Content about dietary supplements

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — The March of Dimes is launching a campaign to encourage expectant mothers to take folic acid to prevent birth defects, the group said Friday.

The group announced national Folic Acid Awareness Week, reminding pregnant women to take vitamin B. The vitamin is known to prevent birth defects like spina bifida and anencephaly, collectively known as neural tube defects. NTDs occur in the first few weeks following conception, often before a woman knows she is pregnant.

GOLDEN, Colo. — Supplement maker iSatori has launched a new weight-loss supplement product, the company said.

BioGenetic Labs, a division of the company, announced Tuesday the pending launch of Belly-Off, a combination of conjugated linoleic acid, guarana, yerba mate and damiana designed to help users reduce belly fat. The company plans to start shipping the product this month and make it available at retailers nationwide in January 2013.

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition on Wednesday announced it is partnering with the National Osteoporosis Foundation in hosting a free webinar for pharmacists and nurse practitioners around updated recommendations and research of calcium and vitamin D. 

WASHINGTON — Individuals who do not obtain recommended intake levels of calcium through dietary sources can safely utilize calcium supplements to achieve optimal bone health, an expert panel concluded last week in the November online edition of Advances in Nutrition.

EDGEWOOD, Md. — Nutramax Laboratories recently announced the defeat of a class action lawsuit brought against the company in a California court. In April, Nutramax was named in a class action regarding its CosaminDS Joint Health Supplement. Plaintiffs claimed the glucosamine/chondroitin supplement did not work in relieving joint pain as advertised. 

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. — Abbott and its foundation, the Abbott Fund, on Friday announced that $1 million in funding and product donations will be made to support relief efforts in response to Hurricane Sandy. The Abbott Fund grants will be provided to long-standing relief organization partners, including the American Red Cross, AmeriCares, Direct Relief International and World Vets. 

Abbott product donations have been made to Direct Relief International and Feeding America.

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.

 WASHINGTON — As many as 68% of American adults take nutritional or dietary supplements, according to an annual consumer survey conducted on behalf of the Council for Responsible Nutrition. Regular supplement usage also remains steady. The online survey found that more than three-quarters of supplement users (76%) classify themselves as “regular” users, as opposed to occasional users (18%) or seasonal users (6%). 

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — Clif Bar is bringing its iced gingerbread, peppermint stick and spice pumpkin pie energy bars to store shelves.

The three seasonal flavors, which join 16 year-round flavors, deliver Clif's athlete-crafted blend of carbohydrates, protein and fiber for sustained energy. Made with 70% organic ingredients, the limited-edition bars are available now nationwide while supplies last for a suggested retail price of $1.39 per bar.

ROCKVILLE, Md. — According to "Nutritional Supplements in the U.S.," a report released earlier this week from Packaged Facts, supplement sales rose 7% to $11.5 billion in 2012, and are forecasted to reach $15.5 billion by 2017.

The report cited a number of factors, including a recovering economy that should have more consumers picking up on supplementing again, the aging baby boomer and a growing Hispanic population that is heavily indexed as supplement users. 

 MAPLE GROVE, Minn. — Drug maker Upsher-Smith Labs has introduced a new product to its prenatal vitamin line, the company said Tuesday.

The drug maker announced the launch of Nexa Plus capsules, a once-daily, prescription vitamin that contains 350 mg of life's DHA, a plant-based and fish-free omega-3 fatty acid; 1.25 mg of folic acid; and 250 mcg of the B vitamin biotin.

PRINCETON, N.J. - Church & Dwight on Monday became the latest large-scale CPG company to field a line of gummy vitamins with its acquisition of Avid Health for $650 million in cash.