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CRN urges USDA, HHS to correct DGAC report’s mischaracterization of dietary supplements “The 2010 DGAC takes many long steps backward from the more reasonable advice offered in other expert reports, with respect to dietary supplements,” concluded CRN in comments submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) in response to the recently issued 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Advisory Committee (DGAC) report. CRN submitted a three-part comment, including: 1) an overview that took issue with the Committee’s dismissive view of the important role of using dietary supplements to fill nutrient gaps; 2) a white paper outlining the benefits of nutritional supplements; and 3) supplemental comments from CRN’s Steve Mister citing concerns for the DGAC’s overreliance on a 2005 National Institutes of Health conference on the multivitamin and chronic disease. By discouraging the use of the multivitamin for chronic disease, Mr. Mister advised “…what is particularly troublesome about these statements—now that they have been committed to writing by the DGAC—is the way they will inevitably be lifted from the DGAC report and cited for a general proposition that the DGAC recommends against multivitamin usage.” He explained that the ripple effect of this misinformation would do “a tremendous disservice to Americans who are trying to achieve a healthier lifestyle, including women who rely currently on multivitamins to achieve their recommended intake of folic acid to prevent neural tube birth defects; pregnant women who are almost always advised to take a prenatal multivitamin; people of all ages who rely on the multivitamin for extra vitamin D, and senior citizens who rely on a multivitamin for supplemental vitamin B12.” CRN asked that USDA and HHS carefully consider how to correct these misimpressions as the agencies develop the final 2010 Dietary Guidelines based on the DGAC report. To read CRN’s comments, visit www.crnusa.org/2010guidelines.html. Read more in CRN in the News. Contact Andrew Shao for more information (202-204-7660). Latest calcium meta-analysis overstates the data; does not undermine entire body of positive research, says CRN A meta-analysis on calcium and cardiovascular events published this week in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) citing an increase in myocardial infarction, calls for a reassessment of recommending calcium supplements for osteoporosis. CRN was quick to respond, emphasizing that this meta-analysis should not cause consumers to doubt the value of calcium supplements for maintaining bone health and issuing a statement pointing to a broad range of scientific research that demonstrates an adequate intake of calcium is critical to building and maintaining optimum bone mass. “Adequate calcium intake is vital to building and maintaining healthy bones, and to preventing osteoporosis—which is caused by a failure to build adequate bone mass or by bone loss that occurs as we age. Most people do not get enough calcium from diet alone, and this is where a calcium supplement can be important to consumers of all ages,” CRN’s Andrew Shao explained. CRN noted that the findings are dramatically overstated, considering the limitations of the meta-analysis. Because the researchers chose to exclude any trials administering calcium plus vitamin D, many large, important trials—including the Women’s Health Initiative, which found calcium plus vitamin D had no effect on the risk of coronary heart disease or stroke—were not included. Read more in CRN in the News.Last chance to register for claims webinar, coming up Tuesday, August 3 Federal Trade Commission attorney Gregory Fortsch is one of four speakers at the upcoming webinar—“Dietary Supplement Claims in the Retail Environment: Roles and Responsibilities of Manufacturers and Retailers”—taking place on Tuesday, Aug. 3, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. Eastern time. Co-presented by CRN and Virgo Publishing, this webinar will provide important information for both manufacturers and their retail customers, as well as for direct marketers, relating to legal and illegal claims in the retail environment. In addition to Mr. Fortsch, the panel of legal, regulatory, and retail training experts includes Anne Maher of Kleinfeld, Kaplan & Becker, LLP; Donna DiDomenico of Vitamin Shoppe; and Dick Laurin of Mannatech, Inc. CRN’s Andrew Shao will moderate. CRN members can register at a special rate of $149 per-registration site, which allows multiple people to participate from a single site, such as a company’s conference room. The fee also includes unlimited on-demand web access to the webinar content for 90 days. Visit Natural Products INSIDER’s website for details and register today. Support for ‘Life…supplemented’ Year Four grows “Life…supplemented,” the CRN Foundation-managed, award-winning consumer wellness program is close to raising $1 million to continue the education effort that encourages the use of dietary supplements along with healthy diet and regular exercise. Steering Committee members—BASF, Bayer, DSM, and NBTY—are again on board. In addition other companies pledging support for continuing the program include: Alacer, Amway Global, Amway/Nutrilite, Atrium/Douglas Laboratories, Atrium/Garden of Life, Atrium/Nutri-Health, Atrium/Pure Encapsulations, Cargill, Indena USA, Kyowa Hakko, New Hope Natural Media, NSF, Nutramax Laboratories, Perrigo, Rainbow Light, Reliv, Schiff, Shaklee and Virgo Publishing. Because the “Life…supplemented” program is now run through the CRN Foundation, donations will be made to a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and will be tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. For more information, read the latest issue of the LS Quarterly, the quarterly e-newsletter for funders and partners of the "Life…supplemented" campaign. To see some of the great results achieved in the first three years of the campaign, visit www.lifesupplemented.org/inthenews. Contact Judy Blatman (202-204-7680) to be a part of this positive initiative for the industry. Call for self-regulatory working group members Following the Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing on “Dietary Supplements: What Seniors Need to Know” held May 26, CRN is developing strategies to help assure that only legal and appropriate retailer-initiated claims are made at the point of sale. The association is calling for participants from its member companies to form a working group that will develop self-regulation in this area across the supply chain. CRN is following through on commitments made publicly during the May Senate hearing—to augment existing industry efforts that educate retailers about what constitutes permissible claims at the point of sale. For starters, CRN is co-sponsoring a webinar titled Dietary Supplement Claims in the Retail Environment: Roles and Responsibilities of Manufacturers and Retailers with Virgo publishing on Tuesday, Aug. 3. In addition, several other potential projects were discussed at the June meeting of the CRN Board of Directors. The working group’s main focus will be to discuss, refine, and finalize these proposals. Interested CRN members should contact Duffy Mackay (202-204-7664).Get your company noticed, sponsor CRN’s upcoming events Support CRN in presenting the first-rate event industry executives have come to expect by signing up to sponsor The Workshop: CRN’s Day of Science (Sept. 29) and The Conference: CRN’s Annual Symposium for the Dietary Supplement Industry (Sept. 29–Oct. 2), taking place at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa outside Austin, Texas. CRN members already sponsoring this year include: Natural Alternatives International, Inc. at the platinum level, and DSM Nutritional Products, Inc. and Pharmavite, LLC, at the silver level. In addition, Kyowa Hakko is returning with its annual fun run/walk at The Conference, and other sponsors include: Grifcon Enterprises, Inc., Perrigo Company, Chemi Nutra, Cognis Nutrition & Health, dicentra inc, and Shaklee Corporation. Show your support of your trade association and your company's leadership within the industry. You’ll get recognition in the program, online, on signage, during the pre-session slides and more with a value-added sponsorship package, or select an exclusive sponsorship opportunity such as sponsorship of the Board of Directors dinner, evening receptions or the popular “Breakfast With…” session. There are sponsorship ideas for all budgets and companies may mix and match from a list of other creative ideas to customize their sponsorships. Download a Sponsorship Prospectus with details for 2010 opportunities and contact Jill Ferguson at 703-778-9000 x108 with questions or to pledge your sponsorship. ‘Apple’ season is just around the corner, time to start picking It’s that time of year again when CRN considers nominations for its prestigious Apple Awards, given out at The Conference, to honor individuals who have distinguished themselves with long-time service to CRN and/or the dietary supplement industry. To nominate someone for the 2010 CRN Apple Awards, please e-mail CRN president Steve Mister (smister@crnusa.org) with the nomination and a brief explanation as to why the individual deserves the award. Nominations must be received by Friday, Aug. 20. Recipients do not need to be CRN members. CRN makes the final decision and recipients typically are not notified of the recognition prior to receiving the award. (An honoree may only receive one Apple Award, so please check the list of previous winners.) Be sure to register now for The Conference: CRN’s Annual Symposium for the Dietary Supplement Industry, taking place Sept. 29–Oct. 2 at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa outside Austin, Texas, to see this year’s winners announced. CRN submits comments on FDA transparency task force draft CRN this week submitted comments to FDA on the agency transparency initiative’s “Draft Proposals for Public Comment Regarding Disclosure Policies.” CRN weighed in on matters including adverse event reports, FDA enforcement actions, inspection reports, recall authority and more. “Timely access to this information may have a deterrent effect on others who become aware of the consequences of the failure to comply with the law,” the comments said. CRN requested that all FDA workplans older than five years, starting with fiscal year 1994, be posted on the agency’s website. “The dietary supplement industry waited over 14 years for FDA to release Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) for dietary supplements and is still waiting for the agency to release a guidance document for New Dietary Ingredient Notifications (NDINs),” the comments observed. “There is much confusion and speculation as to why the agency has taken so long for these important guidelines and what agency priorities have dictated such timelines.” In addition, CRN expressed its support of a draft proposal that would allow FDA to share with the public information about the most common inspection violations. CRN noted that this would “provide firms with valuable information to inform compliance efforts. Currently, companies use significant resources to obtain inspection information through the FOIA process, analyze this information, and search for clues to aide in compliance efforts. [The draft proposal] would allow these firms to focus resources on actual compliance efforts.”CRN moderates, reports on IFT scientific session on polyphenols CRN’s Andrew Shao attended the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting in Chicago last week and served as co-moderator of a scientific session entitled “Polyphenols and cardiovascular health—antioxidant activity and beyond.” The session, organized by Jim Elliott, Ph.D. (from CRN member company DSM Nutritional Products, Inc. and a member of CRN’s Senior Scientific Advisory Council) and sponsored by DSM, featured experts in polyphenol and cardiovascular research, including Tufts University’s Jeff Blumberg, Ph.D., and Boston University’s Joseph Vita, M.D. Dr. Blumberg noted that despite all the promising research on polyphenols, he urged caution in over-interpreting the science for product development and claims, advising that much more information must be gathered on their bioaccessibility, absorption and metabolism. CRN SVP discusses tradition and social media innovations CRN’s Judy Blatman was one of an intimate group of senior marketing/ communications experts participating in the “Innovator’s Studio” session on Technology and the Transformation of Marketing Practice last week in Chicago, Ill. This session explored both challenges and opportunities presented by new media marketing and how to develop a framework to address the adoption of new practices to build brands, drive growth and create customer loyalty. During her presentation, Ms. Blatman spoke about blending traditional and social media (such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.), referring to the “Life…supplemented” consumer wellness program as a case study. Ms. Blatman discussed the push and pull between educating and engaging an audience and the importance of achieving both. CRT/tanaka, the public relations firm for the “Life…supplemented” campaign, moderated a session, and presented a case history for another client that demonstrated how social media could generate traditional media. According to Navvis & Company, which hosts the sessions for its clients, the Innovator’s Studio is a collaborative incubator for market-leading health systems seeking to create competitive advantage through value innovation. It provides health care executives with a living laboratory where they can engage in research and innovation to bring new ideas to market and helps forward thinking healthcare leaders envision new ways of creating a desired future. Contact Judy Blatman for more information (202-204-7680).CRN accepts education award at NBJ summit CRN officially accepted its education award last week from Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ) at the NBJ Summit in Dana Point, Calif. The award was presented to CRN in recognition of work the association has done to improve the climate for dietary supplements. As previously noted when the awards were announced in the January 2010 NBJ Business Achievement Award & Executive Review issue, “Pretty much everything [CRN] does incorporates some element of education that is directed at consumers, media, health practitioners, researchers, lawmakers or the industry itself…” According to NBJ, the award is given to organizations that serve as beacons of hope and inspiration for the coming decade. Despite the many obstacles of 2009, including negative media headlines, the scientific “studies du jour,” the economy and changes on Capitol Hill, NBJ noted that the “2009 award winners proved that good things can be born amidst adversity.”  CRN President & CEO Steve Mister with the association’s NBJ award. Virgo publishing announces CRN as SupplySide West association partner, offers member discount SupplySide West, taking place Oct. 19–23 in Las Vegas, Nevada, is the world’s largest event for healthy and innovative ingredients with more than 1,200 booths. CRN is again teaming with Virgo Publishing for this popular SupplySide event as an association partner, an arrangement providing benefits to CRN member companies. CRN members are eligible for a $50 discount off SupplySide West registration. Visit www.supplysideshow.com or call (800) 454-5760 and reference promo code “CRNvip” to receive the discount. The discount is valid thru Oct. 15, does not apply to a previously paid registration, and is available to consumer packaged goods/finished product manufacturers.
CRN ‘Recess Handbook’ provides guide to meeting with Congressional members As this is an election year, members of Congress will be spending a considerable amount of time at home, in their districts and states over the August recess (and prior to the November elections). According to CRN’s Mike Greene, this time “back home” creates opportunities to reach out to members of Congress in their districts, who suggests several different approaches to plan a meeting to discuss relevant dietary supplement issues. Mr. Greene suggested either a district office meeting or inviting a representative for a site visit and facility tour. Mr. Greene observed, “A site visit will provide a golden opportunity to show an elected official the level of quality with which the dietary supplement industry manufactures its products. It will also give the member of Congress an opportunity to meet with senior executives, your board or expert advisory committee.” CRN prepared a “Recess Handbook,” available on the association’s Members Only website, with a sample invitation letter to help set up a meeting, a sample agenda, CRN messages, legislative action items and tips for successful meetings. “Keep in mind that the members of Congress probably do not have any background or experience with the dietary supplement industry unless they are on one of the committees of jurisdiction. So the meeting, preparation and materials can be a great opportunity to educate, represent the issues and highlight the actions of responsible industry,” Mr. Greene advises. Contact Ingrid Lebert for more information (202-204-7699). Hearing probes marketing of genetic tests and dietary supplements The House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled “Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Testing and the Consequences to the Public Health,” on July 22. The hearing examined the sale of direct-to-consumer personal genetic tests, and unveiled a Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation into questionable marketing practices of genetic tests and dietary supplements. GAO’s testimony—Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Tests: Misleading Test Results Are further Complicated by Deceptive Marketing and Other Questionable Practices— was prepared by Gregory Kutz, managing director, Forensic Audits and Special Investigations. (Mr. Kutz also testified during the Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing on Dietary Supplements: What Seniors Need to Know that took place earlier this year.) The GAO investigation incorporated audio from fictitious consumers contacting genetic testing companies by phone and in-person seeking additional product information. GAO stated they “found 10 egregious examples of deceptive marketing, including claims made by four companies that a consumer’s DNA could be used to create personalized supplements to cure diseases.” Mr. Kutz also testified that GAO has referred all companies to FDA and the Federal Trade Commission for “appropriate action.” More information, including opening statements, “secret shopper” audio, witness testimony and hearing video is available on the House website. Read more in CRN in the News. Contact Ingrid Lebert for more information (202-204-7699).
CRN reports from FDLI meeting featuring FDA deputy commissioner for Foods Mike Taylor, FDA’s deputy commissioner for Foods spoke last week at a luncheon hosted by the Food & Drug Law Institute (FDLI) in Washington, D.C., discussing his priorities at the agency along with his perspectives on pressing issues for food regulation. CRN’s Duffy MacKay attended the event and noted that Mr. Taylor contrasted the current climate at FDA with his three previous periods of employment with the agency, saying that this is the first time that FDA is focused on fundamentally changing the way things are done. Mr. Taylor discussed the FDA “One mission—One Program” efforts to align the agency to work in a more integrated way, using executive leadership teams to look into topics that span the various FDA centers including inspection and compliance strategy, import oversight, incidence response, and others. A robust question and answer period followed Mr. Taylor’s talk. When asked about supplements, he stated that completion of the New Dietary Ingredient Notification Guidance is a high priority. Regarding interpretation of section 912 of the FDA Amendments Act (FDAAA), he admitted he was unfamiliar with the matter but suggested industry come together with a written agenda and help the agency clarify its interpretation. He also indicated that FDA does not plan to provide a guidance document on front-of-package labeling at this point. The agency will observe Americans’ responses to the initial experience with front of pack labeling before taking a position, he explained. Contact Duffy MacKay for more information (202-204-7664). Administration announces regulations requiring new health insurance plans to provide free preventive care The Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and the Treasury issued new regulations on July 14 requiring new private health plans to cover evidence-based preventive services and eliminate cost sharing requirements for such services. According to HHS, the new rules will help Americans gain easier access to services such as blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol tests; many cancer screenings; routine vaccinations; pre-natal care; and regular wellness visits for infants and children. Under these regulations, new health plans beginning on or after Sept. 23 must cover preventive services that have strong scientific evidence of their health benefits, and these plans may no longer charge a patient a copayment, coinsurance or deductible for these services when they are delivered by a network provider. Dietary supplement-related coverage may fall under the evidence-based preventive services, which are rated by a panel of scientific experts based on the strength of the scientific evidence documenting their benefits. Screening for vitamin deficiencies during pregnancy are specifically noted as being covered under these rules. More information on the Affordable Care Act's new rules on preventive care can be found on the Healthcare.gov website, as well as the regulations themselves. ODS publishes new ‘Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements,’ starts ‘tweeting’ The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) recently announced the publication of its Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements, 2nd Edition. This new edition contains new chapters on several botanicals, including aloe vera, bilberry, bitter orange, black cohosh, kava, and saw palmetto. Peer reviewed by experts, the encyclopedia includes ingredient reviews based on the latest scientific data, information on ingredient chemistry and functions, pre-clinical and clinical literature, regulatory status and references to relevant literature. The encyclopedia is available now from Informa Healthcare Books. In other ODS news, the office is now on Twitter—@NIH_ODS. ODS recently tweeted about its zinc fact sheet, bi-monthly electronic newsletter, and its guide to evaluating health information on the web.
CRN presents to Thai regulatory officials CRN’s John Hathcock met with senior staff of the Thai FDA on July 23 as Thailand prepares for potential regulatory changes and readies to receive the nation’s input for discussions among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Dr. Hathcock presented science-based information on vitamin and mineral safety with regard to the setting of maximum levels in “health supplements” (the category known as “dietary supplements” in the U.S.) to counter potentially politically motivated responses. He explained the international methods accepted by the Institute of Medicine in the U.S., the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO), and Codex. In addition, at the Thai regulators’ request, Dr. Hathcock discussed glucosamine—its chemical composition, safety profile and its regulation in the U.S.—in order to inform their negotiations to gain regulatory control of glucosamine, which currently is regulated as a drug in Thailand. Contact John Hathcock for more information (202-204-7662). CRN reports from ASEAN meeting on harmonization CRN’s John Hathcock this week attended a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Hanoi, Vietnam, focusing on harmonization of regulations for traditional medicines and health supplements. The agenda included: a meeting of the ASEAN Technical and Scientific Committee (ATSC); several working groups on matters such as safety, claims, and good manufacturing practices; and the regulatory Product Working Group (PWG). CRN’s major interest and involvement is in the methods of establishing maximum amounts of vitamins and minerals permitted in “health supplements” (known in the U.S. as “dietary supplements”). At this week’s meetings, the ATSC approved maximum values for the following nutrients: vitamins B1, B2 and B12, biotin, pantothenic acid, and chromium. The ATSC failed to reach agreement on vitamin K due to concern by two governments that vitamin K is dangerous for those who are taking coumadin and related drugs. Proponents for permitting higher levels of vitamin K countered that known and essential drug interactions should be managed by physicians and pharmacists, not by nutrition policy. “The PWG is expected to approve the ATSC recommendations, which include further consideration of vitamin K at the next meeting—perhaps in December 2010,” Dr. Hathcock said. Additional nutrients will be reviewed at that meeting. Contact John Hathcock for more information (202-204-7662).EFSA releases report of its public consultation on risk-benefit analysis for foods, including CRN comments The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has released a report of its public consultation on risk-benefit analysis for foods that includes public comments and EFSA’s response to those comments. The EFSA summary includes CRN-I’s comments made on a section-by-section basis in which CRN-I pointed out a number of ambiguities requiring clarification as well as instances of double standards. Further, CRN’s comments called for acknowledgement on EFSA’s part that use of risk-benefit analysis to control entry of new products into the marketplace would require new legislation or regulation because most jurisdictions now regulate citation of benefit and safety under separate reviews and decisions. CRN also commented that EFSA should acknowledge the limitations of randomized control trials. EFSA has yet to release its final document on risk-benefit analysis, but it is expected soon. CRN/CRN-I will provide a summary evaluation at that time. For additional information, contact John Hathcock (202-204-7662).
CRN response to Dietary Guidelines report noted in consumer and trade press coverage A Chicago Tribune article contrasting Americans’ lack of interest in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to industry and stakeholder’s close attention to the details of the government’s nutrition advice, quoted CRN’s reaction to last month’s draft report from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. “[CRN] objected to the proposed statement that ‘a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement does not offer health benefits to healthy Americans.’ The council said the committee's report implies ‘it's reasonable to allow people to live with nutrient inadequacies.’” In addition, Nutraceuticals World included CRN’s perspective in its coverage, noting, “Speaking out in defense of dietary supplements, CRN said the report takes a dismissive view of most nutrient shortfalls and adopts a generally negative view of dietary supplements.” The article further reported CRN’s observation that “[The recommended overhaul of the U.S. food policy and the food supply] is much needed, but, in the meantime, consumers could use some practical guidance on avoiding nutrient shortfalls even while they work on improving their personal food habits…CRN feels that the final Guidelines should provide American consumers with a more balanced perspective on the scientific evidence relating to the benefits of the appropriate and rational use of dietary supplements.” CRN bylined article discusses industry responsibility for supplement claims “The mainstream media coverage of the May Senate Hearing on Capitol Hill gave the incorrect impression no rules exist when it comes to marketing dietary supplements. But in fact, as with all industries, dietary supplement advertising claims are required by law to be truthful, not misleading and substantiated with adequate evidence. Further, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) established general boundaries on permissible claims for supplements,” CRN’s Duffy MacKay explained in a bylined article for Natural Products Insider. Calcium study results overstated, says CRN “I see a very strong conclusion, and I think that [it] is very overstated,” CRN’s Duffy MacKay said in a HealthDay News article discussing a study on calcium published online in the British Medical Journal. “My conclusion to this is [that] here is some preliminary evidence suggesting something we need to look at with additional clinical trials.” The article noted that Dr. MacKay described the study’s conclusion as weak because none of the studies used in the report were specifically designed to look at the risk for heart attack. Also included was advice from Dr. MacKay that people to get 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium a day from dairy products and leafy green vegetables. “If your diet doesn't contain enough calcium, then the gap can be filled with a calcium supplement,” he said. He further advised people who take calcium supplements not to take the dose all at once, but break it up over the day so that calcium levels in the blood don't increase beyond normal. CRN responds to hearing on DTC genetic testing products “This is a complex area, and it is very premature to be recommending products based on one's genetic profile, for the most part,” CRN’s Andrew Shao said in a Tan Sheet article covering last week’s hearing on a Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation into direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing products that found some firms marketing allegedly customized dietary supplement regimens to consumers based on their test results. He noted that GAO's report is "one-sided" and seems to fit a predetermined conclusion about certain DTC genetic testing firms not indicative of the industry as a whole. Dr. Shao added that there are basic nutritional interventions that consumers can pursue for specific conditions, but companies purporting to develop supplements based on nutrigenomics are in over their heads.CRN president answers timely questions on supplements in ‘Natural Foods Merchandiser’ “We saw some movement in the category toward lower-priced options and store brands last year. As the economy picks up, we may see movement back toward higher price points and boutique brands, but I think we’ll continue to see decent growth in the industry like we did last year,” CRN’s Steve Mister observed when asked what he foresees for supplement sales in 2010 for a Natural Foods Merchandiser “Q&A” story. Mr. Mister also answered questions about what factors led to last year’s growth in supplement sales, whether new legislation affecting supplements will be passed this year and what are the “hottest” supplements right now. Mr. Mister noted, “Vitamin D continues to do well...Research shows it supports bone health, immune health and may reduce the risk of certain types of cancers.” First CRN-I scientific symposium highlighted in trade press CRN-I’s first international scientific symposium provided “a forum for a productive conversation between international regulators and policy and nutrition experts,” said CRN-I Founding Board Member Mark LeDoux in a NutraIngredients.com article covering the event. Mr. LeDoux emphasized one of CRN-I’s responsibilities is to ensure that regulators and policy makers around the world have “opportunities to take part in peer-reviewed, science-focused discussions so they are able to consider other scientific perspectives during the policy-making process.” In the same article, CRN’s John Hathcock said that the symposium underscored the need for a scientific basis for Codex decisions, and the group’s first event “achieved its goal of ensuring a productive and science-based, intellectual conversation took place that reframes critical issues facing the Codex delegates.” NPI Center also covered the symposium, quoting Mr. LeDoux saying, “The meeting was exactly what we hoped it would be. CRN-I provided a forum for a productive conversation between international regulators and policy and nutrition experts on their science-based perspectives on Codex-related issues.” Both articles noted CRN-I’s plans to submit the proceedings from the symposium for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and to hold the symposium annually. ‘Remedies’ magazine features CRN scientist’s wellness recommendations “I take a multivitamin, fish oil, and fiber supplements daily,” CRN’s Duffy MacKay says in a July Remedies magazine feature looking into the daily health habits and go-to remedies of holistic experts. “The multivitamin rounds out nutrition my diet may be lacking. Fish oil has cardiovascular benefits and fiber ensures I meet the recommended daily intake of 25 grams. A few times a week, I also take probiotics to repopulate my digestive system with good bacteria and help regulate my digestion,” Dr. MacKay said, describing his everyday routine. Regarding remedies, he said, “I use elderberry for immune support when I start to feel run down…”
Calcium shown to help preserve lean muscle, prevent body fat increase in older women Women, especially those older than 60, may reap benefits when it comes to body composition if they obtain enough calcium, suggests a study recently published online in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism. In a secondary analysis of data from a large randomized, placebo-controlled trial that originally investigated whether calcium and vitamin D affected osteoporotic fractures, it was found that postmenopausal women taking 1,400 to 1,500 mg of calcium daily—with or without vitamin D—gained less body fat and preserved more lean muscle than those who took placebo. Good news, because as women age, it is as important to maintain lean muscle as it is to reduce body fat. A total of 870 women with an average age of 66 years were analyzed in the study. They were randomly assigned to one of three groups: calcium alone, calcium plus vitamin D, or placebo, for four years. For the supplemented groups, dietary calcium and vitamin D intake were determined, and supplements were provided to ensure a total intake of 1,400 to 1,500 mg of calcium and 1,100 IU of vitamin D daily. Although body mass index—a measure of weight and height proportion—did not significantly change, those who took calcium, alone or in combination with vitamin D, gained only 1.4 percent in body fat. The placebo group, on the other hand, had a significantly greater gain of 5.4 percent in body fat. The calcium-supplemented women also lost only 1 percent in lean muscle mass after four years, where women who took placebo had double that percentage of lean muscle loss. The study’s results indicate a role for calcium in reducing obesity, according to researchers. See the Research Watch section of CRN's Members Only website for more information on this and other studies.
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