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Planning to Get Pregnant?

Planning to Get Pregnant?

Having adequate nutrition and maintaining a healthy body weight can increase our chances of conception, successful pregnancy, and birth to a healthy baby.  During pregnancy, our body requires different amount of nutrients that are crucial for the development of the foetus, such as Folate/Folic Acid

  • Folate/ Folic Acid is the most important nutrient to prevent the foetus from developing neutral tube defects. It is recommended to start supplementation at least 1 month prior to pregnancy to prevent birth defects, and yet 44% of pregnant women in a Beijing University Study were found to be deficient in blood folate. 

Remember deficiency might not be obvious in pregnant women, and folic acid is only of of many nutrients we need, hence it is essential for both the mother and the foetus to consume enough.

Why not start by grabbing one of our supplement packs to get ready?

Reference:
Chidambaram B. (2012). Folate in pregnancy. Journal of pediatric neurosciences, 7(2), 81. doi: 10.4103/1817-1745.102559Dietitians of Canada. (n.d.). Retrieved November 13, 2019, from https://www.dietitians.ca/ Downloads/Factsheets/Food-Sources-of-Folate.aspx.
Ren, A., Zhang, L., Li, Z., Hao, L., Tian, Y., & Li, Z. (2006). Awareness and use of folic acid, and blood folate concentrations among pregnant women in northern China—An area with a high prevalence of neural tube defects. Reproductive Toxicology, 22(3), 431–436. doi: 10.1016/ j.reprotox.2006.02.003”

Pregnant?

Are You Pregnant?

Adequate nutrition during pregnancy is essential for your baby’s growth and development. Several nutrients are especially important, yet not many pregnant women are reaching adequate intakes of all the required nutrients. Let’s take a look at some of the key ones.

 

  • Folate/Folic acid – Essential for the prevention of premature birth and neural tube defects.
  • Iron – For the production of hemoglobin (the protein in the red blood cells) to help carry oxygen around the body for you and your baby. Deficiency may result in anemia and increased risks of premature birth. 90% of the adult population in Hong Kong are not getting enough iron compared to the recommended intake (Center for Food Safety Hong Kong 2014)
  • Calcium – Essential for strong bones and teeth development. It also plays an important role in our nervous system, muscular system, and circulatory system. 80% of the adult population are not getting enough calcium (Center for Food Safety Hong Kong 2014).
  • Iodine – essential for healthy brain development in the fetus and young child. Over 70% of pregnant women in Hong Kong are deficient in iodine. (Medical Journal Hong Kong 2017)

Careful control of weight and diet are also important in the prevention of diseases such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and can help decrease the risk of chronic disease development in your child’s adulthood.

Why not start by grabbing one of our supplement packs to get ready?

Reference:
Abu-Ouf, N. M., & Jan, M. M. (2015). The impact of maternal iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia on child’s health. Saudi medical journal, 36(2), 146–149. doi:10.15537/smj.2015.2.10289
Greenberg, J. A., Bell, S. J., & Ausdal, W. V. (2008). Omega-3 Fatty Acid supplementation during pregnancy. Reviews in obstetrics & gynecology, 1(4), 162–169.
Pregnancy diet: Focus on these essential nutrients. (2017, February 15). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-nutrition/art-20045082.
Tam, W., Chan, R. S., Chan, M. H., Yuen, L., Li, L., Sea, M. M., & Woo, J. (2017). Moderate iodine deficiency among pregnant women in Hong Kong: revisit the problem after two decades. Hong Kong Medical Journal. doi: 10.12809/hkmj176841
Wong, W. W. K., Xiao, Y., Chung, S. W. C., & Ho, Y. Y. (2013). The First Total Diet Study in Hong Kong, China. Total Diet Studies, 253–258. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4419-7689-5_24

Breastfeeding?

Are You Breastfeeding?

What is more important than providing the most nutritious first food to our baby?

Breast Milk is the most recommended way of feeding as it contains all the nutrients that supports growth and development for the initial 6 months of the baby. We, as mothers, want to ensure nutrients are adequate for the baby and also for the replenishment for ourselves.

For the baby: Nutrients such as DHA and Essential Fatty Acids are crucial for babies’ brain development as well as the growth and natural immune protective matters.

For the mothers:  It is important to replenish nutrients that are in increased demands such as Calcium, Iron, Iodine, etc. Several vitamins and minerals are also in higher demand during lactation as compared to pregnancy, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Iodine, Zinc, Riboflavin (B2), Vitamin B12, Vitamin B5, and Vitamin A. However, it was found in 2016 that more than 85% of pregnant participants were not fulfilling the recommended intake. (Laboratory for Infant & Child of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)’s Food Safety and Technology Research Centre (FSTRC))

 

  • Lack of calcium may lead to osteoporosis, rickets or cardiovascular diseases

  • Lack of iron includes iron deficiency anemia and impaired immune response

  • Lack of iodine may lead to hypothyroidism, goiter etc.

  • Inadequate intake and low nutrient density of the diet can inhibit breast milk production.

Get these packs to get the milk flowing full of nutrients

Reference:

Benefits of breastfeeding. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.babyfriendly.org.hk/en/benefits-of-breastfeeding/.
National Academy Press. (1996). Nutrition during lactation – Chapter 9 Meeting Maternal Nutrient Needs During Lactation. Washington, DC
Picciano, M. F. (2003). Pregnancy and Lactation: Physiological Adjustments, Nutritional Requirements and the Role of Dietary Supplements. The Journal of Nutrition, 133(6). doi: 10.1093/jn/133.6.1997s
Inadequate Micronutrient Intakes of Breastfeeding Mom – Polytechnic University Media release 2016.07.26

Concerned About Your Child’s Weight?

Are You Concerned About Your Child’s Weight?

Childhood obesity is particularly troubling because the extra pounds can often lead children to the path of health problems that were once considered adult problems — diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. 

Many obese children become obese adults, especially if one or both parents are obese. Childhood obesity can also lead to poor self-esteem and depression. One of the best strategies to reduce childhood obesity is to improve the eating and exercise habits of your entire family. Treating and preventing childhood obesity can help protect your child’s health now and in the future.

Reference:
S Sonia Arteaga, Layla Esposito, Stavroula K Osganian, Charlotte A Pratt, Jill Reedy, Deborah Young-Hyman, Childhood obesity research at the NIH: Efforts, gaps, and opportunities, Translational Behavioral Medicine, Volume 8, Issue 6, December 2018, Pages 962–967, https:// doi.org/10.1093/tbm/iby090

A Child With Picky Eating?

A Child With Picky Eating?

  • Are you worried that your picky eating child is not getting enough nutrients to support their growth and development?
  • Are you worried that their diet habit will lead to stunted growth or developmental delay?

It is essential for children at this stage to obtain adequate nutrients to prevent any growth and developmental delays and boost their immunity to fight against harmful bacteria. 

Tackle fussy eating with these packs and programs

Reference:

British Nutrition Foundation. (2015, August). Nutrition, health and schoolchildren Bone health. Retrieved from https://www.nutrition.org.uk/attachments/article/546/Nutrition, health and schoolchildren_Bone health factsheet_updated.pdf.
Cusick, S. E., & Georgieff, M. K. (2016). The Role of Nutrition in Brain Development: The Golden Opportunity of the “First 1000 Days”. The Journal of pediatrics, 175, 16–21. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.05.013
McCarthy, C. (2018, January 23). The crucial brain foods all children need. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/brain-food-children-nutrition-2018012313168.

Deciding Which Supplements Your Child Needs?

Are You Deciding Which Supplements Your Child Needs?

  • Children from 1-3 years old are particularly vulnerable from nutrients deficiency from what they eat because food plays an important role in overall development especially in the brain. It is important to try to find ways to encourage adequate nutrients are available for use in order to prevent any growth and developmental delays.  Here’s just some of the important nutrients they need.
  • Protein, Zinc, Iron, Choline, Long-chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid, Folate, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 – all necessary for Growth and Brain Development.
  • Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid especially Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) – needed for Brain Development, Visual Development, and Cell Development
  • Calcium – Support Bone Growth, Teeth Development, and Muscle Contraction.

Grab these packs to boost your kid's height, brain development and immunity

Reference:

British Nutrition Foundation. (2015, August). Nutrition, health and schoolchildren Bone health. Retrieved from https://www.nutrition.org.uk/attachments/article/546/Nutrition, health and schoolchildren_Bone health factsheet_updated.pdf.
Cusick, S. E., & Georgieff, M. K. (2016). The Role of Nutrition in Brain Development: The Golden Opportunity of the “First 1000 Days”. The Journal of pediatrics, 175, 16–21. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.05.013
McCarthy, C. (2018, January 23). The crucial brain foods all children need. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/brain-food-children-nutrition-2018012313168.

Adult Weight Concern

Are You an Adult With Weight Concern?

  • Recently finding yourself being more clumsy? Fed up with bumping around and knocking things over because of your size? Being overweight increases your risks of developing different chronic health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers etc. 

    Modern dietary patterns are generally characterized by high intake of added sugar, fat, and sodium, and lack of physical activities. Successful and sustainable weight management requires the adoption of lifestyle modifications including managing calorie intake, regular exercise, and healthy eating patterns.

Grab these packs to kickstart your health journey

Reference:

Health Risks of Being Overweight. (2015, February 1). Retrieved from https:// www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/health-risks-overweight.

Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline . Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 1998.

Porte Jr. D, Sherwin RS, Baron A (editors). Ellengerg & Rifkin’s Diabetes Mellitus, 6th Edition. McGraw-Hill, New York, 2003.

Giordano, D., Corrado, F., Santamaria, A., Quattrone, S., Basilio, Benedetto, A. D., & D’Anna, R. (2011, January 1). Effects of myo-inositol supplementation in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome: a perspective, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Retrieved November 11, 2019, from https://insights.ovid.com/menopause/menop/2011/01/000/effects-myo-inositol- supplementation/20/00042192.

An Adult With Beauty Concern?

Are You an Adult With Beauty Concern?

  • Chances are you are going to have one or two complaints about your skin, whether it might be the dryness and wrinkles, oily skin, or the dark spots on your cheeks and nose bridge. Luckily, we have a simple solution to treat your concerns, and to make you feel more confident. 

What's bothering you the most?

Reference:

Health Risks of Being Overweight. (2015, February 1). Retrieved from https:// www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/health-risks-overweight.

Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline . Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 1998.

Porte Jr. D, Sherwin RS, Baron A (editors). Ellengerg & Rifkin’s Diabetes Mellitus, 6th Edition. McGraw-Hill, New York, 2003.

Giordano, D., Corrado, F., Santamaria, A., Quattrone, S., Basilio, Benedetto, A. D., & D’Anna, R. (2011, January 1). Effects of myo-inositol supplementation in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome: a perspective, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Retrieved November 11, 2019, from https://insights.ovid.com/menopause/menop/2011/01/000/effects-myo-inositol- supplementation/20/00042192.

Anti-Aging and Wrinkles

Anti-Aging and Wrinkles

  • Don’t you just hate it when you haven’t seen a friend for years and when you meet them, their skin hasn’t aged a bit. Well, it’s easy! You can do it too! To keep your skin looking and feeling great requires the right nutrients and ensure being hydrated. Some key nutrients includes:

    • Vitamin C and E –  strong antioxidants that help repair free radical damages caused by UV and other environmental stress and promotes collagen formation, which gives our skin elasticity.
    • Hyaluronic acid keeps your skin hydrated and  reduces wrinkles and increasing skin brightness
    • Collagen to boost more strengthening network under the skin

Start looking great with one of the below packs 

Reference:

Oe, M., Sakai, S., Yoshida, H., Okado, N., Kaneda, H., Masuda, Y., & Urushibata, O. (2017). Oral hyaluronan relieves wrinkles: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study over a 12-week period. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 10, 267–273. doi:10.2147/CCID.S141845

Pullar, J. M., Carr, A. C., & Vissers, M. (2017). The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients, 9(8), 866. doi:10.3390/nu9080866

Schagen, S. K., Zampeli, V. A., Makrantonaki, E., & Zouboulis, C. C. (2012). Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology, 4(3), 298–307. doi:10.4161/derm.22876

Sibilla, S., & Borumand, M. (2015). Effects of a nutritional supplement containing collagen peptides on skin elasticity, hydration and wrinkles. Journal of Medical Nutrition and Nutraceuticals, 4(1), 47. doi: 10.4103/2278-019x.146161

Acne Relief

Acne Relief

Acne is a common disease among adolescents and young adults, which is caused by several factors including:

  • Excess sebum production
  • Follicular blockage
  • Excess generation of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria
  • Inflammation.

Our Acne relief supplement packs contains strains of Probiotics, Vitamin C, and Omega 3 Fatty Acids which are important in the management of acne problems.

  • Inhibit P. acnes bacteria growth and reduces inflammation 
  • Promote Collagen Synthesis and Wound Healing 
  • Alleviate inflammation and decreasing sebum production 

Reference:

Burris, J., Rietkerk, W., & Woolf, K. (2013). Acne: The Role of Medical Nutrition Therapy. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 113(3), 416–430. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2012.11.016

Kober, M. M., & Bowe, W. P. (2015). The effect of probiotics on immune regulation, acne, and photoaging. International journal of women’s dermatology, 1(2), 85–89. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2015.02.001

Oregon State University. (2019, September 6). Vitamin C and Skin Health. Retrieved from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-C.

Jung, J., Kwon, H., Hong, J., Yoon, J., Park, M., Jang, M., & Suh, D. (2014). Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Gamma-linolenic Acid on Acne Vulgaris: A Randomised, Double-blind, Controlled Trial. Acta Dermato Venereologica, 94(5), 521–525. doi: 10.2340/00015555-1802

Skin Whitening

Skin Whitening

  • Light and white skin are still considered the ambassador of beauty in many Asian countries. In East Asian culture, women prefer lighter skin tone because they believe ‘yī bái zhē bǎi chǒu一白遮百醜,’ which means ‘a white complexion is powerful enough to hide seven faults,’ darker skin signified more than just a mark against beauty. 

    Our Skin whitening supplement pack consists of nutrients that can :

    • Have ability to suppress and/or reverse oxidative damage  caused by such stressors as UV light from the sun.
    • Offer protection against sun damage and photocarcinogenesis 
    • Degrade pigmentation and dark spots 

Reference:

Blair, R., & Tabor, A. (2009). Nutritional cosmetics beauty from within. Oxford: Elsevier.

Liu, M. (2018, September 3). Asians still love skin whiteners, despite health concerns. Retrieved November 13, 2019, from https://edition.cnn.com/2018/09/02/health/skin-whitening-lightening-asia-intl/index.html.

Body Odor

Body Odor

  • Fed up with the smell that lingers around you? 

    Well, it’s very normal, and has been shown in research that after the age of 40, the amount of ω7 unsaturated fatty acids and lipid peroxides increases significantly on our skin surface, upon degradation and oxidation, a chemical ‘2-Nonenal’ is produced, which is the unpleasant greasy and grassy smell, aka “old age” odor. The odor itself cannot be covered no matter how many times you’ve showered, spray on perfume or deodorant. But hey, guess what? There are some nutrients that can help to control the degradation. 

    Let’s start smelling fresh today !

Reference:

Haze, S., Gozu, Y., Nakamura, S., Kohno, Y., Sawano, K., Ohta, H., & Yamazaki, K. (2001). 2-Nonenal Newly Found in Human Body Odor Tends to Increase with Aging. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 116(4), 520–524. doi: 10.1046/j.0022-202x.2001.01287.x

Ismail, M., Hossain, M. F., Tanu, A. R., & Shekhar, H. U. (2015). Effect of spirulina intervention on oxidative stress, antioxidant status, and lipid profile in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. BioMed research international, 2015, 486120. doi:10.1155/2015/486120

Office of Dietary Supplements – Vitamin B6. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-HealthProfessional/.

Body & Liver Detoxing

Our body can accumulate a lot of “toxins” overtime from eating or exposure to toxic chemicals in our environment such as heavy metal in drinking water and food, and pesticides that were applied to crops.

Naturally, our body is able to remove toxins through our sweat, urine, and feces with the work of the liver, GI tract, and kidneys. However, with the support of detox supplements, your body can work even more efficiently than before. 

Body Detox

Our body detox blends works wonderfully by optimizing your bowel movement to remove wastes much easily, support liver function and also replenishes nutrients that fuels our healthy gut bacteria to grow helping to enhance our immune system at the same time. 

Liver Detox

Liver is one of the largest organs in our body and acts as our body’s natural filter that’s responsible to convert toxins into wastes products, cleanses our blood, and metabolizes nutrients and medications. 

Our Liver Detox helps to protect and ensure the liver works its best by prevent toxins from entering the body, and stimulating the growth and repair of liver cells.

Suitable for those with late nights and nights with alcohol !

Reference:

The Stages of Liver Disease. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/the-progression-of-liver-disease/#1503432164252-f19f7e9c-0374.

National Cancer Institute. (2004). Pdq cancer information summaries: treatment (Patients). Bethesda, MD.

Carlsen, M. H., Halvorsen, B. L., Holte, K., Bøhn, S. K., Dragland, S., Sampson, L., … Blomhoff, R. (2010). The total antioxidant content of more than 3100 foods, beverages, spices, herbs and supplements used worldwide. Nutrition Journal, 9(1). doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-9-3

Morsy, E. M. E., & Kamel, R. (2014). Protective effect of artichoke leaf extract against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Pharmaceutical Biology, 53(2), 167–173. doi: 10.3109/13880209.2014.913066

Disease Prevention & Management

Are You Looking for Disease Prevention or Management?

Adopting proper nutrition is important in the prevention and management of diseases. 

What you choose to eat, and what you choose not to eat are crucial in determining whether you are at risk of developing chronic illness and diseases. 

The right diet can help you. Our aim is to:

  • to prevent chronic dieases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer etc 
  • to manage your chronic disease so that your quality of life can be minimally affected

What's bothering you the most?

Bone and Joint Health

Bone and Joint Health

Suffering from knee pain or discomfort? 

As we age (or the increased use of high heels) can cause degeneration of joint tissues and oxidative damage which contributes to musculoskeletal impairment such as osteoarthritis, causing pain, limited motion, and joint damage. 

There are nutrients in particular that can significantly relief pain by building up the cartilages between the joints and some even have shown positive effect on bone metabolism by reducing bone reabsorption rate while maintaining the constant rate of bone formation

Reference:

Griel, A. E., Kris-Etherton, P. M., Hilpert, K. F., Zhao, G., West, S. G., & Corwin, R. L. (2007). An increase in dietary n-3 fatty acids decreases a marker of bone resorption in humans. Nutrition Journal, 6(1). doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-6-2

Janice, & Brenda. (2016, January 21). The Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Arthritis. Retrieved from http://blog.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/omega-3-fatty-acids-arthritis/.

Zeng, C., Wei, J., Li, H., Wang, Y. L., Xie, D. X., Yang, T., … Lei, G. H. (2015). Effectiveness and safety of Glucosamine, chondroitin, the two in combination, or celecoxib in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Scientific reports, 5, 16827. doi:10.1038/srep16827

Disease Prevention

Not just for yourself. It's for the family !

Coronary artery disease, Ischaemic stroke, diabetes, cancers, bone fractures……these are just some of the commonly seen chronic diseases we encounter. It may sound scary, but just to think that by adopting simple changes to diet and lifestyle can help to lower the risks of these diseases. Did you know, even a 5% weight loss can significantly lowers the risks of chronic diseases related to obesity. 

It’s never too late to start looking after yourself and for your family!

Reference:

Griel, A. E., Kris-Etherton, P. M., Hilpert, K. F., Zhao, G., West, S. G., & Corwin, R. L. (2007). An increase in dietary n-3 fatty acids decreases a marker of bone resorption in humans. Nutrition Journal, 6(1). doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-6-2

Janice, & Brenda. (2016, January 21). The Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Arthritis. Retrieved from http://blog.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/omega-3-fatty-acids-arthritis/.

Zeng, C., Wei, J., Li, H., Wang, Y. L., Xie, D. X., Yang, T., … Lei, G. H. (2015). Effectiveness and safety of Glucosamine, chondroitin, the two in combination, or celecoxib in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Scientific reports, 5, 16827. doi:10.1038/srep16827

Disease Management

Understand that it maybe hard to go through all those medications and treatments once being diagnosed with a disease. 

You may be suffering from:

  • Sacropenia  (loss of lean muscle mass)
  • Loss of weight and appetite due to disease symptoms or treatment 
  • Pressure sores and wound healing 
  • Need recommendation on Nasal-gastric feeding regimen and the type of feed required

Nutrition disease management helps to make things a little better by providing the body enough nutrients for the body to perform it’s best for better treatment outcome whether it is through nutritional interventions or nutritional support. Contact us for more details on the services and products offered or by taking a look at the below products. 

Reference:

Griel, A. E., Kris-Etherton, P. M., Hilpert, K. F., Zhao, G., West, S. G., & Corwin, R. L. (2007). An increase in dietary n-3 fatty acids decreases a marker of bone resorption in humans. Nutrition Journal, 6(1). doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-6-2

Janice, & Brenda. (2016, January 21). The Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Arthritis. Retrieved from http://blog.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/omega-3-fatty-acids-arthritis/.

Zeng, C., Wei, J., Li, H., Wang, Y. L., Xie, D. X., Yang, T., … Lei, G. H. (2015). Effectiveness and safety of Glucosamine, chondroitin, the two in combination, or celecoxib in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Scientific reports, 5, 16827. doi:10.1038/srep16827

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