A new generation of nutritional supplements (Part 2)

From a scientific perspective, it is becoming increasingly evident that each of us is different when it comes to our physiology and health requirements.  Health needs vary from person to person and change throughout a lifetime. Gender, age, ethnicity, and life stages such as pregnancy or menopause influence the nutritional support needed.

One of the goals of health food scientists is to better understand how our microbiome affects the way our bodies respond to food and to find effective ways to supplement what we lack in our diets through nutritional supplements. Supplements can hit where your diet falls short, but it’s important to remember that they are not a substitute for a healthy diet.

There have been milestones in the development of nutritional supplements in the discovery of new ingredients that supplement the human body with the right substances and energy in an increasingly acceptable and effective way.

In the second part of our blog dedicated to the new generation of nutritional supplements, we would like to introduce you to the following substances:

Spermidine, sulforaphane, alpha lipoic acid and nicotinamide.

• Spermidine is found in fresh green pepper, wheat germ, cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms, and various cheeses. Spermidine can prevent liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, which are some of the most common causes of liver cancer. It can have a significant effect on longevity.
• Sulforaphane is a bioactive substance found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli sprouts. It has a chemoprotective effect, supporting the functions of immune system cells, which are the front line in the fight against pathogens. Sulforaphane is rapidly degraded by cooking. And in cooked vegetables, it is almost no longer present. In addition, for many people, it is not possible to consume raw cruciferous vegetables in such quantities to ensure the optimal dose of sulforaphane. Therefore, supplementing it in the form of a dietary supplement is the only option.
• Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant, ensuring that nutrients are converted into energy in the cells. Antioxidants are substances in the body that fight the adverse effects of oxidative processes that are constantly taking place in the body. Oxidation in the body is triggered by oxygen, which, despite its many benefits for the body, also has negative effects, such as aging. Alpha-lipoic acid slows the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, promotes healthy nerve function, and reduces the risk of diabetic eye damage.
• Nicotinamide NAD+ is a compound that is found in every cell of your body and is involved in many important processes including energy metabolism. NAD+ levels decline with age and this decline is thought to be related to accelerated physical decline and the onset of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that supplementation with NAD+ precursors (such as NR) restores NAD+ levels and prevents age-related physical decline. For example, a study in aging subjects demonstrated that oral administration of nicotinamide prevented age-related genetic changes and improved energy metabolism, physical activity, and insulin sensitivity. A 2019 study of 12 men with an average age of 75 years showed that supplementing with up to 1 gram of nicotinamide per day for 21 days increased NAD+ levels in skeletal muscle and reduced levels of inflammatory proteins in the body.

If you would like more information, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to explain the issue and answer your questions.