinnamon could interact with some prescription medications, according to a new study
While cinnamon is a popular spice used added to many foods, it has a long history of uses in traditional medicine in many cultures. Today, cinnamon products are sold as dietary supplements to help with a variety of healthy conditions, including treating diabetes, promoting weight loss and relieving hay fever and other inflammatory conditions. But how much is too much cinnamon? Could there be negative impacts from overconsumption of cinnamon products? People should be cautious because cinnamon could affect the metabolism of prescription drugs, according to a study published in the journal Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences. The authors warned against overconsumption of cinnamon-containing substances, especially in individuals with other health conditions. To help us make sense of the study findings and what the major takeaways are for cinnamon consumption, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore's health commissioner. CNN: What is cinnamon — where does it come from and what are its potentially beneficial health effects? Dr. Leana Wen: Cinnamon is a spice that comes the dried bark of Cinnamomum trees. The most common type of cinnamon sold in North America is Cassia cinnamon from the Cinnamomum aromaticum trees, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, which is one of the centers under the National Institutes of Health. Ceylon cinnamon, sometimes called 'true' cinnamon, is from Cinnamomum verum trees. Though some studies have suggested that cinnamon supplementation could be helpful for diabetes treatment or for weight loss, more research is needed to investigate the benefits. Similarly, though preliminary research points to a possible role of nasal spray with Ceylon cinnamon as helping with allergic rhinitis, more research is needed to confirm that it could be a treatment. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that 'research doesn't clearly support using cinnamon for any health condition.' Cinnamon is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of any medical condition. CNN: What is already known about possible risks of cinnamon consumption? Wen: Cassia cinnamon may contain high levels of coumarin, which is a blood thinner. Ceylon cinnamon may also have trace amounts of coumarin. If someone who is already on anticoagulant medications ingests a large amount of coumarin, this could increase their bleeding risk. In addition, there are known interactions between coumarin and the liver. Prolonged use of cinnamon products that have high coumarin content could pose health risks for people with liver disease. Moreover, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states there are 'theoretical reasons' to think that there may be interactions between cinnamon and anticancer medications and nicotine. CNN: What did this new study examine? Wen: This new study examined the primary active ingredient of cinnamon, which is called cinnamaldehyde. Researchers first looked at whether cinnamaldehyde is well absorbed when orally ingested by examining gastric and intestinal fluids. They found that it is 100% bioaccessible in both fluids that are fasted and fed. That means that whether someone is fasting or has just eaten, cinnamaldehyde is expected to be well absorbed. They then discovered that cinnamaldehyde is rapidly metabolized into another compound, cinnamic acid, and that it can activate multiple receptors that affect drug metabolism. The possible interference with drug metabolism is what led the authors to conclude that overconsumption could induce herb-drug interactions. They urge additional research looking into these possible interactions. Until those studies are complete, as the researchers indicated in an associated news release, they recommend that people looking to take cinnamon as a dietary supplement exercise caution and consult a physician before using. CNN: Which people should use caution? Wen: According to the study's researchers, the list of chronic conditions that should prompt caution before trying cinnamon supplementation includes hypertension, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, asthma, obesity, HIV/AIDS and depression. I would add to that list anyone using blood thinner medications — for example, someone who has a history of heart disease and stroke, any medications that are cleared through the liver, and other dietary supplements that may interact with cinnamon, including turmeric, ginseng and gingko biloba. CNN: What about sprinkling cinnamon in coffee or on pancakes? Should we be worried? Wen: The researchers are quite clear that a sprinkling of cinnamon for typical culinary use is unlikely to cause problems. What they warn against is what they refer to as 'overconsumption.' This isn't clearly defined, as their study was not set up to examine what could be too high of a level of cinnamon. What overconsumption probably refers to is using concentrated cinnamon products like cinnamon supplements over a prolonged period — for instance, taking cinnamon capsules every day for months. Individuals who are thinking of taking cinnamon supplements should be sure to consult their health care providers to check for possible medication interactions. They should also be aware that there's no clear evidence for the benefit of cinnamon supplementation. CNN: What else would you like for people to know before starting dietary supplements? Wen: Consumers should know that the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements like they do prescription medications. Under current law, the FDA does not have the authority to regulate the efficacy of dietary supplements. The FDA also does not review supplements before they go to market. Instead, the agency relies on post-market surveillance to identify safety problems. People should be cautious about taking dietary supplements. Just because something is marketed as being 'natural' doesn't mean that it is safe. Also, something that is safe in small quantities may become unsafe in large quantities. People should always mention what supplements they are taking or thinking of taking to their health care provider to assess for drug interactions.
CNN
08-05-2025
- Health
- CNN
Cinnamon could interact with some prescription medications, according to a new study
Prescription drugs Federal agenciesFacebookTweetLink Follow While cinnamon is a popular spice used added to many foods, it has a long history of uses in traditional medicine in many cultures. Today, cinnamon products are sold as dietary supplements to help with a variety of healthy conditions, including treating diabetes, promoting weight loss and relieving hay fever and other inflammatory conditions. But how much is too much cinnamon? Could there be negative impacts from overconsumption of cinnamon products? People should be cautious because cinnamon could affect the metabolism of prescription drugs, according to a study published in the journal Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences. The authors warned against overconsumption of cinnamon-containing substances, especially in individuals with other health conditions. To help us make sense of the study findings and what the major takeaways are for cinnamon consumption, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore's health commissioner. CNN: What is cinnamon — where does it come from and what are its potentially beneficial health effects? Dr. Leana Wen: Cinnamon is a spice that comes the dried bark of Cinnamomum trees. The most common type of cinnamon sold in North America is Cassia cinnamon from the Cinnamomum aromaticum trees, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, which is one of the centers under the National Institutes of Health. Ceylon cinnamon, sometimes called 'true' cinnamon, is from Cinnamomum verum trees. Though some studies have suggested that cinnamon supplementation could be helpful for diabetes treatment or for weight loss, more research is needed to investigate the benefits. Similarly, though preliminary research points to a possible role of nasal spray with Ceylon cinnamon as helping with allergic rhinitis, more research is needed to confirm that it could be a treatment. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that 'research doesn't clearly support using cinnamon for any health condition.' Cinnamon is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of any medical condition. CNN: What is already known about possible risks of cinnamon consumption? Wen: Cassia cinnamon may contain high levels of coumarin, which is a blood thinner. Ceylon cinnamon may also have trace amounts of coumarin. If someone who is already on anticoagulant medications ingests a large amount of coumarin, this could increase their bleeding risk. In addition, there are known interactions between coumarin and the liver. Prolonged use of cinnamon products that have high coumarin content could pose health risks for people with liver disease. Moreover, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states there are 'theoretical reasons' to think that there may be interactions between cinnamon and anticancer medications and nicotine. CNN: What did this new study examine? Wen: This new study examined the primary active ingredient of cinnamon, which is called cinnamaldehyde. Researchers first looked at whether cinnamaldehyde is well absorbed when orally ingested by examining gastric and intestinal fluids. They found that it is 100% bioaccessible in both fluids that are fasted and fed. That means that whether someone is fasting or has just eaten, cinnamaldehyde is expected to be well absorbed. They then discovered that cinnamaldehyde is rapidly metabolized into another compound, cinnamic acid, and that it can activate multiple receptors that affect drug metabolism. The possible interference with drug metabolism is what led the authors to conclude that overconsumption could induce herb-drug interactions. They urge additional research looking into these possible interactions. Until those studies are complete, as the researchers indicated in an associated news release, they recommend that people looking to take cinnamon as a dietary supplement exercise caution and consult a physician before using. CNN: Which people should use caution? Wen: According to the study's researchers, the list of chronic conditions that should prompt caution before trying cinnamon supplementation includes hypertension, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, asthma, obesity, HIV/AIDS and depression. I would add to that list anyone using blood thinner medications — for example, someone who has a history of heart disease and stroke, any medications that are cleared through the liver, and other dietary supplements that may interact with cinnamon, including turmeric, ginseng and gingko biloba. CNN: What about sprinkling cinnamon in coffee or on pancakes? Should we be worried? Wen: The researchers are quite clear that a sprinkling of cinnamon for typical culinary use is unlikely to cause problems. What they warn against is what they refer to as 'overconsumption.' This isn't clearly defined, as their study was not set up to examine what could be too high of a level of cinnamon. What overconsumption probably refers to is using concentrated cinnamon products like cinnamon supplements over a prolonged period — for instance, taking cinnamon capsules every day for months. Individuals who are thinking of taking cinnamon supplements should be sure to consult their health care providers to check for possible medication interactions. They should also be aware that there's no clear evidence for the benefit of cinnamon supplementation. CNN: What else would you like for people to know before starting dietary supplements? Wen: Consumers should know that the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements like they do prescription medications. Under current law, the FDA does not have the authority to regulate the efficacy of dietary supplements. The FDA also does not review supplements before they go to market. Instead, the agency relies on post-market surveillance to identify safety problems. People should be cautious about taking dietary supplements. Just because something is marketed as being 'natural' doesn't mean that it is safe. Also, something that is safe in small quantities may become unsafe in large quantities. People should always mention what supplements they are taking or thinking of taking to their health care provider to assess for drug interactions.
