Content about dietary supplements

PHOENIX — Shamrock Farms on Monday announced the launch of Rockin' Refuel Muscle Builder — a protein beverage made with real milk designed to be low in carbs and high in protein — through GNC locations.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday identified three online products touting "natural" intimacy enhancement that consumers should avoid because they each contain undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients.

The three products include Boost ultra sexual enhancement formula, VMaxx Rx and Firminite.

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — Luna has introduced a high-fiber snack that provides women with the essential nutrients they need most.

The soft-baked and fruit-filled bar, available in peanut butter strawberry, blueberry vanilla and chocolate raspberry flavors, touts 7 g of fiber, as well as calcium, folic acid, iron and vitamin D. Each bar contains 110 to 120 calories each, the company said.

Luna Fiber will be available in stores nationwide in May for a suggested retail price of $1.39.

NEW YORK — An energy product formulated with Sustamine, an ingredient created by Kyowa Hakko USA, has hit the market.

Mud Energy Gel is designed to work on multiple levels to help rehydrate the body and sustain energy levels during exertion. The product contains Sustamine, a trademarked dipeptide ingredient that combines the amino acids L-alanine and L-glutamine to help the body rehydrate, the company said.

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.