WASHINGTON, D.C., September 9, 2008 — The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), today announced Douglas (Duffy) MacKay, N.D., joined CRN’s team of scientists as vice president, regulatory and scientific affairs, complementing the expertise of John Hathcock, Ph.D.,  Andrew Shao, Ph.D.,  and consultant and former CRN president, Annette Dickinson, Ph.D.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Dr. MacKay to our staff,” said Steve Mister, president and CEO, CRN.  “As a licensed naturopathic doctor, he adds an impressive combination of theoretical and practical expertise to our scientific team.”

Prior to joining CRN, Dr. MacKay oversaw clinical research for Nordic Naturals, where during his four years with the company he was responsible for product formulation, coordinating clinical trial research, serving as technical/medical advisor, and managing the firm’s Adverse Event Reporting (AER) system, among other duties.  Dr. MacKay also previously served as a technical advisor for Thorne Research and senior editor of the peer-reviewed clinical journal, Alternative Medicine Review.  In addition, for seven years he was a co-owner and doctor in a complementary and alternative private practice, the Makai Naturopathic Center in New Hampshire.

In his new position at CRN, he will join his colleagues in interpreting and contributing to the science surrounding dietary supplements and nutrition, as well as advising, educating and representing CRN’s members on regulatory matters impacting the industry.  He will also represent CRN to a variety of external audiences, including the media, regulators, and legislators.  Dr. MacKay will serve as CRN’s resident expert on botanicals, and will continue to encourage companies to focus on high quality botanical products as part of a mainstream culture of wellness.

“I’m honored to be joining CRN’s highly respected team,” said Dr. MacKay. “I have long known of the association and its commitment to science and education. I look forward to being part of an association that is deeply committed to the role dietary supplements play in integrative healthcare and prevention.”

Dr. MacKay has worked as a medical consultant and a scientific advisor for the dietary supplement industry since 1999, serving as a frequent lecturer to both industry audiences and medical professionals about the benefits of dietary supplements, particularly botanicals and omega-3 fatty acids. He has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals, and has been interviewed regularly by the press.  He is a recurring lecturer on topics that incorporate biochemistry, cell biology, clinical experience, and has published research into relevant and scientific clinical applications.

Dr. MacKay earned his B.S. in Marine Sciences from the University of California, Santa Cruz, Calif. and his N.D. from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Ore.

For a hi-resolution photo of Dr. MacKay, please contact Season Solorio at ssolorio@crnusa.org.

Note to Editor: Based in Washington, D.C. and founded in 1973, the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) is the leading trade association representing dietary supplement industry ingredient suppliers and manufacturers. CRN members adhere to a code of ethics and manufacture dietary supplements to high quality standards under good manufacturing practices.