Women's Health

Women's Health

Team of Quest

 

Women bear some common health concerns, such as heart disease, breast cancer, pregnancy, urinary tract infections, and osteoporosis. It is important for women to be aware of their health risks and live a healthy lifestyle. 

Heart Disease 

Heart disease is the top one cause of death in Canada for women over the age of 55. The most common kind of heart disease, coronary heart disease, happens when the arteries of the heart cannot deliver enough blood to the heart. It is usually caused by the clogging of blood vessels resulting from the buildup of plaque. The common risk factors for heart disease in women are menopause, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoke, physical inactivity or overweight, etc. 1  

Breast Cancer 

According to the Canadian Cancer society, breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women, except for non-melanoma skin cancers. The estimated risk of a Canadian woman developing breast cancer during the lifetime is about 12.5%. 2 The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. The common risk factors for breast cancer are certain gene mutations, family history of cancers, hormone replacement therapy, oral contraceptives or reproductive history, etc. 3 

Pregnancy Issues 

Many women have health conditions that arise during pregnancy. For example, it is common for women to develop anemia during pregnancy. Women who get anemia usually feel dizzy, tired, and weak. Anemia means the red blood cell level is low, which happens because of the increase of blood volume during pregnancy. The body may not have enough iron and vitamins to support the production of red blood cells. 4  

Additionally, pregnancy may worsen pre-existing health problems. Women with heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity or depression should take extra care. Quest® has a full line of prenatal and postnatal supplements designed specifically for men & women during preconception and for women during pregnancy and lactation. 

 

 

Urinary Tract Infection 

The urinary tract is the body’s system for removing urine, including kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Bacterial infection in the bladder is a common type of urinary tract infections (UTIs). If the infection in the bladder is not treated, it can spread to the kidneys and other parts of the body.  

Women are more likely to develop UTIs than men, because it is easier for the germs to move up to women's bladders. The female urethral opening is closer to both the vagina and the anus, which are the main source of germs that cause UTIs. Additionally, the female urethra is significantly shorter than that of the male. Women get UTIs up to 30 times more frequently than men do. More than half of women will have at least one UTI during their lifetime. Women that are sexually active, pregnant, have gone through menopause, have diabetes, etc. are more at risk for UTIs. 5 Quest® has d-mannose and cranberry supplements to help naturally prevent recurrent urinary tract infections. Quest® Cranberry Extract is an exceptional natural remedy for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are caused by bacteria, in particular, Escherichia coli, which stick to cells that line the bladder. Cranberries may help prevent bacteria from attaching to cells in the wall of the urinary tract and causing infection. Quest® D-Mannose with Cranberry is formulated to help prevent recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). D-Mannose is a naturally occurring simple sugar, which has been studied for its potential ability to prevent bacteria clinging to the urinary tract. Additionally, cranberry has been widely used as a natural remedy for dealing with UTIs. 

 

 

Osteoporosis 

Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by low bone density. The signs of osteoporosis are thin and weak bone which increases the risk of bone fractures. Osteoporosis is more common among older people because the renewal of bones becomes less efficient when people age. Approximately 10% of Canadians aged 40 years and over have osteoporosis. Moreover, women have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis because women start with lower bone density and lose bone mass more rapidly than men. To reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis, regular exercise and adequate calcium and vitamin D intake are important. 6 


 

 

Additionally, there are common women health needs such as healthy hair and skin, energy production, prevention of osteoporosis, heart and brain health. We introduce some of Quest® and Nature’s Harmony® supplements as following to address them.  

Quest® Her Daily One™ for Women 

Quest® Her Daily One™ for Women is a high-quality, well-balanced, one-a-day multivitamin and mineral supplement designed specifically to meet the life-stage and gender needs of women. Formulated as a capsule, this supplement is easily absorbed and easy to swallow, and it provides all the nutrients required for healthy skin, a strong immune system, and overall good health. 

Quest® Her Daily One™ for Mature Women 50+ 

Quest® Her Daily One™ for Mature Women 50+ is a high-quality, well-balanced, one-a-day multivitamin and mineral supplement designed specifically to meet the life-stage and gender needs of women over 50. Formulated as a capsule, this supplement is easily absorbed and easy to swallow, and it provides all the nutrients required for healthy skin, bones, and teeth and the maintenance of good health.  

Quest® Flush-Free™ Niacin 

Quest® Flush-Free™ Niacin is a high-quality vitamin B3 supplement. Niacin (a form of vitamin B3) helps the body to metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Additionally, niacin has long been prescribed for the treatment of cardiovascular conditions such as high cholesterol and triglyceride levels and poor circulation. The flushing side effect of niacin that may occur at the dosages that may be required for therapeutic effect often prove troubling; however, by combining niacin with inositol (inositol hexaniacinate), this supplement confers the benefits of niacin without the unpleasant side effects. 

Quest® Triple Fish Oil 

Quest® Triple Fish Oil 1000 mg is a high-quality blend of carefully selected concentrated fish oils that provide an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, may offer several cardiovascular benefits, including balancing cholesterol, decreasing triglycerides, and reducing blood pressure. EPA and DHA may also help prevent blood clotting and reduce inflammation, protecting against heart attacks and strokes.  

Nature’s Harmony® Chromium Picolinate 

Nature’s Harmony® Chromium Picolinate provides trace mineral chromium that helps the body to metabolize carbohydrates and fats and to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Chromium picolinate is the most popular form of this supplement, binding chromium to picolinic acid to make it more readily absorbed. 

References 

 

  1. Public Health Agency of Canada. Are Women at Risk for Heart Disease? Available at: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/cardiovascular-disease/women-risk-heart-disease.html (accessed April 30, 2021). 
  2. Canadian Cancer Society. Breast cancer statistics. Available at: www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/breast/statistics/?region=on (accessed April 30, 2021). 
  3. Canadian Cancer Society. Risk factors for breast cancer. Available at: www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/breast/risks/?region=on (accessed April 30, 2021). 
  4. HealthLink BC. Anemia During Pregnancy. Available at: www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/abr8781 (accessed April 30, 2021). 
  5. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The Office on Women's Health. Urinary tract infections. Available at: www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/urinary-tract-infections (accessed May 3, 2021). 
  6. Public Health Agency of Canada. Osteoporosis. Available at: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/osteoporosis.html (accessed April 30, 2021).