Journal of Food Processing & Technology

Evidence informed use of dietary supplements: Operation Supplement Safety Comprehensive Ingredient Database and One-Stop Shop Mobile Application

International conference on Food Science and Nutraceuticals

February 08-09, 2024 | Paris, France

Andrea T Lindsey

Uniformed Services University, USA

Keynote: J Food Process Technol

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Dietary supplement (DS) use is at an all-time high; consumption occurs for a variety of reasons-- to improve performance, to lose weight, or for overall health. In general, the public perceives the DS industry as �??trustworthy.�?� However, some claims can be deceiving, and the use of some supplements can result in adverse events. Consumers often get their information from social media, rather than consulting a healthcare provider or relying upon evidence-based resources. Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS) is the Department of Defense�??s (DoD) go-to program for DS. OPSS partners with other federal departments, professional and academic institutions to provide the most current, evidence-based information, tools, and resources for education and decision-making. In 2022, DoD Instruction 6130.06, Use of Dietary Supplements in the DoD was issued. It states that OPSS will maintain the official DoD Prohibited Dietary Supplement Ingredients List and provide educational training. OPSS is developing a database of information about ingredients found in DS. This database, OPSSID (OPSS Ingredient Database) will support an app under development (OPSSupp), as well as the mandated online DoD Prohibited List. Through collaboration and partnerships, these tools will be useful in diverse settings and for diverse stakeholders. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: OPSSID will include a variety of functional aspects for stakeholders, including alternative terms for ingredients or terms as presented on a product label, color-coded safety ratings, and warnings for ingredients with known potential side effects. The app will enable the user to scan a supplement to see if it: 1) contains an ingredient on the Prohibited List or the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List; 2) includes warnings; 3) is considered high-risk; and 4) is third-party certified. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Label Database API will be used for product labels, brands, and ingredient information. Findings: An expert panel involving diverse experts in the field of nutrition, pharmacy, dietary supplements, research, and policy, will independently critique and provide valuable feedback on the drafted safety rating system for OPSSID. Using a modified-delphi process, the goal is to get to the clearest and most appropriate rating system for implementation into OPSSID and its application to the consumer interested in dietary supplements. Conclusion & Significance: OPSSID will be a robust, unique, and comprehensive database of ingredients found in DS and will serve DoD, our federal partners, researchers, clinicians, and the public at large. OPSSupp will allow a user to quickly and easily determine whether ingredients listed in a product might be risky. These resources will help in shaping the future for safe, evidence-informed DS use.

Biography :

Andrea Lindsey serves as Director of Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS) and Senior Nutrition Scientist with the Consortium for Health and Military Performance (CHAMP), Uniformed Services University. She received her Master of Science degree in Nutrition from University of Maryland, College Park. Andrea has extensive experience in the field of dietary supplements, and she has considerable knowledge and understanding regarding the content, safety, labeling, and marketing of these products.