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BREAKING NEWS: CRN learned this afternoon that Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) no longer supports the Dietary Supplement Safety Act of 2010 (S 3002), a bill he introduced on Feb. 3 that could have overhauled supplement regulation. According to Over the Counter Today, a Senate staffer has confirmed that Sen. McCain will instead collaborate with Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) on revised legislation that will provide for increased transparency and safety within the supplement industry but without the extensive regulatory overhauls proposed in S 3002. As of press time, there is no news of when the new legislation will be introduced. Early this week, CRN launched a microsite—crnusa.org/DSSAFacts—with fact-based information on the bill, including CRN’s analysis and response to Sen. McCain’s floor statement which CRN pointed out was full of inaccurate comments about its potential effects on consumers and the way it would impact DSHEA. In addition, the site offers detailed information on the extensive regulatory framework under which supplements are marketed. The site will be updated as new information comes in. In response to press calls this afternoon concerning Sen. McCain’s change of direction, CRN applauded Sen. Hatch for continuing to demonstrate leadership on behalf of consumers of dietary supplements, which is further evidenced by his willingness to work with Sen. McCain on these issues. CRN further noted it appreciates Sen. McCain’s receptiveness to the industry’s very real and very serious concerns about S 3002 and its inability to support his bill. CRN said, “We look forward to seeing revised legislation that will give FDA additional resources to enforce the existing laws against inclusion of designer steroids in supplement products and benefit our consumers, while not being overly restrictive and burdensome to the responsible dietary supplement industry.” Read more about Sen. Hatch’s efforts in Hill Happenings. Contact Mike Greene for more information 202-204-7690. CRN defends safety of fish oil supplements “The bottom line is that consumers, whether they live in California or elsewhere, should continue to feel confident in the safety and efficacy of their fish oil supplements. This lawsuit does nothing to change the strong science supporting the many health benefits of fish oil, which range from cardiovascular health to cognitive development of infants and young children,” CRN’s Andrew Shao said in a statement released by the association just hours after a press conference announcing a lawsuit filed in California against fish oil dietary supplement manufacturers and retailers, alleging a failure to comply with state Proposition 65 (Prop 65) regulations concerning polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). “…[T]he very low thresholds of PCBs which apparently trigger a labeling requirement in California cannot be extrapolated to demonstrate any actual risks at those levels. The health benefits for fish oil far outweigh any suggested, and unsupported, risks,” Dr. Shao said. CRN believes the suit was filed in California in order to take advantage of Prop 65, which has conservative standards that are not law in the rest of the country. According to Dr. Shao, “The information disclosed during the press conference danced around the details, offering a lack of specificity to the general public about the levels of PCB compounds found in the fish oil products that were tested.” CRN’s response to the lawsuit was included in several media reports, including stories in consumer print publications, broadcast outlets and industry trade media outlets. See CRN in the News. Contact Season Solorio for more information (202-204-7682). Save the date for ‘The Briefing’ On April 20, 2-3 p.m. Eastern time, CRN members can get caught up on all CRN is doing for their companies—straight from the association’s president and CEO, Steve Mister. During this fifth-annual event, Mr. Mister will lead participants through a one-hour conference call and webinar, outlining CRN’s activities across its six strategic initiatives implemented for the three-year period of 2010 through 2012: 1) responsibility first; 2) legislative leadership; 3) excellence in nutrition science; 4) voice of the industry; 5) global influence; and 6) membership growth. Mr. Mister will also talk about how member companies can get the most value from their membership dues through involvement in CRN’s committees, working groups and task forces. For more information, or to RSVP, contact Kate Murphy 202-204-7689.Food 3000 puts CRN face-to-face with nutrition industry thought leaders and influencers CRN’s Season Solorio and Duffy MacKay joined more than 75 leaders within the food and nutrition industry, including key leadership, media spokespeople (current and former) from the American Dietetic Association (ADA), and consumer advisors from many of the major regional U.S. grocery store chains Feb. 12–16 for Food 3000, in Florence, Italy. Organized by public relations firm Porter Novelli, this intimate meeting provided a venue for outreach and networking with food and nutrition thought leaders. “This event gives us an opportunity to present and engage in discussion on nutrition-based science and specifically, for the supplement industry, information about how our industry is regulated,” Ms. Solorio said. “It’s an important forum for on-going dialogue with a highly respected community of registered dietitians and others who play a major role in communicating information about nutrition to a variety of audiences.” Ms. Solorio and Dr. MacKay presented on a panel about dietary supplements, along with “Life…supplemented” consultants Dave Grotto, R.D. and Leslie Bonci, R.D., both former ADA spokespeople, to help the audience distinguish myths from facts about these products and the industry. The panel also shared results from the “Life…supplemented” Healthcare Professionals Impact Study showing that registered dietitians take and recommend supplements. The panel also included a legislative and regulatory update on issues affecting the supplement industry. “Feedback from attendees indicated these experts are hungry for more information about dietary supplements,” Ms. Solorio said. Contact Season Solorio for more information 202-204-7682.CRN meets with HHS representatives to discuss Dietary Guidelines CRN consultant Annette Dickinson, Ph.D., and CRN’s Season Solorio and Andrew Shao recently met with Kathryn McMurry, executive secretary of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) and senior nutrition advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to discuss the points CRN made in oral testimony and written comments submitted to the committee. CRN provided its perspective on the inclusion of dietary supplements in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines, pointing out that supplements can play an important role in helping Americans meet nutrient recommendations while staying within appropriate calorie intakes—a critical challenge recognized by the DGAC, particularly as many Americans struggle with obesity and maintaining a healthy weight. According to Ms. Solorio, Ms. McMurry and her staff were appreciative of the opportunity to hear from CRN and discuss these issues. In addition, CRN took the opportunity to discuss the current research paradigm for evaluating nutrient and supplement benefits, particularly questioning whether or not the randomized controlled trial, currently considered the “gold standard,” is truly the most appropriate study model. CRN recommended that a broader base of evidence should be considered in the DGAC review process. Ms. McMurry indicated interest and asked that CRN submit additional comments detailing these points prior to the next DGAC meeting, taking place in April. Contact Season Solorio for more information 202-204-7682.CRN reports from Integrative Health Care Symposium There are approximately 250,000 health care practitioners that use diet, lifestyle, and nutritional supplements to support and improve the health of an estimated 125 million patients, according to Alternative Medicine magazine. The Integrative Healthcare Symposium, held each year in New York City, brings together these health care practitioners and the companies that supply products and services to support their practices. CRN’s Duffy MacKay, himself a licensed naturopathic doctor, attended the event this year, networking with a wide array of other health care professionals from physicians to registered nutritionists, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and more. Exhibitors included medical associations, dietary supplements companies, laboratory service providers and other resources for health care practitioners. Several CRN members, all of whom are participating in the newly formed CRN Medical Affairs Subcommittee, also attended the event. Leading practitioners including Christiane Northrup, M.D., Jay Lombard, D.O., Bernie Seigel, M.D., Mark Hyman, M.D. (slated to speak at a CRN co-hosted briefing on Capitol Hill later this month), and others presented the latest research and clinical highlights on improving patient care through lectures, panel discussions, case presentations and workshops. “Consumer interest in integrative healthcare continues to grow and this is evidenced by the growth of this symposium over the past few years,” Dr. MacKay said. Contact Duffy MacKay for more information (202-204-7664). CRN reports from ODS/NCCAM workshop on economic analysis of nutrition interventions There is a prevailing assumption that health benefits from a given intervention equate to healthcare cost savings. But, according to Theodore Marmor, Ph.D., professor emeritus of Public Policy and Management, and professor emeritus of Political Science at Yale University, that “fact” has not actually been proven, and in some cases, the opposite may be true. Dr. Marmor was one of a handful of speakers addressing global academicians, researchers, policymakers and regulators at a February workshop sponsored by the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the National Cancer Institute, and the National Institute of Nursing Research titled “Economic Analysis of Nutrition Interventions.” CRN’s Andrew Shao attended the workshop and noted that federal agencies overseeing health and science issues are well-staffed with economists, all conducting some form of cost effective analysis (CEA) research: behavioral economics, clinical economics, pharmacoeconomics, and more. “It is all done to assess whether and to what extent government policy, clinical practice or drug therapy are cost effective, sometimes in comparison to some other approach,” Dr. Shao explained. During the workshop, economic experts presented many different models and approaches, many of which yield conflicting results depending on how certain criteria are defined, he said. “Nonetheless,” Dr. Shao noted, “these various models are applied globally by regulators and policy makers to justify (or deny) health programs like Medicaid or drug and device approval. However, there has been little such analysis for nutrition interventions including dietary supplements in the U.S.” Many questions remained unanswered at the close of the workshop, but it was clear that an increased interest in CEA with regard to nutrition interventions is inevitable. Contact Andrew Shao for more information (202-204-7660). NAPS release shares tips on reducing stress with supplements Consumers across America will soon see tips to beat stress printed in their local community papers and will hear similar suggestions on the radio, thanks to a news release issued by CRN via the North American Precis Syndicate (NAPS). With advice such as maintaining a healthful diet incorporating complex carbohydrates to increase seratonin levels, which help calm the body, and suggestions on considering botanical supplements, such as chamomile, lavender and lemon balm, the news release has expert recommendations from CRN’s Duffy MacKay, a licensed naturopathic doctor. Dr. MacKay also notes that excess stress depletes the body of essential B vitamins that are required to keep the nervous system healthy. According to Dr. MacKay, “B vitamins work as a team to maintain healthy brain and nerve cells and help with the production of important neurotransmitters in the brain that help promote relaxation. Taking a ‘B-complex’ vitamin can provide extra nutritional support during times of stress.” Contact Erin Hlasney for more information (202-204-7684). CRN announced as SupplySide East partner; member discounts available CRN is joining Virgo Publishing’s SupplySide East team as an Association Partner. As part of the collaboration, CRN’s Steve Mister and Judy Blatman will present a session in the education program on Tuesday, April 27, entitled “Defining an Industry: Communicating with Allies and Critics.” CRN finished-product manufacturer members are eligible for a $50 discount on an expo hall or education package registration. Enter promo code CRN35 during online registration to save. SupplySide East, taking place April 26-28 at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, N.J., features hundreds of exhibitors offering thousands of ingredients. See www.supplysideshow.com for event details and registration. Vitafoods expo and conference offers unique focus on nutraceuticals Looking for an international event concentrating on the expanding market for nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, functional foods and drinks ingredients and raw materials? Vitafoods, taking place May 18-20 in Geneva, Switzerland, is a unique exhibition and conference that fits the bill. The annual show attracts over 9,000 attendees, 500 exhibitors and 250 delegates, supporting its reputation as a leading European event in the nutraceuticals industry calendar. The Vitafoods conference, held in conjunction with the exhibition, addresses key topics and relevant issues within the industry. Vitafoods also offers attendees networking opportunities with other delegates, including over 500 industry suppliers. Conference registration includes free access to the Vitafoods Exhibitions and free entry into the Vitafoods Discussion Forum, where attendees can debate key issues and hear from leading industry experts. Log on to: www.vitafoods.eu.com/crnattend to reserve your place today.
Sen. Hatch, supplement CEOs discuss current climate on the Hill “Your top [legislative] priority for 2010, should be to develop open and honest relationships with your members of Congress,” Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) advised today during an industry-wide teleconference for dietary supplement chief executive officers (CEOs). The Senator, discussing the current legislative situation, urged companies to educate Congress about the industry “…and all the good you do.” He suggested inviting Members of Congress to supplement manufacturing plants, showing them products, educating them about product safety, and as importantly, helping make sure that [representatives] “…get enough money to FDA so the agency can properly implement and enforce the law.” Sen. Hatch underscored the fact that “we don’t need more laws, FDA needs more money.” The call was particularly timely in the wake of Sen. John McCain’s (R-AZ) introduction of the Dietary Supplement Safety Act of 2010 (S 3002). (Editor’s Note: According to press reports, since the conference call, Sen. McCain has announced that he is withdrawing support for his bill and will instead work with Sen. Hatch on new legislation that will provide for transparency and safety within the supplement industry.) CRN and many of its member companies participated in the call. Contact Mike Greene for more information 202-204-7690.CRN letter to McCain points out inaccuracies in senator’s floor statement on S 3002 “CRN has been a strong proponent of reasonable regulation of dietary supplements, but we are concerned about some of the mischaracterizations of the dietary supplement industry contained within your remarks on the Senate floor as well as your description of your own bill,” CRN’s Steve Mister wrote in a letter to Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) in response to a statement he made on the Senate floor Feb. 22 about the Dietary Supplement Safety Act of 2010 (S 3002). Sen. McClain claimed the legislation would not limit consumers’ ability to purchase dietary supplements, vitamins or prescription drugs or establish a new regulatory structure for the category. CRN’s letter presented facts illustrating otherwise. CRN noted in particular its opposition to the provision in the bill that would replace the existing New Dietary Ingredient provisions of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) with a list of “Accepted Dietary Ingredients” to be created by FDA. Additionally, CRN expressed concerns that the legislation would create civil liability for any retailer that sells dietary supplements if it fails to obtain certification from its suppliers or manufacturers that the products it sells have met all the upstream regulatory requirements, such as being on the list of “Accepted Dietary Ingredients.” Mr. Mister further pointed out that “FDA has more authority today over dietary supplements than it has at any time since the agency was created…” noting that “…one of the greatest frustrations for responsible members of the industry is that FDA lacks the resources and willpower to use its authority.” (Editor’s Note: According to press reports, since the conference call, Sen. McCain has announced that he is withdrawing support for his bill and will instead work with Sen. Hatch on new legislation that will provide for transparency and safety within the supplement industry. Read more in CRN and Its Members At Work and CRN in the News. Contact Mike Greene for more information (202-204-7690). DSC briefing to focus on functional medicine CRN and the Natural Products Association, in cooperation with the Congressional Dietary Supplement Caucus (DSC), will hold the first DSC event of 2010 in an ongoing series of briefings for Capitol Hill staffers on March 24 from 12:00–1:30 p.m. The topic of the lunch briefing will be “Functional Medicine,” personalized medicine that incorporates both conventional and alternative therapies. Mark Hyman, M.D., co-medical director at Canyon Ranch Lenox, founder and president of DrHyman.com, and nationally recognized author, speaker and authority on prevention and wellness, will provide tips and insights for better health and wellness, including the use of dietary supplements. Contact Ingrid Lebert for more information (202-204-7699).
NCCAM ‘Director’s Page’ discusses lessons learned from decade of research “Each study is a piece of the larger research puzzle. In all fields of science and medicine, the scientific process takes time; cures are elusive. Over time, the puzzle will fill in and our understanding of the role of natural products in promoting health will become clearer,” Josephine Briggs, M.D., director of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) wrote in her monthly “Message for the Director.” Dr. Briggs’ statements reflected on NCCAM’s decade of conducting high-profile clinical trials of “natural products”, including St. John's wort, echinacea, ginkgo, omega-3 fish oils, selenium and vitamin E—with what she characterized as mixed results. “While these outcomes were understandably disappointing—both to the NIH and to the investigators who led these research projects—these studies all taught us valuable lessons. We learned useful information about these specific products and how we approach research on natural products, product characterization, standardization, and quality. We have also gained better understanding of the natural history of the diseases that were studied and markers of progression. Our future studies will be informed by this knowledge,” Dr. Briggs noted.FDA survey shows consumers wiser than before about nutrition, labels More people now know that omega-3 fatty acids may lower the risk of heart disease than did in 2004, according to survey data released this week from FDA, with 52 percent correctly identifying this fact in 2008 versus 31 percent in the 2004 survey. More than half (54 percent) of U.S. consumers said they read the food label when buying a product for the first time, a 10 percent increase from the responses in 2002. FDA’s latest Health and Diet Survey, a snapshot of the nation's dietary habits, included more than 2,500 adults in the national telephone survey, the 10th such survey since 1982. Thirty-eight percent of consumers said they use nutrient content claims (such as “low fat,” “high fiber,” and “cholesterol-free”) “often”; 34 percent answered “sometimes.” The survey found differing degrees of trust about claims found on food labels. For example, 41 percent of consumers believe in the accuracy of all or most claims such as “low fat,” “high fiber,” or “cholesterol free,” while 56 percent believe that some or none of them are accurate.
EFSA publishes second series of opinions on ‘general function’ health claims The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), an advisory board to the European Commission, last week published a second series of Opinions on a list of “general function” health claims compiled by Member States and the European Commission, which should be of concern to the industry. Of the 416 health claims submitted, after categorizing similar claims, EFSA’s Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA), after categorizing similar claims, recommended that most of them be denied, based on the advisory board’s review of scientific data.According to EFSA, NDA Panel evaluations were positive when there was sufficient scientific evidence available to support the claim, such as those related to vitamins and minerals. EFSA noted that experts issued unfavorable opinions on most of the claims in the second series due to the poor quality of the information provided to the authority, citing examples such as: lack of information to identify the substance on which the claim is based, as in the case of probiotics; lack of evidence that the claimed effect is indeed beneficial to the maintenance or improvement of the functions of the body, as in the case of foods with antioxidant properties; and lack of human studies with reliable measures of the claimed health benefit.CRN believes that the review of many of the claims was based on a limited scope of research, focusing mainly on randomized controlled trials, and that EFSA was typically inappropriately conservative in its approach. These Opinions have been sent to the European Commission and to Member States which will ultimately decide whether to authorize these claims or not. CRN is now evaluating the EFSA opinions and to determine what role CRN or CRN-International might play. Contact Andrew Shao for more information (202-204-7660).CRN participates in IADSA meetings CRN’s John Hathcock attended the International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA) Annual General Meeting and related meetings in Istanbul, Turkey on Feb. 22-25. IADSA’s Science Group, Executive Council, and Company Council each held separate meetings before the general meeting, Dr. Hathcock reports. Dr. Hathcock says many IADSA colleagues expressed positive interest in CRN’s recently announced international subsidiary, CRN International (CRN-I); while a few people expressed concern that adding another international organization might cut into IADSA’s ability to raise funds. Dr. Hathcock advised those present that CRN-I’s mission is based on important scientific objectives (a strong commitment to science being one of CRN’s strengths) and that CRN intends to maintain its involvement with IADSA. In addition to attending the IADSA meeting, IADSA representatives, including Dr. Hathcock, met with a group of academic scientists who advise Turkish regulatory officials. In discussions among the various industry groups, health claim evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority were identified as a troublesome issue (see previous story). Contact John Hathcock for more information (202-204-7662).
CRN speaks out in trade, Hill press on McCain supplement reform "It's disingenuous for him to say this bill doesn't do anything to limit options or limit access to supplements and to say it's only about labeling when his bill includes many provisions that would in fact limit access, make it harder to get supplements on the market and reverse some of the underlying principles [in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act],” CRN’s Steve Mister said in a Tan Sheet article covering the association’s response to Sen. John McCain’s Feb. 22 floor statement. NutraIngredients.com also covered CRN’s response, quoting Judy Blatman who explained that CRN wrote to Sen. McCain following his floor statement because of the many inaccuracies the speech contained. “The Bill [would] turn DSHEA on its head,” she said. Additional coverage of CRN’s views on the legislation came in a Functional Ingredients Magazine podcast in which Mr. Mister spoke about the association’s concerns with some of the bill’s provisions, as well as elements it supports. CRN was the only trade association quoted in Congressional Quarterly’s “CQ Bill Analysis” of the legislation, which is widely read and respected by Hill legislative staffers, who often use information from the “CQ Bill Analysis” when responding to constituents. Mr. Mister cited three “deal breakers” preventing the association from supporting the bill. Noting two of the most egregious concerns, he stated “requiring retailers to certify the actions of manufacturers would create a terrible disincentive for retailers to carry their products…” and “the bill creates huge entry barriers to the market by effectively establishing a system of pre-market approval for dietary supplements that we have never had…” (Editor’s Note: According to press reports, since the conference call, Sen. McCain has announced that he is withdrawing support for his bill and will instead work with Sen. Hatch on new legislation that will provide for transparency and safety within the supplement industry.) CRN’s views on fish oil lawsuit included in consumer and industry trade coverage “…[T]hese [PCB] levels are not unsafe and [the plaintiffs] erroneously have given the impression that this is a safety issue when clearly it is not,” CRN’s Andrew Shao is quoted in a Toronto Star article covering this week’s announcement of a California lawsuit against fish oil dietary supplement manufacturers and retailers. “PCBs are ubiquitous within the environment, which means that all fish—whether fish found in oceans and rivers or fish oil supplements—contain at least trace amounts of PCBs,” Andrew Shao and CRN’s Erin Hlasney are quoted in publications including The San Jose Mercury Newsand FIS.com. “The FDA has established a tolerance level for PCBs in fish, which is 2.0 parts per million (ppm, also expressed as mg/kg) or 2,000 parts per billion; in comparison, the Prop 65 daily limit for PCBs for a cancer warning is 90 ng/day, which is significantly lower than what FDA deems safe,” Dr. Shao further explained. “The lawyers are using California’s Prop 65 statute to bring attention to their case by attempting to frame this as a public health concern, when in reality, fish oil has enjoyed decades of safe use,” Dr. Shao is quoted in NutraIngredients.com. Dr. Shao was also quoted in Drug Store News. The local ABC and CBS San Francisco network television affiliates (KGO TV and KPIX-TV, respectively, included CRN’s view in their coverage of the lawsuit and CRN’s Duffy MacKay commented for Global Toronto Television’s story. In addition, Dr. Shao interviewed with CNN Radio and Dr. MacKay provided a counterpoint to the plaintiff’s attorney’s position with NPR’s “Airtalk with Larry Mantle.” The NPR program ran live on Southern California Public Radio stations KPCC, KUOR and KPCV where call-in listener and CRN member Kenn Israel of Robinson Pharma reinforced Dr. MacKay’s position with his comments. NBJ highlights CRN-I “CRN—which is a leading U.S. dietary supplement trade association and winner of the 2009 NBJ Business Achievement Education Award—will open an office in Manno, Switzerland, and plans to call the new wholly-owned subsidiary the Council for Responsible Nutrition-International(CRN-I),” a recent story in Nutritional Business Journal (NBJ) noted. The article quoted CRN Chairman Mark LeDoux who observed, “This was a natural progression for CRN to formalize the work it’s been doing for decades by standing up for science-based principles for dietary/food supplements worldwide.” NBJ acknowledged, “CRN is known for its media outreach and its ability to help restore consumer confidence by telling ‘the other side of the story’ when one-sided or misleading studies find their way into the headlines. CRN not only advocates on behalf of industry suppliers, manufacturers and marketers, but it also hosts continuing education programs for doctors, registered dieticians, pharmacists and other healthcare providers. By expanding its reach, the non-profit organization will have a chance to disseminate its message to a wider audience and promote those companies that invest in science and research—thereby enhancing the profile and reputation of the entire global dietary supplement industry.” CRN questions FTC warnings to omega-3 marketers “We’ll certainly be vigilant about this to make sure that FTC is not isolating supplements or specific supplement companies without solid reasons, but for now, we need to gather more information. Regulatory actions are complicated, and it would be unfortunate if consumers didn’t read beyond the headlines because omega-3s have many important health benefits for both adults and children,” CRN’s Andrew Shao said in a NutraIngredients.com article examining recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warning letters issued to 11 companies over the marketing of omega-3 supplements. The article explains that FTC sent letters to the companies last month for making purportedly “baseless” claims linking consumption of omega-3 fatty acids with “children’s brain and vision function and development.” In the article, Dr. Shao noted that clarification is needed on the criteria FTC used to deem these claims questionable. “For example, is it the specific wording of the claims, in other words would the use of ‘support brain function’ be acceptable to the agency, rather than using a claim that states ‘boosting or promoting’ brain function?” Dr. Shao asked. “Or is FTC saying the science on omega-3s in general is not strong enough to make any claims related to brain function in children?” Dr. Shao further questioned whether the central issue was the lack of product-specific trials, and if so, is the FTC indicating that, “borrowing from the literature on an ingredient may not be acceptable?” The second and the third reasons are potentially troubling, he noted, “but we’d like to give FTC the benefit of the doubt, for now.” CRN comments on errant herbal interactions article “Unfortunately, the article consists of numerous errors, unreferenced statements of opinion, outdated references and/or omitted information. It inappropriately extrapolates information on all of CAM use and applies it to herbal supplement use and incorrectly assumes these are one in the same. Perhaps the most egregious of these is the authors’ failure to acknowledge and understand dietary supplement regulation in the U.S.” CRN’s Duffy MacKay and Andrew Shao wrote in an analysis in the Natural Medicine Journal (NMJ) referencing a recent review article, "Use of Herbal Products and Potential Interactions in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease," published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC). “It is, however, agreed that drug-herbal product interactions can be serious and require vigilance on the part of both practitioners and patients. The risk for potential interaction can be minimized through an open dialogue regarding all prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as dietary supplements, that are being consumed.” Dr. MacKay serves as an editorial board member for NMJ, the official journal of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
Pilot study links increased zinc intake to mood Zinc supplementation may help stabilize mood, according to a small pilot study published online in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The study, conducted in Japan, found that the subjects who took an extra 7 mg of zinc everyday scored better on the anger-hostility and depression-dejection components of a questionnaire compared with those who only took a multivitamin. The “Profile of Mood States” questionnaire was used to assess subjects’ moods, which were self–reported, over a period of one week. The increase in zinc intake was reflected in the increase in zinc concentration measured in blood from 0.84 micrograms per milliliter (mcg/ml) to 0.92 mcg/ml. Baseline serum zinc levels were measured and were similar between the two groups; while serum zinc is not considered a reliable marker of zinc status, because one has not been established, researchers use it nonetheless. Even with significant effects in two mood categories, there were no improvements in scores for other components such as tension-anxiety, vigor, fatigue and confusion. The study included a total of thirty women who were randomly assigned to either daily multivitamin or multivitamin plus 7 mg zinc for 10 weeks. See the Research Watch section of CRN's Members Only website for more information on this and other studies.Study reveals nutrigenomic effects of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds To learn more about nutrients thought to have anti-inflammatory properties and their effects in overweight people with low-grade inflammation—those with elevated risk for developing atherosclerotic diseases—researchers conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study in which 36 men were randomly assigned to supplements containing a mix of nutrients or placebo for five weeks each. Daily doses of the supplement consisted of 6.3 mg resveratrol, tomato extract with 3.75 mg lycopene, 94.5 mg green tea extract (with 40 percent EGCG), 90.7 mg vitamin E, 125 mg vitamin C and 1200 mg fish oil (380 mg EPA/260 mg DHA). In terms of established biomarkers, researchers looked for a decrease in plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and an increase in adiponectin, respectively to assess anti-inflammatory effects from the supplements. The results showed that plasma adiponectin concentration significantly increased by 7 percent; however, CRP concentrations remained unchanged after five weeks of nutrient supplementation. When they analyzed “omics” (data quantifying gene expression), plasma proteins and metabolites in blood, urine and fat tissue, researchers noted indications that the nutrient mix modulated inflammation and oxidative stress and improved endothelial function. The wide array of data suggests that the “anti-inflammatory” nutrients could be used to modulate processes that ameliorate health. The study was published online ahead of print in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. See the Research Watch section of CRN's Members Only website for more information on this and other studies.
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