How effective are diet food, dietary supplements?

VISAKHAPATNAM: Targeting calorie-conscious citizens, various companies have flooded the market with products ranging from sugar-free sweets to oil-free alu-bhajjis, diet cold drinks, dietary supplements, slim tea and fruit juices. However, doctors and dieticians caution that all that glitters is not gold. According to them, those willing to take a short cut to weight loss don't even bother to find out how effective these products are or how authentic their claims might be.
Sounding a cautionary note, experts say all the slimming supplements and substitutes may not be suitable for everyone and may not yield desired results for a weight-loss programme unless supported with a regular workout regimen and balanced diet.
Dr Kutikuppala Surya Rao, a noted Padmashree awardee general physician from the city, said, "More often than not, the claims made by these products are a marketing gimmick. It's very important to check the ingredients, nutritional value and their percentage printed on the cover or packet. The problem with many of these products is that there's no scientific study done on them to substantiate their claims with data. Some don't even reveal the detailed formula or ingredients and amount used. And all potato chips do use some kind of oil while diet soft drinks are also not as healthy as people mistake them to be. However, if diabetic sweets or sugar-free sweets use artificial sweeteners instead of refined sugar or glucose, then it's a better option."
Diabetologist and head of the department of endocrinology at King George Hospital (KGH) Dr KAV Subrahmanyam rated diet food and nutrition supplements above junk food but said these foods can't be certified from the health point of view with surety as many of their labels often don't elaborate on the exact quantity of ingredients used or whether these have the right nutritional balance. "Also, there are several herbal weight loss products and drinks that have not been scientifically evaluated. For general public, their results may vary from person to person but we may not advice them for diabetic patients. Even if diabetics take sweets and drinks with artificial sweeteners, a stipulated amount of these should be consumed to prevent any adverse health impacts," added the doctor.
Coming to dietary supplements, dietician R Anusri, working at a city based-fitness centre, averred, "One should remember to use these as supplements and as not substitutes for regular meals. These can thus help in cutting down on the quantity of meal by reducing cravings or appetite or can be consumed instead of junk food to aid weight-loss. However, there are certain herbal products such as high protein and fibre bars or protein-vitamin drink which can be taken as substitute for meals as prescribed by doctors and nutritionists. But it should be remembered that despite claims of 'no added sugar' many of the chocolate-flavour products or fruit juice do contain some amount of sugar. The efficacy of slimming Ayurveda capsules has also not been scientifically proven. Therefore, those trying to lose weight should opt for fresh fruits and vegetables as well as high fibre, low-carb eatables such as oats and dal items rather than depending only on costly food supplements."
"Moreover, there are contraindications for such dietary supplements as well. Diabetic and gastric patients and pregnant women should not start consuming the supplements on their own unless recommended by doctors. Too much of protein concentration on the body can lead to nutritional imbalance or depending on the body type some people may suffer from allergies if a particular supplement doesn't suit them," added the dietician.
As per the Food Safety and Standards Act of India (FSSAI), a dietary supplement is defined as a product taken by mouth that contains a dietary ingredient and / or a new dietary ingredient intended to supplement the diet. The dietary ingredients in these products may include: vitamins, minerals herbs or other botanicals, amino acids and substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, glandular and metabolites.
These are foods, which are specially processed or formulated to satisfy particular dietary requirements, which exist because of a particular physical or physiological condition or specific diseases and disorders. The composition of these foodstuffs must differ significantly from the composition of ordinary foods of comparable nature, and may contain one or more of the following ingredients, namely - plants or botanicals or their parts in the form of powder, concentrate or extract in water, ethyl alcohol or hydro alcoholic extract, single or in combination; minerals or vitamins or proteins or metals or their compounds or amino acids (in amounts not exceeding the Recommended Daily Allowance for Indians) or enzymes (within permissible limits); substances from animal origin and a dietary substance for use by human beings to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake. Such foods should not have any hormones, steroids or psychotropic ingredients added to them as per Prevention of Food Adulteration Act.

5 Unknown Facts About Hidden Toxins In an Indian Diet

There is a multitude of reasons the mystical South Asian country India, is famous. The rich cultural heritage, the superfluity of colors, the glorious hospitality and not to forget, the culinary extravagance are the key aspects that make India widely popular, the world over. While India’s gastronomical secrets may have reached even minuscule parts around the globe, one can’t ignore the fact that when it comes to food safety standards, India still has a long way to go. According to Food Sentry, a global food source monitoring organization, India tops the list of food violators in the world, followed by China. For a country that comprises of almost 18% of the world’s population, this data is indeed quite alarming and requires strict precautionary and corrective measures at the earliest. Here are five facts about the hidden toxins in an Indian diet:



Noxious Breakfast Necessities – What does your typical breakfast comprise of? A glass of milk, a slice of bread and maybe an egg? What if you learnt that none of these foods you consume on a daily basis are, indeed, fit for consumption? Shocking, isn’t it? Research suggests that 5-7% of eggs are contaminated and can put you at the risk of salmonella poisoning, a condition that can result in nausea, vomiting, cramping, diarrhea, headaches, fever, bloody stools and even pregnancy complications. This is mainly a result of the inhumane treatment and living conditions of hens. You may think that the bread you purchase from the bakery next door is fresh, however, it could contain contaminants like potassium bromate, a chemical added to increase the elasticity of bread. Potassium bromate has carcinogenic effects, and many countries have banned it for the same reason. Even the milk you drink every day may contain hazardous chemicals like gentamicin, boric acid and formalin that can all have a highly disastrous effect on your health.
Unwholesome Meal Essentials – Rice is one of the key staple foods in almost every Indian household. Numerous reports and studies suggesting the high amounts of arsenic content in rice found in many Indian states are making the rounds. High levels of arsenic can reportedly give rise to serious health concerns like DNA damage, melanosis, keratosis, skin cancer, etc. As per 2013 news reports, rice imported from India and China had dangerously high levels of lead in them. The excess oil and salt content in pickles, another popular accompaniment to Indian meals, aren’t the only reasons to worry about. Packaged pickles also contain the preservative, Sodium Nitrate/Sodium Nitrite (E 250) that can lead to the formation of nitrosamines in the body, compounds that can cause cancer.
Adulterated Beverages – Tea/Chai is by far the most commonly consumed beverage in India and turns out that there’s some adulteration even in that. Research suggests that packaged teas contain contaminants like old tea leaves, sand, sawdust, coal tar and iron fillings and can lead to liver, lung and skin disorders. A study conducted by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) found many carcinogenic compounds like bromates in bottled drinking water samples in Mumbai. Packaged juices and drinks also contain a host of artificial color additives that can increase your susceptibility to cancer.
Contaminated Fruits And Vegetables – Don’t get tempted the next time you see big, bright and juicy looking apples arranged neatly on the supermarket shelves – to make them look inviting, they may have chemicals injected into them. Chemicals like copper sulfate are used to color fruits and vegetables artificially, and they can lead to nausea and tissue, liver, and kidneys damage. Its excessive intake can even lead to shock and death. Oxytocin, a prescription drug is also injected in fruits like melons and papayas to make them grow big in size. Their excessive intake can have highly damaging results on your health by contributing to memory loss, nervous breakdown and heart disorders.
Toxic Packaged Foods – Dr. Suneeta Chandorkar, Assistant Professor, Department of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Family and Community Services, MS University, Vadodara, in an India Today article stated that many Indian packed food brands mislabel their products to make them seem healthy. The tests, however, report contrary results. Though Maggi may have emerged victorious after having defied the claims that it contains high quantities of lead, one still can’t help but worry about the safety of consuming packaged foods. MSG, a common preservative and flavor enhancing ingredient in many packaged foods can lead to a flurry of health problems like migraines, palpitations, increased heart rate, nausea, chest pain and even liver damage. Artificial coloring used in sauces, cereals, candies, etc. can trigger a hoard of health troubles ranging from ADHD, nausea, high blood pressure, tumors, to cancer.
Above mentioned are just some of the many glaring reasons for you to increase your awareness and keenness about your food selections. Read the food labels, keep yourself informed about the latest food security news, ask questions, speak to people and watch out for any unfortunate cases of people falling sick having eaten at restaurants around you. Stay mindful, stay healthy!
About Author Aradhana

 

Aradhana is a writer from India. She covers topics concerning parenting, child nutrition, wellness, health and lifestyle. She has more than 150+ publications from reputable sites like Huffington Post, Natural news, Elephant Journal, Lifehacker and MomJunction.com to her credit. Aradhana writes to inspire and motivate people to adopt healthy habits and live a stress-free lifestyle.

DINAMALAR NEWS

Food safety, sample tests low on health department agenda

The food safety seems to remain a low concern for the health department as the most of the districts in the state have failed to achieve monthly targets for collection of food samples or any other substance.
Out of 1,740 targets set by the health department, only 782 samples were taken up by the districts. Among these 45% collected samples, 31% failed test and were unfit for the consumption.
The major failing districts, include Jalandhar, Amritsar, Bathinda, Ludhiana, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Sangrur, Tarn Taran, Mansa and Muktsar.
The Jalandhar health department was given the target of 100 food samples, but it collected only 56 samples in which 14 were found unfit. The Ludhiana department had a target of 250 food samples, but it collected only 73 in which 35 failed to pass standard test and similarly, 40 samples were collected by the Bathinda health department out of a target of 100.
Roopnagar was a district that had asked to collect 40 samples, but the numbers remained zero. In 2013-14, the shortfall in achieving target was around 80% in the most of the districts.
Moreover, the Food Safety Act has the provision of compulsory registration for all food businesses to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption, but most of the districts have been lagging behind in ensuring complete registration.
Since online provision of registration since March 6, 2014, only 363 licences and 1,970 registrations were done by Jalandhar food safety officers till October 31, while it’s neighbouring district Ludhiana did 1,086 food licences and 2,275 food registrations in the same period.
The sources in department claimed that mostly local milk and milk products, bakery products, sweets and other samples were being collected every year as per guidelines issued by higher officials.
They told that senior officials fixed a minimum target every month but due to the lackadaisical attitude of officials, they usually fail to cover the target.
They added that the most drives start near Diwali festival when the sale of sweets gets increased and sweet manufacturers prepare items in bulk with complete disregard of hygiene and food safety. Sources revealed that most of the food processing outlets ignore the health of people in order to earn profit.

An official on condition of anonymity said that due to an interference of political leaders, the sampling drive against adulterated products is being affected. He added that the workload of official work and the shortage of staff are other reasons behind failure in achieving the targets.

FSSAI notice to Ramdev’s noodles

ROORKEE: Patanjali Ayurved Ltd (PAL), the FMCG venture promoted by yoga guru Baba Ramdev, has been served a show cause notice on Tuesday by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) over the sale of its newly-launched atta noodles in the country without approval.
Though neither Ramdev nor his deputy Acharya Balkrishana, managing director of PAL, have confirmed receiving the notice, Akash Yog Health Products, a local noodle manufacturer which produces atta noodles for Pantanjali, and a high-level source at PAL have confirmed the news. PAL's offices are situated at Padartha village on Haridwar-Laksar road here.
According to reports, FSSAI chairman and acting CEO Ashish Bahuguna had issued the show cause notices to PAL and Akash Yog on Nov 19, asking both companies to explain, within 15 days, about manufacturing and selling the atta noodles without due approval from FSSAI. Ramdev had launched his noodles brand as a rival product to Nestle's Maggi instant noodles on November 16 in Delhi. But the product drew controversy instantly when FSSAI officials said it was not standardized or approved by the food safety agency.
However, on the packaging of PAL, an FSSAI licence number is mentioned, and on November 18 Ramdev had denied any illegality as far as PAL was concerned. Since then, confusion has prevailed over the status of a notice from FSSAI as both Pal and Akash Yog stated they were unaware of it.
Akash Yog, which has been producing atta noodles for PAL at SIDCUL industrial area in Haridwar, has now confirmed that they as well as PAL have received the notice from FSSAI. However, the company's officials stated they have all the necessary permissions for producing the noodles, and have committed no wrong. "We have been producing around 22 tonnes of noodles every day in our plant. And since we are a British Retail Consortium (BRC)-certified company, all the work is done in accordance with international food standards. In fact, the notice is about Patanjali's marketing of the product, and not our manufacture of it. Therefore, the notice does not affect us," said Mukund Madhav, general manager (operations), Akash Yog, talking to TOI.
Meanwhile, PAL sources confirmed receipt of the notice but declined to comment further. CP Nagpal, vice-president and head of food operations of PAL had told TOI earlier on Monday that FSSAI's procedures for food manufacture was ambiguous and needed clarification. "They have said that our product does not fall in the category of 'pasta foods', under which we have registered it. However, they don't have any category for 'instant noodles', so what are we to do?" Nagpal had asked.