Build Up Catch Up 2/3/2023
Hot Topics: Collagen Peptides, a Nutrition Pioneer, Pyramid /MLMs Schemes + a Podcast Pick & Pay Transparency
Collagen Claims
Collagen, and specifically collagen peptides, are the hot new supplement or powder with all sorts of claims; everything from relieving knee pain, improving athletic performance and recovery, to better skin integrity with fewer lines and wrinkles...etc. etc. but is the proof overreaching research and science?
A few things to consider:
Ingredients - Does the collagen supplement or powder actually contain what’s stated? This is a problem with many supplements - they often don’t.
Scientific Studies - Is the science actually there? Or is it just claims made by manufacturers? (Check individual studies and funding sources or for conflicts of interest by researchers). What's the quality of the studies? Were they done on rodents or humans? How large (number of subjects) and how long were the studies? Did they control for dietary protein intake as a source of collagen? Look beyond claims and headlines.
Cost - Can you get more benefit just by eating protein-rich foods (that are a source of collagen), having a well-balanced diet? Are these supplements worth the cost?
Resources:
Dietitian Lauren Manaker on taking collagen
dietetics student K. Coco Zhang writing for McGill Office for Science and Society (OSS) about collagen and skin aging
Dr. Tim Crowe of "Thinking Nutrition" podcast also weighs in about types of collagen, current research and points out “vegan collagen is a scam”.
Good Housekeeping concludes, “…any collagen supplement or powder isn't a suitable replacement for wholesome protein within a diet and should not replace high-quality healthy food.”
Note: We did get someone respond who has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) which is a hereditary disorder that affects connective tissue and causes defective collagen. She was told by her physician to take collagen, but the Ehlers-Danlos Society has this to say, “There is no evidence that collagen supplements help people who have EDS or HSD. The collagen in the supplement is broken down during digestion like all other proteins and does not help repair or replace the faulty collagen produced by the body.”
What’s the Bottom Line?: Check out clinicaltrials.gov and you’ll see hundreds of ongoing and completed trials involving collagen, so expect to see more headlines and buzz as these studies go to print. Collagen may have some benefits with some individuals and for some situations and conditions. At this point it doesn’t seem like there are any negative effects from taking collagen peptides; but be skeptical about the hype and claims. Collagen shouldn’t be seen as a replacement for getting adequate dietary protein, eating balanced meals, wearing sunblock or exercising. Buyer Beware.
Nutrition Pioneer - Black History Month - Flemmie Pansy Kittrell
In 1938 Flemmie Kittrell became the first black woman in the U.S. to receive a PhD in nutrition. Kittrell’s research in 1947 in Liberia on behalf of the US Department of State led to her coining the term, "hidden hunger” as a subcategory of malnutrition. “This term refers to the reality that a person can feel full, but the body did not take in the nutrients that were needed.”
Book Recommendation: Read about Flemmie Kitrell and other inspirational nutrition pioneers in “The Secret History of Home Economics” by Danielle Dreilinger.
Multi-Level Marketing (MLMs)
Many of us grew up aware of Mary Kay or Tupperware parties that neighborhood moms held or attended and never thought of them as MLMs.
These days MLMs like Juice Plus, OPTAVIA, Arbonne, Rodan + Fields, Plexus, Herbalife, doTerra are pervasive …what do they have in common? They often have predatory recruiting methods that target women with little or no work experience. The sales pitch of MLMs may appeal to those who want to be "stay-at at-home" moms, entrepreneurs but have little money, and individuals who want/need a "side hustle". MLMs dangle the prospect of financial independence or to be a “boss babe”—especially to those in BIPOC and immigrant communities, military spouses and some religious communities. While they make promises of financial independence and making money; most all MLMs start with a pricey “buy-in” that ultimately benefits an “upline” recruiter. Your chances of making money in an MLM are slim at best. MLM’s particularly like to recruit dietitians because our credential lends them credibility.
From Good Housekeeping"...only 0.4% of MLM participants actually turn a profit. You're more likely to earn money on a single bet on one number at the roulette wheel at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas ..."
From Pop Sugar “There's no denying that MLM participants and companies have been dishonest in the past regarding their income claims."
Good advice about recognizing MLMs
Bottom Line: If it sounds too good to be true it probably is. Don’t be sucked in to schemes like this.
Bonus Podcast Recommendation from the “Sounds Like a Cult”
"The Cult of Multi-Level Marketing” - An overview of how MLMs work, why they have characteristics more like a cult than a business. Why MLMs prey on and recruit women and may appeal so strongly to women.
Salary Transparency
One of the big topics lately on the Build Up Facebook page and in some of our groups is the issue of salary transparency.
It turns out that many of us don’t want to apply for a job if the salary or hourly rate is not listed in the job announcement. Why? Here a just a couple of the comments from people in our groups:
“If it’s not listed, they are hiding something…. A crappy salary no one would apply for” - Amanda C.
“I’m far from Gen Z but I agree with this! Sooo much time is wasted by employers interviewing candidates who may have never applied had they known the salary up front. And as an applicant, salary transparency helps to prioritize needs vs wants and set realistic expectations in that area’s job market.” - Marie D.
Many mentioned the “waste of time” factor, i.e., jobs they applied for with no salary rate mentioned only to have to turn the job down after the application and interview because the salary or hourly rate was ridiculously low and there was “no room” to negotiate a higher wage.
Turns out that more states are passing laws requiring companies to be transparent about salary ranges.
In that spirit we have decided to decline to post job openings in our Build Up Dietitians JOBS group unless they list the salary or hourly rate range. While we know this may limit the number of jobs our followers see, we think this is the right thing to do at this time.
How do you feel about that?