This video explores the significant potential of bergamot, particularly its Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction (BPF), in managing cholesterol levels, based on a review in Nutrients. Bergamot primarily lowers cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, the same enzyme targeted by statins, with compounds like brutieridin and melitidin playing a key role ; in vitro studies have shown up to a 30-40% reduction in cholesterol synthesis in liver cells. Clinical trials demonstrate notable LDL-C reductions, for example, 500 mg/day of BPF decreased LDL-C by 24.1% in 30 days , while 1000 mg/day lowered LDL-C by 40.8%. Doses up to 1300 mg/day have resulted in LDL-C reductions of 37.7% over 120 days in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Regarding safety, bergamot has generally been well-tolerated in human trials lasting up to 120 days, with no significant adverse effects reported. Animal studies also indicate a good safety profile, with doses up to 150 mg/kg/day of BPF showing no liver, kidney, or blood toxicity. Even in statin-intolerant patients, 1500 mg/day of bergamot extract showed favorable results without adverse effects in one study. However, it's important to note that data on long-term safety and use at higher doses are still limited. Caution is advised for individuals on multiple medications due to the potential for drug-nutraceutical interactions, which are not yet fully understood.

Disclaimers:

"This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice."

"The review discusses findings from preclinical studies and clinical trials. While short-term human studies (up to 120 days) suggest bergamot is generally well-tolerated , comprehensive long-term safety data, especially at higher doses, is still emerging. The effects of bergamot can vary based on the individual, the formulation, and dosage."

"Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, particularly if you have a medical condition, are taking medications (especially for cholesterol or other cardiovascular issues), or are considering bergamot supplementation. Discuss potential interactions if you are on polypharmacy."

"This channel does not provide medical advice."

#BergamotCholesterol #NutraceuticalSafety #LipidManagement #HeartHealthSupplements #Bergamot

Carpenito M, Coletti F, Muscoli S, Guarino L, Di Cristo A, Cammalleri V, Mega S, Emerenziani S, Cicala M, Fanali C, et al. Unveiling the Power of Bergamot: Beyond Lipid-Lowering Effects. Nutrients. 2025; 17(11):1871. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17111871

Alchepharma,Ralph Turchiano,Bergamot cholesterol reduction,bergamot safety profile,bergamot side effects,bergamot HMG-CoA reductase,bergamot triglycerides,bergamot clinical trials cholesterol,safe cholesterol supplements,natural cholesterol lowering,bergamot long-term use,bergamot dosage for cholesterol,bergamot vascular benefits,bergamot antioxidant heart,bergamot and statins,small dense LDL reduction,dyslipidemia nutraceuticals,bergamot mechanisms of action

Vitamin D Slows Biological Aging? New 4-Year Study on Telomeres! Ep. 1244 JUN 2025

A recent sub-study of the large-scale VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL), published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, has revealed significant findings regarding vitamin D and cellular aging. Researchers analyzed leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in 1,054 participants over four years. The results showed that daily supplementation with 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 significantly reduced telomere shortening compared to a placebo. Specifically, vitamin D3 supplementation decreased LTL attrition by 0.14 kilobase pairs over the four years (p=0.039), an effect described as equivalent to preventing nearly three years of biological aging. This is the first large-scale, long-term randomized trial to show this protective effect on telomeres, which are caps at the ends of chromosomes linked to aging. Interestingly, marine omega-3 fatty acid supplementation did not show a significant effect on telomere length in this sub-study. These findings add to previous VITAL results showing vitamin D's role in reducing inflammation and risks of certain age-related diseases.

Disclaimers:

"This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice."

"The study discussed was conducted on U.S. females aged 55 years and older and males aged 50 years and older. Findings may not apply to other populations."

"Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications. Do not exceed recommended dosages of Vitamin D without medical supervision."

"This channel does not provide medical advice."

#VitaminD #Telomeres #AntiAgingResearch #VITALStudy #CellularHealth

Haidong Zhu, JoAnn E. Manson, Nancy R. Cook, Bayu B. Bekele, Li Chen, Kevin J. Kane, Ying Huang, Wenjun Li, William Christen, I-Min Lee, Yanbin Dong. Vitamin D3 and Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation and Leukocyte Telomere Length: 4-Year Findings from the VITAL Randomized Controlled Trial. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2025; DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.05.003

Alchepharma,Ralph Turchiano,citation,research,study,Vitamin D3 supplementation,leukocyte telomere length,LTL attrition,VITAL trial,biological aging,cellular aging,chromosome protection,anti-aging supplements,vitamin D benefits,telomere shortening reduction,2000 IU vitamin D,chronic disease prevention,inflammation reduction,advanced cancer risk,autoimmune disease risk,Mass General Brigham,genetic aging markers,DNA protection,long-term vitamin D effects

A recent randomized, double-blind, crossover trial published in Nutrients investigated the effects of short-term beetroot juice (BJ) supplementation on resistance-trained males. Eleven healthy men (average age 21.3±1.9 years) consumed either beetroot juice, providing 450 mg of nitrate per day, or a nitrate-free placebo. The study found that BJ supplementation significantly enhanced high-intensity resistance performance. Specifically, participants completed more repetitions at 80% of their one-repetition maximum (1RM) in both bench press and back squat exercises when taking beetroot juice compared to the placebo. Peak movement velocity also improved across all tested intensities (60-80% 1RM) with BJ supplementation. Furthermore, beetroot juice led to higher muscle oxygenation (SmO2 ) particularly at 70-80% 1RM and this effect was even more pronounced after 72 hours of supplementation. The study also noted reduced cardiovascular strain, evidenced by lower peak heart rates during exercise with BJ. Post-exercise recovery favored beetroot juice, with participants showing faster recovery in jump performance (both countermovement and squat jumps) at 24 hours and experiencing reduced upper-limb delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) at 24-48 hours. These findings suggest that short-term BJ supplementation can be a practical strategy for physically active individuals looking to optimize training performance and accelerate recovery.

Disclaimers:

"This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice."

"The study discussed was conducted on healthy, physically active young men. Further research may be needed to confirm these findings in other populations, including women, older adults, or individuals with medical conditions."

"Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications."

"This channel does not provide medical advice."

#BeetrootJuice #NitrateSupplementation #ResistanceTraining #ExercisePerformance #MuscleRecovery

Salem A, Ammar A, Kerkeni M, Boujelbane MA, Uyar AM, Köbel LM, Selvaraj S, Zare R, Heinrich KM, Jahrami H, et al. Short-Term Beetroot Juice Supplementation Enhances Strength, Reduces Fatigue, and Promotes Recovery in Physically Active Individuals: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Trial. Nutrients. 2025; 17(10):1720. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17101720

A recent study in mice explored how a combination of two supplements, lactoferrin and creatine, might help with age-related muscle loss, a condition called sarcopenia. Scientists induced sarcopenia in mice, causing their muscle mass and function to decline. For 8 weeks, these mice were given lactoferrin, creatine, or a mixture of both. The results were promising: the group of mice receiving both lactoferrin and creatine showed the most significant improvements. For example, the lean body content in the sarcopenia model group dropped to around 47-48%, while the group receiving the combination treatment saw their lean body content increase to about 51-52%, bringing them above the levels of the healthy control group (around 50%). In terms of muscle function, the combination group's endurance on a treadmill test was approximately 1200 seconds, a significant improvement compared to the sarcopenia model group (around 600 seconds) and even surpassing the healthy control group (around 900 seconds). Their grip strength also increased to roughly 180g with the combination, compared to about 130g in the model group and 150g in controls. These findings suggest that combining lactoferrin and creatine could be a beneficial nutritional strategy to combat muscle decay associated with aging, potentially by improving how muscles use energy and build protein.

3. Disclaimers:

• "This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice."

• "The study discussed was conducted on mice. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in humans."

• "Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications."

• "This Channel does not provide medical advice."

#Sarcopenia #MuscleHealth #Lactoferrin #Creatine #AgingWell

Wu W, Guo X, Qu T, Huang Y, Tao J, He J, Wang X, Luo J, An P, Zhu Y, et al. The Combination of Lactoferrin and Creatine Ameliorates Muscle Decay in a Sarcopenia Murine Model. Nutrients. 2024; 16(12):1958. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16121958

Sarcopenia, creatine, lactoferrin, muscle mass, muscle function, aging, muscle decay, D-galactose, C57BL/6 mice, muscle strength, endurance, grip strength, lean body mass, nutritional intervention, muscle protein synthesis, energy metabolism, myogenic factors, RNA-seq, mTOR signaling, PI3K-Akt signaling, longevity regulating pathway, muscle atrophy, animal model, skeletal muscle, nutritional supplements

Monk Fruit Extract: Zero-Calorie Sweetener, Surprising Benefits? Ep. 1241 MAY 2025

A recent PRISMA-guided systematic review published in Nutrients synthesized findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the impact of monk fruit extract (MFE) on metabolic health, lipid profiles, inflammation, and regulatory considerations. The review included a number of RCTs (note: while some search results indicated 10, others mentioned 5 included studies; refer to the final published article for the definitive number). The findings indicate that MFE may help reduce postprandial glucose levels (by 10–18% in included studies) and insulin responses (by 12–22%). Some studies also reported reductions in inflammatory markers such as IL-6 and TNF-α. No severe adverse effects were observed in the reviewed trials. The review also notes that MFE is approved for use in the United States and China, with its status under review in the European Union. The authors suggest MFE shows potential as a functional food ingredient for metabolic health, though they highlight the need for long-term clinical trials and a harmonized regulatory framework to confirm its long-term safety and efficacy within sustainable health strategies.

Disclaimers:

"This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice."

"This video discusses a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. While this represents a high level of evidence, individual results may vary, and further research is always ongoing."

"Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications."

"This channel does not provide medical advice."

#MonkFruitExtract #MetabolicHealth #SystematicReview #RandomizedControlledTrials #SustainableHealth

Kaim U, Labus K. Monk Fruit Extract and Sustainable Health: A PRISMA-Guided Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2025; 17(9):1433. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17091433

Alchepharma,Ralph Turchiano,citation,research,study,Monk fruit extract,Siraitia grosvenorii,mogrosides,metabolic health,glycemic control,insulin response,inflammation,blood glucose,type 2 diabetes,natural sweeteners,low-calorie sweeteners,functional foods,dietary supplements,clinical trials,systematic review,PRISMA,nutritional science,dietary interventions,sugar substitutes,glucose metabolism,insulin sensitivity,inflammatory markers,regulatory status

Unlock the science behind Ashwagandha and stress! A pivotal 2023 systematic review published in Nutrients meticulously analyzed the current evidence on Withania somnifera's effect on the primary stress hormone, cortisol. By synthesizing data from nine clinical studies involving stressed human subjects, researchers investigated Ashwagandha's potential to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The compelling finding? Supplementation with Ashwagandha for periods ranging from 30 to 112 days was consistently associated with significant reductions in cortisol levels, ranging from 11% to as much as 32.6%, compared to placebo groups. This review strongly suggests that short-term Ashwagandha use holds promise for buffering the physiological stress response in humans. However, the authors caution that dosages and formulations varied, and the long-term effects on adrenal function require further investigation.

3. Disclaimers:

"This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice."

"This video discusses findings from a systematic review of studies conducted on stressed human subjects over short durations (30-112 days). Individual results can vary significantly based on dosage, formulation, duration of use, and individual health status. Long-term effects are not well established."

"Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition (like thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, or hormone-sensitive conditions), are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking medications (such as immunosuppressants, sedatives, thyroid hormone, or medications for diabetes or high blood pressure)."

"This channel does not provide medical advice."

#Ashwagandha #Cortisol #StressResponse #SystematicReview #Adaptogens

Della Porta M, Maier JA, Cazzola R. Effects of Withania somnifera on Cortisol Levels in Stressed Human Subjects: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2023; 15(24):5015.

A 2024 randomized controlled trial published in the journal Nutrients investigated curcumin's effects on obese patients managing both type 2 diabetes and depression. The primary finding was a highly significant improvement in depression scores (measured by PHQ-9) for the group receiving curcumin compared to the placebo group over 12 months.

Importantly, the positive benefits extended substantially beyond mood improvement. The study revealed several other markedly positive secondary outcomes in the curcumin group:

Neurotransmitter Support: Significantly higher levels of serotonin (often linked to mood regulation).

Reduced Inflammation: Significantly lower levels of key pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α).

Enhanced Antioxidant Defense: Significantly increased total antioxidant status and activity of crucial antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase).

Lowered Oxidative Stress: Significantly lower levels of malondialdehyde, a marker of lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage.

These impressive and wide-ranging results, demonstrating statistically significant positive effects across depression symptoms, neurotransmitter levels, inflammation, and oxidative stress pathways, suggest that curcumin supplementation shows considerable potential as a beneficial complementary strategy for this specific patient population dealing with the complex interplay of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and depression.

Disclaimers:

"This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice."

"The study discussed was conducted on a specific population: obese adults with type 2 diabetes. These findings may not be generalizable to other populations or individuals with different health conditions."

"Curcumin supplements can interact with various medications (like blood thinners or diabetes medications which might increase the risk of low blood sugar) and may not be appropriate for everyone. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting or stopping any supplement, including curcumin, or making changes to your treatment plan, especially if you have diabetes, depression, or any other medical condition."

"This channel is not monetized and does not provide medical advice."

#Curcumin #Depression #Type2Diabetes #Obesity #mood

Yaikwawong M, Jansarikit L, Jirawatnotai S, Chuengsamarn S. Curcumin Reduces Depression in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2024; 16(15):2414. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152414

Alchepharma,Ralph Turchiano,research,Curcumin,depression,type 2 diabetes,T2DM,obesity,metabolic syndrome,inflammation,oxidative stress,mental health,mood disorders,complementary therapy,turmeric,human study,obese patients,diabetic complications,glycemic control,insulin resistance,neuroinflammation,serotonin,interleukin,IL-6,TNF-alpha,dietary supplement,mental well-being,comorbid mood symptoms,diabetes management,alternative treatments,PHQ-9,biomarkers

A recent 12-week randomised controlled trial involving healthy adults aged 55-70 yielded significant positive findings regarding pomegranate extract's effect on blood pressure. While the study might not have shown significant differences compared to placebo across all initially measured markers, it revealed important reductions within the group taking pomegranate extract daily. Specifically, participants supplementing with pomegranate extract saw a statistically significant average decrease in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) by 5.22 mmHg and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) by 3.6 mmHg. The researchers highlight the potential clinical relevance of the SBP reduction, noting that a 5 mmHg drop is associated with an estimated 10% decrease in the risk of major cardiovascular events. These findings align with previous research and meta-analyses confirming pomegranate's blood pressure-lowering effects, suggesting pomegranate extract could be a supportive strategy for hypertension prevention in older adults.

"This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice."

"The study discussed was a randomised controlled trial in healthy adults aged 55-70."

"The significant positive findings highlighted are the reductions in Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure observed within the group taking pomegranate extract. The authors note the SBP reduction is potentially clinically relevant."

"These blood pressure findings are consistent with other studies and meta-analyses on pomegranate, strengthening the evidence for this specific effect."

"Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially regarding blood pressure management or if you have existing health conditions or take medications."

"This channel is not monetized and does not provide medical advice."

#PomegranateExtract, #BloodPressure, #SystolicBloodPressure, #ClinicalRelevance, #HypertensionPrevention

Farhat G, Malla J, Vadher J, Al-Dujaili EAS. Effects of Pomegranate Extract on Inflammatory Markers and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adults Aged 55–70 Years: A Randomised Controlled Parallel Trial. Nutrients. 2025; 17(7):1235.

This video explores a comprehensive review published in the journal Nutrients focusing on Astragalus membranaceus and its potential role in delaying aging. What's fascinating is the breadth of mechanisms discussed: the review highlights how active phytochemicals in Astragalus root – like specific polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins – exert powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-regulating effects. These properties are linked to protecting cells from damage and dysfunction associated with aging. The review specifically points to benefits for skin health, suggesting these compounds may help maintain skin condition and prevent tissue degeneration. Beyond the skin, the research surveyed indicates potential protective effects across multiple body systems – including the cardiovascular, nervous, and immune systems – painting a picture of Astragalus as a multifaceted agent in promoting healthspan and potentially slowing the aging process at a cellular level.

Disclaimers:

"This information is based on a scientific review article summarizing existing research and is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice."

"This review covers a range of studies (potentially including human, animal, and cell-based research). Consult the original review article for details on the sources of evidence. Further research is often needed."

"Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using Astragalus supplements or making changes to your health plan. Astragalus can interact with medications and may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions."

"This channel is not monetized and does not provide medical advice."

#AstragalusMembranaceus #CellularAging #SkinAging #Astragalus #Phytochemicals

Borowicz KK, Jach ME. Astragalus Membranaceus—Can It Delay Cellular Aging? Nutrients. 2025; 17(8):1299. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17081299

Astragalus membranaceus,cellular aging,review,anti-aging,traditional Chinese medicine,antioxidants,flavonoids,saponins,polysaccharides,immunomodulation,inflammation,skin health,longevity,phytotherapy,herbal remedies,natural supplements,oxidative stress,senescence,gerontology,nutrients journal,adaptogen,cardiovascular health,immune support,regenerative medicine,systemic effects

This research overview explores nutritional approaches to combat muscle loss, also known as sarcopenia, a common age-related issue. The study emphasizes the critical role of diet in maintaining muscle health and strength. Key nutrients like protein, vitamin D, leucine, creatine, and HMB are discussed regarding their impact on muscle protein synthesis, directly affecting the progression of sarcopenia. The review highlights that personalized dietary strategies, tailored to individual needs, combined with exercise, are essential for effectively addressing muscle loss, mitigating sarcopenia, and improving overall physical functionDisclaimers:

"This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice."

"The information reviewed is based on research studies, and individual results may vary."

"Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making any changes to your diet or1 treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications."

#MuscleLoss #Sarcopenia #Nutrition #Protein #VitaminD

Muscle loss, sarcopenia, muscle atrophy, aging, nutrition, protein intake, vitamin D, leucine, creatine, HMB, muscle health, elderly nutrition, dietary interventions, muscle strength, physical function, geriatric nutrition, muscle protein synthesis, sarcopenia treatment, muscle loss treatment, nutritional management, muscle mass, healthy aging, diet for muscle loss, muscle wasting, geriatric care, nutritional supplements

Barone M, Baccaro P, Molfino A. An Overview of Sarcopenia: Focusing on Nutritional Treatment Approaches. Nutrients. 2025; 17(7):1237. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17071237