Essential Oil labeling should be authentic, the truth is…. not always !

lavender field

Supplement fraud is unfortunately more common when you don’t know or deal directly with the manufacturer.

I use Amazon for many items; however, supplements and some other items are absolutely off the list. It’s an ongoing issue of fraud and potentially toxic materials mixed with good advertisements and pricing that lures clients into bad purchases. To be clear, I have no fiduciary association with NOW company. I typically use only a handful of product manufacturers who are going the route of employing the pharmaceutical-level of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and more, testing of all their products with each batch to ensure quality delivery of the stated ingredients.

Essential Oils Market:

Over the past decade, the global essential oils market has experienced dynamic, sustained expansion, driven by a profound consumer shift toward natural, plant-based, and clean-label products. Growing at a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 8% to 11%, the market’s valuation nearly doubled as essential oils transitioned from a niche self-care segment into a mainstream wellness and industrial staple. This surge has been primarily fueled by heightened demand for holistic stress management, along with the widespread integration of popular plant extracts—such as citrus, lavender, and peppermint—into natural cosmetics, eco-friendly household cleaners, and clean-label food and beverage formulations. Furthermore, modern extraction innovations, such as supercritical (CO) extraction, alongside the rapid expansion of direct-to-consumer e-commerce channels, have drastically improved product accessibility, purity, and market reach, cementing essential oils as a vital pillar of the global functional health economy.

What’s Behind the Wave of Adulterated Products Online

Whether you rely on essential oils for relaxation or purchase dietary supplements to support your daily wellness routine, you likely assume that the front label tells the full story. Unfortunately, extensive analytical testing reveals that e-commerce marketplaces are flooded with products that fail to meet basic purity and potency standards.

Natural products manufacturer NOW Foods recently released a startling report examining lavender essential oils sold on Amazon, uncovering widespread dilution, chemical synthetic additives, and species substitution.

Here is a closer look at what the investigation uncovered, how it fits into a broader trend of online product quality issues, and how independent watchdogs are working to keep the industry accountable.

What the NOW Study Revealed About Amazon Lavender Oils

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is among the most popular essential oils in aromatherapy and personal care products. Because genuine lavender oil requires significant plant material to produce, high-grade oil is relatively expensive—making it a prime target for economic adulteration.

To evaluate market authenticity, NOW purchased 28 lavender essential oil products from Amazon and analyzed them using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry / Flame Ionization Detection (GC-MS/FID). They benchmarked the chemical profiles against International Organization for Standardization (ISO) criteria for authentic French and Bulgarian lavender oils.

The Test Results in Detail

Out of the 28 products evaluated, only three brands (11%) successfully met ISO criteria for genuine Lavandula angustifolia without showing any evidence of tampering or adulteration. The overwhelming majority failed due to significant composition modifications.

Specifically, 13 of the tested brands (65%) contained synthetic fragrance compounds or non-native solvents such as diethyl phthalate. Additionally, 12 brands (60%) showed evidence of dilution using carrier oils, mineral oil-type substances, or synthetic extenders like triethyl citrate.

Meanwhile, 11 brands (55%) exhibited chemical profiles inconsistent with true lavender, relying instead on cheaper, lower-grade botanical species like lavandin. An additional eight samples failed outright because their labels did not explicitly claim or contain true Lavandula angustifolia.

(Note: Some failing samples exhibited multiple forms of adulteration).

Key Analytical Findings:

  • Species Substitution: Over half of the failing samples used cheaper, lower-grade botanicals like lavandin or spike lavender, which contain higher levels of harsh compounds like camphor and 1,8-cineole.

  • Dilution & Fillers: 60% of samples were stretched using cheap carrier oils, mineral oil, or synthetic extenders such as triethyl citrate.

  • Synthetic Additives: 65% of products contained undisclosed synthetic fragrance compounds, artificial musks, or solvents like diethyl phthalate. These additives can trigger skin irritation, eczema, or respiratory discomfort in sensitive individuals.

  • Price vs. Quality Correlation: The three passing products (which included NOW’s own lavender oil) were among the highest-priced options evaluated. Conversely, low-cost imported brands frequently failed across all metrics.

A Broader Trend: NOW’s Ongoing Marketplace Investigations

This lavender investigation is not an isolated event. Over the past several years, NOW’s in-house analytical lab has operated as an aggressive industry watchdog, regularly purchasing lesser-known supplement brands from major e-commerce platforms to verify their label claims. It should be pointed out that they simultaneously use  3rd partie labs to verify their findings.

Previous rounds of testing conducted by NOW revealed similar quality gaps in dietary supplements:

  • CoQ10 & SAMe: Testing revealed that numerous budget brands sold online contained only a fraction of the listed potency—with some products testing virtually devoid of active ingredients.

  • Astaxanthin & Phosphatidylserine: Follow-up rounds showed consistent potency failures among low-cost storefronts, where actual concentration was significantly lower than advertised on the bottle.

These findings highlight a systemic challenge: e-commerce platforms offer a low barrier to entry, allowing bad actors to list mislabeled or synthetic-spiked goods at prices legitimate manufacturers cannot match.

Other Independent Watchdogs Guarding the Supplement Aisle

NOW is not the only organization working to bring transparency to the dietary supplement and wellness market. Several independent third-party organizations evaluate consumer goods to ensure safety, purity, and label accuracy:

1. ConsumerLab.com

Founded in 1999, ConsumerLab is an independent testing company that purchases health and nutrition products directly from retail stores and websites. They perform rigorous laboratory testing for potency, heavy metal contamination, disintegration, and purity, publishing pass/fail reports to educate consumers.

2. USP (U.S. Pharmacopeia) & NSF International

Both USP and NSF offer voluntary third-party verification programs for supplement manufacturers. Products displaying the USP Verified or NSF Certified seal have undergone facility audits and batch testing to confirm that the bottle actually contains the ingredients listed on the label without harmful contaminants.

3. Labdoor

Labdoor independently purchases off-the-shelf supplements, sends them to FDA-registered laboratories for chemical analysis, and ranks products based on label accuracy, product purity, nutritional value, ingredient safety, and projected efficacy.

Take Aways:

  1. Be Suspicious of Extreme Bargains: High-quality botanical extracts and pure essential oils require expensive raw materials. If a product costs 75% less than established brands, it is almost certainly diluted or synthetic.

  2. Check for Botanical Names: Look for specific Latin names on the label (e.g., Lavandula angustifolia rather than just “Lavender”). However, keep in mind that fraudulent brands can still print fake botanical names on the label.

  3. Look for Third-Party Seals: Choose brands certified by USP, NSF, Informed-Choice, or those with published third-party testing metrics.

  4. Buy Directly from Reputable Brands: Purchase through established direct manufacturers or aggregators such as Fullscript rather than unverified third-party marketplace resellers.

References

  1. Nutritional Outlook. (2026). Widespread Adulteration Detected in Amazon Lavender Essential Oil Offerings.

  2. Personal Care Insights. (2026). Testing finds rampant adulteration in Amazon-sold lavender oils, posing potential risks.

  3. Pharma Nord / NutraIngredients-USA. (2020). NOW Testing Reveals CoQ10, SAMe Products Sold on Amazon to be of Almost Uniformly Low Potency.

  4. Nutritional Outlook. (2020). NOW testing shows potency far below label claims in certain products purchased on Amazon.

  5. National Institutes of Health (NIH) / PMC. ConsumerLab.com: Independent Testing and Evaluation of Health and Nutrition Products.

  6. Prohibited Substances and Mislabeling in Botanical Sports Supplements (2023) Presence and Quantity of Botanical Ingredients With Purported Performance-Enhancing Properties in Sports Supplements.

  7. Ginseng Supplement Adulteration via DNA Barcoding (2024) Food Control (Hellberg et al., Chapman University)

Neurology makes a major step forward

neurology testing

The Next Frontier in Brain Health: NfL Blood Tests and Early Detection

For decades, diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s (AD), Parkinson’s (PD), and ALS required invasive spinal taps or expensive brain scans. By the time symptoms appeared, significant damage had often already occurred. However, a structural protein called Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL) is changing the landscape of neurology.

Recent breakthroughs from the Tokyo University of Science, published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, have introduced a faster, more affordable way to detect this “check engine light” of the brain using synthetic DNA molecules called aptamers.

What is NfL?

Think of your neurons as long electrical wires (axons) held together by internal scaffolding. NfL is a core protein in that scaffolding. When a nerve fiber is damaged—whether by disease or injury—NfL leaks into the cerebrospinal fluid and eventually the bloodstream. Because it only appears in the blood when cells are under stress, circulating NfL is a robust, quantitative biomarker of active neuronal injury.

The Breakthrough: DNA Aptamers

Traditionally, measuring NfL required expensive, lab-grown antibodies. The Tokyo research team, led by Dr. Kaori Tsukakoshi, developed DNA aptamers—synthetic DNA strands “trained” to bind to NfL with high precision.

  • Cost-Effective: Synthetic DNA is cheaper to produce than biological antibodies.

  • Durable: Aptamers are more stable and have a longer shelf life.

  • Versatile: They can be easily integrated into portable sensors for rapid, “point-of-care” testing in local clinics.

NfL vs. p-tau217: Which Test Do You Need?

As blood-based diagnostics go mainstream, many patients are hearing about the p-tau217 test. While both are revolutionary, they serve very different purposes in a clinical workup:

Feature Neurofilament Light (NfL) p-tau217
What it measures Neuronal Injury: General “wear and tear” or damage to nerve fibers. AD Pathology: The specific buildup of amyloid and tau plaques.
Specificity Broad: Elevated in AD, PD, ALS, MS, and even head trauma. Specific: Primarily used to identify Alzheimer’s disease.
Primary Use Monitoring disease progression and the “rate of fire” of nerve damage. Early Diagnosis specifically to confirm or rule out Alzheimer’s.

In short, p-tau217 tells you what disease you likely have (Alzheimer’s), while NfL tells you how fast the damage is occurring across a wide spectrum of neurological conditions.

A Proactive Approach to Brain Health

The development of highly specific DNA aptamers means NfL testing will soon be more accessible. This allows for “Proactive Neurology”—detecting silent injury before symptoms manifest and monitoring how well a treatment is actually protecting your nervous system.

Action Item: Start the Conversation

Medical protocols are evolving rapidly. As an empowered patient or caregiver, you are your own best advocate.

At your next appointment, ask us to discuss these new blood-based biomarkers.

Specifically, ask if a Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL) test or a p-tau217 test is appropriate for your baseline health screening. Discussing these options now ensures you are utilizing the most advanced tools available to protect your long-term cognitive health.

Can simple, at home, speed training reduce dementia ?

senior playing a game on an iphone

Cognitive speed training over weeks may delay the diagnosis of dementia over decades

Can “Brain Speed” Training Delay Dementia? A 20-Year NIH Study Offers New Hope

How often have you heard that “using it or losing it” is the key to keeping our brains sharp as we age ? However, not all mental exercises are created equal. A landmark study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has revealed that a specific type of cognitive training—focused on visual speed—could reduce the risk of a dementia diagnosis by 25%, with benefits lasting up to two decades.

The Study: 20 Years of Data

This wasn’t a short-term laboratory experiment. Researchers followed over 2,000 adults (aged 65 and older) starting in 1999. The participants were divided into groups to test three different types of mental training: Memory, Reasoning, and Visual Speed.

While all participants showed some initial improvement in their specific tasks, only the Speed Training group showed a significant long-term reduction in dementia and Alzheimer’s diagnoses, as tracked through Medicare data all the way into 2019.

The “Secret Sauce”: Speed of Processing

What made the speed training so effective? Unlike memory exercises (like word lists) or reasoning tasks (like pattern recognition), the speed training engaged the brain’s unconscious, automatic processing.

The training, often called “Double Decision,” worked like a high-speed video game:

  1. Central Vision: Participants had to identify an object in the center of a screen.

  2. Peripheral Vision: While focusing on the center, they also had to detect an object appearing in their side vision.

  3. Increasing Difficulty: As the person got better, the objects appeared for shorter and shorter durations—sometimes for just milliseconds.

  4. Distraction: Eventually, “distractor” objects were added to the screen, forcing the brain to filter out noise and focus on what mattered instantly.

Why Did it Work?

Researchers believe two factors set speed training apart:

  • It was Adaptive: The software automatically got harder as the user improved. This constantly pushed the brain to its limit, creating new neural “muscle.”

  • It Focused on “Unconscious” Thinking: Most brain games require slow, deliberate thought. Speed training forces the brain to react automatically. This may strengthen the underlying “hardware” of the brain, making it more resilient against the physical damage caused by dementia.

The Power of “Booster” Sessions

The study found that the most significant protection came to those who did an initial five-to-six-week block of training (twice a week) and then returned for “booster” sessions 11 and 35 months later. This suggests that while the brain can be “armored” against decline, periodic maintenance helps lock in those gains.

The Bottom Line

“This study shows that simple brain training, done for just weeks, may help people stay mentally healthy for years longer,” noted NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya.

While researchers are still investigating exactly how these rapid visual tasks protect the brain, the message is clear: training your brain to process information faster today might just buy you more years of independence and clarity tomorrow.

Action Item: Update Your Mental Routine

If you are looking to support your long-term brain health, consider moving beyond traditional crosswords or Sudoku.

  • Look for “Adaptive” Training: Choose programs that increase in difficulty as you improve.

  • Focus on Speed: Look for exercises that challenge your peripheral vision and reaction time.

  • Be Consistent: Aim for short blocks of training (60 minutes) a few times a week rather than marathons.

  • Inclined to know more about your cognitive capabilities, ask us about CNSVS testing.

What’s your go-to? Have you tried any digital brain-training programs, or do you prefer traditional puzzles for staying sharp?

Applied Behavior Analysis

First, let me encourage you to read the whole article published by Autism Speaks. they are an awesome resource and this article describing ABA therapy is very much on the mark. We encourage this form of therapy as over the 30 years we have seen changes that totally amaze and delight, often. The therapy is not a sole means of addressing autism, however rather one of the necessary therapies that

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Ready to know about heavy metals in your baby’s food ?

Baby food

Heavy Metals in baby food, get ready to use QR codes to get the info

Two states make waves to change toxin levels in baby food.

California has become the first state to require baby food manufacturers to test their products for toxic heavy metals to the level of 6 parts per billion (PPB) and to disclose the results to the public. The new law, AB 899 which went into effect on January 1, 2025, requires manufacturers to use an accredited lab to test representative samples of their infant and toddler food products at least once a month for levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Keep in mind that infant formula is excluded from this legislation.

A second state, Maryland’ Rudy’s Law will come into effect next year. Manufactures will start reporting to consumers in 2026  for the 4 levels of toxic metals. Its law uses the FDA levels for heavy metals as the limits in the foods for babies and children less than 2 years of age. Unfortunately, they are higher than the California standards.

The state laws apply only to sales of baby food in California and Maryland, however major manufacturers such as Gerber and Beech-Nut have announced plans to roll out QR codes on their products nationwide. The QR codes will allow consumers to access the test results by scanning the code with their smartphones.

The Problem: Contamination

The new law is a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of baby food products, which have been found to contain alarming levels of heavy metals in the past. According to a 2021 congressional investigation, some baby food samples contained up to 177 times the lead level, 91 times the inorganic arsenic level, and 69 times the cadmium level allowed in bottled water by federal agencies.

Some of the companies were not testing the finished products,  just the individual ingredients (see: https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/29/health/baby-food-toxins-update-wellness/index.html). Not all were included and the final product had a cumulative amount leading to under reporting.

The heavy metals found in baby food have been linked to cancer, chronic disease, and neurotoxic effects, and can have devastating effects on a developing child’s brain. The new law requires manufacturers to test their products to a level of six parts per billion for each heavy metal, and if the result is over that, they must specify the number.

Solutions: Testing and Reporting

Manufacturers can greatly reduce levels of toxic metals by carefully choosing their suppliers and using regenerative farming techniques. No-till farming, rotating crops, and growing cover crops can all help microbes in the soil bind with heavy metals, leaving fewer toxins for plants to absorb.

The new law applies to all baby foods manufactured on or after January 1, 2025, but consumers should be aware that existing products that do not meet the new guidelines do not have to be removed from retail shelves. Products with the new QR codes may trickle in during the early part of 2025 as companies adjust their production schedules.

There have been some standout companies that have been reporting even before the requirements came into effect, Plum Organics, Once Upon a Farm, and Square Baby are leading the way by making their 2024 testing results publicly available on their websites. Other manufacturers, like Cerebelly, Lil’ Gourmets, and Little Spoon, are also making their testing results available. As a note, they require consumers to enter a lot number for each product to specifically identify their products. You’ll find this on the label.

Some manufacturers are taking it a step further by voluntarily reporting on products that aren’t even required to be tested under the law. Once Upon a Farm, for example, is reporting on all of its products, not just those intended for children under the age of two. And Kabrita, an infant formula manufacturer, is reporting on their infant formula, which is exempt from the law’s requirements.

It’s also encouraging to see that some manufacturers are using a reporting level that’s well below the 6 parts per billion (ppb) limits in the law. For example, seven manufacturers – Fresh Bellies, Lil’ Gourmets, Little Spoon, Plum Organics, Ready Set Food, Serenity Kids, and Square Baby – are reporting levels of 3 ppb or lower.

As a parent, it’s reassuring to know that some manufacturers are taking these extra steps to prioritize the health and safety of your child. When shopping for baby food, look for manufacturers that are transparent about their testing results and committed to using safe and healthy ingredients. Yes, it takes a moment to look at their websites however,  the health implications for your young family members are significant.

Some experts have expressed concerns about implementing the new law, including the potential for some baby food companies to choose not to comply with the regulations, which is an option if they choose not to do business in California. Parents and caregivers should be careful consumers and read the nutritional labels to ensure that they are choosing products with the lowest levels of heavy metals. Keep in mind that the idea of no level of heavy metals may not be achievable due to the natural content in the soil where the crops are grown.

As the new law rolls out, it is possible to see even bigger reductions in heavy metals and other contaminants as companies battle for consumer loyalty. The law is a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of baby food products, and it is likely to have a positive impact on the health and well-being of children across the country.

Stay tuned for more updates as the food industry addresses other issues including plastic contamination and more.

Take Aways:

Check the labels of all baby foods

Make certain you compare the amount of toxins based on serving or portion sizes…..this varies from one manufacturer to another so the amount of metals will vary proportionately

Get familiar with using QR codes

Shop from firms that have been great consumer oriented and safe products for years

Is your sperm healthy ?

ova and sperm

Chemical Exposure: A Multigenerational Threat

The Fathers Impact of Chemical Exposure: A Call for Broader Environmental Health Approaches

Our environment is riddled with harmful chemicals found in air, food, water, and consumer products, posing significant health risks not only to the exposed individuals but also to their offspring (CDC – The Dangers of Chemical Exposure). Historically, research has primarily focused on the mother’s role in transmitting chemicals to children through pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, a groundbreaking study by Stockholm University highlights the previously overlooked role of fathers in transmitting the effects of chemical exposure (Stockholm University – Paternal Exposure Study).

Fathers’ Exposure: A Multigenerational Concern

Led by Oskar Karlsson, researchers at Stockholm University discovered that sperm cells carry not just genetic information but also “epigenetic information” reflecting past exposure to toxins (Stockholm University – Paternal Exposure Study). These epigenetic changes can influence gene expression in the offspring, potentially impacting their health in ways yet to be fully understood.

Emerging Evidence: Paternal Exposure and Offspring Health

While the Stockholm University study focused on epigenetic changes, research suggests other mechanisms through which paternal exposure can affect offspring health:

  1. Sperm quality: Exposure to chemicals like pesticides and heavy metals can decrease sperm count, motility, and morphology (shape) NCBI – Pesticides and Sperm Quality,  NCBI – Heavy Metals and Sperm Quality). This can potentially impact fertilization success and early embryonic development.
  2. DNA methylation: Alterations in DNA methylation patterns in sperm due to paternal exposure have been linked to increased risk of diseases like diabetes and obesity in offspring ( NCBI – DNA Methylation and Offspring Health).

Epigenetics: Your gene expression

So let’s recall what your great-great grandmother and father were experiencing. Were they from a country that had issues with sanitation or poor quality food or air. All of these considerations are now part of your genetic expression mutlipled by the subsequent generations.

It is widely recognized that an individual’s genetic makeup plays a significant role in determining their health outcomes. However, what many people fail to appreciate is the impact of epigenetic changes, which are modifications to gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can be influenced by various factors such as environment, lifestyle, and behavior, and they can be passed down through generations.

Animal models have provided valuable insights into the persistence of epigenetic changes across generations. Studies using mice have shown that these changes can be traced across seven generations (Morgan et al., 1999; Heard and Martienssen, 2014). This means that the experiences of an ancestor, such as exposure to toxins or stress, could potentially impact the gene expression and health of their descendants several generations later.

While human studies have not tracked epigenetic changes across as many generations as animal models, there is evidence to suggest that these changes can persist for multiple generations in humans as well. For example, a study of individuals whose grandparents had experienced the Dutch Hunger Winter, a period of severe food scarcity during World War II, found that these individuals had altered DNA methylation patterns, a type of epigenetic change, compared to individuals without this ancestral exposure (Heijmans et al., 2008).

These findings highlight the importance of considering not only an individual’s genetic makeup, but also their ancestral experiences and environmental exposures when assessing health risks. It is important to consider factors such as whether an individual’s ancestors lived in an area with poor sanitation, experienced food or air pollution, or were exposed to toxins or other stressors. These considerations are particularly relevant in the context of increasing urbanization and globalization, which can lead to increased exposure to environmental toxins and other stressors.

In summary, epigenetic changes can have lasting effects across multiple generations, and it is important to consider an individual’s ancestral experiences and environmental exposures when assessing health risks.

Moving Towards Safer Solutions

Dr. Anna Lennquist, a senior toxicologist at ChemSec, emphasizes the importance of phasing out hazardous substances and finding safer alternatives (Stockholm University – Paternal Exposure Study). By minimizing exposure to these toxins across generations, we can create a healthier future for ourselves and our children.

Take Home:

Make lifestyle changes to avoid:

    1. Reduce or better yet avoid processed foods
    2. Opt for organic produce when possible
    3. Use non-toxic cleaning products
    4. Minimizing contact with pesticides (avoid golf courses)
    5.  Use the EWG.org site to research your current products

By acknowledging the role of fathers in transmitting the effects of chemical exposure, we can take a more holistic approach to environmental health and ensure a healthier future for generations to come.

 

Got an anxious teen ?

anxiety teen

Anxiety in 33% of our Teens !

The American Psychological Association reports that anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health issues among adolescents, with nearly one-third of teenagers aged 13 to 18 experiencing anxiety disorders. While psychological risk factors for anxiety have been extensively researched, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that environmental factors, such as toxic chemical exposures during pregnancy, may also contribute to the development of anxiety in teenagers.

A recent study conducted by Dr. Dr. Strawn and his team.  published in Depression and Anxiety investigated the relationship between prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and adolescent mental health. PBDEs were commonly used as flame retardants in household products such as chairs, foam, cushions, carpets, and car seats. Although PBDEs have been banned, they can still be found in the environment and have been linked to a variety of health problems, including learning and memory problems, decreased sperm count, thyroid hormone disruption, and immune system dysfunction.

The researchers enrolled 460 pregnant women and studied the relationship between exposure to PBDEs and their children’s mental health. They found that exposure to PBDEs during pregnancy, particularly during the second trimester, was associated with a small but significant increase in anxiety in teenagers. This is a critical time in pregnancy when nerve cells in the brain are being formed and migrating to new areas of the brain.

The study’s findings are significant because they provide new insights into the connection between exposure to toxic chemicals in the womb and teen anxiety. Previous studies have shown that a mother’s experiences and exposures during pregnancy can have a significant impact on her unborn baby. However, this study is one of the first to demonstrate a direct link between prenatal exposure to PBDEs and anxiety in teenagers.

To reduce exposure to PBDEs, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends washing hands frequently, using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, and avoiding reupholstering or removing foam from older furniture. It is also important to avoid using products that contain PBDEs, such as certain types of electronics and building materials.

In conclusion, while more research is needed to fully understand the impact of toxic chemical exposures during pregnancy on mental health, it is clear that reducing exposure to harmful chemicals like PBDEs is an important step in promoting healthy development and preventing anxiety in teenagers. Healthcare providers and policymakers should take note of the study’s findings and consider strategies to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals during pregnancy.

Take Aways:

Old foam furniture probably contains PBDE’s, so discard when in doubt if unlabeled

Check the labels (TB117) on the furniture you purchase, and if it contains fire retardants pass

Dust often with a wet or microfiber cloth

Always consider an Environmental Pollutants Panel before getting pregnant

Purchase a real HEPA filter vacuum (most vacumes have a bypass that defeats the filtration)

 

 

 

A natural sugar erythritol, good or bad news for heart disease and more

sugar being poured

Erythritol, Heart Disease, and Blood Sugar: What You Need to Know

Erythritol is a popular sugar substitute that has gained attention for its potential health benefits. It is a sugar alcohol that is naturally found in some fruits and fermented foods, but most erythritol used in food products is made from cornstarch.

Erythritol contains about 0.24 calories per gram and has 0 grams of carbohydrates, making it a popular choice for people who are concerned about their calorie and carbohydrate intake. This sugar has gained momentum in processed products as a “safe” sugar substitute. Now for some new findings that may change your opinion.

And when we say it’s a commodity item take a look at the amounts in dollars sales. The global erythritol market according to Future Market Insights is expected to be valued at US$ 225.86 million in 2023. The rising incidence of obesity and chronic diseases like Diabetes is the primary growth driver of the global market demand. The overall demand for erythritol is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% between 2023 and 2033, totaling around US$ 449.6 million by 2033.

Heart Disease and Erythritol 

Heart disease is a significant health concern worldwide, and many people are looking for ways to reduce their risk of developing this condition. Some studies suggest that erythritol may have heart health benefits, however read on for the rest of the story.

A 2015 study published in the journal PLoS One found that erythritol may help reduce the risk of heart disease by improving blood vessel function. The study involved 24 healthy adults who were given either erythritol or a placebo. The researchers found that those who consumed erythritol had improved blood vessel function, which is an important factor in heart health.

Now there is new research suggesting just the opposite. In Nature Medicine January 2023, the title of the article is “The artificial sweetener erythritol and cardiovascular event risk”. The key to their findings is as follows: “In initial untargeted metabolomics studies in patients undergoing cardiac risk assessment (n = 1,157; discovery cohort, NCT00590200), circulating levels of multiple polyol sweeteners, especially erythritol, were associated with incident (3 year) risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; includes death or nonfatal myocardial infarction or stroke).

In lay terms, the risk of a heart attack and stroke was increased with the use of this sugar product.

You’re probably wondering why the 180-degree change in perspective. This study looked at the effect of erythritol on our platelets. These cells in our blood are responsible for clotting. Turns out that erythritol has a negative effect and causes more clotting leading, to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The story doesn’t end there. On the opposite note in the February 24th 2024 issue of Diabetes  They did what is known as a Mendelian Randomization study and found that erythritol did not influence cardiometabolic disease.  Their approach investigated potential causal associations between erythritol and coronary artery disease (CAD), BMI, waist-hip-ratio (WHR), and glycemic and renal traits in cohorts of European ancestry. It was acknowledged that they were exclusively doing a study with European patients and their findings may not be universal.

Erythritol and Blood Sugar

Erythritol is often used as a sugar substitute by people with diabetes or those who are trying to control their blood sugar levels. Because erythritol is not metabolized by the body, it does not raise blood sugar levels.

A 2023 study published in the journal Nutrients titled, “Metabolic Effects and Safety Aspects of Acute D-allulose and Erythritol Administration in Healthy Subjects” The study used large doses of erythritol in  adults with the researchers finding that those who consumed erythritol had no change in blood sugar, blood lipids (fats) or insulin levels. ,

Another study published in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation in 2016 found that erythritol may even have a positive effect on blood sugar control. The study involved rats with diabetes that were given erythritol. The researchers found that the rats that received erythritol had improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity compared to those that did not receive erythritol.

Is there a Conclusion ?

Erythritol is a sugar substitute that may have the potential to be a low-risk sugar substitute as the literature clearly shows that it does not raise blood sugar levels. While more research is needed to confirm these benefits, erythritol may be a good option for people who are looking to reduce their reaction to sugar , however it’s unclear if they will also be reducing or increasing their risk of  heart disease.

Take Aways:

Reduce or eliminate your use of processed products using sugar substitutes

Want more sweetness ? Use a natural form such as dates, or other fruits in moderation

Reduce your risk of clotting, by using simple food products such as garlic and onions

 

Deleted: <li class=”ml-5″>Goto, Y., &amp; Kawano, H. (2014). Effects of Erythritol on Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Levels in Healthy Subjects. Nutrition, 30(5), 612-616.</li>
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Counterfeit supplements on Amazon….again

supplements

You would think that the Amazon marketplace would be sensitive to counterfeiting and not provide garbage supplements on its platform. Amazon is claiming to be taking measures known as their Project Zero, since 2019 to address this issue but….. it’s 2023 and read on.

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