October 2008 - Natural Products Association

Transcription

Volume 22, No. 8 / October 2008
Now
Timely Communications from the Natural Products Association
FOUNDATION NEWS, p.3
HEALTHY ESSENTIALS, p.8
NPA IN THE NEWS, pp. 10-11
Products Meeting
Natural Standard
Now Online
C
Natural Products
Association to Become
Household Name?
Media coverage of assn programs reaching millions
W
ith a long history of promoting and defending the natural products
industry, the Natural Products Association has become one of the
foremost resources of information for media regarding where the
industry is and should be heading. To date in 2008, the Natural Products
Association has appeared in such top tier media outlets as Allure Magazine,
The Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and
The Washington Post among many other publications.
The overwhelming attention is due in part to one of the association’s
most visible new programs. The green movement and the debate over
what constitutes “natural” have become hot news topics, so it’s no surprise that outlets all over the country, some among the nation’s top tier
media, have been reporting on the Natural Products Association’s Standard and Certification Program for Personal Care Products.
The certification program has had a tremendous positive reception by
consumer media. Highlights include mentions along with a depiction of
the seal in recent issues of In-Style and Allure magazines and an Associated
Press wire story. The association anticipates more stories to appear in
longer-lead periodicals, such as Vogue and Marie Claire. These publications
have a multi-million readership.
(Continued on page 10)
onsumers will now be able to
quickly determine which companies have products that
meet the qualifications for the
association’s Standard and Certification Program for personal care
products. A listing of association
member companies whose products meet the requirements is now
available on the association’s Web
site at www.NaturalProductsAssoc.
org/certifiedproducts.
The Natural Products Association Standard for Personal Care
Products states that all personal
care products labeled or branded
“natural” must be made with at
least 95 percent all-natural ingredients and contain only synthetic
ingredients specifically allowed
under this standard that do not
have suspected human health risks.
Based on evaluation of
the other personal care
standards around the
globe the Natural Standard for Personal Care
Products aims to clearly
define what a “natural”
personal care product is and
what it is not, and to help consumers, manufacturers, suppliers,
retailers and the industry at large
clearly understand and identify
those products meeting the association standard.
For more information about
the program, please visit the certification information center at
www.thenaturalseal.org
The
certification
program
has had a
tremendous
positive
reception by
consumer
media
1
IN THE NEWS
Association
Launches
Weekly News
Resource for
Members
The opt-in
e-mail
resource
provides
comprehensive
weekly news
briefings of
the week’s
top stories
I
n an ongoing effort to provide members with the most timely and relevant industry news, the Natural
Products
Association
recently
announced that it has partnered with
MultiBriefs to create the Natural News
Update, a free, opt-in e-mail resource
providing comprehensive weekly news
briefings of the week’s top industry
stories.
Each edition of the Natural News
Update contains articles gathered from
an expansive list of sources, including
The Associated Press, USA Today, and
leading industry publications. The Natural News Update will be delivered to
the in-boxes of association members
and other industry professionals, keeping them informed of topics that
impact the natural products industry.
Subscribers will have instant access to
information regarding upcoming trade
shows, nutrition research, innovative
companies, and industry trends and
much more, as each news brief will link
directly back to the original article.
The Natural News Update is a great way to keep
informed. The electronic publication can be easily read
in the office, home, or via a mobile phone or
2
www.NaturalProductsAssoc.org
PDA. Archived issues and an RSS feed will also be made
available.
To see a comprehensive listing of Natural Product Association member benefits and services, please see page 13.
Natural Products Association Now, Volume 22 No. 8 / October 2008
IN THE NEWS
Foundation Develops Online
Networking Group
Dynamic communication tool connects members with ease
T
he Natural Products Foundation is developing strategies, made possible by the recent merger with the
DSEA, to expand and improve communication efforts
both within the industry and at the consumer level. Over
the years, many members have offered to assist the foundation’s efforts. Now, the foundation is pleased to
announce a program that will provide them with the
opportunity to support both the industry as well as their
own professional networking objectives.
Efficient communication among professionals in the
field being a key to successful programs, the Natural
Products Foundation has created an initiative to link an
initial 1,000 members of the dietary supplement industry
together on the networking Web site Plaxo.com.
Plaxo is a social networking site that provides a comprehensive user-friendly communication forum for professionals so that they may keep up to date on critical issues
and activities in the industry. This is different than enewsletters or memorandums that members already
receive. Although some of the information available on
Plaxo may overlap with other sources of daily news, this
group will consist of like-minded
industry professionals who want to
actively contribute to important
industry discussions.
By participating in the foundation’s new Plaxo group, members
have real opportunities to invest
time with colleagues and together,
build a better industry. The group
will be able to expand exponentially, giving its participants access
to diverse contacts in the industry.
To be part of this innovative
communication and networking
program,
please
go
to
www.plaxo.com and sign up! Users
simply enter the contact information where they can be reached by
fellow professionals. After this initial
step, users will be asked to fill out a
profile. This step will help colleagues get to know each other, as
the profile outlines previous academic and professional experience.
Beyond this, Plaxo allows users to
further customize their profiles to fit
their needs of the service.
Once signed up, simple prompts help users locate the
Natural Products Foundation group on the Plaxo site. This
online group will give all participants direct access to the
same information and allow them to communicate in
ways that they have never been able to before. Contact
Deb Knowles, director of development, at (941) 3499044 or [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
Plaxo, Inc. (www.plaxo.com) is used by over 10 million people in over 83 countries, and enjoys a wide following in academia, government, and both small and large businesses,
including 98 of the Fortune 100 companies. Plaxo makes it
easy for members to connect to their personal information,
friends and colleagues in the manner that is most appropriate. The company has created a network of people whose
contact information is always up-to-date through the seamless address book updating that occurs between linked
members. Plaxo Premium Services expand the functionality
of Plaxo and include Plaxo Address Book Optimizer, Plaxo
eCards, Plaxo Mobile Access, and Plaxo VIP Support.
Visit
www.plaxo.com
to network
with industry
colleagues
on the
Foundation’s
group page
3
SCIENCE NEWS
Science Briefs
B12 Might Help Retain the Brain
Vitamin B12 may protect older people from losing brain mass and ultimately reduce the risk of developing dementia, suggests a new study from
the University of Oxford. Previously, increased levels of vitamin B12 and
other B vitamins were linked with lower levels of homocysteine, an
amino acid reported to increase the risk of dementia or cognitive
impairment. The study followed 107 volunteers between the ages of
61 and 87. Researchers collected blood samples to measure levels of
vitamin B12, holotranscobalamin (holoTC), methylmalonic acid, total
homocysteine, and folate. Over five years of study, the researchers
noted a greater decrease in brain volume among people with lower
vitamin B12 and holoTC levels. In fact, people with lower levels of B12
were six times more likely to experience brain shrinkage, said the
researchers. On the other hand, high levels of methylmalonic acid or
homocysteine, or low folate levels were not linked to brain volume loss.
It is important to note that none of the volunteers were vitamin B12
deficient. (Neurology, September 2008, vol. 71, pp. 826–832)
And
Speaking
of B12…
Genetic makeup may affect
how the vitamin
is absorbed and
maintained in the blood. Variations in a gene
called FUT2 may have small but important
effects on a person’s ability to digest, absorb,
and use vitamin B12. A group of Harvard
researchers identified FUT2 from a genomewide scan of 1,658 women of European ancestry who participated in the Cancer Genetic
Markers of Susceptibility (CGEMS) project. The
results were replicated in another 1,059 women
from the Nurses’ Health Study. An evaluation of
more than 528,000 genetic variants showed
that one known as rs492602 FUT2 had the
greatest effect on B12 levels — about three percent of the variation. However, no direct evidence exists currently that people who carry the
gene variant suffer from any cognitive or other
adverse effects of low B12 levels. (Nature Genetics, published online ahead of print,
doi:10.1038/ng.210)
4
K2 Cleans Calcium from Arteries
Taking more vitamin K2 (menaquinone) may
reduce the build up of calcium in arteries that leads
to hardening of the blood vessels. A higher intake
of K2, but not K1 (phylloquinone), was associated
with a 20 percent reduction in calcification of the
arteries, according to the findings of a recent study.
Researchers assessed the diets of the 564 women
averaging 67 years of age using a 77-item food frequency questionnaire. The researchers report that
the average intake of vitamin K1 was 217 micrograms per day, while vitamin K2 intakes averaged
31.6 micrograms per day for the whole study population. Furthermore, 82 percent of the K1 came
from vegetables, while K2 came predominantly
from cheese (54 percent), milk products (22 percent), and meat (15 percent). Exam results showed
62 percent of the women had calcification of the
arteries. When the intakes of K1 and K2 were
divided into four groups from the lowest to highest, no association was found between K1 intakes
and calcification. However, high consumption of K2
(about 45 micrograms per day) was associated with
20 percent decreased coronary calcification, compared with low consumption of K2 (about 18
micrograms per day). (Atherosclerosis, published
online ahead of print, doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.
2008.07.010)
SCIENCE NEWS
HERBAL BRIEF
Black Tea May Have Effects on
Blood Glucose and Insulin Levels
This literature summary is part of HerbClip, an educational mailing service of the American Botanical Council
T
ea (Camellia sinensis) is one of the most comgrams of black tea experienced vomiting and palpitamonly consumed beverages worldwide. Tea is a
tions. The study design was modified to exclude this
rich source of flavonoid polyphenols. Flavonoid
experimental drink and evaluated only the effects of
polyphenols may offer benefits in the prevention of
the 1.0 gram black tea drink. Plasma glucose concenchronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease
tration was significantly lower for the black tea drink
and certain cancers and
compared to the control
may be helpful in improvand caffeine control drinks
ing glucose tolerance.
after 120 minutes. Glucose
Polyphenols have been
concentrations were similar
shown to inhibit glucose
for all other time points.
transport in the intestine
Plasma insulin concentraand enhance secretion of
tion
was
significantly
insulin from the pancreas,
higher for the black tea
suggesting that tea condrink compared to the
sumption may influence
control and caffeine conblood sugar levels. The
trol drinks after 90 minpurpose of this study was
utes. Insulin concentration
to determine the effects of
was significantly higher for
black tea on blood glucose
the black tea drink comand insulin levels in
pared to the caffeine conhealthy people following a
trol drink after 150
glucose challenge.
minutes. However, insulin
This randomized, conconcentrations were signiftrolled, crossover study
icantly higher for the cafexamined 16 healthy male
feine control drink after 30
and female volunteers. The
minutes and after 120 minCamellia sinensis
subjects consumed 1 of 4
utes compared to the black
experimental drinks on 4
tea drink.
different days. The order in which subjects received
The authors conclude that instant black tea can
the drinks was randomly assigned. The experimental
reduce the late phase of postprandial (post-meal)
drinks contained the following ingredients mixed
glycemia in healthy humans.
with 250 milliliters of hot water: (1) 75 grams of glucose (control drink), (2) 75 grams of glucose and 52
—Heather S. Oliff, PhD
milligrams of caffeine (caffeine control drink), (3) 75
grams of glucose and 1.0 gram of instant black tea,
and (4) 75 grams of glucose and 3.0 grams of instant
The American Botanical Council problack tea. The instant black tea contained 350 milvides this summary and the above artiligrams per gram of total polyphenols.
cle as an educational service. ABC does
The subjects fasted overnight for 12 hours and
not warrant that the data is accurate
came to the clinic in the morning. Researchers coland correct, nor does distribution of
lected initial blood samples, then at 30-minute interthe enclosed article constitute any
vals for 3 hours, and were analyzed for glucose and
endorsement of the information coninsulin concentrations.
tained or of the views of the authors.
All subjects completed the study, but some of the
To join ABC, call (512) 926-4900 or
first subjects to receive the drink containing 3.0
visit www.herbalgram.org.
Glucose
concentration
was significantly lower
for the black
tea compared
to control
and caffeine
drinks after
120 minutes
5
SCIENCE NEWS
NUTRITION BRIEF
Natural Treatment Shows Promise
for Distressing Skin Condition
From Healthnotes Newswire, a news service of Healthnotes, Inc.
Ginkgo
stopped the
disorder’s
progress in
80 percent
of the test
subjects
V
itiligo is a difficult-to-treat skin disorder in which
a loss of pigment-producing cells creates white
patches on various parts of the body. A review
of natural treatments for vitiligo published in
BMC Dermatology found that an extract of the
herb Ginkgo biloba may help return the natural pigment to the skin in
some people.
About 2 percent of people
have vitiligo;
half of these
develop
it
before age 20.
The most commonly affected areas
are the face, arms, legs,
and genitalia. Vitiligo is
more obvious in dark skinned
people and in lighter skinned
people when sun exposure causes non-affected areas
to tan. The disfigurement caused by vitiligo can lead
to emotional difficulties such as depression, sleep disturbances, and anxiety.
Current therapies for vitiligo
It is rare for areas affected by vitiligo to repigment on
their own, and available treatments are fraught with
side effects. Corticosteroid creams are sometimes
used to help the pigment return to small areas, but
these can cause skin to thin. Medications that
increase the skin’s sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light
may be used in conjunction with controlled UV light
exposure (phototherapy). However, this treatment
raises the risk of skin cancer, and people with vitiligo
are already at increased risk.
Natural products review
Alternative treatments have been sought after to help
ease the emotional discomfort of vitiligo by aiding in
skin repigmentation. The new study reviewed 15 trials of natural health products used to treat vitiligo,
including the amino acid L-phenylalanine, various
herbs, vitamins, and traditional Chinese medicine.
Three studies using L-phenylalanine combined
with phototherapy showed “moderate evidence” of
6
effectiveness in treating vitiligo. Three studies of Chinese medicinal herbs provided only
weak evidence of usefulness, as did four trials
using phototherapy in conjunction with plant
extracts that increase the skin’s sensitivity to
UV light. One trial using vitamin B12 and
folic acid with phototherapy was not effective and another using vitamin E plus
phototherapy was only mildly effective.
One study used 40 milligrams of
Ginkgo biloba (containing 9.6 mg
ginkgo flavone) three times per day
for six months. Of the people treated
with ginkgo, the progression of the disorder was halted in 80 percent, and 40
percent experienced complete repigmentation, compared with only 8 percent in the
placebo group. “Ginkgo’s apparent efficacy without
the need for phototherapy—thus eliminating the
adverse events inherent with phototherapy—makes it a
therapeutic option worth investigating,” said the
review’s authors.
Common sense precautions
Because people with vitiligo are more sensitive to the
harmful effects of the sun, wearing sunscreen with an
SPF of 30+ is advisable.
While ginkgo appears to be effective and was associated with only minor gastrointestinal complaints,
more studies are needed before it can be recommended to everyone with vitiligo.
— Kimberly Beauchamp, ND
Healthnotes Inc. (HNI,
www.healthnotes.com)
is the premier provider of reliable, easy-to-use health, food,
and lifestyle information for Web sites and interactive touchscreen kiosks. Used by leading supermarkets, pharmacies, and
natural product stores in the United States, Canada, and the
United Kingdom, Healthnotes® Retail Solutions empowers
consumers to make educated decisions and drives product
sales—online and in-store. HNI also generates Web applications that are licensed to e-commerce and health-related
Internet sites worldwide.
SCIENCE NEWS
Food Facts
Broccoli Could Help Laboring Lungs
New research from the Johns Hopkins Medical School
suggests that broccoli could help people with chronic
lung disease. The study focused on chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD), which is considered to be the
fourth leading cause of death in the United States, affecting some 16 million Americans. Researchers found that
the severity of COPD in smokers is linked to lower concentrations of NRF2-dependant antioxidants, which are
key components of the lung’s defense system against
inflammatory injury. Broccoli has already been found to
help prevent the degradation of NRF2, and could form
the basis of new research to further examine its link with
lung health. In the study, researchers examined tissue
samples from the lungs of smokers with and without
COPD to determine if there were differences in measured
levels of NRF2 expression. The lungs of patients with
COPD showed markedly decreased levels of NRF2dependent antioxidants and increased oxidative stress
markers, compared to non-COPD lungs. (American Journal
of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, vol. 178, pp. 592604, 2008)
Chamomile Investigated as Potential
Diabetic Aid
A daily cup of chamomile tea may prevent blood sugar
increases and other complications associated with diabetes, according to a new study. Researchers investigated
the effect of supplemental chamomile tea and its major
components (umbelliferone, herniarin, esculetin, isoscopoletin, apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, R-bisabolol, and
R-farnesene) on diabetic complications in rats over a 21day period. The research team reported that the full
hot water extract, as well as esculetin and
quercetin possessed moderate inhibitory activity of sucrase enzymes, which are responsible
for the conversion of sucrose to fructose and
glucose. Inhibition would
reduce the rise in glucose levels. More-
over, inhibition of the enzyme aldose reductase (ALR2),
which converts glucose to sorbitol, was also observed
when red blood cells were incubated with the hot water
extract and some of the components. A build-up of sorbitol is linked to damage in the eyes or of nerve cells. The
researchers reported a 75, 79, 74, and 68 percent inhibition of ALR2 for umbelliferone, esculetin, luteolin, and
quercetin when the compounds were used at a concentration of 200 micromoles. The results suggest that daily
consumption of chamomile tea with meals could contribute to the prevention of the progress of hyperglycemia and diabetic complications. (Journal of
Agricultural and Food Chemistry, vol. 56, pp. 8206-8211)
The results
suggest daily
consumption
of chamomile
tea with
meals could
Black Raspberries Studied for Anticancer
contribute
Activity
Freeze-dried black raspberry extracts may help prevent to the
certain cancers by acting on multiple gene targets, suggests a new study. Researchers fed rats a standard diet or prevention
the diet supplemented with five percent black-raspberry of hyperpowder. After three weeks they were exposed to the compound N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA), which is glycemia
known to cause cancer. This led to a change in 2,261 progress
genes in the esophagi of the rats. After the black raspberry supplementation, normal function was restored in
462 genes. The researchers stated that 53 of these genes
may be especially important in the development of cancer. Moreover, of the 462 genes restored to normal, 53 of
them were the same as observed in an earlier study that
used dietary phenylethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a compound found in cruciferous vegetables. The authors of the
study said the results clearly show that the
berry extract demonstrated a genome-wide
effect on the expression of genes
involved in cancer development.
(Cancer Research, vol. 68, pp.
6460-6467)
7
FOOD & NUTRITION NEWS
Healthy Essentials
Healthy Essentials is aimed at providing member retailers with valuable health information. Please share this feature with your employees and customers.
Kidney
FuncioN &
Diseasd:
AN Overview
W
hat do the kidneys do exactly? In the simplest
description, the kidneys function as the body’s
waste removers. Yet, what this task entails is
incredibly complicated. Moreover, the kidneys perform a
variety of other critical, equally complicated functions.
When the kidneys cannot perform these functions optimally, one may be at risk of chronic kidney disease. Currently, roughly 26 million Americans suffer from kidney
disease. But as they say, knowledge is power. So, knowing
even an article’s worth of information about these crucial
organs is a good way to begin to understand their significance in keeping the body healthy.
So, what all do kidneys do?
Their primary role is to maintain the balance of bodily fluids by filtering and secreting metabolites and minerals
from the blood and excreting them, along with water, as
8
urine. The production of urine involves highly complex
steps of excretion and re-absorption.
Each kidney contains up to a million functioning units
called nephrons. A nephron consists of a filtering unit of
tiny blood vessels called a glomerulus attached to a
tubule. Blood is filtered in the glomerulus and the remaining fluid then passes along the tubule. In the tubule,
chemicals and water are either added to or removed from
this filtered fluid according to the body’s needs, the final
product being the urine we excrete.
The kidneys filter and return to the bloodstream about
200 quarts of fluid every 24 hours. About two quarts are
removed from the body in the form of urine, and about
198 quarts are recovered. The urine we excrete has been
stored in the bladder for anywhere from one to eight
hours.
But kidney function doesn’t stop with waste removal.
The critical regulation of the body’s salt, potassium and
acid content is also performed by the kidneys. In addition,
the kidneys produce hormones that affect the function of
other organs. For example, a hormone produced by the
kidneys stimulates red blood cell production. Other hormones produced by the kidneys help regulate blood pressure and control calcium metabolism. The kidneys also
FOOD & NUTRITION NEWS
produce an active form of vitamin D that promotes
strong, healthy bones.
What is chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
Chronic kidney disease includes conditions that damage
your kidneys and decrease their ability to keep you
healthy by doing the jobs listed. Roughly 26 million
Americans have CKD and another 20 million more are at
increased risk. If kidney disease gets worse, wastes can
build to high levels in the blood and make one feel sick.
Complications like high blood pressure, anemia (low
blood count), weak bones, poor nutritional health and
nerve damage may arise. Also, kidney disease increases
the risk of having heart and blood vessel disease. These
problems may happen slowly over a long period of time.
Chronic kidney disease may be caused by diabetes, high
blood pressure and other disorders. Early detection and
treatment can often keep chronic kidney disease from
getting worse. When kidney disease progresses, it may
eventually lead to kidney failure, which requires dialysis or
a kidney transplant to maintain life.
Some simple tests can be done to detect early kidney
disease. They are blood pressure measurement; a test for
protein in the urine (an excess amount of protein in your
urine may mean your kidney’s filtering units have been
damaged by disease); a test for blood creatinine (a doctor
would use these results, along with one’s age, race, gender and other factors, to calculate glomerular filtration
rate (GFR), which shows the level of kidney function).
It is especially important that people who have an
increased risk for chronic kidney disease have these tests.
You may have an increased risk for kidney disease if you
are older, have diabetes, have high blood pressure, have a
family member who has chronic kidney disease, or are
African American, Hispanic American, Asians and Pacific
Islander or American Indian.
What causes CKD?
The two main causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure, which are responsible for
up to two-thirds of the cases. Diabetes happens when
blood sugar is too high, causing damage to many organs
in the body. High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs
when the pressure of the blood against the walls of blood
vessels increases. If uncontrolled, or poorly controlled,
high blood pressure can be a leading cause of heart
attacks, strokes and chronic kidney disease. Also, chronic
kidney disease can cause high blood pressure.
Other conditions that affect the kidneys are:
• Glomerulonephritis, a group of diseases that cause
inflammation and damage to the kidney’s filtering
units. These disorders are the third most common
type of kidney disease.
• Inherited diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease,
which causes large cysts to form in the kidneys and
damage the surrounding tissue.
• Malformations that occur as a baby develops in its
mother’s womb. For example, a narrowing may
occur that prevents normal outflow of urine and
causes urine to flow back up to the kidney. This
causes infections and may damage the kidneys.
If a doctor
suggests
a limited
diet, special
• Lupus and other diseases that affect the body’s
immune system.
vitamins or
• Obstructions caused by problems like kidney stones,
minerals
tumors or an enlarged prostate gland in men.
may also
• Repeated urinary infections.
Can a Special Diet Help Those with CKD? need to be
A special diet can help to control the buildup of waste consumed
products and fluid in the blood and help relieve the workload of the kidneys. This diet may also help to slow down
the loss of kidney function. The main goal of the diet is to
stay healthy. A doctor may recommend a special diet,
depending on the stage of the disease. If and when this
diet is ordered, the doctor may recommend seeing a
renal dietitian, who has special training in diet for kidney
disease.
In general, the diet used for the early stages of kidney
disease controls the amount of protein and phosphorus
one eats. Usually, sodium is also controlled. Getting
enough calories to maintain a healthy weight is also very
important at this time. If a doctor suggests a limited diet,
special vitamins or minerals may also need to be consumed. This type of regimen should be regulated by one’s
health care provider, as certain vitamins may be harmful
to people with kidney disease.
Some situations may require additional diet instruction.
If one is diabetic, for example, in some cases, only a few
changes in the diabetic diet are needed to meet needs as a
kidney patient. For example, if one needs to eat less protein, calories must be obtained from other sources. If one
is a vegetarian, it becomes very important to get good
nutrition advice from a renal dietitian. Vegetarian diets by
nature are high in potassium and phosphorus because of
all the vegetables, whole grains and fruits that make up
the diet. A vegetarian diet that includes eggs and milk is
easier to work into the renal diet. The goal is to eat the
right combinations of plant proteins while keeping potassium and phosphorus under control.
Source: National Kidney Association (www.kidney.org)
9
IN THE NEWS
Natural Products Association to Become Household Name?
(Continued from page 1)
The Natural Standard and Certification program and
seal have not only been mentioned in major daily newspapers and monthly publications. Coverage has also been
distributed nationally by broadcast giant FOX News as
well as other TV, radio, and Internet outlets. For example,
the association distributed an audio news release that
aired in nearly 1,000 markets across the United States,
including most major metropolitan areas at peak times.
More than five million listeners were reached.
As products in the certification pipeline begin appearing on store shelves, the association will launch a radio
media tour (in fact, a national morning show already plans
to air a segment) and additional outreach to broadcast television. Again, these activities will reach millions of consumers to educate them about the seal and what it means.
While much attention has been given to the Natural
Certification Program, major media outlets have also featured the association when reporting on topics such as
growth of the industry, regulatory issues regarding supplements, and childhood obesity.
The association works actively with the media because
news coverage is often the public’s first source of information. News coverage helps reinforce the information the
public receives about natural products, so it is crucial that
an industry advocate like the Natural Products Association
cultivate this relationship. Getting accurate information
circulating is also critical in gaining the support of state
and national policymakers. Politicians scrupulously follow
the news because it reflects and shapes popular opinion.
In some cases, the media has the potential to set the
agenda for public debate by deciding what issues to
cover and how to report on them.
The bottom line is that the news media, with its broad
reach and influence, can be instrumental in disseminating
the positive message about natural products. As the public becomes more exposed to accurate information — for
example, the long, safe track record of dietary supplements — as well as the innovative ideas and healthful values of this industry, increased awareness and active
interest arise among consumers regarding theirs and their
families’ health.
Media Coverage of the Natural Products
Association for the Last Six Months
Allure Magazine—Natural Products Association
Seal products “must use at least 95 percent natural
ingredients (meaning flora, fauna, or minerals, and nothing chemically processed).
Unnatural ingredients are only OK if there
are no effective natural alternatives and if they have no
suspected health risks.”
The Boston Globe,
In-Style Magazine,
The New York Times,
USA Today, and
W Magazine also ran
features on the
Natural Seal.
Daniel Fabricant, senior vice president of scientific and
regulatory affairs for the Natural Products Association,
is interviewed by FOX News about the Natural Seal.
10
The [Natural Products Association
seal] promises that at least 95% of
ingredients are natural or derived
from natural sources, that they have
no ‘potential suspected human
health risks’ and that development
processes haven’t significantly
altered the effect of the natural
ingredients, among other criteria.
“Despite a softer U.S. economy, the Natural
Products Association estimates the industry
is growing five times faster than the conventional personal-care-product sector.”
IN THE NEWS
“The Post’s series on the obesity epidemic among children [“Young Lives at Risk”]
has been compelling but has
given short shrift to
Congress’s efforts to combat
this problem. The Child
Nutrition Promotion and
School Lunch Protection Act
of 2007, which has gotten
barely a mention, has 141
bipartisan sponsors in the
House and 30 in the Senate.
This indicates strong support
and gives these bills a shot at
moving forward. If passed,
this legislation would update
obsolete food standards in
schools, eliminating many of
the nutritionally deficient
snacks that are sold through
vending machines and elsewhere on campuses. I hope
your coverage will spur constituents to urge Congress to
follow through on this muchneeded reform.”
—David Seckman
The Washington Post
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Other Pubs
While not all publications are categorized as “top tier,” not all readers use
only top tier outlets as their source of
information. Industry issues and Natural Products Association programs
have appeared in many smaller, reputable publications as well. Here are
just a few:
Regarding the conviction of Berkeley
Nutraceuticals founder Steve Warshak: “‘A 25year sentence is a pretty clear indication that
regulations are being enforced and they’re
pretty strong,’ said Daniel Fabricant, vice
president of scientific and regulatory affairs
for the Natural Products Assn., the leading
industry group for dietary supplements.
His message to supplement buyers: ‘You can
feel extremely confident that you’re safe and
that you’re not being hoodwinked.’”
Trades
A trade journal is a periodical, magazine or publication printed with the
intention of target marketing to a specific industry or type of trade/business. As their purpose is to connect a community, trade journals become valuable tools for spreading a message to particular audiences. In the last six months, the association’s advocacy efforts,
programs, events and editorial have been mentioned in more than 20 trades that span areas
as wide-ranging as biotechnology, grocery/supermarket, cosmetics, governmental policy,
nutraceuticals, business, and fitness, in addition to the natural products industry. Here are
some that have featured the Natural Products Association:
Better Nutrition
Biotech Business Week
Biotech Week
Business Publisher
CosmeticNews Weekly
Delicious Living
Drug Week
FDA Week
Functional Ingredients
Household and Personal Life
Science Weekly
Natural Foods Merchandiser
Natural Products Insider
Natural Products Marketplace
NPICenter.com
Nutraceuticals International
NutraIngredients-USA.com
Nutrition Business Journal
Nutritional Outlook
The Tan Sheet
Pharma Business Week
Products Industry
Supermarket News
Vitamin Retailer
WholeFoods Magazine
WIRES
News agencies, which are organizations of journalists,
supply news reports known as wire services to the media
trade: newspapers, magazines, and radio and television
broadcasters. When the ASSOCIATED PRESS NEWSWIRE (AP)
picked up and ran a story on the association’s Natural
Standard program, it potentially reached more than 1,700
newspapers, in addition to more than 5,000 television and
radio broadcasters. Other wire services that frequently
run association news are BUSINESS WIRE, NEWSRX.COM, PR
NEWSWIRE, and REUTERS.
11
IN THE NEWS
The Benefit of Being Insured
In healthier industry climate, the real liability is being uninsured
T
Primary
limits of
liability
rates have
dropped
significantly
he Natural Products Association provides a varied portfolio of benefits for members. While both retailers and
suppliers consider advocacy the number one member
benefit, many supply-side members also receive discounted
rates on liability insurance. Why is this such an important
benefit? In the late 90s, the high number of reported claims
and associated losses with products containing ephedra
caused the cost of products liability insurance to skyrocket.
Dietary supplement companies found it difficult to find and
afford insurance, partly because standard market insurers
opted out of providing coverage for the industry. By 2003
primary limits of liability insurance rates for manufacturers
ranged from $3.00 to $15.00 per thousand. In many cases
the manufacturer required a higher limit than primary coverage provided and were quoted “umbrella” or “excess liability” coverage with rates that in some cases, had
premiums equal to or sometimes higher than the primary
limits. Excess liability markets were rare and the rates for
the excess limits of coverage remain high today.
Fortunately, primary limits of liability rates have
dropped significantly, due to several factors, like the ban
of products containing ephedra, the top cause of insur-
ance losses for the supplement industry for 15 years, and
the pending dietary supplement good manufacturing
practice (GMP) regulations. This imminent change is
encouraging to the insurers. According to one product
liability manager “the difference in premium costs for
dietary supplement manufacturers who are certified
through the Natural Products Association’s GMP program
can be significant.” The process of GMP certification is
one of the most important risk management tools manufacturers have and certification demonstrates a higher
level of professionalism to insurers. More companies are
now insured, creating a larger sampling of dietary supplement companies, and more money generated for the
insurers. Plus, insurers are better educated in the risks
inherent in the dietary supplement industry, often due to
information compiled and provided by the Natural Products Association and partners.
If your manufacturing company is concerned about
liability insurance, contact the membership department
at the Natural Products Association and learn how you
can take advantage of one of your most valuable member benefits.
Education
“Very informative, and the speakers truly care about company’s
concerns and compliance issues.”
—recent seminar attendee
An Advanced Course on the FDA GMPs for Dietary Supplements
The one-and-a-half day course is designed for companies with a good understanding of current
industry GMPs and will be relevant for anyone whose job responsibility requires a comprehensive
understanding of the FDA GMP rule for dietary supplements.
Expo East, Boston
October 15–16
$695 for association members or
SupplySide West attendees
SupplySide West, Las Vegas
$895 for non-members
October 21–22
SAVE 10% when two or more people from
the same company register to attend.
Register today! Contact Vicki Whitsitt for more information and to register at
(800) 966-6632, ext. 243, or [email protected].
12
IN THE NEWS
Make the Most of Your Membership
Remember to take advantage of the many other member benefits the association provides
Member Services
Education Services
FedEx shipping discounts
Offered in conjunction with the Natural Products
Association’s annual natural product convention and
trade show is a comprehensive schedule of panel discussions, featured speakers, practical hands-on workshops, and professional enrichment sessions. The
Natural Products Association also offers additional
industry-related seminars online and at various venues throughout the year.
Grassroots Manual
Access to Online Research
PAYCHEX payroll processing
Scientific Backgrounders
Liability insurance discounts
Natural Products Buyer’s Guide
Natural Products Online Career Center
Publications
Government Relations
The association’s powerful lobbying presence in
Washington, D.C. works to protect and advance the
common goals of the natural products industry and
give voice to the interests of all members.
Natural Products Association Now
Science and Quality Assurance
What You Should Know About… consumer collateral
Natural Standard and Certification program
Member Updates
Good Manufacturing Practices Program
The Supplement
TruLabel Program
Science Matters
Chinese Raw Materials Purity Program
NEW! Natural News Update A weekly publication
bringing members the latest news from the natural
products industry.
NEW! AER Assistance Partnering with SafetyCall®,
one of the most experienced adverse event reporting
(AER) call centers in the country, the association offers
reduced rates for services to association members to
help them manage adverse event reports and report
serious incidents to the FDA.
Annual Convention
Natural MarketPlace The Natural Products Association’s annual natural products convention and trade
show is the association’s largest and most exciting
annual event where thousands of member retailers
can see and buy the latest natural products.
Most
Natural
Products
Association
members
have a
membership
renewal
date of
December
31, 2008
Other new member benefits are currently in the
works. Please visit our Web site at www.NaturalProducts
Assoc.org to learn how Natural Products Association
membership can benefit you and your company.
Renew Your Membership Today
M
ost Natural Products Association members have a
membership renewal date of December 31, 2008,
and should already have received a membership
renewal statement. If you have not received your statement, please contact the Natural Products Association
membership department at (800) 966-6632, ext. 236.
There is still time to take advantage of the many benefits of association membership. In addition to great discounts on air and ground shipping, payroll processing
and liability insurance, members enjoy scientific and
industry research, as well as educational services, indus-
try-specific publications, federal and state legislative and
regulatory protection and support through the association’s powerful lobbying presence in Washington, D.C.,
and quality assurance efforts through programs like the
Good Manufacturing Practices Certification, the TruLabel™ program, the Chinese raw materials purity program, and the newly launched SafetyCall® adverse event
reporting support service.
For more details on the benefits of belonging to the
association and to renew your membership, visit
www.NaturalProductsAssoc.org, or contact the association at (800) 966-6632.
13
14
IN THE NEWS
Natural Products
Association Board
of Directors
Executive Committee
Debra Short, President
House of Health, Shawnee, Okla.
Pat Sardell, President-elect
Country Vitamins, Corvallis, Ore.
Rory Mahony, Treasurer
Nature’s Way Products, Springville, Utah
Jane Drinkwalter, Chair, Supply Council
Vitamer Labs, Irvine, Calif.
Randy Reinartz, Chair, Retail Council
Wayne and Mary’s Nutrition Center,
Sioux Falls, S.D.
Directors
Carilyn Anderson
Carlson Labs, Arlington Heights, Ill.
Carolyn Behrman
Natural Choices for Healthy Living,
Columbus, Ind.
Andy Fox
Natur-Tyme, East Syracuse, N.Y.
Roxanne Green
PCC Natural Markets, Kirkland, Wash.
Tom Grillea
United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI)/
Select Nutrition Division, Uniondale, N.Y.
Cheryl Hughes
Whole Wheatery, West Lancaster, Calif.
On the Road with the Natural Products
Association
T
he Natural Products Association is your voice of the natural products industry, advocating for your rights in Washington, D.C. But the association also
takes the natural products message beyond the capital, making appearances, giving presentations, and offering educational opportunities at a number of venues around the United States and abroad throughout the year.
Recently, association leaders spoke at Global Market Development Center
(GMDC), a trade association serving the general merchandise and health
beauty wellness industry; presented the association’s new natural standard during the HBA Safety, Regulatory and Certification Summit in New York City, and
lectured at the China Health Care Association’s China International Health Care
Expo in Guangzhou, China.
Here are upcoming events where you can meet with association representatives, or take advantage of educational opportunities:
Trade Shows and
Conventions
Natural Products Expo East
October 15–18
Boston, Mass.
Natural Products Northwest 2008
October 31–November 2
Seattle, Wash.
Natural Products Southeast
SOHO Expo
December 4–7
Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Gary Hume
Nutraceutical Corp., Park City, Utah
Educational Events
“An Advanced Course on the FDA
Good Manufacturing Practices for
Dietary Supplements”
October 15–16
Expo East, Boston, Mass.
(See page 12 of this publication for
information)
“An Advanced Course on the FDA
Good Manufacturing Practices for
Dietary Supplements”
October 21–22
SupplySide West, Las Vegas, Nev.
(See page 12 of this publication for
information)
Mike Indursky
Burt’s Bees, Durham, N.C.
Harvey Kamil
NBTY, Bohemia, N.Y.
Visit www.NaturalProductsAssoc.org/OnTheRoad for the latest calendar of
appearances.
Janice Love
The Olde Wheat Barn, Ruston, La.
Howard Pollack
Rainbow Acres, Los Angeles, Calif.
Michael Schwartz
Michael’s Naturopathic Program,
San Antonio, Texas
Sharon Sherman
Pet Guard, Green Cove Springs, Fla.
Tom Sokoloff
Paradise Health Foods, Palm Bay, FL
David Stouder
Apple Health Foods, Redwood City, Calif.
Jeff Wright
Wright’s Nutrients, New Port Richey, Fla.
Peter Zambetti
Capsugel, Peapack, N.J.
Now
The views and opinions presented by contributors to Natural Products Association Now
are their own and not necessarily those of the Natural Products Association. Further, the Natural Products Association makes no warranty or
representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information contributed by outside sources, and assumes no responsibility or liability
regarding the use of such information.
Editorial Director: Tracy Taylor
Executive Editor: Sandra Jackson
Managing Editor: Amanda Thomason
Graphic Designer: Kimberly Harrigan
Printing: Network Printing,
San Dimas, Calif.
Send inquiries to the Natural Products
Association at:
1773 T Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
(800) 966-6632 Fax: (202) 223-0250
e-mail: [email protected]
15
The Natural Products Association delivers again:
up to 32% off select FedEx shipping.
Because you belong to the Natural Products Association, you’re
entitled to save up to 32% on select FedEx Express and FedEx
Ground shipments. It’s the FedEx Association Advantage —
another great advantage for members of the Natural Products
Association. Simply call 800.966.6632, ext. 236.
®
®
®
Your Natural Products Association Member Discounts
Now
2112
E. Fourth
Street
Ste 200
Santa Ana
Calif. 92705
MEMBERSHIP NO.
PRE-SORTED STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
SANTA ANA, CA
PERMIT NO. 3

October 2008 - Natural Products Association

Transcription

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