Fungal infections

 

What are fungal infections?

A fungal infection, also called mycosis, is a skin disease caused by a fungus (such as Candida albicans). They usually affect your skin, hair, nails or mucous membranes but they can also infect your lungs or other parts of your body. Symptoms may range from mild for superficial infections, to serious for life-threatening infections. For superficial infections (such as athlete’s foot, jock itch), common symptoms are the following:

• Irritation
• Scaly skin
• Redness
• Itching
• Swelling
• Blisters

Life-threatening infections usually happen to people who are immune compromised. Do seek for immediate medical attention if you suspect that the fungal infection is serious (or life-threatening) and not resolving to current medications.

 

What are some possible treatments for fungal infections?

For fungal infections that occur on the skin, the most common medication is an anti-fungal cream, such as miconazole (such as Beacons Micon Cream) and clotrimazole. This medication is contra-indicated for those who are allergic to the medication.

 

Apply the cream to the affected area once to two times a day or as directed by the physician. As fungal infections are harder to treat, the duration of treatment is often a few weeks. Unless otherwise directed by the doctor, apply this cream daily until the infection is completely gone. It is sometimes recommended to apply for an additional week (after all symptoms have resolved) to prevent recurrence.

 

For full information on the medication, please refer to the specific product’s information. Also, discuss with your healthcare team if you have questions on the medications or are taking other chronic medications at the same time.

 

For lifestyle changes, do keep the affected area dry and clean. As it is possible to spread fungal infections, don’t share towels or personal items with others.

 

 

 

References:

1. https://www.mims.com/singapore/drug/info/miconazole?mtype=generic
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24401-fungal-infections-mycosis
3. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/fungal-infections-skin

 

 

 

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**   Note for Chinese New Year 2023:   ***

Dear valued customers,

Please help to take note that:

Our office will be closed for Chinese New Year between 20 January to 25 January 2023 and we will resume normal operation on 26 January 2023.

All orders received after 11:59pm on 16 January 2023, will be processed after 26 January 2023 and the usual delivery lead time is 5-7 working days.

BeaconsHealth wishes all a Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year!

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Fish oil supplement is a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are derived from dietary sources and they can't be produced in the body. The main types of omega-3s in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). 

Benefits

Omega-3 fatty acids may help to:

• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce triglycerides and cholesterol levels
• Slow the development of plaque in the arteries
• Reduce the likelihood of heart attack and stroke
• Lessen the chance of sudden cardiac death in people with heart disease

Dosage

If you do not eat 1–2 portions of oily fish per week, you may want to consider taking a fish oil supplement.

World Health Organization (WHO) recommend a minimum of 250–500 mg combined EPA and DHA each day for healthy adults. According to American Heart Association (AHA), patients with documented coronary heart disease should consume about 1g of EPA+DHA/day. For patients who need to reduce triglycerides, it is recommended to consume 2-4g of EPA+DHA/day.

Safety

Taking up to 3 grams of fish oil supplements is generally considered safe.

Side effects of omega-3 supplements are usually mild. They include fishy aftertaste, gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea.

Taking high doses of fish oil supplements might increase the risk of bleeding but it is very rare at doses <3g/day.

 

Beacons Health carry a range of supplements and vitamins. We carry Omega-3 Fish Oil 1000mg, which contains EPA 180mg, DHA 120mg, Vitamin E 1.1IU. It is manufactured in USA.

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Overview for Calcium supplements

 

Introduction

It is common knowledge that calcium is usually recommended for bone health. But how much do we really know about Calcium supplements? And what should a person look out for when taking a calcium supplement for the first time?

 

Calcium, which is an element in the Periodic table, is a naturally occurring mineral that is often understood to strengthen one’s bones. Calcium is also needed in the heart, nerves and blood-clotting systems.

 

It is commonly found in our diet, such as diary products. Hence for most people, a well-balanced diet is often sufficient to meet the required amount.

 

[1]

 

 

Recommended Intakes

According to guidelines, the below are the recommended daily allowances (RDAs) for Calcium[2]:

Age	Male	Female
0-6 months	200 mg	200 mg
7–12 months	260 mg	260 mg
1–3 years	700 mg	700 mg
4–8 years	1,000 mg	1,000 mg
9–13 years	1,300 mg	1,300 mg
14-18 years	1,300 mg	1,300 mg*
19 – 50 years	1,000 mg	1,000 mg*
51–70 years	1,000 mg	1,200 mg
>70+ years	1,200 mg	1,200 mg

* For those who are pregnant or lactating, the RDA for Calcium is 1,300mg for 14-18 years old and 1,000mg for those who are 19 – 50 years old.

 

As seen in the table above, those who are at risk of having low levels of Calcium are postmenopausal women (women 50 – 70 years old), as their lower levels of estrogen increases their risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Additionally since dairy products such as milk and eggs are rich in Calcium, those who avoid dairy products are also at risk of low levels of Calcium.

 

It is important to take the right amount of Calcium, not too low or too much. Hypocalcemia (low levels of Calcium in the blood) often leads to osteoporosis, which is characterised by weak bones and higher chance of falling. Common reasons of low calcium absorption are low Vitamin D levels, use of certain long-term medications (such as proton pump inhibitors) and low Magnesium levels.  Hence, it is common to see Calcium supplements being formulated with Vitamin D.

 

However, consuming too much of Calcium isn’t a good thing too. Hypercalcemia (high levels of Calcium in the blood) might lead to abnormal rhythms in the heart (aka arrhythmias), which might lead to further complications.

 

How to take

It is important to follow the instructions on the product label, or to take according to the advice of your healthcare professional. The general advice are as follows[3]:  

1. Calcium supplements should be taken with food to increase absorption.
2. Avoid taking caffeinated drinks like coffee or soda with the supplement as it might reduce the absorption.

Some common side effects of calcium supplements are constipation, gas and stomach bloating. Calcium supplements might interact some of your chronic medications, so it is important to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

 

You might ask, are all Calcium supplements made the same? Unfortunately, not all Calcium supplements are made the same. Hence it is important to choose the right supplement for you. There are 2 main forms of Calcium in our store: Calcium Carbonate and Calcium Lactate.

 

Firstly, the amount of elemental Calcium in the 2 different salts are different. Calcium Carbonate is 40% calcium by weight whereas Calcium Lactate is 13% Calcium by weight. It is important to convert to the equivalent amount of elemental Calcium during dosing.

 

Secondly, individuals who are risk of low Vitamin D levels would benefit from a combination product of Calcium and Vitamin D.

 

Thirdly, calcium carbonate is often regarded as the most constipating[4].  If the side effects are intolerable, you might want try different brands or Calcium salts to see which ones is tolerable.

 

References:

1. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/
2. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/calcium
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/calcium-supplements/art-20047097
4. https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/foods-rich-in-calcium-gm1071640080-286778418

 

[1] https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/foods-rich-in-calcium-gm1071640080-286778418

[2] https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/

[3] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/calcium

[4] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/calcium-supplements/art-20047097

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Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with several forms. Naturally occurring vitamin E exists in eight chemical forms (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol and alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienol), but alpha-tocopherol is the only one used by the human body. Its main role is to act as an antioxidant. It also helps maintain healthy skin and eyes, enhances immune function and prevents clots from forming in heart arteries.

Recommended Amounts

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin E for males and females ages 14 years and older is 15 mg daily (or 22 international units, IU), including women who are pregnant. Lactating women need slightly more at 19 mg (28 IU) daily.

Doses for oral vitamin E generally range from 50 to 1,000 IU. The upper tolerable intake level (UL) for vitamin E is at 1,000 mg (1,500 IU) per day for supplemental vitamin E.

The adequate daily intake of vitamin E is as follows:

Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol)

Age	Non-pregnant, non-lactating individuals	Pregnant individuals	Lactating individuals
0–6 months	4 mg
7–12 months	5 mg
1–3 years	6 mg
4–8 years	7 mg
9–13 years	11 mg
14+ years	15 mg	15 mg	19 mg

 

1 mg of alpha-tocopherol is equivalent to 1.49 IU of the natural form

 

Signs of Deficiency

People who have digestive disorders or do not absorb fat properly (e.g., pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease) can develop a vitamin E deficiency. The following are common signs of a deficiency:

• Retinopathy (damage to the retina of the eyes that can impair vision)
• Peripheral neuropathy (damage to the peripheral nerves, usually in the hands or feet, causing weakness or pain)
• Ataxia (loss of control of body movements)
• Decreased immune function
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of muscle mass

 

Supplementation with vitamin E may be necessary in people who have digestive disorders, including chronic bowel disease, or those who have undergone gastrointestinal surgeries since their systems are less able to absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

There is no evidence of toxic effects from vitamin E found naturally in foods. Most adults who obtain more than the RDA of 22 IU daily are using multivitamins or separate vitamin E supplements that contain anywhere from 400-1000 IU daily. There have not been reports of harmful side effects of supplement use in healthy people. It is advised not to take above the recommended dose of supplements, unless directed by your doctor or healthcare professional.

Beacons Health carry a range of supplements and vitamins. Do check out our Vitamin E 400 IU softgels, manufactured in the USA.

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Dear valued customers, below are the 3 lucky winners (each won $50 credit codes) for our Instagram Campaign - Giveaway - April 2022:

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Benefits

There are many benefits to Vitamin B. As the building blocks of a healthy body, B vitamins have a direct impact on your energy levels, nerve function, and cell metabolism. There are 8 different types of Vitamin B:

 

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): Plays an important role in the breakdown of nutrients for absorption.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Involved in energy production and helps with vision and skin health.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Helps to convert carbohydrates, fats and alcohol into energy. It also involved in cellular processes such as metabolism, signaling and DNA expression.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Helps in the metabolism of food and is also involved in hormone and cholesterol production.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Involved in breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. It is also involved in the production of hemoglobin, and supports immune function and brain health.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin): Needed to make fatty acids, and involved in the breakdown of nutrients.

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid):  Needed to produce red blood cells, and helps in the development of the fetal nervous system. It is also involved in the formation of red and white blood cells and proper cell division

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): Involved in the neurological function, DNA production and red blood cell development.

 

Recommended daily intake

The recommended daily intake (RDI) of each Vitamin B varies. The below shows a summary for adult males and females:

	RDI for adult females	RDI for adult males
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	1.1mg	1.2 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	1.1mg	1.3 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)	14mg NE	16 mg NE
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)	5mg	5 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxin)	1.3mg	1.3 mg
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)	30mcg	30 mcg
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)	400mcg DFE	400 mcg DFE
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)	2.4mg	2.4 mcg

* NE: Niacin Equivalents (NE)

** DPE: Dietary folate equivalents (DFE).

 

Those who are at risk of having a deficiency in Vitamin B would benefit increasing their Vitamin B intake with a supplement. These include those with gastrointestinal conditions (such as Ulcerative colitis, Inflammatory bowel disease), malabsorption disorders (such as Celiac disease), and those on long-term medications (such as proton-pump inhibitors). In addition, there are some groups of people who are at risk on being deficient on specific Vitamin Bs, namely:

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): People with alcohol dependence
• Vitamin B9 (Folate): Pregnant women (due to the higher requirements)
• Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): People with strict vegan diets. As Vitamin B12 is found naturally in animal sources (like meat, eggs, seafood and dairy), those who follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet are at risk of being deficient in Vitamin B12.

 

Symptoms of deficiency

With a balanced diet, majority of people should be able to have sufficient Vitamin B. This includes meat, seafood, dairy products and vegetables. However, it is still possible for some to have low Vitamin B levels. Here are some signs that might suggest this:

• skin rashes
• cracks around the mouth
• scaly skin on the lips
• swollen tongue
• fatigue
• weakness
• anemia
• confusion
• irritability or depression
• nausea
• abdominal cramps
• diarrhea
• constipation
• numbness or tingling sensation

 

If this deficiency is left for long periods, it might lead to some health complications. Some examples would be:

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): Beri-beri or Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Ariboflavinosis
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Pellagra
• Vitamin B9 (Folate): Fetal tube defects in newborns for pregnant women and anemia
• Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): Anemia

 

On the other hand, it is unlikely to have too much Vitamin B in an individual. This is because Vitamin B is water-soluble. This means that any excess that is not used by the body is passed out in your urine. Nevertheless, it is advised not to take above the recommended dose of supplements, unless directed by your doctor or healthcare professional.

 

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/vitamin-b-complex#recommended-daily-intake

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-all/

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/vitamin-b

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamins/vitamin-b/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325292#daily-values

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-b/ 

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Dear customer,

Just to share that the usual delivery lead time is 5 working days from the date of order confirmation.

We deliver from Monday to Friday. Delivery timing is between 9am - 5pm. We do not deliver on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. Due to PDPA, we are unable to call or text customers prior to delivery.

Kindly take note that the delivery may take longer during peak period. 

Thank you.

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