Content about Vitamins

October 12, 2011

NIH study links vitamin E supplementation to prostate cancer

A National Institutes of Health study published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association established a link between vitamin E supplementation and prostate cancer.

BETHESDA, Md. — A National Institutes of Health study published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association established a link between vitamin E supplementation and prostate cancer. Men who took 400 international units of vitamin E daily had more prostate cancers compared with men who took a placebo, according to an updated review of data from the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial, the NIH stated.

October 11, 2011

CRN challenges JAMA study linking multivites and death

The Council for Responsible Nutrition issued sharp criticism in response to the published study, "Dietary Supplements and Mortality Rate in Older Women," published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, a publication of the American Medical Association.

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition on Tuesday issued sharp criticism in response to the study, "Dietary Supplements and Mortality Rate in Older Women," published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, a publication of the American Medical Association.

The study listed a broad range of supplements — multivitamins, folic acid, iron and copper, among others — that appear to be associated with an increased risk of death in older women. The article is part of the journal’s "Less Is More" series.

October 7, 2011

Study: People with optimal levels of vitamin D have lower diabetes incidence

Scientists at the Helmholtz Zentrum München have shown that people with good vitamin D status have a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, according to a study released Sept. 30.

NEUHERBERG, Germany — Scientists at the Helmholtz Zentrum München have shown that people with good vitamin D status have a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, according to a study released Sept. 30.

October 4, 2011

Study: 3-in-4 cancer patients are vitamin D deficient

More than three-quarters of cancer patients have insufficient levels of vitamin D, and the lowest levels are associated with more advanced cancer, according to a study presented Oct. 2 at the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology.

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — More than three-quarters of cancer patients have insufficient levels of vitamin D, and the lowest levels are associated with more advanced cancer, according to a study presented Oct. 2 at the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology.

October 3, 2011

Study: Rx oral steroids linked to severe vitamin D deficiency

People taking oral steroids are twice as likely as the general population to have severe vitamin D deficiency, according to a study of more than 31,000 children and adults by scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University released last week.

NEW YORK — People taking oral steroids are twice as likely as the general population to have severe vitamin D deficiency, according to a study of more than 31,000 children and adults by scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University released last week.

Their findings, published in the Sept. 28 online edition of The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, suggested that physicians should more diligently monitor vitamin D levels in patients being treated with oral steroids.

August 31, 2011

Alacer launches new for-kids SKU; pledges its support for Vitamin Angels

Alacer last week launched Emergen-C Kidz, a new vitamin drink mix specially formulated for children.

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. — Alacer last week launched Emergen-C Kidz, a new vitamin drink mix specially formulated for children. A portion of the proceeds from the new SKU will be donated to Vitamin Angels, the company added.

August 29, 2011

Boiron benefits Vitamin Angel for second year

Boiron USA will be partnering with Vitamin Angels, a global nonprofit organization working to reduce child mortality by connecting infants and children under 5 years with vital nutrients for the second consecutive year, the homeopathic medicine manufacturer announced Friday.

NEWTON SQUARE, Pa. — Boiron USA will be partnering with Vitamin Angels, a global nonprofit organization working to reduce child mortality by connecting infants and children under 5 years with vital nutrients for the second consecutive year, the homeopathic medicine manufacturer announced Friday.

July 14, 2011

Study finds vitamin D deficiency could increase chance of muscle injury in athletes

Vitamin D deficiency may increase the chance of muscle injuries in elite athletes, specifically NFL football players, suggested a recent study presented last week at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine’s annual meeting.

SAN DIEGO — Vitamin D deficiency may increase the chance of muscle injuries in elite athletes, specifically NFL football players, suggested a recent study presented last week at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine’s annual meeting.

“Eighty percent of the football team we studied had vitamin D insufficiency. African-American players and players who suffered muscle injuries had significantly lower levels,” stated Michael Shindle, lead researcher and member of Summit Medical Group.

July 8, 2011

PPVS encourages consumers to maintain wellness with vitamin D

Physician’s Preference, Vitamins and Supplements wellness experts on Wednesday announced an initiative to educate Americans on the importance of obtaining optimal vitamin D status — as the “sunshine vitamin” is coupled with numerous health benefits — by setting the facts straight about sunscreen use and offering quick tips for increasing one’s vitamin D level.

HOUSTON — Physician’s Preference, Vitamins and Supplements wellness experts on Wednesday announced an initiative to educate Americans on the importance of obtaining optimal vitamin D status — as the “sunshine vitamin” is coupled with numerous health benefits — by setting the facts straight about sunscreen use and offering quick tips for increasing one’s vitamin D level.

July 5, 2011

Adults go for gummies

Perhaps the most exciting recent development in the multivitamin segment is the success of gummy vitamins. Data from SymphonyIRI show that, while teen and infant vitamin sales are in decline, gummy vitamins for adults are driving growth within the category. 

NEW YORK — Perhaps the most exciting recent development in the multivitamin segment is the success of gummy vitamins. Data from SymphonyIRI show that, while teen and infant vitamin sales are in decline, gummy vitamins for adults are driving growth within the category. 

July 5, 2011

Brushing on innovation

L’Oréal Paris has combined its cosmetics and skin care expertise into one innovative formula with Visible Lift Smooth Absolute instant age-reversing foundation. 

NEW YORK — L’Oréal Paris has combined its cosmetics and skin care expertise into one innovative formula with Visible Lift Smooth Absolute instant age-reversing foundation. 

The SPF 17 formula is infused with an anti-aging complex, hydra-collagen, which also contains Pro-Retinol A, elastic, collagen and vitamin E. The prestige-inspired, click-through brush sweeps the formula evenly onto skin, providing controllable coverage and a weightless finish. 

July 5, 2011

New niches fuel multivitamins

 Findings from the past year show that vitamin sales have been stronger than most other health and beauty categories. The recent emphasis placed by vitamin and nutritional supplement manufacturers on new multivitamin brands has delivered positive results. SymphonyIRI Group reported that, in the 24 weeks ended May 15, multivitamins outperformed the total vitamin category.  

July 5, 2011

ReportersNotebook — Over the Counter, 7/11/11

A survey for Vitamin Shoppe found that 60% of Americans currently take a vitamin or supplement. Of those who take vitamins, more than 70% of respondents said they feel more confident about their health when they are taking a vitamin. Multivitamins are the most popular supplements, with 75% of respondents taking a multivitamin regularly.

SUPPLIER NEWS — A survey for Vitamin Shoppe found that 60% of Americans currently take a vitamin or supplement. Of those who take vitamins, more than 70% of respondents said they feel more confident about their health when they are taking a vitamin. Multivitamins are the most popular supplements, with 75% of respondents taking a multivitamin regularly. Other top supplements by those who take vitamins were: vitamin D (52%), vitamin C (49%), calcium (45%), B vitamins (43%), fish oil (42%) and iron (25%).  

July 5, 2011

Vitamin D explodes with product growth

 The vitamin D category continues to grow. Category leader Nature Made from Pharmavite is on the cusp of launching a host of new products, including a Super D-Complex with magnesium, vitamin D chewable tablets and vitamin D with vitamin C and zinc. 

June 20, 2011

Q&A: The scoop on  supplements

Earlier this year, Pharmavite named Bill Tullis its new EVP sales, succeeding Skip Aldridge. Drug Store News caught up with Tullis to get his take on how the supplement industry is trending.  

Earlier this year, Pharmavite named Bill Tullis its new EVP sales, succeeding Skip Aldridge. Drug Store News caught up with Tullis to get his take on how the supplement industry is trending.  

 DSN: What are the trends today — the hot product categories and users?  

June 2, 2011

Vitamin Shoppe survey finds most adults take vitamins or supplements

A survey conducted on behalf of The Vitamin Shoppe and released Wednesday found that 60% of adults currently take a vitamin or supplement.

NORTH BERGEN, N.J. — A survey conducted on behalf of The Vitamin Shoppe and released Wednesday found that 60% of adults currently take a vitamin or supplement.

June 1, 2011

Weight loss among women helps raise blood vitamin D levels

Overweight or obese women who have less-than-optimal levels of vitamin D and lose more than 15% of their body weight experience significant increases in circulating levels of this fat-soluble nutrient, according to a study released last week by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

SEATTLE — Overweight or obese women who have less-than-optimal levels of vitamin D and lose more than 15% of their body weight experience significant increases in circulating levels of this fat-soluble nutrient, according to a study released last week by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

April 19, 2011

Report: Don’t bank on vitamin D sales

The ever-increasing popularity of vitamin D may have reached its plateau, suggested a report issued by Euromonitor International in late March, in part because of the vitamin’s ubiquity across the marketplace.

LONDON — The ever-increasing popularity of vitamin D may have reached its plateau, suggested a report issued by Euromonitor International in late March, in part because of the vitamin’s ubiquity across the marketplace.

Accordingly, sales of vitamin D supplements may fall, especially sales of single-letter vitamin D, the report concluded.

April 15, 2011

Abbott Diagnostics seeks FDA approval for vitamin D assay

Abbott Diagnostics on Friday announced its filing of a submission for clearance by the Food and Drug Administration for a fully automated vitamin D assay performed on its Architect testing system for use by healthcare professionals.

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. — Abbott Diagnostics on Friday announced its filing of a submission for clearance by the Food and Drug Administration for a fully automated vitamin D assay performed on its Architect testing system for use by healthcare professionals.

"Increasing interest in vitamin D is fueling a surge in orders for tests as more healthcare professionals and consumers become aware of the rising prevalence of vitamin D deficiencies in otherwise healthy people and the potential health risks," stated Sudarshan Hebbar, senior medical director of Abbott Diagnostics.

April 14, 2011

Dietary supplement use on the rise

The National Center for Health Statistics earlier this month issued a report showing that use of dietary supplements has been on an upward trajectory over the past decade — only 40% of Americans took supplements in 1988, compared with 53% who took supplements in 2006.

ATLANTA — The National Center for Health Statistics earlier this month issued a report showing that use of dietary supplements has been on an upward trajectory over the past decade — only 40% of Americans took supplements in 1988, compared with 53% who took supplements in 2006.

March 28, 2011

MB Innovations makes weight loss 'Slimple'

MB Innovations on Monday launched a new weight loss supplement called Slimple.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — MB Innovations on Monday launched a new weight loss supplement called Slimple.

Slimple contains MaCoca, a proprietary blend derived from a de-cocainized coca leaf.

The extract is processed using a method that carefully removes the alkaloids while retaining all of the active ingredients, enabling it to be legally used as a food additive, the company stated. According to MB Innovations, the coca leaf contains flavonoids, triterpenoids, vitamin C, amino acids, carotenoids, vitamin B complex and essential oils.

March 14, 2011

Dietary supplements used, recommended by physicians with various specialties

A study published last week in Nutrition Journal found that dietary supplement usage and patient recommendations were common for physicians across several medical specialties, including dermatology, cardiology and orthopedics.

WASHINGTON — A study published last week in Nutrition Journal found that dietary supplement usage and patient recommendations were common for physicians across several medical specialties, including dermatology, cardiology and orthopedics.

March 14, 2011

New Chapter debuts Wholemega, Perfect products

New Chapter last week introduced a slew of new products at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, Calif., including three fish oil supplements and two multivitamins.

BRATTLEBORO, Vt. — New Chapter last week introduced a slew of new products at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, Calif., including three fish oil supplements and two multivitamins.

New Chapter developed the Wholemega line sourcing wild Alaskan salmon oil and using a cold-pressed proprietary extra-virgin process, similar to that of fine olive oil, to preserve the whole omegas, natural antioxidants and vitamin D3.

March 4, 2011

Sparking a nutritious 'Stride'

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — The active gum category has a new functional addition. Kraft Foods recently introduced Stride Spark, a gum that contains vitamins B6 and B12, two essential nutrients known for helping to release energy in the body.

Manufacturers have been boosting new gum flavors with vitamins and supplements in an effort to help consumers meet their daily nutritional requirements and keep the category exciting. The strategy has worked — gum has seen steady growth over the past few years, outpacing many other confection segments.

March 4, 2011

Survey: Surge in use among vitamin D, fish oil supplements

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Among people who use dietary supplements, the most popular products in 2010 were fish oil, multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium and Co Q-10, according to a ConsumerLab.com survey.

Women were much more likely than men to have taken vitamin D, calcium or probiotics. Men were more likely than women to have taken Co Q-10, herbs and extracts, glucosamine/chondroitin, vitamin E, resveratrol, amino acids, and nutrition drinks and powders.