HEALTH

NEW YORK — The National Advertising Division has referred advertising claims made by Maxam Nutraceuticals for its PCA dietary supplement to the Federal Trade Commission for further review, after the company declined to participate in a review of its claims.

The Council for Responsible Nutrition challenged claims made by Maxam in television and Internet advertising, including:

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. — Treatment of influenza with such antiviral medicines as Tamiflu and Relenza may improve survival rates in children, according to a study published on Nov. 25 in Pediatrics. 

Researchers from the California Department of Public Health analyzed data abstracted from medical records to characterize the outcomes of pediatric patients hospitalized with the flu between April 3, 2009 and September 30, 2012. 

NEW YORK — Green Pharmaceuticals has drummed up some brand awareness for its SnoreStop stop-snoring solution with a controversial ad on Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles, The Daily News reported last week. 

LONDON — Researchers at the University of Dundee and University College London on Wednesday found that taking the maximum daily dose of some medicines would exceed the recommended daily limits for sodium, without any additional dietary intake and potentially become an added risk factor for heart disease.

They say the public "should be warned about the potential dangers of high sodium intake from prescribed medicines" and that sodium-containing formulations "should be prescribed with caution only if the perceived benefits outweigh the risks."

NEW YORK — The Food and Drug Administration is reviewing emergency contraceptives like Plan B One-Step on whether they are less effective in women weighing more than 165 lbs., according to a report published Monday by Reuters. 

MADISON, N.J. — Pfizer on Monday launched Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough + Congestion DM, a new liquid-filled capsule that helps control cough on-the-go. "This formulation not only harnesses the power of Maximum Strength Robitussin cough liquid, but is a convenient option for those hitting the road or boarding a plane this holiday season," the company stated.

The company noted that whether traveling cross country or staying close to home, families can track when cough activity spikes in their local area via the Robitussin COUGHCAST tool. 

MEAD, Wash. — Movit Energy Gummies recently launched its signature product targeting active sports enthusiasts with an energy product in gummy format. 

Movit comes in a snack-size packet typically containing 11 gummies, which altogether contain 60 calories, in one of two flavors — citrus or berry. The proprietary formula includes such ingredients as Brazilian guarana, co-enzyme Q10, D-ribose, vitamin C, taurine, protein and a full complement of B vitamins.

The energy formula meets high school and NCAA guidelines, the company stated.