WASHINGTON, D.C., June 24, 2002 — For generations, Moms have told their daughters to take a daily vitamin. Now according to a growing body of scientific evidence, this common parental advice can provide significant health benefits for young adult women as well. A comprehensive new report released by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) shows that consistent use of multivitamins with folic acid alongside such single-nutrient supplements as calcium and vitamins C and E can play a major role in preventing birth defects, building bone mass and promoting overall health.

The 100-plus page report–titled The Benefits of Nutritional Supplements–reviewed more than a decade’s-worth of the most scientifically-significant studies measuring the health benefits of multivitamins and other nutritional supplements, including antioxidants (vitamins C and E), calcium, long chain omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils), vitamin D, vitamins B-6 and B-12, and folic acid. The proven impact of supplementation for women of childbearing age–particularly that of multivitamins with folic acid–was cited in the report.

"Young women who are working to improve their diets and get more exercise should remember that supplements can also play an important role. Over the past five to 10 years, researchers have

accumulated considerable evidence regarding the positive impact of supplements on several health issues specific to women in their late teens, 20’s and 30’s," said Annette Dickinson, Ph.D., the author of the report and CRN vice president, scientific and regulatory affairs. "Adding a multivitamin and other select supplements to a daily regime is a simple lifestyle choice–but one that can dramatically impact good health over time."

Dr. Dickinson noted that for women of childbearing age, the benefits of folic acid have been strongly documented by a number of scientific studies. "One of the most exciting scientific developments of the past several decades is what we’ve learned about folic acid. Studies have conclusively shown that this B vitamin plays a major role in protecting against serious neural tube birth defects like spina bifida when taken one to three months before and after conception. And because research also indicates that half of all pregnancies are unplanned, the importance of young women taking a multivitamin with folic acid on a daily basis is clear," she said.

Highlights from the report findings include:

• More than twenty years worth of clinical trials supported by epidemiological evidence have shown that women who take a multivitamin supplement containing folic acid, in addition to the folate found in their usual diet, can reduce the risk of having a baby with a neural tube birth defect (NTD) like spina bifida by as much as 70%.
• Research has particularly underscored the importance of beginning folic acid supplementation one to three months before conception. This is because the neural tube of a fetus closes (or, tragically, fails to close) within the first month of a pregnancy, when most women are not even aware they are pregnant.
• Studies in the U.S. have also linked the use of a multivitamin with minerals to reduced incidence of preterm and low birth weight infants, particularly among low income women.
• Surveys show that over 90% of women fail to get the recommended amount of calcium for bone health. In order to protect themselves against osteoporosis, women need to build optimum bone mass during their growing years and continue "banking" it as young adults. Calcium supplements should be continued throughout their lives in order to reduce the rate of bone loss as they age.

"As research continues to underscore the powerful benefits of long-term use of nutritional supplements, the scientific and medical communities are beginning to recognize the importance

of establishing a daily regime of supplement use," said Dr. Dickinson. "For women who face specific near- and far-term risks that can be helped by regular supplement use, this need is even more urgent. The positive news for women is that daily supplement use is an easy and affordable investment in good health."

Dr. Dickinson is an expert on the benefits of vitamins and minerals who has worked in the field since 1973. In 1995, President Clinton appointed Dr. Dickinson to the Commission on Dietary Supplement Labels, and in 2002 she was named to the Food Advisory Committee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). She is the author of numerous papers and is frequently asked to speak on the topic of dietary supplements to policy-making, scientific and other audiences.

The full report and additional press materials, including graphics and information on how to purchase a copy of The Benefits of Nutritional Supplements, are available on the CRN website at www.crnusa.org/benefits.html

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973, is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing ingredient suppliers and manufacturers in the dietary supplement industry. CRN members adhere to a strong code of ethics, comply with dosage limits and manufacture dietary supplements to high quality standards under good manufacturing practices. The dietary supplement industry is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission, as well as by government agencies in each of the 50 states.