Content about Multivitamin

MARIETTA, Ga. — Meda Consumer Healthcare is quickly developing a reputation for re-energizing iconic brands across new consumer groups. They've done it with Feosol. And now they're looking to reinvent Geritol.

"Geritol is a beloved brand that has been in the market for 60-plus years and actually originally targeted stay-at-home moms in their 30s," explained Cigdem Topalli, brand manager for Geritol and Feosol at Meda Consumer.

SAN DIEGO — Cardium Therapeutics earlier this week announced its To Go Brands operating unit has expanded its VitaRocks kids' vitamins product line and that retail distribution has been expanded into select Target stores.

The VitaRocks products are inspired by a popping pellet candy that is popular with kids and represents a next-generation, easy-use delivery platform for multivitamins and nutrients, dietary supplements, and potentially over-the-counter medicines for children as well as adults, Cardium Therapeutics suggested. 

Originating from Australia, Swisse Wellness recently made a splash into the U.S. market with brand ambassador Nicole Kidman leading the way. DSN didn't land an interview with Kidman, who was up for two Golden Globes last month, so we got in touch with her Swisse Wellness boss Radek Sali — CEO of the company and 2012 GQ Australia businessman of the year — for some insights into the company's approach to the U.S. launch.

DSN: What's the opportunity for supplements in the U.S. market?

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — Hero Nutritionals on Wednesday introduced two sugar-free vitamins to its Yummi Bears line that are naturally sweetened with lo han fruit and inulin fiber.

“Overall the gummy vitamin category is up by 19% year over year, with the new sugar-free trend emerging," stated Claire Polson, national sales and marketing manager for Hero Nutritionals. “Additionally, the supplement alternative sweetener category grew by 10%, with the children’s multivitamin category driving it at 23% growth as compared to 2011.”

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has begun promotion of its exclusive PureLife Naturals line of health supplements, a line launched in September in its weekly circulars. The line of active-ingredient formulas are blended without any artificial ingredients, colors or preservatives and ideal for the purity-conscious shopper.



Target and CVS are some of the first retailers to group adult multivitamins and supplements available in gummy format into one 4-ft. set. The idea is to make shopping vitamins and supplements easier. For the 12 weeks ended Sept. 9, SymphonyIRI Group tabulated $202 million in sales of multivitamins, up slightly by 0.8%, across food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart).

CHICAGO — A study published Monday online by JAMA may skew the conversation over multivitamin use negatively, despite the fact that study authors maintain the study cannot be generalized across the general population given the study's subjects — namely, practicing physicians. 

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy is encouraging customers to consider making simple lifestyle changes to experience long-term health benefits in light of new findings on the positive effect of daily vitamin regimens released this week by Brigham and Women's Hospital and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

VICTORIA, Australia — Sales of Swisse Ultivite multivitamins in the Australian and Asian markets have been a big driver behind overall sales, according to a Nielsen report cited by the company. 

Across both Australia and Asia, VMS sales were up 16% to $197 million for the year ended June 2012. Leading the charge was Suisse Ultivite, which grew by more than 40% "thanks to a high ad spend and launches that boost the profile of the whole range,” Nielsen said. 

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Nipro Diagnostics on Wednesday announced the introduction of a new portfolio of more than 30 ancillary products targeted to meet the needs of individuals with diabetes. The TruePlus products are designed to offer innovative, affordable solutions for diabetes patients to lead healthier lives.

PASADENA, Calif. — Playmaker Nutrition recently announced its planned foray into retail outlets in September with a line of supplement products targeting teens and tweens. In addition to launching the line of supplements, Playmaker Nutrition plans to use its Web presence as a springboard to fitness and nutrition tips to help improve athletic performance, adopt a healthier lifestyle and maintain optimum wellness.

KEASBEY, N.J. — Grocery chain ShopRite is offering free prenatal vitamins to further help shoppers live healthier lives and prepare for a healthy baby.

ShopRite customers can receive a free 30-day supply of Prenatal Plus or Prenatal Plus FE vitamins with a valid prescription. ShopRite also offers free 30-day supplies of select generic diabetes drugs and free 14-day supplies of select generic antibiotics. Other generic prescriptions start as low as $3.99 for a 30-day supply.

There are no membership fees or insurance required to benefit from these savings.