Use of Molecular Methods to Authenticate Animal Species and Tissue in Bovine Liver Dietary Supplements.

Dietary supplements containing bovine (subfamily Bovinae) liver are susceptible to fraud due to their high value and the lack of modern detection methods available for processed animal tissues. The objective of this research was to use molecular methods to authenticate dietary supplements claiming to contain bovine liver or beef liver through the verification of animal species and tissue type. A total of 53 bovine/beef liver dietary supplements were purchased from online sources. The presence of liver was verified with reverse transcription and real-time PCR testing for microRNA-122 (miR-122), which is highly expressed in liver tissue. Multiplex real-time PCR targeting domestic cattle (Bos taurus), horse (Equus caballus), sheep (Ovis aries), and pork (Sus scrofa) was used to verify species. Samples that failed species identification with multiplex real-time PCR underwent DNA mini-barcoding. Overall, bovine species were detected in 48/53 liver supplements: 35 samples were confirmed as domestic cattle with multiplex real-time PCR and an additional 13 samples were confirmed as domestic cattle or Bos spp. with DNA mini-barcoding. One of these samples was also positive for sheep/lamb, which was declared on the label. One product contained undeclared pork in addition to beef. MiR-122 was detected in 51 out of 53 supplements, suggesting the presence of liver. While this study demonstrates the potential use of tissue-specific microRNAs in verifying tissues in dietary supplements, more research is needed to evaluate the specificity of these markers.

Bovine Liver Supplement Labeling Practices and Compliance With U.S. Regulations.

Bovine liver supplements are sought after by consumers due to their nutrient-dense profile and high protein content. However, there is a lack of information regarding bovine liver supplement labeling practices. The objective of this study was to assess labeling practices and compliance with U.S. regulatory standards among commercially sold bovine liver supplements. The product labels for 49 bovine liver supplements were examined for required information, including a statement of identity; net quantity of contents; "Supplement Facts" label; ingredient statement; and name and place of business of manufacturer, packer, or distributor with domestic address or telephone number. Any claims made on the supplement labels were also reviewed for compliance. Overall, 59% of the products had at least one instance of noncompliance with U.S. labeling regulations. The main categories of noncompliance were missing a domestic mailing address or phone number (39% of products), noncompliant nutrient content claim (31% of products), and missing/noncompliant disclaimer for a nutritional support statement (6% of products). The lack of a mailing address or phone number is problematic because it prevents consumers from being able to report serious adverse events to the manufacturer. The majority (85%) of the nutrient content observed on product labels was found to be noncompliant. Noncompliant nutrient content claims are a major concern for consumers who rely on these claims to assess the nutritional benefits of a product. Overall, the results of this study revealed a lack of labeling compliance in bovine liver supplements, indicating a need for increased awareness and monitoring.