Principle Healthcare News

Body Volt Sponsors The Callum Trust

Body Volt are sponsoring 10 friends to cycle from Leeds to Paris, which is in aid of raising money for The Callum Trust.

Taking Vitamin B can help Alzheimer's

According to a recent study taking B Vitamins could help prevent Alzheimer's disease.

Vitamin D has been linked to help asthma sufferers

A recent study Vitamin D has shown to help reduce the levels of a natural chemical found in the body that worsens the symptoms in asthma.

Could applying high factor sunscreen to children be doing more harm than good?

As the weather starts to get better and the nights are drawing out, parents are applying high factor sunscreen to their children. But could they be doing more harm than good?

Principle Healthcare supports International Aid Trust by donating supplements

Principle Healthcare say goodbye to three popular production workers last month and before they left, their final task was pack supplements for despatching to Preston-based International Aid Trust.

Eating Oily Fish can add extra years to your life!

Eating oily fish can help increase life expencancy according to a recent study.

Principle Healthcare are featuring in The Parliamentary Yearbook

The Parliamentary Yearbook has been appearing for almost 40 years, as an annual showcase of excellence, for organisations that have demonstrated best practice and have a strong message to convey.

This Month is National Heart Health Month

Heart Health month recognises the need to raise awareness and money for heart disease. Heart disease is one of the biggest causes of death, in the last 10 years heart disease has been responsible for 17.5% of male deaths and 11% of female deaths in the UK.

Vitamin D deficiency and the rise of rickets

Recent press reports say that cases of rickets have gone up four-fold in the last 15 years (rickets is a disease that causes the bones to become soft and deformed). The increase of this disease is because of many pregnant women and young children are not getting enough of the sunshine vitamin.

Directors Meet Her Majesty The Queen At Buckingham Palace

On November 13^th, Queen Elizabeth II hosted a special reception at Buckingham Palace for all winners of The Queen’s Award for Enterprise and two senior directors of Skipton-based Principle Healthcare International were invited to attend.

Vitamin D Deficiency linked to sleep disorders

According to new research more and more of us are spending most of our time in offices and homes and missing out on vital Vitamin D. Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” because spending time outside in the sun is known to increase vitamin D levels in the body via the skin.

Vitamin D Awareness Week

This week Principle Healthcare has launched Vitamin D Liquid Drops for Infant and Toddlers!

Also this week see’s the launch of the UK’s first National Vitamin D Awareness week which runs from 29th October – 4th November. Vitamin D Awareness week is to help raise the public’s understanding of the dangers of Vitamin D deficiency.

Multivitamins could reduce the risk of cancer

According to a recent study in US, men taking a daily multivitamin supplement can reduce the risk of cancer!

Healthy Heart Omega-3

Omega-3 fish oil is renowned for its heart health, by improving the endothelial (blood vessel) and blood pressure. But in the UK reports show that we are not eating the recommended weekly allowance of fish. Omega-3 supplements are a good way of getting them vital fatty acids that most of us are missing out on.

2012 a year to remember!

Recently we have celebrated our 10th Anniversary and to top it off received a Gold Award for Investors in People and the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

A special event was held at our headquarters in Skipton where The Lord Crathorne – Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, presented CEO Mike Davies with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise and Gold Award for Investors in People.

Investors in People

Principle Healthcare has achieved the prestigious Gold Award for Investors in People.
After many interviews and thorough assessment we now join the top 3% of organisations across the UK who has achieved the Gold standard. Organisations are only given this standard that can meet more than 165 evidence requirements.

Apprenticeships

Investing in the Future

Following the accolade of winning the Queens Award for Enterprise, Principle Healthcare was chosen by the Government to be included in initiatives for developing Apprenticeships in the UK. A trip to 10 Downing Street in January, found Principle Healthcare’s Group CEO, Mike Davies, meeting with the Minister of State for Further Education

Plenty More Fish In The Sea

Recent press reports worldwide have again highlighted the benefits of omega 3 fish oils for a healthier heart, brain and joints, following studies as far afield as America, Australia and Denmark.

Protest Against News Legislation

New European legislation due to require that the substantiation for all claims about nutrition and health are assessed.

As a result of this the information on food product or food supplement packaging as well as product advertising - for example, "calcium is good for bones" on a carton of milk or "heart-healthy" on a jar of omega-3 fish fatty acid - must be approved.

UK Population Falls Far Short of The Cut Off Acceptable Selenium Levels

According to a review published in the Lancet this week, selenium supplements are most likely to benefit those with low blood levels of this essential nutrient, including the UK where blood levels are low on average.

Government Issue Guidelines For Vitamin D Supplementation

With an increase in childhood rickets over the past 15 years the government has issued guidelines recommending some groups to take daily supplements.

Iron Supplements Could Help Stave Off Deep Vein Thrombosis and Other Life-Threatening Blood Clots

Research has shown that Iron supplements could be used to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis and other life threatening blood clots.

Lack of Sun Exposure is Bringing Rickets Back

Recent figures have revealed that the number of British children suffering from rickets has increased tenfold over the past 15 years.
More than 760 children were admitted to hospital last year with the condition, which is caused by a shortage of vitamin D, the vital chemical which is boosted by sunlight.

Daily Dose of Fish Oil Can Help Ease the Pain of Osteoarthritis

Although millions of people take fish oil supplement to ease aching joints, scientists could not find any hard evidence to prove it had any real benefits. However, a two year study has highlighted that even taking a low dose can help to reduce the pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis.

GPs Told They Must Check For Brittle Bones

Following the recent report into the lack of help given to osteoporosis sufferers, GPs are to give new priority to identifying and treating patients with bone thinning diseases under changes to their contracts.

Osteoporosis Sufferers Lack Help to Prevent Repeat Fractures

A recent report shows that every year hundreds of thousands of people who have a broken bone because of osteoporosis are given no help to prevent repeat fractures.

Fish Oil Supplements Can Slow Growth of Prostate Cancer Cells

Research by US scientists has shown that a low fat diet with fish oil supplements can slow down the growth of prostate cancer.

Vitamin E is an Essential Nutrient Vital for Cells and Organs

The paper published this week suggesting that high doses of vitamin E are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer should not detract from the importance of this essential nutrient for health. Vitamin E is an essential nutrient which is vital for every cell and organ in the human body, particularly the cardiovascular, nervous and reproductive systems where it has a major role in maintaining health.

Multivitamins Help Top Up Recommended Intake of Nutrients

A recent study into the relationship between vitamin intake and premature death has been scrutinised by leading health experts.

Pale skinned people may need extra Vitamin D

Fair-skinned people who are prone to sunburn may need to take supplements to ensure they get enough vitamin D, say experts. It appears that those with pale skin, while not deficient, may still be lacking in the essential vitamin that the body makes from sunlight.

Vit B Halts Memory Loss

Daily Vitamin B pill can help stave off Alzheimer's disease

More than 800,000 Britons suffer from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, with the figure set to double within a generation as the population ages. In addition to this, one in six people aged over 70 suffer from Mild Cognitive Impairment with half of all sufferers progressing to dementia within five years of diagnosis.

Teenage junk food diet leaves them starved of vitamin

A typical teenager probably thinks nothing of a diet packed with pizza, sweets and sugary drinks. But by that age what they eat is already taking a severe toll on their health, research shows.

Does Vitamin D help prevent blindness in elderly women?

Research has shown that age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an eye disease that causes partial blindness caused by progressive damage to the centre of the retina at the back of the eye, may be prevented by women taking vitamin D supplements.

Do tablets made from shellfish really help creaky joints?

Last year around £2 billion was spent on Glucosamine products, capsules filled with the powdered shells of crabs, lobsters and prawns, compared to £30 million on Vitamin C, suggesting millions of Britons believe the supplements will protect their knees, hips, wrists and knuckles from deterioration

Could eating bananas slash your risk of stroke?

British and Italian scientists have said that eating 3 bananas a day can cut your risk of stroke. The potassium found in a banana with breakfast, one at lunch and one in the evening is said to be enough to reduce the chances of suffering a blood clot in the brain by around 21%. The same is said to apply to other potassium rich foods such as spinach, milk, fish and lentils

Can modern life make your joints older than you?

A recent survey has shown that most people in the UK have joints that age faster than the rest of their body. According to the study of 13,000 people the average person has joints 12 years older than their actual age. Joint health depends on a number of factors such as your genes, weight, diet and even your profession.

Principle Healthcare Regulatory update - April 2011

Stronger food import controls, minimum font size suggestion, German authorities and fish oil intakes, Food Contaminant legislation and the EU Novel Foods Directive....

Which foods give you what?

Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that our bodies need in small amounts to make us function properly. They are mainly substances that are found in the food we eat.

Read our guide here...

New sustainable Omega 3 British start up is expanding into new markets

British start-up New Horizons Global is benefitting from a UK government scheme that has seen the emerging omega-3 DHA player increase international sales and exposure for its food and animal feed businesses.

Omega-3 is essential to human health, but cannot be manufactured by the body. We normally obtain Omega-3 in our diets by eating fish such as Cod, Tuna, Salmon or by taking food supplements.

Eskimo study supports omega-3 for heart health

A recent study with Alaskan Eskimos has shown that high intakes of Omega 3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of obesity related chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

The study involved the most famous indigenous people of the US state who have a similar obesity rate to the other states but the incidence of type 2 diabetes is only 3.3% compared to 7.7% nationally.

Junk Food And Low IQ Link Suggests Value Of Childrens Vitamins

Recent press headlines that a junk food diet may damage children’s IQ have highlighted the potential value of nutritional supplements. According to researchers at Bristol University, writing in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, there is a link between a diet high in processed foods and a slightly lower IQ.

Vitamin B12 during pregnancy can lead to quieter babies

Scientists have shown that women with high levels of Vitamin B12 at the beginning of pregnancy are 3 times more likely to have quiet contented infants.

By boosting their intake of the vitamin found in steak, eggs and chicken, women can reduce their chances of having a ‘colicky’ baby whilst women with low intakes are for more likely to have babies that cry for up to 3 hours a day.

Do B vitamins help to treat PMS?

A new study the study, published recently online in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggests that women with a diet rich in B vitamins are less likely to develop premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Omega 3 fatty acids could prevent site loss in old age

A recent study at Harvard Medical School in Boston has found that Omega-3 fatty acids protect against age-related Macular degeneration (AMD). The study will be published in the June issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology medical journal.

People need to be educated on the importance of omega-3, a congress is told

A 2 day omega–3 summit in Bruges, Belgium has led to the conclusion that the omega-3 industry must devote more resources to lobbying and educating government, health care professionals and the general public to help plug a ‘policy gap’ that is contributing to a growing epidemic of cognitive disorders such as Depression, Schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s.

Doctors claim Cancer risk could be halved by high doses of vitamin D

According to doctors in the United Kingdom and the United States higher doses of vitamin D are needed to protect against breast cancer, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes and other diseases.

Can magnesium successfully treat tinnitus?

Trials are is being used to see if magnesium can successfully treat people with chronic tinnitus — characterised by an inexplicable ringing or buzzing in the ears.

Researchers believe the mineral magnesium plays a key role in protecting our hearing system and that supplements taken daily will reduce tinnitus symptoms.

Zinc may be a cure for the common cold.

A recent study has found that Zinc supplements can reduce the severity and duration of common cold symptoms.

The new findings, published in The Cochrane Library, concluded that taking zinc syrup, lozenges or tablets within a day of the onset of cold symptoms had a remedial effect, reducing both the severity and length of the illness.

EFSA approves vitamin B1-infant brain health claim

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved a health claim linking thiamin (vitamin B1) and “normal neurological development and function” in infants and children up to three years of age.

Is high factor sunscreen contributing to vitamin d deficiency

The new message from Cancer Research UK, as of this year, is 'Never be red at the end of the day' -and that ten to 15 minutes of midday sun exposure, without wearing suntan cream, is actually beneficial. This apparent change of heart has stemmed from the fact that vitamin d deficiency amongst seemingly healthy adults and children is on the rise.

Under fives should take vitamin D - government health chief says

The government's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies has stated that all children aged six months to five years should take vitamin D supplements, particularly during winter, to prevent the condition Rickets.

In relation to a recent Which? report the Health Supplements Information Service have reiterated the importance of food supplements in combatting deficiencies. Dr Carrie Ruxton from HSIS commented ‘The report paints an incorrect picture of vitamins being a waste of money when they are in fact essential and many people have poor intakes, and also that health claims are unsubstantiated when the European Commission’s legislative process is not yet complete.’

Is swine flu making a comeback?

Overall the level of flu cases given the time of year are relatively normal. However over the last week the cases of flu have doubled and the number of deaths and severe illnesses have increased, sparking fears that swine flu is making a comeback.

Principle Healthcare Regulatory update - December 2010

EFSA health claims update, CRN and RDA's, food additive directive and more

Principle Healthcare Regulatory update - November 2010

EFSA Health Claim Assessments, The EU continues to review Food Additive ingredient legislation, a list of EU-approved flavour components is expected late in 2010, or early 2011 and more,,,,,

Should I be taking Vitamin D?

Traditionally it has been suggested that Vitamin D helps aid the absorption of calcium contributing to healthy bones. However, there is increasing evidence that vitamin D is needed for more than healthy, strong bones. Poor vitamin D levels in our bodies are thought to be linked to a raised likelihood of adults developing breast and prostate cancer as well as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and bowel diseases, including bowel cancer.

Can a diet rich in Omega 3 prevent blindness in the elderly?

Research has shown that a diet rich in Omega - 3 fatty acids found in oily fish such as Salmon, mackerel, Tuna and fish supplements could be the key to protection against the most common form of sight loss in older people.

Apple cider vinegar may improve cholesterol levels

A clinical trial being conducted in Minnesota, US, has lead researchers to believe that taking apple cider vinegar improves cholesterol and that those who consume apple cider vinegar for 8 weeks will see improved levels of good or HDL cholesterol.

Can extra Vitamins help cure acne?

A new book, Acne and Rosacea: The Complete Guide, by Alison Bowser, suggests that vitamins and supplements could be very useful at managing acne.

51 per cent of women aged 20-29 report still having acne. High-profile sufferers include Keira Knightley, Cameron Diaz and Katy Perry.

Principle Healthcare continues to promote Vitamin E

Despite a recent report in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Principle Healthcare continues to promote Vitamin E as a food supplement in association with a healthy diet.

Ian Botham says a daily dose of cod liver oil has helped to keep his joints supple

In a recent interview Ian Botham revealed that cod liver oil has helped to keep him sharp and his joints supple. He also stressed the importance of a healthy lifestyle stating walks in the countryside and getting your 5 a day as other key elements.

St John's Wort really does help depression

Professor George Lewith, head of health research at the University of Southampton and a practising GP, has stated that he will continue to recommend St John’s Wort to patients with mild to moderate depression.

In response to the recent studies questioning the effectiveness of St Johns Wort he says ‘Having worked in complementary medicine for many years, I know of so many more studies that have found St John’s wort to be effective and well-tolerated.’

Vitamin A drug could save eyesight

Doctors believe Fenretinide, which is derived from vitamin A, could halt the advance of macular degeneration (AMD) - a disease for which there is currently no cure.

Researchers have discovered that the drug can help stop "dry" AMD which is caused by the destruction of cells in macula, the part of the retina which allows you to see straight ahead.

Study confirms safety of folic acid for women planning or in the early stages of pregnancy

A recent study, looking at the impact of folic acid on amino acid reduction and heart disease, showed that although folic acid does reduce amino acid this doesn’t in turn significantly reduce heart disease. More importantly though the study also revealed that the participants suffered no adverse effects whatsoever during the trial confirming the safety of folic acid as a food supplement.

Principle Healthcare Regulatory Update, October 2010

Read about EFSA approval of community health claims, recent EU supplement withdrawals, the new food additive directive, food labelling legislation and more in our October Regulatory update......

Which Vitamins help to keep cold and flu away?

As the winter nights draw in there is always a cold bug doing the rounds at home, work or school.
A good balance of essential vitamins and minerals, which can be obtained from a healthy diet or from food supplements, is vital for boosting the immune system and fighting colds and flu.
Here is our guide to the essential vitamins and minerals you need to make sure you stay healthy this winter.

Vitamin C improves state of mind

A New study has revealed that Vitamin C could improve the state of mind of A&E patients.

The Canadian researchers randomly assigned acute hospital patients with either Vitamin D or Vitamin C tablets for a period of 7-10 days. It was observed that that those who were administered with vitamin C showed a fast and significant improvement in their state of mood, this didn’t happen with the Vitamin D patients.

Could two simple pills help prevent bowel cancer?

A study, led by the University of Leeds is hoping to find out if taking fish oil extract and aspirin daily could help stop pre-cancerous growths developing in the bowel.

Previous studies have indicated that aspirin and the a substance found naturally in fish oil known as Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) when taken on their own can provide some protection against bowel polyps, Researchers now intend to find out if they provide even greater protection when taken together.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin may help maintain healthy joints

A recent report published in the British Medical Journal has questioned the use of Glucosamine and Chondroitin when recommended and funded by the health service.

Principle Healthcare produces and sells Glucosamine and Chondroitin as a food supplement. We believe there is evidence that Glucosamine and Chondroitin may help maintain healthy joints, and the volume of sales of food supplement products containing such ingredients suggest many consumers find them beneficial.

Could taking vitamin B save your memory in old age?

Experts have been discussing whether taking Vitamin B daily can really help with memory loss in old age following a recent university of Oxford study.

The study made headway towards proving that Vitamin B helps keep an amino acid called homocysteine at a healthy level. Raised homocysteine has been linked with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and a faster rate of brain shrinkage in the elderly. It is thought that ‘homocysteine levels’ could come as common place a term and as important as Cholesterol or blood sugar levels.

Research shows Vitamin B could reduce the rate of brain shrinkage and prevent Alzheimers disease

Vitamin B tablets could slow and even halt the devastating march of Alzheimer's Disease in the elderly, a groundbreaking British study suggests.

Chief executive of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, Rebecca Wood said: "These are very important results, with B vitamins now showing a prospect of protecting some people from Alzheimer's in old age”.

Babies with low vitamin D at birth are more at risk of developing Schizophrenia later

Newborn babies with low levels of vitamin D have a far higher risk of developing schizophrenia later in life, researchers have found.

Vitamin D supplements are essential in climates with low sunshine levels

Dr Ebers, Professor of Clinical Neurology at The Univeristy of Oxford, explains that although the environment holds the key to disease prevention, considerable evidence points to the fact that in climates with a lack of sunshine vitamin D supplements should be seriously considered. He states ‘taking Vitamin D circumvents the whole issue of being out of the sun.’

Multivitamins add sparkle

Research into a vitamin and mineral supplement by academics at Northumbria University shows it improves mood and mental performance while also reducing stress, mental tiredness and fatigue in healthy males.

“Overall, these results suggest that improving nutritional status, by supplementation if necessary, may be beneficial to males within the general population as a whole,” says Northumbria University’s Professor David Kennedy, who led the study.

New research suggests gender specific Omega 3 roles

Researchers in Australia have found that Omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA may have gender specific effects on blood platelet aggregation.

The results may have implications for how omega-3’s are formulated in certain supplements.

Leading Microbiologists call for a change in daily recommendation guidelines for vitamin D

Writing in the July 28 issue of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Anthony Norman, Professor of Biochemistry and Biomedical science at The University of California, Riverside said, "It is high time that worldwide vitamin D nutritional policy, now at a crossroads, reflects current scientific knowledge about the vitamin's many benefits and develops a sound vision for the future,"

Principle Healthcare continues to promote calcium supplements despite the recent negative press

Dr Carrie Ruxton from HSIS (Health Supplements Information Service) says: “It is important to note that calcium is an essential mineral for the health of the bones and the nervous system. Ensuring adequate intake is vital. However, the latest data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey showed that one in ten young women have calcium intakes below the Lower Reference Nutrient Intake (LRNI), a level at which deficiency is likely. Calcium supplementation can help to ensure adequate intakes in such people with poor intakes.”

Grand opening of new warehouse extension

Our brand new warehouse extension was officially opened yesterday (28^th July 2010) by our very own MD Mike Davies’ grandsons.

The new opening will ensure and guarantee replenishment without delay. Coupled with our leading industry expertise the new warehouse helps to make us first choice to bring products of the highest standards, backed by first class service - to market in the fastest possible time.

Food Supplements a support not a substitute

Nutritional deficiency is almost impossible to avoid in these modern times. With our busy lifestyle, the ever-tempting convenience of fast food, it is now very difficult to enjoy excellent daily nutrition. Do you remember the food pyramid, and just how much of each food group you have to take? Well, except if you are one of the rare species of health buffs left standing.

Good quality Food Supplements storage prevents poor quality products

Each packaging material used at PHC complies with its specification (including any legal requirements), which ensures that the product is adequately protected during its expected life under normal conditions of storage and use (with a safety margin for adverse storage) and there is no significant...

New Year, same regulatory issues

Well, I guess the regulatory arena is a very good example of the Lavoisier Law - Nothing lost, nothing gained, everything gets transformed. In other words, we have not lost or resolved any particular regulatory issue, neither have we gained one... Old issues just got transformed into new regulatory questions...

PHC regulatory and legal affairs

PHC regulatory and legal affairs team continues to monitor the national and international framework of laws, regulations, guidelines and principles governing food supplements and herbal medicines. To benefit our customers, we are proactive with our approach to regulations and research-based in developing proposals...

Fish oil capsules save lives

A new review of Omega 3 supplements, published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine,has revealed scientific evidence showing fish oil capsules prevented the deaths of almost one in 10 patients with heart failure. Professor Cowie, of Imperial College London and the Royal Brompton Hospital, has subsequently claimed that giving fish oil capsules to patients could save 10,000 lives a year.