With an increase in childhood rickets over the past 15 years the government has issued guidelines recommending some groups to take daily supplements.

Research has shown that Iron supplements could be used to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis and other life threatening blood clots.

Recent figures have revealed that the number of British children suffering from rickets has increased tenfold over the past 15 years.
More than 760 children were admitted to hospital last year with the condition, which is caused by a shortage of vitamin D, the vital chemical which is boosted by sunlight.

Although millions of people take fish oil supplement to ease aching joints, scientists could not find any hard evidence to prove it had any real benefits. However, a two year study has highlighted that even taking a low dose can help to reduce the pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis.

Following the recent report into the lack of help given to osteoporosis sufferers, GPs are to give new priority to identifying and treating patients with bone thinning diseases under changes to their contracts.

A recent report shows that every year hundreds of thousands of people who have a broken bone because of osteoporosis are given no help to prevent repeat fractures.

Research by US scientists has shown that a low fat diet with fish oil supplements can slow down the growth of prostate cancer.

The paper published this week suggesting that high doses of vitamin E are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer should not detract from the importance of this essential nutrient for health. Vitamin E is an essential nutrient which is vital for every cell and organ in the human body, particularly the cardiovascular, nervous and reproductive systems where it has a major role in maintaining health.

A recent study into the relationship between vitamin intake and premature death has been scrutinised by leading health experts.

Fair-skinned people who are prone to sunburn may need to take supplements to ensure they get enough vitamin D, say experts. It appears that those with pale skin, while not deficient, may still be lacking in the essential vitamin that the body makes from sunlight.

Daily Vitamin B pill can help stave off Alzheimer's disease 

More than 800,000 Britons suffer from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, with the figure set to double within a generation as the population ages. In addition to this, one in six people aged over 70 suffer from Mild Cognitive Impairment with half of all sufferers progressing to dementia within five years of diagnosis.

Research has shown that age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an eye disease that causes partial blindness caused by progressive damage to the centre of the retina at the back of the eye, may be prevented by women taking vitamin D supplements.

Last year around £2 billion was spent on Glucosamine products, capsules filled with the powdered shells of crabs, lobsters and prawns, compared to £30 million on Vitamin C, suggesting millions of Britons believe the supplements will protect their knees, hips, wrists and knuckles from deterioration

British and Italian scientists have said that eating 3 bananas a day can cut your risk of stroke. The potassium found in a banana with breakfast, one at lunch and one in the evening is said to be enough to reduce the chances of suffering a blood clot in the brain by around 21%. The same is said to apply to other potassium rich foods such as spinach, milk, fish and lentils

A recent survey has shown that most people in the UK have joints that age faster than the rest of their body. According to the study of 13,000 people the average person has joints 12 years older than their actual age. Joint health depends on a number of factors such as your genes, weight, diet and even your profession.

Stronger food import controls, minimum font size suggestion, German authorities and fish oil intakes, Food Contaminant legislation and the EU Novel Foods Directive....

Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that our bodies need in small amounts to make us function properly. They are mainly substances that are found in the food we eat.

Read our guide here...

British start-up New Horizons Global is benefitting from a UK government scheme that has seen the emerging omega-3 DHA player increase international sales and exposure for its food and animal feed businesses.

Omega-3 is essential to human health, but cannot be manufactured by the body. We normally obtain Omega-3 in our diets by eating fish such as Cod, Tuna, Salmon or by taking food supplements.

A recent study with Alaskan Eskimos has shown that high intakes of Omega 3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of obesity related chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

The study involved the most famous indigenous people of the US state who have a similar obesity rate to the other states but the incidence of type 2 diabetes is only 3.3% compared to 7.7% nationally.

Recent press headlines that a junk food diet may damage children’s IQ have highlighted the potential value of nutritional supplements. According to researchers at Bristol University, writing in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, there is a link between a diet high in processed foods and a slightly lower IQ.

Scientists have shown that women with high levels of Vitamin B12 at the beginning of pregnancy are 3 times more likely to have quiet contented infants.

By boosting their intake of the vitamin found in steak, eggs and chicken, women can reduce their chances of having a ‘colicky’ baby whilst women with low intakes are for more likely to have babies that cry for up to 3 hours a day.

A new study the study, published recently online in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggests that women with a diet rich in B vitamins are less likely to develop premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

A recent study at Harvard Medical School in Boston has found that Omega-3 fatty acids protect against age-related Macular degeneration (AMD). The study will be published in the June issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology medical journal.

A 2 day omega–3 summit in Bruges, Belgium has led to the conclusion that the omega-3 industry must devote more resources to lobbying and educating government, health care professionals and the general public to help plug a ‘policy gap’ that is contributing to a growing epidemic of cognitive disorders such as Depression, Schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s.

According to doctors in the United Kingdom and the United States higher doses of vitamin D are needed to protect against breast cancer, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes and other diseases.

Trials are is being used to see if magnesium can successfully treat people with chronic tinnitus — characterised by an inexplicable ringing or buzzing in the ears.

Researchers believe the mineral magnesium plays a key role in protecting our hearing system and that supplements taken daily will reduce tinnitus symptoms.

A recent study has found that Zinc supplements can reduce the severity and duration of common cold symptoms.

The new findings, published in The Cochrane Library, concluded that taking zinc syrup, lozenges or tablets within a day of the onset of cold symptoms had a remedial effect, reducing both the severity and length of the illness.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved a health claim linking thiamin (vitamin B1) and “normal neurological development and function” in infants and children up to three years of age.

The new message from Cancer Research UK, as of this year, is 'Never be red at the end of the day' -and that ten to 15 minutes of midday sun exposure, without wearing suntan cream, is actually beneficial. This apparent change of heart has stemmed from the fact that vitamin d deficiency amongst seemingly healthy adults and children is on the rise.

The government's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies has stated that all children aged six months to five years should take vitamin D supplements, particularly during winter, to prevent the condition Rickets.

In relation to a recent Which? report the Health Supplements Information Service have reiterated the importance of food supplements in combatting deficiencies. Dr Carrie Ruxton from HSIS commented ‘The report paints an incorrect picture of vitamins being a waste of money when they are in fact essential and many people have poor intakes, and also that health claims are unsubstantiated when the European Commission’s legislative process is not yet complete.’

Overall the level of flu cases given the time of year are relatively normal. However over the last week the cases of flu have doubled and the number of deaths and severe illnesses have increased, sparking fears that swine flu is making a comeback.

EFSA health claims update, CRN and RDA's, food additive directive and more

EFSA Health Claim Assessments, The EU continues to review Food Additive ingredient legislation, a list of EU-approved flavour components is expected late in 2010, or early 2011 and more,,,,,

Traditionally it has been suggested that Vitamin D helps aid the absorption of calcium contributing to healthy bones. However, there is increasing evidence that vitamin D is needed for more than healthy, strong bones. Poor vitamin D levels in our bodies are thought to be linked to a raised likelihood of adults developing breast and prostate cancer as well as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and bowel diseases, including bowel cancer.

Research has shown that a diet rich in Omega - 3 fatty acids found in oily fish such as Salmon, mackerel, Tuna and fish supplements could be the key to protection against the most common form of sight loss in older people.

A clinical trial being conducted in Minnesota, US, has lead researchers to believe that taking apple cider vinegar improves cholesterol and that those who consume apple cider vinegar for 8 weeks will see improved levels of good or HDL cholesterol.

A new book, Acne and Rosacea: The Complete Guide, by Alison Bowser, suggests that vitamins and supplements could be very useful at managing acne.

51 per cent of women aged 20-29 report still having acne. High-profile sufferers include Keira Knightley, Cameron Diaz and Katy Perry.

Despite a recent report in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Principle Healthcare continues to promote Vitamin E as a food supplement in association with a healthy diet.

In a recent interview Ian Botham revealed that cod liver oil has helped to keep him sharp and his joints supple. He also stressed the importance of a healthy lifestyle stating walks in the countryside and getting your 5 a day as other key elements.

Professor George Lewith, head of health research at the University of Southampton and a practising GP, has stated that he will continue to recommend St John’s Wort to patients with mild to moderate depression.

In response to the recent studies questioning the effectiveness of St Johns Wort he says ‘Having worked in complementary medicine for many years, I know of so many more studies that have found St John’s wort to be effective and well-tolerated.’

Doctors believe Fenretinide, which is derived from vitamin A, could halt the advance of macular degeneration (AMD) - a disease for which there is currently no cure.

Researchers have discovered that the drug can help stop "dry" AMD which is caused by the destruction of cells in macula, the part of the retina which allows you to see straight ahead.

A recent study, looking at the impact of folic acid on amino acid reduction and heart disease, showed that although folic acid does reduce amino acid this doesn’t in turn significantly reduce heart disease. More importantly though the study also revealed that the participants suffered no adverse effects whatsoever during the trial confirming the safety of folic acid as a food supplement.

As the winter nights draw in there is always a cold bug doing the rounds at home, work or school.
A good balance of essential vitamins and minerals, which can be obtained from a healthy diet or from food supplements, is vital for boosting the immune system and fighting colds and flu.
Here is our guide to the essential vitamins and minerals you need to make sure you stay healthy this winter.

Read about EFSA approval of community health claims, recent EU supplement withdrawals, the new food additive directive, food labelling legislation and more in our October Regulatory update......

A New study has revealed that Vitamin C could improve the state of mind of A&E patients.

The Canadian researchers randomly assigned acute hospital patients with either Vitamin D or Vitamin C tablets for a period of 7-10 days. It was observed that that those who were administered with vitamin C showed a fast and significant improvement in their state of mood, this didn’t happen with the Vitamin D patients.

A study, led by the University of Leeds is hoping to find out if taking fish oil extract and aspirin daily could help stop pre-cancerous growths developing in the bowel.

Previous studies have indicated that aspirin and the a substance found naturally in fish oil known as Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) when taken on their own can provide some protection against bowel polyps, Researchers now intend to find out if they provide even greater protection when taken together.

A recent report published in the British Medical Journal has questioned the use of Glucosamine and Chondroitin when recommended and funded by the health service.

Principle Healthcare produces and sells Glucosamine and Chondroitin as a food supplement. We believe there is evidence that Glucosamine and Chondroitin may help maintain healthy joints, and the volume of sales of food supplement products containing such ingredients suggest many consumers find them beneficial.

Experts have been discussing whether taking Vitamin B daily can really help with memory loss in old age following a recent university of Oxford study.

The study made headway towards proving that Vitamin B helps keep an amino acid called homocysteine at a healthy level. Raised homocysteine has been linked with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and a faster rate of brain shrinkage in the elderly. It is thought that ‘homocysteine levels’ could come as common place a term and as important as Cholesterol or blood sugar levels.

Vitamin B tablets could slow and even halt the devastating march of Alzheimer's Disease in the elderly, a groundbreaking British study suggests.

Chief executive of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, Rebecca Wood said: "These are very important results, with B vitamins now showing a prospect of protecting some people from Alzheimer's in old age”.

Newborn babies with low levels of vitamin D have a far higher risk of developing schizophrenia later in life, researchers have found.

A new review of Omega 3 supplements, published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine,has revealed scientific evidence showing fish oil capsules prevented the deaths of almost one in 10 patients with heart failure. Professor Cowie, of Imperial College London and the Royal Brompton Hospital, has subsequently claimed that giving fish oil capsules to patients could save 10,000 lives a year.

Dr Ebers, Professor of Clinical Neurology at The Univeristy of Oxford, explains that although the environment holds the key to disease prevention, considerable evidence points to the fact that in climates with a lack of sunshine vitamin D supplements should be seriously considered. He states ‘taking Vitamin D circumvents the whole issue of being out of the sun.’

Research into a vitamin and mineral supplement by academics at Northumbria University shows it improves mood and mental performance while also reducing stress, mental tiredness and fatigue in healthy males.

 “Overall, these results suggest that improving nutritional status, by supplementation if necessary, may be beneficial to males within the general population as a whole,” says Northumbria University’s Professor David Kennedy, who led the study.

Researchers in Australia have found that Omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA may have gender specific effects on blood platelet aggregation.

Writing in the July 28 issue of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Anthony Norman, Professor of Biochemistry and Biomedical science at The University of California, Riverside said, "It is high time that worldwide vitamin D nutritional policy, now at a crossroads, reflects current scientific knowledge about the vitamin's many benefits and develops a sound vision for the future,"

Dr Carrie Ruxton from HSIS (Health Supplements Information Service) says: “It is important to note that calcium is an essential mineral for the health of the bones and the nervous system. Ensuring adequate intake is vital. However, the latest data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey showed that one in ten young women have calcium intakes below the Lower Reference Nutrient Intake (LRNI), a level at which deficiency is likely. Calcium supplementation can help to ensure adequate intakes in such people with poor intakes.”

Our brand new warehouse extension was officially opened yesterday (28^th July 2010) by our very own MD Mike Davies’ grandsons.

The new opening will ensure and guarantee replenishment without delay. Coupled with our leading industry expertise the new warehouse helps to make us first choice to bring products of the highest standards, backed by first class service - to market in the fastest possible time.

Nutritional deficiency is almost impossible to avoid in these modern times. With our busy lifestyle, the ever-tempting convenience of fast food, it is now very difficult to enjoy excellent daily nutrition. Do you remember the food pyramid, and just how much of each food group you have to take? Well, except if you are one of the rare species of health buffs left standing.

PHC regulatory and legal affairs team continues to monitor the national and international framework of laws, regulations, guidelines and principles governing food supplements and herbal medicines. To benefit  our customers, we are proactive with our approach to regulations and research-based in developing proposals...

Each packaging material used at PHC complies with its specification (including any legal requirements), which ensures that the product is adequately protected during its expected life under normal conditions of storage and use (with a safety margin for adverse storage) and there is no significant...

Well, I guess the regulatory arena is a very good example of the Lavoisier Law - Nothing lost, nothing gained, everything gets transformed. In other words, we have not lost or resolved any particular regulatory issue, neither have we gained one... Old issues just got transformed into new regulatory questions...