Vitamin D is an essential nutrient you mainly get from sun exposure. If you don’t get enough of it, some research suggests you could be at a higher risk of experiencing depression. However, research on whether supplementing with vitamin D can relieve depressive symptoms is mixed.

Vitamin D deficiency is common—affecting about 35% of adults in the United States—and is associated with several health problems.

For instance, lack of vitamin D is linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and autoimmune diseases. More recently, vitamin D has emerged as a possible cause of depression.

However, researchers have not determined definitively that vitamin D deficiency causes depression, though the two are linked. One large population-based study found an association between vitamin D status and depression in middle-aged adults.

The study results suggest that vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency may help identify adults who are at an increased risk of developing depression. Deficiency may also serve as a biomarker for people with depression whose symptoms persist despite treatment, meaning monitoring deficiency levels may help with depression diagnosis and tracking treatment progress.

Vitamin D supports several body functions and is essential for overall health. The vitamin helps your body absorb calcium and is an important component in developing strong bones and teeth.

Together, calcium and vitamin D help protect your body from developing osteoporosis. This condition causes your bones to weaken and become brittle, making them more likely to break. Low vitamin D also makes you more susceptible to osteomalacia, a condition causing bones to soften, leading to bone pain, muscle weakness, and bone deformities like rickets.

However, vitamin D’s role is not limited to bone health. It also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and brain-protective properties and supports several other bodily functions.

For instance, having adequate amounts of vitamin D can boost your immune system’s ability to fight off viruses and other germs. Your muscles rely on vitamin D to move, and your nerves utilize vitamin D to send messages between your brain and your body.

Depression is a mood disorder that affects how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working.

People who have depression often experience one or more of the following symptoms nearly daily for at least two weeks:

• Sadness and anxiety
• Lost interest or pleasure in activities or hobbies
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Irritability, frustration, or restlessness
• Feelings of being helpless or worthless
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Sleep that lasts too long, too often, or not enough sleep
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
• Thoughts about death or suicide

Everyone who is depressed experiences this condition differently and will not have every symptom listed above. If you or someone you love is showing signs of depression, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

Several small studies have found that people who are depressed experience improvements in their symptoms after they start taking vitamin D supplements.

However, other research shows that supplementing with vitamin D does not affect symptoms of depression. For example, a large study including more than 18,000 people with depression found that taking 2,000 international units (IU) daily of vitamin D for five years did not change depression scores compared with taking a placebo. Several other studies came to similar conclusions.

Vitamin D is not included in the guidelines for treating mood disorders. More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of vitamin D for depression, as well as what blood levels are needed and how to supplement when a person is depressed.

If you have depression and suspect that your vitamin D levels are low, the best thing you can do is to talk with a healthcare provider. They may order a blood test to determine your vitamin D status. This will give you a baseline measurement of your vitamin D levels before you begin supplementation.

If you cannot afford testing, you may be able to supplement without testing as long as you stay within the recommended daily intake of vitamin D, which is 600-800 IU for adults. Some health experts maintain that taking vitamin D without testing is safe, especially if you know you aren’t getting adequate sunlight or eating fortified foods.

Your exact vitamin D needs are based on your age, health status, and skin color; non-Hispanic Black Americans, women, and people 20-29 years old are particularly at risk for vitamin D deficiency.

When taking vitamin D, be aware of how much you consume and avoid taking too much. Because vitamin D is fat-soluble, it has the potential to build up in your system and can result in vitamin D toxicity.

People with vitamin D toxicity may develop kidney stones (mineral clusters in urine that are difficult and painful to pass through the urinary tract).

Other symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Pain
• Dehydration
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Extreme thirst
• Excessive urination

Extremely high vitamin D levels may cause irregular heartbeat, kidney failure, and death.

Vitamin D toxicity is almost always caused by supplementation. You cannot get too much vitamin D from the sun. Your skin naturally limits the amount of vitamin D it makes from sunshine.

Research indicates that symptoms of vitamin D toxicity are most likely to occur when your daily intake is at least 10,000 IU. However, amounts less than the tolerable upper intake level of 4,000 IU could also have a negative impact over time.

Vitamin D supplements may interact with some medications, including diuretics, statins, steroids, and Orlistat (a weight-loss drug). Some of these medications can also increase your risk of vitamin D toxicity. Talk to a healthcare provider before taking vitamin D supplements if you are taking any other medications or supplements.

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Swisse – a premier brand of the Certified B Corp , Health & Happiness (H&H) Group, and a global leader in premium, science-backed wellness supplements, is expanding its portfolio with Glam Bites — a groundbreaking new line that supports beauty from within and makes daily self-care effortless for today’s busy woman.

Crafted with zero-sugar, no sugar alcohols, no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners and free from gluten and major allergens¹, Swisse Beauty Glam Bites are a guilt-free addition to one’s daily beauty routine: just bite, nourish and glow from the inside out!

“Swisse Beauty Glam Bites are a simple and clean addition to your beauty routine” said leading dietitian, Dana. A. White. “They deliver powerful, science-driven beauty benefits through a precisely balanced blend of micronutrients in a zero-sugar gummy that has no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners – all with unique flavor profiles and great taste.”

Swisse Beauty Glam Bites are available now, arriving just in time for a fresh New Year beauty routine:

• Hair Skin Nails Glam Bites ($19.99, 60 count) – AVAILABLE NOW. Formulated with a unique combination of Biotin, Zinc, Bamboo Extract. This powerful blend promotes stronger, longer hair and nails, while supporting skin firmness and elasticity, restoring vitality and strength for a more youthful, beautiful appearance. * Blood orange naturally flavored.
• Glow Skin Glam Bites ($24.99, 60 count) – AVAILABLE NOW. A blend of Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Sea Moss, and Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen Peptides, designed to promote collagen production, improve elasticity, and strengthen the skin barrier. * Blueberry lavender naturally flavored.
• Skin Defense Glam Bites ($24.99, 60 count) – AVAILABLE NOW. Formulated with Astaxanthin, in addition to L-Glutathione and Green Tea Extract to help support healthy aging, promote even skin tone, while offering antioxidant protection against environmental damage*. Raspberry green tea naturally flavored.

Research shows that 45% of Gen Z and 31% or millennials favor gummy supplements.² What’s more, 74% of U.S. personal care buyers agree that skin health is a reflection of their overall health ³.

Born in Australia in 1969, Swisse has become a leader in wellness, inspiring millions around the world to enhance their health and wellbeing and celebrate life every day. Now available globally, Swisse products are made with ingredients backed by scientific research and adhere to world-class manufacturing standards, using only the best ingredients sourced from around the world.

Shop for Swisse on Amazon or at https://swisse.us/collections/glam-bites. For more information, visit https://swisse.us/.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

(1) Major allergens include milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame.
(2) Source: National Business Journal
(3) Source: Kantor Profiles/Mintzel June: 2023; Mintzel GNPD May’19-Apr ’24 and Primary & Secondary Research and AMR Analysis 2023.

About H&H Group North America
H&H Group is a global health and nutrition company with three growing business segments in North America – Baby, Adult and Pet Nutrition and Care – supporting whole-family health and happiness through premium brands providing nutrition and wellness solutions with ingredients backed by science for both pets and people. The consumer brands include Solid Gold Pet, America’s first holistic pet nutrition company, Zesty Paws, a brand of pet supplements, and children’s nutrition brand, Biostime, as well as vitamin, supplement, and skincare brand, Swisse.

SOURCE Swisse

Vitamin C can’t protect you from germs, but it plays an essential role in immune function and overall health. Most women need at least 75 milligrams (mg) per day while men need slightly more, at 90 mg. Rather than relying on supplements, experts generally recommend meeting your needs through food, since it provides additional beneficial nutrients beyond vitamin C alone.

Here are eight foods to eat for vitamin C instead of popping a pill or gummy.

• Vitamin C: 118 mg, 131% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Serving size: 1 cup sliced

While citrus fruits often get the spotlight for their vitamin C content, many vegetables—including red bell peppers—are surprisingly excellent sources. These peppers also provide vitamin B6, potassium, and magnesium, which support heart, bone, and brain health.

• Vitamin C: 105 mg, 117% of the DV
• Serving size: 1 cup

A single cup of kiwi delivers more than your daily vitamin C requirement. For an extra nutrient bonus, eat it with the skin to enhance your fiber intake.

• Vitamin C: 102 mg, 113% of the DV
• Serving size: 1 cup chopped

Broccoli is not only rich in vitamin C but also provides immune-supporting nutrients like selenium, zinc, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin A, potassium, and phosphorus.

• Vitamin C: 93 mg, 103% of the DV
• Serving size: 100 grams (1.5 to 2 cups) raw

Kale, a nutrition superstar, also contains a noteworthy amount of vitamin C. What’s more, the cruciferous vegetable boasts more than 300% of the DV of vitamin K, crucial for blood clotting, strong bones, and more.

• Vitamin C: 89 mg, 99% of the DV
• Serving size: 1 cup, halves

Strawberries deliver an entire day’s vitamin C needs in just a cup. These juicy berries also contain anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant.

• Vitamin C: 85 mg, 94% of the DV
• Serving size: 1 cup

Grapefruit is an acquired taste for some due to its bitter flavor, but its nutritional value more than makes up for it. Rich in vitamin C, fiber, vitamin A, and potassium, grapefruit supports gut, eye, heart, and immune health. “Grapefruit can be enjoyed broiled with a touch of sweetener, added to salads or breakfast bowls, or infused into water for a refreshing drink,” Jennifer Rawlings, RDN, CDCES, owner of My RDN Coach, told Health.

• Vitamin C: 83 mg, 92% of the DV
• Serving size: 1 cup

Classically associated with vitamin C, oranges are a great way to simplify your supplement routine. Packed with B vitamins, vitamin E, fiber, calcium, and potassium, oranges can support gut, bone, immune, and heart health.

• Vitamin C: 75 mg, 83% of the DV
• Serving size: 1 cup raw

Brussels sprouts are often celebrated this time of year in comforting recipes like roasted veggies and hearty winter salads. They’re also filled with nutrients beyond vitamin C, including folate, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and fiber.

While people can meet their vitamin C needs with food, supplements may be appropriate for some.

“Individuals who have very poor appetites, limited food choices, certain digestive conditions that affect absorption, are pregnant, smoke, or otherwise may struggle to meet the recommended vitamin C needs through food alone could benefit from supplementation,” registered dietitian nutritionist Dani Dominguez, MS, RDN, told Health.

Experts generally recommend consulting a healthcare provider before starting any dietary supplement—vitamin C included.

According to the University of Georgia’s Health Centre, there are two types of whey protein, including isolate and concentrate, the former of which is typically “a highly filtered form of whey protein and contain less than 1% of lactose.”

Protein Powder Health Risks: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class I recall for a protein powder that was distributed across 37 US states on December 11. The recall notice came after large scale consumer reports investigation detailed high lead levels in the Genepro Whey Fourth Generation Plasma Treated Protein, which is an unflavoured protein supplement sold in the market in 225g resealable packaging.

FDA Warns Protein Powder Health Risks

The product that is marketed with a prominent packaging claiming ‘allergen free’, ‘lactose free’ and ‘dairy free’, the USFDA determines that this dietary supplement could contain milk, a major food allergen that must be clearly disclosed to the public under federal law. According to the University of Georgia’s Health Centre, there are two types of whey protein, including isolate and concentrate, the former of which is typically “a highly filtered form of whey protein and contain less than 1% of lactose.”

Most people get enough protein from their daily diet by consuming foods like eggs, chickpeas, a handful of nuts, fish and chicken. However, most people consume protein powder to get vitamins and minerals easily from one item. Experts suggest that if you are a healthy adult who is considering an additional dietary supplement, you should determine whether your goal is to improve muscle mass, as most scientists examined enhancing muscle growth and strength. Researchers claim that protein is beneficial for muscle growth and recovery after exercise.

There are several types of protein powder widely used across the globe for its diverse health benefits, including whey, casein, soy, pea, hemp, beef, and egg. Besides the recent FDA’s recall notice, a 2020 study published by the National Institute of Health (NIH), alarmed that the bestselling protein powder contains heavy metals, such as cadmium, lead and arsenic. The NIH explains, “In 2010, the US Consumer Reports measured heavy metal concentrations in 15 commercially available protein powder supplements, and reported that all of the examined products contained ‘detectable concentrations’ of at least one heavy metal. In a separate evaluation in 2018, the Clean Label Project tested 133 protein powder supplements, and found that all of the tested products similarly contained ‘detectable concentrations’ of heavy metals.”

Side Effects Of Protein

Suyash Bhandari, Functional Nutritionist, Chief of iThrive Essentials, Supplements Vertical of iThrive says that protein supplements are not harmful by default, but side effects often appear when the protein is not properly digested, absorbed, or broken down by the body. According to the Functional Nutritionist, common complaints involve factors like gas, bloating, and heaviness, especially among people who are lactose or dairy intolerant and consume whey-based proteins.

Additionally, Digestive issues such as loose stools, irregular bowel movements, abdominal discomfort or foul-smelling stools can also occur when the gut keeps struggling to process certain protein sources or additives. In certain individuals, excessive or poorly tolerated protein might show up on the skin as acne, boils, or inflammation, signalling an internal imbalance rather than a protein “problem” itself.

Suyash Bhandari shares three tips to keep handy while purchasing protein powder:

• Read the ingredient list carefully: Avoid products loaded with artificial sweeteners, flavours, colours, or unnecessary additives that can stress digestion.
• Look for quality and testing certifications: Choose proteins that are third-party tested or lab-certified for purity and safety.
• Check sourcing and suitability: Ensure to opt for responsibly sourced options like grass-fed whey or clean plant proteins as well as athletes should ensure the product is free from banned substances.

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Together, these ingredients form a synergistic blend that directly combats the visible signs of aging by replenishing moisture, boosting collagen, and protecting skin from hormonal stressors.

Beverly Hills MD Dermal Repair Complex Ingredient Breakdown

Beverly Hills MD’s Saw Palmetto Extract helps:

• Reduce the impact of the skin-aging hormone DHT, which contributes to wrinkles and sagging skin

• Support hormonal balance for firmer, healthier-looking skin from within

• Protect against collagen breakdown, a key factor in premature aging

• Promote resilient, youthful skin with improved visible firmness and elasticity

Beverly Hills MD’s MSM helps:

• Minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet

• Support smoother, clearer skin texture by boosting elasticity

• Calm common issues like skin redness, irritation, and uneven tone

• Strengthen the skin’s structure for a more lifted, youthful look

Beverly Hills MD’s hydrolyzed collagen helps:

• Stimulate natural collagen production for firmer, bouncier-looking skin

• Improve skin elasticity and strength, reducing visible sagging

• Promote plumper, youthful-looking skin with renewed volume

• Enhance skin hydration and smoothness for a radiant complexion

Beverly Hills MD’s hyaluronic acid helps:

• Deliver deep, long-lasting hydration and moisture retention

• Visibly plump and smooth skin to minimize fine lines and wrinkles naturally

• Maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance for a supple, glowing appearance

• Support a more radiant, youthful complexion through optimal hydration

Beverly Hills MD’s vitamins help:

• Encourage healthy skin cell turnover for a brighter, rejuvenated look

• Promote a smoother, more even skin tone and reduce dullness

• Support the skin’s natural repair and regeneration processes

• Calm irritation and redness, creating a balanced, refreshed complexion

What are the Key Benefits of Beverly Hills MD Dermal Repair Complex?

Dermal Repair Complex offers a wide range of skin-enhancing benefits, making it one of the most comprehensive anti-aging supplements available:

• Lifting and Firming: Helps skin appear more taut, particularly in sag-prone areas such as the jowls, cheeks, and jawline

• Wrinkle Smoothing: Reduces the look of fine lines and deeper creases, including crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, and smile lines

• Plumping Effect: Restores volume to thinning, crepey skin, leaving it soft and supple

• Deep Hydration: Improves the skin’s ability to retain moisture, giving it a smooth, radiant appearance

• Full-Body Support: Works systemically, so improvements are visible not only on the face but also on the neck, chest, arms, and legs

• Additional Beauty Benefits: Supports thicker-looking hair and stronger, healthier nails

By addressing aging at its source, Dermal Repair Complex helps create a youthful look that helps users look as vibrant as they feel.

Does Dermal Repair Complex Really Work for Wrinkles and Sagging Skin?
One of the most common concerns with aging is whether a product can truly deliver visible results. Beverly Hills MD Dermal Repair Complex is specifically formulated to address wrinkles and sagging skin, two of the most prominent signs of age. Because it works internally, this supplement provides comprehensive support that topical solutions often cannot match.

By nourishing the skin with collagen peptides, MSM, and hyaluronic acid, the formula improves firmness and elasticity over time, creating a naturally lifted appearance. Many users notice reductions in fine lines, smoother skin texture, and improved hydration levels after consistent use. Importantly, the benefits extend to areas like the neck, chest, arms, and hands, where skin often shows age first. For those seeking an effective way to reduce sagging and wrinkles without invasive procedures, Dermal Repair Complex offers a science-backed, non-invasive alternative.

Beverly Hills MD Dermal Repair Complex Pros

• Award-Winning Recognition: Recently named one of Skin Anarchy’s Top Picks for Wellness/Supplements 2025.

• Scientifically Selected Ingredients: Features saw palmetto, MSM, collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, and essential vitamins for targeted skin support.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Improves skin firmness, reduces wrinkles, enhances hydration, and supports hair and nail health.

• All-Over Results: Unlike many skincare products, this supplement delivers improvements across the face and body.

• Convenient Routine: Easy-to-take capsules make it simple to add to your daily wellness regimen.

Beverly Hills MD Dermal Repair Complex Cons

• Results Take Time: Noticeable changes typically occur with consistent, long-term use rather than instantly.

• Premium Pricing: As a clinically inspired, high-quality supplement, it may be more expensive than basic skincare options.

Beverly Hills MD Dermal Repair Complex FAQ

• How do I use Beverly Hills MD Dermal Repair Complex?

  • Using Beverly Hills MD Dermal Repair Complex is simple and convenient, making it easy to add this anti-aging supplement to your daily wellness routine. For best results, take two capsules per day with a meal and a full glass of water. Consistent daily use allows the advanced blend of collagen-supporting ingredients, hyaluronic acid, and saw palmetto to work together in helping reduce visible signs of aging.

• Where can I purchase Beverly Hills MD Dermal Repair Complex?

  • Beverly Hills MD Dermal Repair Complex is available exclusively online through the official Beverly Hills MD website. Purchasing directly from the brand ensures you receive the authentic, award-winning formula while also gaining access to:

    • Bundle pricing discounts for multi-jar purchases

    • A 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee for risk-free results

    • Seasonal offers, promotions, and exclusive deals not available anywhere else

  • It’s recommended to avoid unauthorized third-party sellers, as they may not provide the same level of quality assurance, customer support, or freshness. For guaranteed authenticity, always buy Dermal Repair Complex from the official Beverly Hills MD online store.

• Does Beverly Hills MD Dermal Repair Complex help support the appearance of the skin on my body as well?

  • Yes! Unlike many skincare products that only target the face, Dermal Repair Complex is designed to support full-body skin health. Because this anti-aging supplement works internally, its benefits are distributed throughout the body, improving skin from head to toe. Users have reported improvements such as:

    • Smoother arms and legs with less crepiness

    • A firmer, lifted appearance in delicate areas like the neck and chest

    • Better skin texture and hydration all over the body

  • By targeting skin-aging hormones, collagen loss, and hydration levels, Dermal Repair Complex provides a comprehensive approach to skin wellness. This makes it a go-to for anyone looking to restore a youthful glow across their entire appearance, not just their face.

• Can I take this with other medications or supplements?

  • Beverly Hills MD Dermal Repair Complex is formulated with high-quality, well-studied ingredients that are generally safe for daily use. However, as with any dietary supplement, it is strongly recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before adding Dermal Repair Complex to your routine. This is especially important if you are currently taking:

  • Your doctor can help determine whether this supplement is appropriate for your unique health needs and ensure there are no potential interactions. Beverly Hills MD prioritizes both quality and safety, and encourages customers to make informed decisions in partnership with their healthcare professional.

• What are the pricing options for Beverly Hills MD Dermal Repair Complex, and which is best for me?

  • Beverly Hills MD offers flexible pricing and bundle options for Dermal Repair Complex to suit a variety of needs and budgets. All pricing includes significant discounts on larger orders and comes with free shipping in the U.S.

    • 1 Jar – $58.00: Ideal for first-time users who want to try the supplement for one month and begin to observe early results.

    • 2 Jars – $108 ($54 per jar): A great option for those ready to commit to a longer routine. This two-month supply can help support visible improvements in skin firmness, hydration, and elasticity.

    • 3 Jars – $50 ($50 per jar): The best value for long-term users who want to maintain radiant, youthful-looking skin with consistent, ongoing use.

  • All bundle options are eligible for the 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee, so customers can feel confident in their purchase no matter which option they choose. Free U.S. shipping and secure checkout are included with every order placed through the official website.

About Dr. Layke and Dr. Danielpour
Cosmetic surgeons to the stars, Dr. John Layke and Dr. Payman Danielpour are renowned plastic surgeons and co-founders of the Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group. Both doctors were trained at the prestigious Long Island Plastic Surgical Group before offering world-class procedures at their Beverly Hills clinic. In 2014, their passion for science inspired them to develop advanced ingredient formulations to help users achieve visible results in the comfort of their homes — and the Beverly Hills MD skincare line was born.

Expanding their vision of total rejuvenation, the duo also founded Proactive Longevity in Cabo San Lucas — one of the few clinics in Mexico to be granted a Regenerative Medicine License. Continuing their commitment to innovation and beauty, Dr. Layke and Dr. Danielpour are set to debut their first med spa in December 2025, offering a luxury experience that unites cutting-edge aesthetic procedures with holistic longevity care. Dr. John Layke and Payman Danielpour are hosts of the weekly Forever Young Podcast, where they host celebrity guests and wellness experts. For more, follow them on the Forever Young YouTube channel, Instagram @plastixdocs, and TikTok.

About Beverly Hills MD
Beverly Hills MD was created by Dr. John Layke and Dr. Payman Danielpour of the innovative Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group. With their cutting-edge skincare line, Beverly Hills MD, the celebrity-favorite surgeons reach beyond the walls of their office and offer at-home “look younger” results to those seeking the best at-home solutions available. Each product works to visibly correct the most stubborn skincare concerns. Other BHMD bestsellers include Deep Wrinkle Filler and Rapid-Lift Advanced Neck Serum. For the latest news, follow Beverly Hills MD on Instagram @officialbhmd and YouTube.

CONTACT: press@beverlyhillsmd.com

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Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which is a growing concern across the globe, might have found an answer for a better and comprehensive therapy. 

The disease, which poses significant challenges in terms of both medical and economic burden, requires treatment and preventive strategies. 

According to Mayo Clinic, early symptoms of AD include forgetting recent events or conversations. Over time, Alzheimer’s disease leads to serious memory loss and affects a person’s ability to do everyday tasks.

Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) explored a new path involving nanoparticles integrating a polyphenol with antioxidant properties found in green tea, neurotransmitter, and amino acid to treat AD. 

How does it work?

According to experts, the new treatment strategy alters the progression of the disease, slowing it down, improving memory, and supporting thinking skills. 

The conventional therapies often target only a single pathological feature, such as amyloid aggregation or oxidative stress. 

The proposed therapy involved the integration of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) an antioxidant found in green tea, dopamine, a neurotransmitter important for mood and tryptophan, an amino acid involved in many cellular functions, into a nanoparticle called EGCG-dopamine-tryptophan nanoparticles (EDTNPs). 

The benefit of the nanoparticle is that it acts on multiple targets, such as amyloid aggregation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal degeneration. It also helped in enhancing neuronal regeneration. 

On testing on mouse models, it was observed that these nanoparticles disassembled toxic plaques, reduced inflammation, restored balance inside brain cells, and even improved memory and learning. 

Published in the journal Small, experts believe the new therapy path could help people with AD and, in the long run, could make life easier for patients by offering better treatment strategies. 

All men need to be more careful before taking supplements now.

The FDA urgently announced the recall of a “male enhancement” supplement after it was discovered that the product contained two erectile dysfunction drugs that were not declared on the label.

StuffbyNainax LLC is voluntarily recalling all lots of MR.7 SUPER 700000 capsules, sold as a dietary supplement, after testing showed the product contained erectile dysfunction drugs sildenafil and tadalafil.

Sildenafil, sold under the brand name Viagra and Revatio, and tadalafil, sold under the brand name Cialis, are FDA-approved prescription drugs and active ingredients used to treat male erectile dysfunction.

They belong to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE 5) inhibitors, and products containing sildenafil or tadalafil cannot be marketed as dietary supplements, the FDA recall noted.

MR.7 SUPER 700000 is an unapproved product and safety and efficacy have not been established for it.

The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements with the same procedures that the use for prescription drugs, however, the agency does step in to issue warnings and recalls after a problem has been reported.

While they are FDA-approved, taking sildenafil and tadalafil carries notable side effect risks, including headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches and dizziness.

The male enhancement product was distributed nationwide “to a limited number of online customers between August 2025 and November 2025,” according to the FDA.

Taking sildenafil or tadalafil can be dangerous for the millions of people taking medication to treat chest pain, such as nitroglycerin. Combining them can result in a critical drop in blood pressure.

This can cause dizziness, fainting, falls, heart attack or stroke due to the brain and heart not receiving enough blood flow. 

In Tokyo’s quiet season, the city slows to a simmer. Steam curls from teapots and kitchen windows, carrying whispers of charcoal, broth and roasted leaves. Hands cradle cups; laughter softens over wooden counters. Outside, cold air chills the streets, but inside, time stretches. At these restaurants, tradition isn’t just food, it’s rhythm: a pause, a pour, a shared silence before the next bite. The kind of comfort that lingers through centuries. 

If sweet and chilly is something right up your alley, check out our article on Cafe Lumiere’s Tokyo Christmas Kakigori.

¥¥¥ Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience 

Marie Kondo minimalism meets the Japanese tea ceremony in a secluded Zen retreat. Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience is exactly that: an experience steeped in centuries of craft and quiet refinement. It’s an escape from reality, a time-warp portal disguised as a tea shop. How else could a single order of green tea last over an hour? In winter, the air feels warmer here, fragrant with the smoky, hypnotic scent of roasting leaves. The aroma drifts through the space, drawing you in from the cold. Choose your path: a winter course of gyokuro, blended teas, hojicha, matcha and sparkling tea. The staff present a wooden tray of five teas to smell, each carrying its own landscape of vibrant green fields, oven-roasted curls or cold dew on pine needles. If you hesitate, I’d nudge you toward Soufu Yamacha from Fukuoka, umami-rich and deeply soothing. The tea masters move with quiet precision, their white embroidered coats recalling a time when tea was medicine. From your counter seat, watch steam rise as she pours your first cup. “Drink slowly.”

Address: Spiral 5F 5-6-23 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku
1-minute walk from Omotesando Station
Instagram:@sakurai_tea_shop

¥¥¥ Toraya Akasaka Main Store 

Above the fan-shaped glass facade and dark gray titanium roof, a fierce kanji emblem reads tora, tiger, hinting at the legacy within. Step through ya-ra-to, the backward-facing noren curtain, where an ikebana display greets you beside an attentive receptionist. Soft classical music floats through the minimalist space. Five centuries of Japanese sweet-making unfold here, a modern shrine to wagashi craftsmanship. Behind glass, artisans dressed in white shape each delicate confection by hand as sunlight spills across hinoki-paneled walls and polished counters. Upstairs, an airy shop displays hanabira mochi and other New Year wagashi beside Toraya’s signature yokan jelly and smooth sweet-bean paste. Put your name down early for the third-floor tea hall. Even at peak hours, the wait is worth it. Order the Akasaka seasonal lunch, served with your choice of wagashi. Eighteen generations later, your number is called. Each gently sweet bite melts on your tongue, followed by a warm, earthy sip of tea that lingers like a kiss. The black lacquered tray catches the light of your smile.

Address: 4-9-22 Akasaka, Minato-ku
7-minute walk from Akasaka-Mitsuke Station 
Instagram:@toraya.confectionery

¥¥¥ Mizutaki Genkai

The blue-green glow of FamilyMart signs hums behind you as taxis slip through Shinjuku’s backstreets. Ahead stands a white three-story building, its exterior divided by inky black stripes like bold brushstrokes. A deep, lacquered red wraps the roofline and the lattice grates that frame the upper windows. At the entrance, a softly lit lantern bears the name Genkai, “mystic sea,” written in bold vertical script. Inside, warmth radiates from private tatami rooms where families and friends gather around steaming pots of mizutaki. Since 1928, Genkai has served this simple yet elegant chicken hot pot, its milky-white broth made with Date chicken from Fukushima and simmered through the founder’s original fukikoboshi “boil-over” method that draws out pure umami and collagen. A kimono-clad attendant quietly interrupts to add rice to the remaining broth. The stock deepens, richer now, with shared laughter and rising steam. After a long year, a meal like this reminds you what endures—and why you keep going.

Address: 5-5-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
4-minute walk from Shinjuku Gyoen-mae Station
Instagram: @mizutaki_genkai_honten

¥¥ Eitaro Sohonpo

New Year in Tokyo feels hushed. The city empties as warm green tea fills porcelain cups and sweets rich with meaning take center stage. At Eitaro Sohonpo’s Nihonbashi flagship, history begins beneath your feet. The granite paving stones at the entrance remain unchanged since the shop opened here in 1857. To your right, the E-Chaya Café serves nadai kintsuba, an Edo-era azuki bean sweet grilled to order. A coffee set with sweet bean and butter toast offers a gentle comfort. Toward the back, glass cases display soft, seasonal mochi filled with koshi-an red-bean paste. Pick up an omiyage box of kuromitsu manju (available through December) or butter dorayaki before stepping back into the chilly, ginkgo-lined streets. Just as the New Year does each year, Eitaro bridges time, from Edo to Reiwa, tradition to innovation. Then, at that first chewy bite of mochi, you taste how the years have folded into now.

Address: 1-2-5 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku
1-minute walk from Nihonbashi Station
Instagram:@eitaro_sohonpo

Looking for more festive eats? Here’s our guide to Christmas and Holiday Dinners around Tokyo.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is moving toward a controversial change in how warning labels appear on dietary supplements, which would reduce how often key disclaimers must be displayed on product packaging.

Under long-standing federal law, dietary supplement makers must include a boldface disclaimer when their products make health claims such as “supports immune health” or “promotes heart health.”

That language states that the claim “has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration” and that the product “is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”

These warnings are intended to remind consumers that supplements are not evaluated for safety or effectiveness before they go on sale.

In a letter to manufacturers last week, the FDA’s food division head, Kyle Diamantas, said the agency is considering relaxing the rule so companies would still be required to include the disclaimer at least once on their labels, but would no longer need to repeat it every time a health benefit is referenced.

Diamantas said the FDA has seldom enforced the current rule and that easing it would reduce label clutter and costs. He added that no timeline has been set for the change and that the agency will not enforce the existing requirement while the policy is under review.

“If FDA does not identify significant concerns as we continue our review of the available data and information regarding this request, we are likely to propose a rule to amend this requirement,” Diamantas wrote in the letter.

About 75 percent of Americans use at least one supplement, and up to 100,000 supplement products are sold in the U.S., according to the FDA.

Dr. Pieter Cohen of Harvard Medical School warned that the FDA’s move could further weaken already limited warning labels on dietary supplements.

“Then you start saying things like, ‘We only need it on the actual bottle,’” Cohen told NBC News. “Then you say, ‘It only needs to be on the back.’ Then you let the print get smaller.”

Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon told the outlet in a statement that the change would not make warnings harder to notice, claiming that “a growing number of Americans are paying closer attention to product labels.”

The Independent has contacted the White House and HHS for comment.

Dietary supplements have gained prominence among figures associated with the Make America Healthy Again movement.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, now administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, faced criticism during his March confirmation hearing for previously promoting supplements he labeled a “magic weight loss cure” and a “miracle in a bottle,” NBC reports.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has said he personally takes many supplements, has also argued the Trump administration should loosen oversight, saying it would free Americans from what he described as the FDA’s “aggressive suppression” of vitamins and dietary supplements.

A proposed rule change regarding the placement of DSHEA disclaimers on dietary supplement labels has been seen as a welcome clarification by industry sources. FDA has rarely if ever enforced the existing rule, but the issue has given rise to class action lawsuits.

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) specifically requires that the standard disclaimer relating to claims be printed on every panel of a product label on which a health claim appears. 

The standard verbiage is: “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”

Over the years the practice in the industry has become to refer to a lone disclaimer, often but not always located on the back panel of the product label, via asterisks appended to each appearance of a claim. While that does not fulfill the letter of the law, in a statement announcing the proposed rulemaking procedure, FDA said it “recognizes that we have rarely, if ever, enforced this requirement.”

FDA’s proposed rule change would allow the currently accepted industry practice to be formally codified in the law. At least one appearance of the disclaimer would still be required, however.

That de facto enforcement discretion on FDA’s part hasn’t stopped the plaintiff’s bar from seeking to capitalize on this perceived lapse on the part of dietary supplement companies.  As the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) noted in a recent press statement, “[A] recent uptick in class-action lawsuits has relied on an alternative interpretation, arguing that the full disclaimer must be placed on every panel where a structure/function claim is used on a product label. These legal challenges have created confusion, prompted unnecessary litigation, and imposed costly and disproportionate burdens on responsible manufacturers — without improving consumer understanding.”

Related:FDA confirms that NMN can remain on market

Ivan Wasserman, partner in the law firm Amin Talati Guarani, was effusive in his praise of the move.

“This development is certainly welcome news to all of us in the industry. It is public acknowledgement of the enforcement discretion that we all know FDA has been unofficially exercising for decades, and we hope FDA will ultimately revise the regulation. It provides peace of mind to everyone trying to label supplements correctly, and will hopefully help put an end to at least this one labor of whack-a-mole class actions. Our firm was thrilled to be part of the catalyst for this by assisting CRN in drafting its submission to FDA advocating for this change,” he told SupplySide Supplement Journal.

Related:State overreach poses defining threat to supplement industry as coordinated bills target DSHEA

Wasserman noted that the change was announced via a “letter to industry” rather than a guidance document. He speculated that this is in response to the first Trump administration’s executive order against using guidance documents rather than rulemaking procedures as standard regulatory tools. 

The practice has grown in recent years because of the many months to years required to conclude a formal rulemaking procedure. The argument in favor of rulemaking is that the rule can be challenged in court, giving some potential redress if stakeholders believe the process has gone awry.

The Natural Products Association (NPA) and the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) had collaborated on a similar submission to FDA, and NPA’s president and chief executive officer Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., said the change will ease burdens for industry.

“NPA appreciates that FDA carefully considered the concerns of industry over the requirement for the DSHEA disclaimer to appear on each panel of a dietary supplement product label where an applicable claim is made. Our association will continue to advocate for dietary supplement rules that ease undue burdens on our members, reduce frivolous litigation and protect the integrity of DSHEA,” he said.

Related:FDA seizes $1 million worth of 7-OH