Functional Food
Functional Food
Cognitive Blend, ashwagandha and rhodiola: what are they and where do they come from?
"Nootropic" is a term that has been popping up everywhere in recent years: from coffee powders to ready-made focus stacks. At the same time, we're seeing the rise of "adaptogens" — a collective term for certain herbs from various traditional medicine systems. In this article: what is meant by nootropics and adaptogens, where do they come from, and what ready-made formulas are available. Please note: there are no health claims for these substances recognized by the EFSA; therefore, statements about their effects are not permitted.
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Lion's Mane: what it is and which forms exist
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) has been one of the most talked-about mushrooms in the world of food supplements in recent years. It is a white, hair-like fungus that grows on tree stumps. In this article you can read what Lion's Mane is, which forms are available and what to look out for when choosing a product. No health claims are authorised for Lion's Mane in the EU.
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Digestive enzymes as a supplement: types and differences
Digestive enzymes are proteins that break food down into smaller building blocks. Your body makes them itself; as a supplement they are available on their own or as a complex. In this article you can read what digestive enzymes are, how they are classified and which enzyme forms exist.
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Fibers, prebiotics, and probiotics: what's the difference and when do you choose what?
Fibers, prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics — if you look at the gut health category in supplements, you'll quickly encounter a barrage of terms that will make you switch off. Yet, the difference between these categories isn't complicated once you understand how they work together. In this article, we'll clarify the terms, explain how they reinforce each other, and help you choose which category suits which situation.
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The gut-brain axis: how your gut and brain are connected
The gut is sometimes called "the second brain". Your gut contains a network of more than 100 million nerve cells that is in constant communication with your brain via what is known as the gut-brain axis. Research into the gut-brain axis looks, among other things, at how the bacteria in your gut and your digestion relate to your mood, focus, energy and sleep. In this article you can read how that connection works and what you can do in your daily lifestyle.
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Digestion when travelling: practical tips for your holiday
Finally on holiday, and by day three your digestion is out of sorts. It happens to many travellers: different food, different water, a different routine and often heat. With a little preparation in what you eat and drink and in your daily rhythm, you can set off well prepared. In this article you can read what can affect your digestion when travelling and what you can do before and during your trip.
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Nattokinase: what is it and how is it made?
Nattokinase is an enzyme named after natto, a traditional Japanese dish of soybeans fermented with Bacillus subtilis natto. As a supplement, the enzyme is offered in concentrated form, without the taste and smell of natto itself. In this article you can read what nattokinase is, how it is formed, how the amount is stated on the label (FU), how it is offered and what to keep in mind if you take medication. No health claims are authorised in the EU for nattokinase.
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B12, magnesium, iron or Q10: which one suits you?
If you often feel tired, you soon end up looking at supplements, and the information you find often contradicts itself. Vitamin B12, magnesium and iron all contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue; no health claim is authorised in the EU for Q10. Which nutrient is most relevant for you depends on your age, your diet and any medication you take. Tiredness can have many causes: if it persists, have your GP look into it. This guide helps you decide in a few steps where to start.
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Magnesium and fatigue: the role in your energy metabolism
Fatigue has many causes. Sometimes the cause is clear—too little sleep, a busy period, illness. But often, fatigue lingers without a clear identifiable cause. In such cases, it's worth examining your nutrients. Magnesium is one of the minerals directly involved in your energy metabolism. In this article, you'll read how magnesium is related to energy and fatigue, how to recognize a deficiency, and which form suits your situation.
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Vitamin B12: function, daily requirement, and the right supplementation
Vitamin B12 plays a role in your energy metabolism, your nervous system, and the production of red blood cells. However, not everyone gets enough of it: your body does not produce B12 itself, and certain groups absorb it less effectively. In this article, you will read what vitamin B12 does in your body, who has an extra need for it, how much you need, and which approach is suitable for maintaining your B12 status.
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Astaxanthin: what is this natural pigment?
In short: astaxanthin is a red carotenoid (antioxidant) that is made naturally by the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis and gives salmon its colour. Supplements often use the natural algae form, a few milligrams per softgel. No health claims for astaxanthin are authorised in the EU. Astaxanthin is a natural pigment that gives salmon, prawns and flamingos their pink to red colour. It belongs to the carotenoids, the same family that beta-carotene belongs to. In this article you can read, factually, what astaxanthin is, where it comes from, the difference between natural and synthetic astaxanthin and what to look for when choosing a supplement.
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Digestive enzymes: which ones exist and what do they do?
In short: digestive enzymes are proteins that break down food: protease (proteins), lipase (fats), amylase (carbohydrates), lactase (lactose) and cellulase (fibre). They are available on their own or as a broad complex and are usually taken around mealtimes. Your body naturally makes enzymes to break food down into smaller building blocks. Digestive enzymes as a supplement have become popular in recent years among people who pay close attention to their diet. In this article we set out the main enzymes factually, explain the difference between a single enzyme and a broad complex, and discuss what to look for when comparing an enzyme complex.
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