Latest news with #vitamins
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The Best Time to Take B-Complex Vitamins, According to Pharmacists and Dietitians
Reviewed by Dietitian Maria Laura Haddad-Garcia Many people take B-complex supplements for energy—but are you taking them at the right time? Yup, when you take a supplement can play a significant role in how it impacts your body and health. We interviewed three experts—two dietitians and one pharmacist—to share the ins and outs of when to take a B-complex vitamin and other factors that affect their absorption. Turns out that taking your B-complex vitamins at the right time can help you reap the most benefits and prevent unpleasant side effects, such as stomach upset or restlessness. Why People Take B-Complex Vitamins B-complex vitamins are a group of eight vitamins required for energy production in the body. They also help synthesize DNA and RNA, as well as neurotransmitters. They're water soluble, so your body doesn't store them long-term. This makes it even more important to consume enough B-complex vitamins daily. If you have higher B-vitamin needs, don't consume enough B vitamins from food, take certain medications or have a malabsorption issue, you may develop a deficiency in one or more B vitamins. Since there are eight different types of B vitamins, a deficiency can present in various ways. Some clues that you might be deficient in one or more B vitamins are fatigue, eye irritation, anemia, confusion, low mood, stomach upset, insomnia, skin inflammation and tingling in your hands and feet. Certain groups of people are most likely to benefit from incorporating a B-complex vitamin into their wellness regimen. 'Vegans and vegetarians may fall short on B12, or those suffering from chronic stress tend to burn through B vitamins more quickly,' says Caroline Thomason, RD, CDCES. 'Plus, certain medications, like metformin, oral contraceptives, and stomach acid reducers, can deplete B levels over time. Older adults are also more likely to have poor B12 absorption due to reduced stomach acid,' she adds. You may also need a B-complex vitamin if you have a digestive issue like celiac or Crohn's disease that hinders the absorption of B vitamins. Optimal Timing for B-Vitamins Intake All three experts we interviewed recommend taking your B vitamins in the morning. 'B vitamins are deeply involved in energy metabolism, so taking them early helps your body convert food into fuel during the hours you're most active,' says Jennifer Pallian, RD. Ideally, pair your vitamin with food for better absorption and a lower risk of stomach upset. 'Eating first helps improve absorption and prevents any mild nausea some people experience with B vitamins like niacin,' says Thomason. Even if you can't take your B vitamins first thing in the morning, experts recommend taking them as early as you can. 'It's best to avoid taking a B-vitamin complex at night, as certain B vitamins such as vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) may have a mild stimulatory effect,' says Adam Jameson, clinical pharmacist. Factors Affecting B-Vitamins Absorption Those That Enhance It B vitamins are water-soluble, so technically you can take them with or without food. However, taking them with food may help prevent digestive upset and improve absorption. 'Taking a B-complex with a meal (preferably breakfast) can enhance absorption, especially for B1, B2 and B6, which are better absorbed when the stomach is producing digestive acids and enzymes,' says Jameson. The form of B vitamin you take also impacts its absorption. Certain forms are more bioavailable—a fancy way of saying your body can absorb them more efficiently. For example, 'Methylcobalamin is a more bioavailable form of vitamin B12 than cyanocobalamin, and similarly, 5-MTHF (methylfolate) is an activated form of folate (vitamin B9),' says Jameson. Those That Prevent It Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can hinder your body's absorption of B vitamins. 'Several things can impair absorption, including alcohol, smoking, chronic stress and malabsorptive digestive disorders like IBS,' says Thomason. 'Low stomach acid, which is common with age or certain medications, also reduces B12 absorption. And drugs like metformin, proton pump inhibitors and hormonal contraceptives can all interfere with how your body uses or stores B vitamins,' she adds. If you're at risk for poor absorption of B vitamins, you may need a B-vitamin supplement to meet your nutritional needs. A healthcare provider can offer individualized guidance on the best way to prevent or correct a deficiency. Precautions and Potential Side Effects B vitamins are water-soluble, so there's a low risk of toxicity. You typically excrete any extra B vitamins your body doesn't need in your urine. This can cause your urine to turn bright yellow. It's nothing dangerous, but something to be aware of. In some cases, taking excessive B vitamins can cause side effects, including itching, skin rash, trouble breathing, flushing, sweating, weakness, digestive issues, restlessness and headaches. If you experience any unusual health problems after taking a B vitamin, consult your healthcare provider immediately. Our Expert Take B vitamins may be worth taking if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, are over 65 years old or take certain medications that can reduce B-vitamin absorption. Still, consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement to ensure it's safe and worthwhile for you. If you are taking a B-complex vitamin, experts recommend taking it in the morning to reap the energy-producing benefits and prevent it from keeping you up at night. You may find that taking it with food helps prevent it from upsetting your stomach, so try eating it with your breakfast. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Nestlé puts supplements assets on chopping block
Four years after Nestlé spent more than $5bn to acquire a clutch of vitamins and supplements brands, some of the assets look set for disposal. The world's largest food company said today (24 July) that it is launching a 'strategic review of our mainstream and value brands' within the vitamins, minerals and supplements (VMS) business. Nestlé said the assets up for review include Nature's Bounty, Osteo Bi-Flex and Puritan's Pride, along with the private-label VMS business in the US. In 2021, the company forked out $5.75bn to purchase those brands, and the own-label operations in the US, from The Bountiful Company. The deal struck with private-equity firm KKR also included Solgar. Solgar is among the 'premium' VMS brands that Nestlé said today will shape its focus, along with Garden of Life and Pure Encapsulations. Nestlé made no mention on the future of the eight manufacturing facilities in the US that it acquired from Bountiful as part of the KKR transaction. Bountiful was originally founded as Nature's Bounty before it was rebranded in 2017. The acquired assets sit within Nestlé's Health Science portfolio, which also houses the Atrium Innovations VMS assets bought in 2017 for $2.3bn. 'Our VMS business will focus on global premium brands, such as Garden of Life, Solgar and Pure Encapsulations where our capabilities in science, innovation and brand-building give us a distinct competitive edge,' Nestlé explained in its results announcement for the first half of fiscal 2025. Reported sales for Nestlé Health Science dipped 0.4% to SFr3.2bn ($4bn) over the first six months of the year, although organic revenue was up 3.4%. Real internal growth (RIG), which strips out the effect from pricing on the organic numbers, was 3.3% with pricing of 0.1%. 'In VMS, growth was impacted by the discontinuation of some private-label business and weaker performance in our mainstream brands, particularly Puritan's Pride,' Nestlé said. It added that 'sales momentum in premium brands, particularly Pure Encapsulations and Solgar, was partially offset by declines in mainstream and value brands', along with the loss of the own-label business. Barclays' analysts led by Warren Ackerman wrote today that a 'strategic review of mainstream VMS will be welcomed', estimating sales of the assets up for potential disposal at around SFr1bn. China weakness Nestlé reiterated today the 'heightened risks' it flagged at the first-quarter results announcement in April around 'continuing macroeconomic and consumer uncertainties'. Those uncertainties are also evident in China, where Nestlé said today it is 'taking steps to strengthen [its] growth profile'. Nestlé explained in the results commentary: 'In Greater China, we are taking material steps to strengthen performance, including changes in leadership. 'In recent years, we have grown the business by expanding distribution. This model has become challenged by a weaker consumer and the deflationary environment. To deliver sustainable growth, we are now focusing on driving consumer demand by strengthening our value proposition. It will take up to a year to return to sustainable growth.' Financial guidance for 2025 was left unchanged, 'despite factoring in increased headwinds', the KitKat maker said. Nestlé said China weighed on the group's second-quarter organic growth performance by 70 basis points and impacted RIG to the tune of 40 basis points. Organic sales are still forecast to 'improve' compared to 2024's 2.2% print, "strengthening over the year as we continue to deliver on our growth plans'. The outlook for the underlying trading operating profit margin (UTOP) remains 'at or above' 16%. 'We are executing our strategy to accelerate performance and transform for the future,' CEO Laurent Freixe said. 'We are accelerating our category growth and improving our market share through better execution and increased investment, funded through a relentless pursuit of efficiency. These actions are already delivering results, with broad-based growth and a robust profit performance in the first half.' For the group, reported sales fell 1.8% to SFr44.23bn in the first half. Organic growth was 2.9%, accelerating from 2.1% in the same period of 2024. RIG was 0.2%, up from 0.1%. Pricing was 2.7% compared to 2% a year earlier as Nestlé said it 'took actions to address input-cost inflation in coffee and cocoa-related categories'. While confectionery and coffee were the largest organic growth contributors, pricing was 10.6% and 6%, respectively. The UTOP margin dropped to 16.5% from 17.4%. Net profit was also down, falling 10.3% to SFr5.07bn. Underlying earnings per share dropped 5.4% to SFr2.27. Nestlé's shares were down 4.9% at SFr73.93 as of 11:15am BST in the UK today. They are down 0.9% so far this year. "Nestlé puts supplements assets on chopping block" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
CTV News
6 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Nestle announces vitamins business review after sluggish sales growth
LONDON - Nestle has launched a review of its underperforming vitamins business that could lead to the divestment of some brands, it said on Thursday, after reporting its first-half sales volumes grew more slowly than analysts expected. Shares in Nestle, the world's biggest food producer, fell to a six-month low in early market trade and were 4.7% lower by 0950 GMT. As the economic downturn globally has squeezed customers and driven them to cheaper alternatives, the Swiss-based maker of KitKat chocolate bars, Nespresso coffee and Maggi seasoning has found it harder to sell its branded projects. Thursday's results add to investor pressure on CEO Laurent Freixe to revive the company's share price and sales. Since his appointment in August last year, Nestle's share price has lagged rivals, including Unilever and Danone. The Swiss company on Thursday maintained its 2025 outlook, saying it expects organic sales growth to improve. It estimated an underlying trading operating profit margin at or above 16%, including the negative impact from tariffs and current FX rates. Nestle's Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements business generates around 1 billion Swiss francs (US$1.26 billion) in annual sales, Nestle said. VMS is part of Nestle's wider Nutrition and Health Science division, which accounted for a little more than 16% of group sales in the first half and recorded a decline in real internal growth - or sales volumes - of 0.8%. 'We have launched a strategic review of our underperforming mainstream and value brands, including Nature's Bounty, Osteo Bi-Flex, Puritan's Pride, and U.S. private label, which may result in the divestment of these brands,' Nestle said. Freixe said Nestle would focus on its global premium VMS brands and that a potential divestment of the others could happen in 2026. 'To us, the highest potential is at the premium end,' Freixe told reporters. Growth disappoints Nestle said that first-half organic sales growth, which excludes the impact of currency movements and acquisitions, rose 2.9% in the six months through June, just above the average of analysts' forecasts of 2.8%. But real internal growth, or RIG, was 0.2%, below the consensus forecast of 0.4%, reflecting softer demand as customers balk at price increases. Total reported sales decreased by 1.8% to 44.2 billion Swiss francs, compared to analyst expectations of 44.6 billion francs, a drop Nestle attributed in part to the negative impact of 4.7% from foreign exchange as the Swiss franc has strengthened this year. Nestle's 2.7% price increases were above the average analyst estimate of 2.5%. 'The headline will be the negative RIG of -0.3% in Q2 when most investors were positioned for a positive number,' Barclays analysts said in a note. 'This will be seen as a bit disappointing.' Despite the 'negative surprise' in Nestle's Health Science unit, Vontobel analysts said the overall results would likely reassure investors that Nestle is on the long road to recovery. Reporting by Alexander Marrow and Oliver Hirt; editing by Barbara Lewis, Reuters
Reuters
6 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Nestle to review vitamins business as 2025 first-half organic sales beat forecast
LONDON, July 24 (Reuters) - Nestle (NESN.S), opens new tab has launched a review of its underperforming vitamins business that could lead to the divestment of some brands, it said on Thursday, after reporting its first-half sales volumes grew more slowly than analysts expected. Shares in Nestle, the world's biggest food producer, fell to a six-month low in early market trade and were 4.7% lower by 0950 GMT. As the economic downturn globally has squeezed customers and driven them to cheaper alternatives, the Swiss-based maker of KitKat chocolate bars, Nespresso coffee and Maggi seasoning has found it harder to sell its branded projects. Thursday's results add to investor pressure on CEO Laurent Freixe to revive the company's share price and sales. Since his appointment in August last year, Nestle's share price has lagged rivals, including Unilever (ULVR.L), opens new tab and Danone ( opens new tab. The Swiss company on Thursday maintained its 2025 outlook, saying it expects organic sales growth to improve. It estimated an underlying trading operating profit margin at or above 16%, including the negative impact from tariffs and current FX rates. Nestle's Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements business generates around 1 billion Swiss francs ($1.26 billion) in annual sales, Nestle said. VMS is part of Nestle's wider Nutrition and Health Science division, which accounted for a little more than 16% of group sales in the first half and recorded a decline in real internal growth - or sales volumes - of 0.8%. "We have launched a strategic review of our underperforming mainstream and value brands, including Nature's Bounty, Osteo Bi-Flex, Puritan's Pride, and U.S. private label, which may result in the divestment of these brands," Nestle said. Freixe said Nestle would focus on its global premium VMS brands and that a potential divestment of the others could happen in 2026. "To us, the highest potential is at the premium end," Freixe told reporters. Nestle said that first-half organic sales growth, which excludes the impact of currency movements and acquisitions, rose 2.9% in the six months through June, just above the average of analysts' forecasts of 2.8%. But real internal growth, or RIG, was 0.2%, below the consensus forecast of 0.4%, reflecting softer demand as customers baulk at price increases. Total reported sales decreased by 1.8% to 44.2 billion Swiss francs, compared to analyst expectations of 44.6 billion francs, a drop Nestle attributed in part to the negative impact of 4.7% from foreign exchange as the Swiss franc has strengthened this year. Nestle's 2.7% price increases were above the average analyst estimate of 2.5%. "The headline will be the negative RIG of -0.3% in Q2 when most investors were positioned for a positive number," Barclays analysts said in a note. "This will be seen as a bit disappointing." Despite the "negative surprise" in Nestle's Health Science unit, Vontobel analysts said the overall results would likely reassure investors that Nestle is on the long road to recovery. ($1 = 0.7923 Swiss francs)
Wall Street Journal
6 days ago
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Nestle Says It Might Sell Nature's Bounty, Other Vitamin Brands
Nestle NESN 0.31%increase; green up pointing triangle said it might sell Nature's Bounty and other brands in its vitamins business as part of Chief Executive Laurent Freixe's efforts to boost top-line growth at the world's largest packaged-food maker. The Swiss consumer-goods giant said Thursday that it was launching a review of underperforming brands within its vitamins, minerals and supplements unit, as well as taking steps to improve its performance in the region that includes China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
