Content about Dietary supplements

WASHINGTON — More than two-thirds of Americans (71%) reported the economy has not affected their household’s purchasing habits of dietary supplements, according to a survey released Wednesday by the Council for Responsible Nutrition.

ATLANTA — Overall, the U.S. population has good levels of vitamin A and folate in the body, but some groups still need to increase their levels of vitamin D and iron, according to the "Second National Report on Biochemical Indicators of Diet and Nutrition," released Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to analysis by Pharmavite, vitamin-buying households spend more than other category buyers across the health and beauty department with regard to average dollars spent per item per occasion. Vitamin buyers spend $14.95 per item per occasion, versus $14.54 for the next highest category (women’s fragrance) and $12.11 for shoppers buying diet aids.


DALLAS — Taking vitamin E supplements does not increase or decrease heart failure risk among women, according to a study in Circulation: Heart Failure, an American Heart Association journal, released Tuesday.

LOS ANGELES — A California company plans to debut a series of health foods that it said would raise the bar on efficacy.

Newtritious will debut samples of its products at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, Calif., between March 9 and 11.

NEW YORK — The National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus on Monday reported Direct Digital, marketer of Instaflex, has supported certain advertising claims made in print and online.

Instaflex is formulated with 1,500 mg glucosamine sulfate, 500 mg methylsulfonylmethane, 250 mg ginger root extract and 4 mg hyaluronic acid. Direct Digital had claimed that Instaflex could relieve and comfort joints and increase flexibility, among other claims.

WASHINGTON — The Natural Products Association last week announced it will host its 15th Annual Natural Products Day to help educate policy-makers on the value of dietary supplements here on March 27.

The day begins with an issue briefing and advocacy training so attendees learn how they can participate in the policy-making process and advocate for their interests. Afterwards, pre-arranged meetings at congressional offices offer the chance to talk to senators, representatives and their staffs about key legislation and regulatory activities.

ATLANTA — DRS Health presented attendees of last week's ECRM Vitamin, Diet & Sports Nutrition EPPS conference with a line of supplements that's not only doctor-recommended but also doctor-developed. All of the product facings feature a picture of the doctor who helped develop the particular formula.

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — One-in-5 consumers are asking their pharmacists questions about vitamins and supplements, according to a survey of pharmacists that was released Tuesday by Pharmavite.

The survey found that pharmacists estimated they answer questions regarding prescription medications for about half of their customers (51%). By comparison, they estimated they answer questions about OTC products for just 1-in-3 customers (35%) — and when it comes to answering questions about vitamins and supplements, they estimated they do so for 23% of their customers (23%).

Awareness around the benefits of krill oil versus fish oil — being just as effective with a lesser amount and the possibility that krill oil may leave more EPA and DHA in the body to be absorbed, according to two clinicals published in 2011 — may be a hot topic in 2012. The revitalized Schiff company will be increasing its support of its MegaRed krill oil supplement to as much as 24% of sales in 2012. And Pharmavite in 2011 launched its NatureMade Krill Oil as a new source of omega-3 fatty acids coupled with the antioxidant astaxanthin.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — At the request of the Food and Drug Administration, U.S. marshals on Tuesday seized raw materials imported by Infinity Marketing Group containing ephedrine alkaloids, a large family of pharmacological compounds called sympathomimetics that have been banned by the FDA for use in dietary supplements since 2004.

The seizure took place in Rancho Dominguez, Calif. Through this action, FDA removed more than $70,000 worth of dietary supplement ingredients from the market.

FERNDALE, Wash. — Botanical Labs on Monday launched a bariatric-focused line of liquid dietary supplements called Wellesse Bariatric Liquid Solutions.

According to the company, bariatric surgical treatment is one of the faster growing options to assist with weight loss. Weight-loss surgery patients have special pre- and post-surgery nutritional requirements. Wellesse targets specific nutrient deficiencies within the weight loss surgery community with the same dedication offered to existing consumers.