SUPPLEMENTS & TEST-BASED NUTRITION
Science & Resources
Through ongoing research, we are gaining a deeper understanding of the vital connection between nutrition and supplementation. Both play essential roles in supporting overall well-being, but their impact is amplified when used together thoughtfully. Nutrition provides the foundation by fueling the body with the necessary nutrients, while supplements can help address specific gaps or enhance health outcomes. However, not all supplements are created equal. With research-backed knowledge, we are now able to distinguish between supplements that truly deliver benefits and those that fall short, helping you make more informed and effective choices for your health journey.
Nutrition
Out of the fire – by Paul Clayton [BOOK]
Healthcare and the healthcare business is dominated by the pharmaceutical ‘magic bullet’ model. When the symptoms of a non-communicable, degenerative disease such as cancer or heart disease appear, doctors will generally reach for drugs. But this strategy is too little and far too late. Most drugs treat symptoms rather than the root causes of disease, and by the time symptoms emerge the disease has already progressed a long way; the ‘age-related’ diseases develop silently for many years before they finally emerge, and start to cause pain or disability. The drug model has also signally failed to prevent the gathering tides of diabetes, dementia, allergy, cancer, osteoporosis … Now, however, we have an alternative. The latest science shows that we can head trouble off at the pass, and stop disease from starting. We know now that all these diseases are driven by a silent killer called chronic inflammation, and we know also that this is due largely to nutritional and lifestyle choices that can be changed quite easily.This book will not take long to read, because the message is simple. If you take action against chronic inflammation, you and your family take a major step towards living healthier, longer lives. The actions to take are equally simple – and the positive changes start to take effect within weeks.
Clayton, P. (2018). Out of the fire. Paul Clayton Education Ltd.
Kahkoska, A. R., & Dabelea, D. (2021). Diabetes in youth: A global perspective. [Research Article]
Diabetes is a common disease among pediatric populations in the United States and worldwide. The incidence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes is increasing, with disproportional increases in racial/ethnic subpopulations. As the prevalence of obesity continue to increase, type 2 diabetes now represents a major form of pediatric diabetes. The management of diabetes in youth centers on maintaining glycemic control to prevent acute and chronic complications. This article summarizes the epidemiology, etiology, management, and complications of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in youth, as well as future directions and opportunities.
Kahkoska, A. R., & Dabelea, D. (2021). Diabetes in youth: A global perspective. Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America, 50(3), 491–512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecl.2021.05.007
Soultanas, P., & Janniere, L. (2023). The metabolic control of DNA replication. [Research Article]
Metabolism and DNA replication are essential for life. Metabolism breaks down nutrients for energy and building blocks (catabolism) and uses these to create macromolecules (anabolism). DNA replication relies on this energy and these building blocks to accurately copy genetic material for future generations. While we understand the individual mechanisms of metabolism and replication well, how they are coordinated remains unclear. Understanding how organisms adapt their DNA replication to changing nutrient conditions is crucial for insights into growth, genetic stability, and even diseases like cancer. Studies show metabolism regulates replication through signaling systems, ensuring balance and proper timing.
Soultanas, P., & Janniere, L. (2023). The metabolic control of DNA replication: Mechanism and function. Open Biology, 13(230220). https://doi.org/10.1098/rsob.230220
Supplements, Herbs & Natural Compounds.
Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor): An edible macrofungi with immense medicinal properties. [Research Article]
Mushrooms, like Trametes versicolor (turkey tail), are not only nutritious but also have medicinal properties. Turkey tail has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its health benefits. It contains bioactive compounds, especially β-glucan polysaccharides, which offer antioxidant, immune-boosting, anticancer, and other health benefits. Research has shown it can aid in wound healing, manage diabetes, fight infections, and reduce inflammation. This review highlights the recent research on turkey tail and its potential to promote health through its bioactive compounds.
Ajibola, O. O., Nolasco-Hipolito, C., Carvajal-Zarrabal, O., Salleh, S. F., Adeyinka, G. C., Adefegha, S. A., Ahmmed, M. K., Sumaiya, K., & Thomas, R. (2024). Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor): An edible macrofungi with immense medicinal properties. Current Opinion in Food Science, [Article Number 101191]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cofs.2024.101191
Role of omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) as modulatory and anti-inflammatory agents in noncommunicable diet-related diseases – Reports from the last 10 years. [Research Article]
Fatty acids are a fundamental component of the human diet, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The importance of omega-3 fatty acids has been studied in the context of many diseases due to their pleiotropic effects, focusing on the anti-inflammatory effects of EPA and DHA. Currently, the results of these acids in noncommunicable diseases are being increasingly assessed in a broader context than just inflammation. However, the mechanisms underlying the modulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids remain the subject of intensive research. Therefore, we reviewed the literature covering articles from the last decade to assess not only the anti-inflammatory but, above all, the modulatory effect of EPA and DHA acids on noncommunicable diet-related diseases.
Banaszak, M., Dobrzyńska, M., Kawka, A., Górna, I., Woźniak, D., Przysławski, J., & Drzymała-Czyż, S. (2024). Role of omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) as modulatory and anti-inflammatory agents in noncommunicable diet-related diseases – Reports from the last 10 years. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 63, 240–258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.06.053
Marine omega-3 phospholipids: Metabolism and biological activities. [Research Article]
Diabetes is a common disease among pediatric populations in the United States and worldwide. The incidence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes is increasing, with disproportional increases in racial/ethnic subpopulations. As the prevalence of obesity continue to increase, type 2 diabetes now represents a major form of pediatric diabetes. The management of diabetes in youth centers on maintaining glycemic control to prevent acute and chronic complications. This article summarizes the epidemiology, etiology, management, and complications of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in youth, as well as future directions and opportunities.
Burri, L., Hoem, N., Banni, S., & Berge, K. (2012). Marine omega-3 phospholipids: Metabolism and biological activities. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 13(11), 15401–15419. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms131115401
Essential Oils, Aromatic Plants & Medicine.
Protective essential oil attenuates influenza virus infection: An in vitro study in MDCK cells. [Research Article]
Influenza remains a significant global health burden, prompting the search for novel antiviral strategies. Essential oils, widely used in traditional and integrative medicine, are gaining attention for their therapeutic potential. This study evaluated the antiviral effects of a commercial essential oil blend, On Guard™, against influenza A virus (strain PR8) in vitro. Pre-treatment of the virus with On Guard™ significantly reduced infectivity in a dose-dependent manner, with up to 90% suppression in the release of new viral particles from infected cells. The oil did not interfere with viral binding or entry and exhibited no cytotoxicity at effective concentrations. Notably, viral mRNA synthesis remained unaffected, while viral protein expression (NP and NS1) was strongly inhibited, suggesting a mechanism involving the disruption of protein translation. These findings point to On Guard™ as a promising candidate for further research into plant-based antiviral therapies.
Wu, S., Patel, K. B., Booth, L. J., Metcalf, J. P., Lin, H.-K., & Wu, W. (2010). Protective essential oil attenuates influenza virus infection: An in vitro study in MDCK cells. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 10, [Article Number 69]. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-10-69
