The Nutritional Supplement Market: A Dynamic Sector Promising Long-Term Growth  

February 11, 2021

Spurred by growing health and wellness awareness among global consumers of all age groups, the popularity of dietary supplements and similar products is growing due to their ability to provide essential nutrients many may not be able to obtain through diet alone. With a considerable rise in healthcare and fitness facilities, fluctuations in dietary habits, and shifting work practices, the global supplement market is surging at an impressive rate. In 2019, the market was valued at approximately $123 billion and current estimates project it will reach a valuation of $230.73 billion by 2027 with a compound annual growth rate of 8.2% over the forecast period. According to a report by Grand View Research, the growing popularity of using nutritional products for medicinal purposes – targeting a range of health issues from infertility to malnutrition – will impact the supplement industry in the years to come.

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The Role of Hormones in Immunocompetence 

February 4, 2021

The growing importance of hormonal health is becoming an integral component of modern medicine especially as the focus shifts toward maintaining and boosting immunocompetence in the population. Many plausible benefits of hormonal factors on autoimmunity have received growing attention in recent years from the scientific community. Research has been conducted investigating the relationship between immune system function and sex hormones testosterone and estrogen.

Importantly, the immune systems of men and women are known to function differently with 80% of autoimmune diseases occurring in women who tend to show stronger immune responses than their male counterparts. Stronger immune responses in women produce faster pathogen clearance and improved vaccine responsiveness while also contributing to their increased susceptibility to inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

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Lessons from 2020: 3 Takeaways for 2021 Medical Practice

January 26, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic was a massive disrupter of healthcare systems, exacerbating its various shortcomings and serving as an important catalyst for transformation in both public and private sectors across the globe. With the approved vaccine rollout progressing, the end of this immensely challenging time is on the horizon and it is important to approach the beginning of the new year strategically.

Throughout the past year, the practice of medicine changed drastically with traditional pre-COVID methods rapidly replaced by digital and remote monitoring telehealth solutions. Now with a heightened awareness of existing economic and health inequities, the viral outbreak has exacerbated the need to take better care of public health and effectively address the prevailing barriers to care that affect millions of patients.

Despite its devastation, the global health crisis has provided the world with a tremendous learning opportunity that needs to be used to the advantage of the practice of medicine. Taking into account the critical lessons the past year has taught us, we must transform and shape the future of healthcare. To help clinicians and healthcare organizations, Jag Singh, MD professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and clinical director of cardiology at Massachusetts General Hospital, and other medical professionals have outlined a few key lessons from 2020 to implement into practice moving forward.

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