Susan Hewlings

Nova Southeastern University | NSU

The phytocannabinoid cannabinol (CBN) has a potential mechanism of action as an alternative sleep aid but there is minimal evidence to support its effectiveness. The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to assess the safety and effects of three formulations of a hemp-derived CBN sleep aid, TruCBN™ [25 mg (n = 206), 50...

Introduction: Prescription sleep aids often have side effects, making alternative solutions necessary. Melatonin is an efficacious sleep aid and is often the comparator for alternatives. The phytocannabinoid cannabinol (CBN), has a potential mechanism of action but minimal evidence to support its effectiveness. Methods: TruCBN™ is a hemp-derived ca...

Inadequate sleep is a global health concern. Sleep is multidimensional and complex; new multi-ingredient agents are needed. This study assessed the comparative effects of two multi-ingredient supplements on sleep relative to placebo. Adults (N = 620) seeking better sleep were randomly assigned to receive one of three study products. Sleep A (contai...

Objectives: Inadequate sleep increases the risk for health complications and has become a global health concern. Sleep is multidimensional and complex; sedative hypnotic drugs are commonly used, but not always tolerated. New treatments are needed and multi-ingredient agents, targeting different systems, may be a potential solution. This study asses...

Based on a comprehensive review and critical analysis of the literature regarding the nutritional concerns of female athletes, conducted by experts in the field and selected members of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), the following conclusions represent the official Position of the Society: 1. Female athletes have unique and un...

Disordered eating is a serious health concern globally. The etiology is complex and multidimensional and differs somewhat for each specific eating disorder. Several risk factors have been identified which include psychological, genetic, biochemical, environmental, and sociocultural factors. Poor body image, low self-esteem, teasing, family dynamics...

Disordered eating is a serious health concern globally. The etiology is complex and multidimensional and differs somewhat for each specific eating disorder. Several risk factors have been identified which include psychological, genetic, biochemical, environmental, and sociocultural factors. Poor body image, low self-esteem, teasing, family dynamics...

The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of saturated fatty acid chain lengths on the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The importance of replacement macronutrients is also discussed. PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane library were searched for relevant prospective cohort studies that measured SFA chain length via diet...

Magnesium is one of the most abundant essential minerals in the body. Magnesium supplements mostly have low bioavailability, except magnesium L-threonate. In 2010, a novel magnesium compound, magnesium L-threonate (Magtein®) was identified and was shown to raise the magnesium levels in the brain and neurons effectively. In this double-blind, placeb...

Iron deficiency (ID) in nonanemic athletes has become more prevalent, creating a need to investigate the relationship between iron supplementation and iron deficiency in female athletes who are not anemic. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the impact of iron supplementation on athletic performance in iron-deficient, nonanemic...

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze and evaluate evidence supporting curcumin lowering the systemic inflammatory marker, CRP in humans. Methods: A systematic literature search was completed using PubMed and MEDLINE databases. Results: After inclusion and exclusion criteria, 9 studies were evaluated, and the percent change of CRP bl...

Introduction: Low magnesium levels have been implicated in the pathophysiology of stress, anxiety, depression, and other quality

Omega-3 fatty acids are known to reduce platelet aggregation and decrease risk of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease. Currently, there are no published systematic reviews that address the effect of omega-3 supplementation after a cerebral injury. This review addresses the benefit of omega-3 supplementation after intracranial injury, includin...

Introduction Metabolic and bariatric surgery helps women achieve a healthier weight, reduce comorbid conditions, increase fertility rates and improve pregnancy outcomes compared to counterparts who are obese. Breastfeeding is known to provide both infant and maternal health benefits as well. Less is known about the impact of bariatric surgery on br...

A large and growing body of research shows that non-caffeinated plant-based nutritional supplements can increase cognitive and physical performance. This study aimed to build on this work by investigating the possibility that a specific botanical blend (consisting of Bacopa monnieri bacosides, Kaempferia parviflora methoxy flavones, pomegranate pee...

Objective Hard-to-heal wounds are a major biological, psychological, social and financial burden on both individual patients and the broader health system. They are associated with a variety of comorbidities and have a complex aetiology, but are typically associated with nutritional deficiencies, such as low vitamin D levels. This systematic litera...

Green tea and black tea are rich in polyphenols that have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the effect of green tea and black tea supplementation on exercise recovery indicated by oxidative stress, inflammation, muscle damage, and muscle function. An online search was conduc...

Despite interventions such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), hypertension remains prevalent. This systematic review assesses the efficacy of the DASH diet in lowering blood pressure among hypertensive adults. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for original research trials on the DASH diet published between 2014 and 2019. R...

Cognitive function is a key aspect of healthy aging. Inflammation associated with normal aging, also called inflammaging is a primary risk factor for cognitive decline. A diet high in fruits and vegetable and lower in calories, particularly a Mediterranean Diet, may lower the risk of age-related cognitive decline due in part to the associated high...

Introduction: Age related changes in hair and skin impact quality of life. Interventions to mitigate these changes are of interest. Aim: To examine the safety and efficacy of LustrivaTM (a novel source of biotin and silicon) at a high or lower dose compared to placebo for impacts on hair and skin. Materials and Methods: In a randomized, double-bl...

The purpose of this systematic review is to identify studies where measurable thiamine supplementation was provided to patients at risk for or with refeeding syndrome to improve treatment guidelines. A systematic review of PubMed and CINAHL Plus databases was conducted using the terms refeeding syndrome, hypophosphatemia, thiamine, and vitamin B1....

The diet heart hypothesis has driven nutrition recommendations and policy for decades. Recent studies have questioned the hypothesis and sparked great controversy over the assumed connection between saturated fat intake and heart disease. Recent evidence suggests that dietary patterns should be the focus of dietary recommendations, not any one food...

Objective Hard-to-heal wounds are a major biological, psychological, social and financial burden on both individual patients and the broader health system. They are associated with a variety of comorbidities and have a complex aetiology, but are typically associated with nutritional deficiencies, such as low vitamin D levels. This systematic litera...

This presentation centered on developing an understanding of the product development steps to consider, review of related regulatory, how to utilize science to further develop the product, coupled with shared study designs for when wanting to evaluate an ingredient or product for its impact on the immune system.

Palm Fruit Bioactive complex (PFBc) has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it was the purpose of this pilot, exploratory randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to investigate the effects of three doses of PFBc (0 mg/Placebo, 250 mg, 500 mg and 1,000 mg/day) taken for 30 days on measures of physiology,...

Background: Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) provides full nutrition support to critically ill patients with an impaired digestive tract. Patients who receive TPN support are at higher risk for complications such as hyperglycemia. In our study, we aim to assess the prevalence of hyperglycemia induced by TPN and identify its risk factors in hospital...

It is well recognized that adequate protein intake, especially the amino acid leucine, stimulates muscle protein synthesis and therefore supports muscle growth and function. It has been suggested that the protein intake required to reach maximal protein synthesis has been suggested to be between 20-40g of high-quality protein per meal. Therefore, a...

Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels have reached an all-time high, contributing to increased average temperature, more frequent and severe weather patterns, increasing sea levels, and the acidification of the ocean. Increasing levels of atmospheric CO2 are also showing a negative impact on staple food crops, such as rice. In addition to added h...

Zinc-L-carnosine (ZnC), also called polaprezinc known as PepZin GI™, is a chelated compound that contains L-carnosine and zinc. It is a relatively new molecule and has been associated with multiple health benefits. There are several studies that support ZnC's benefits in restoring the gastric lining, healing other parts of the gastrointestinal (GI)...

Background: Many over the counter and consumer packaged goods are promoted to enhance the appearance of hair, skin, and nails for the consumer. Nutrition is a major factor in affecting the health and appearance of hair, skin, and nails. In addition to how one eats, dietary supplementation may play a role in overall health and in the physical appea...

Cardiovascular disease is among the leading causes of death worldwide. Many conditions such as myocardial infarctions and strokes are caused by the blockage of blood flow which can be due to an imbalance in clotting homeostatic mechanisms. Interventions to prevent and address the imbalances while minimizing side effects are desirable. One such opti...

Cognitive function is critical for successful prolonged performance in eSports. This double-blind placebo-controlled study examined the effect of an inositol-enhanced arginine silicate oral supplement on cognitive performance and energy in eSports athletes. Sixty healthy men and women who spent 5 or more hours a week playing video games were random...

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is composed of sulfur, oxygen, and methyl groups and is naturally found in a variety of foods. Because the amount found in foods can significantly decrease as a result of processing and modern agricultural practices, there has been increased interest in the usefulness of supplementing the diet with MSM. MSM is a natural...

Elevated blood concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) is a primary risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle interventions including an increase in dietary phytosterols as well as medications have proven effective in lowering LDLc. The primary objective of this randomized, placebo controlled, double blind, cr...

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition that impacts quality of life and functionality for which consumers often seek dietary supplements to provide some relief. The purpose of this double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to assess the safety and efficacy of a water-soluble chicken eggshell membrane hydrosylate (WSEM) dietary supplem...

The manufacturing and processing of various proteins may impact and affect their physiologic impacts in humans. This session examines different processing methods and study results, where less may be more.

Background Associated with the legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational purposes in various states across the United States, is a push for hemp and cannabis constituents, such as cannabidiol (CBD), to be part of the food, beverage and dietary supplement product supply. Although in review, currently it is not legal at the federal level...

Background Optimal timing and method of oral refeeding in mild acute pancreatitis (AP) is unclear. Aims To identify the optimal timing and method of oral refeeding in patients with mild AP. Methods PubMed and CINAHL were searched to identify randomised control trials (RCTs) for inclusion, and risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Collaborat...

Background: Pretransplantation chemotherapy and side effects of transplantation can cause reduced oral intake, contributing to malnutrition. Objectives: The aim was to evaluate the current evidence comparing enteral nutrition (EN) to parenteral nutrition in the adult hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) population. Methods: A systema...

Background Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes exacerbations of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, with secondary symptoms including malnutrition and weight loss. Its aetiology is related to genetics, the intestinal microbiome and environmental factors, and treatment aims to manage symptoms and induce re...

Abstract: With over two-thirds (71.6%) of the US adult population either overweight or obese, many strategies have been suggested for weight loss. While many are successful, the weight loss is often accompanied by a loss in lean body mass. This loss in lean body mass has multiple negative health implications. Therefore, weight loss strategies that...

Background The sulfur-containing compound methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) has been used as a dietary supplement for a variety of reported health benefits. Clinical observations and case studies have indicated that MSM may help alleviate allergic rhinitis; however, this effect has not been evaluated under controlled conditions. Objective This study aim...

This part of the panel workshop focused on a review of what makes up body composition, how various diets impact body composition, review of specific dietary supplements and impacts on body composition, with the goal of conveying that paying attention to the lean body mass component of weight loss is of importance for health and vitality.

The purpose of this study was to characterize pharmacokinetics of 3 doses of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Six males received a dose of 1, 2, 3 grams of OptiMSM ®. Blood was tested at 0, 45, 90, 135, 180 and 240 minutes post. C Max (1 gm = 100 ± 36 uM/ml, 2 gm dose = 152 ± 51 uM/ml, 3 gm = 202 ±52 uM/ml). t Max 1 gm= 68± 25 min, 2 gm = 90 ± 49 minut...

Introduction: Ashitaba, also known as Angelica keiski, is a plant found to contain a class of physiologically active flavonoids known as chalcones, that have shown anti-obesity and anti-diabetes effects. Objective: The goal of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of Ashitaba, also known as Angelica keiski (ChalCurb®), an ingredient derived...

This is the Proceedings of the 15th Annual ISSN Conference - Abstract/Poster Sessions Compendium. Studies I was involved with/presented included A24, A27 and A54.

Background: The purpose of this prospective open-label pilot trial was to determine if adding whey or rice protein had an effect on body composition in elite mixed martial art athletes undergoing intense training. Methods: 11 healthy men age 28, underwent anthropometric and body composition testing at baseline and week 6. Participants received 75...

BACKGROUND The sulfur-containing compound methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) has been used as a dietary supplement for a variety of reported health benefits. Clinical observations and case studies have indicated that MSM may help alleviate allergic rhinitis; however, this effect has not been evaluated under controlled conditions. OBJECTIVE This study aim...

Coffee is a primary dietary source of the chlorogenic acids (CGAs) of phenolic compounds. Coffee contains caffeine and other phytonutrients, including CGAs. Caffeine on its own has been well characterized and descried pharmacoki-netically in the literature, less so for CGAs. The purpose of this double-blind crossover study was to determine the comp...

Abstract Objective: Probiotics have been associated with many health benefits and have an established safety record. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the safety and efficacy of inactivated Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 (Staimune®) in supporting the immune system at rest, in response to an in vitro bacterial challenge, and in respo...

High-quality proteins of various sources stimulate Muscle Protein Synthesis (MPS); however, less is known about the comparative bioavailability and Pharmacokinetics (PK) of typical dietary proteins. This was a prospective, randomized, pharmacokinetic, exploratory clinical trial to evaluate the amino acid bioavailability of chicken protein isolate [...

Gherkin, a pure botanical extract from cucumber is a phytonutrient rich vegetable which may have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. The purpose of this randomized double-blind placebo study was to determine the effects of Gherkin (Cuvitus™, Actido®)on exercise performance, markers of inflammation and acute muscle so...

Turmeric, a spice that has long been recognized for its medicinal properties, has received interest from both the medical/scientific world and from culinary enthusiasts, as it is the major source of the polyphenol curcumin. It aids in the management of oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety, and hyperlipidemia...

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of UP1306 on discomfort and function in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee. In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel design, 135 subjects received UP1306, a standardized, proprietary extract of Morus alba and Acacia catechu , glucosamine chondroitin, or placebo for 12 w...

Aims To describe the prevalence of alcohol intake, medication use and falls, evaluate the association between alcohol intake and medication use, and assess the effects of use of alcohol, medication and/or both on the occurrence of falls. Method Trained interviewers collected information on self-reported frequency of alcohol consumption, medication...

Protein-energy supplementation is routinely employed to combat muscle loss. However, success is often compromised by increased satiety, poor palatability, high costs and low compliance. For 2-weeks we supplemented meals of older individuals with leucine (4 g/meal; 3 meals/day; days 2-14). Metabolic studies were performed prior to (Day 1) and follow...

We recently demonstrated that 28-d bed rest in healthy volunteers results in a moderate loss of lean leg mass and strength. The objective of this study was to quantify changes in muscle protein kinetics, body composition, and strength during a clinical bed rest model reflecting both physical inactivity and the hormonal stress response to injury or...