HEALTH

Reports: Fruth hands out free vitamins to elementary school students in low-income area
NEW YORK — Fruth Pharmacy is handing out free vitamins to elementary school students in a West Virginia county, according to published reports.

The Huntington, W.Va., Herald-Dispatch reported that Fruth president Lynne Fruth announced a plan to offer free vitamins to every elementary school student in Cabell County, W.Va., for the next 12 months.

The program was launched last year in conjunction with Mason Vitamins, serving about 2,000 students in economically depressed areas where Fruth operates, in Ohio and West Virginia, according to the newspaper.
Oceans Omega launches Omega-3 fortified liquid health shots
PARAMUS, N.J. — Oceans Omega on Wednesday announced the launch of Omega-3 fortified liquid health shots. Currently sold under the Omega Infusion brand, the 2-oz., single-serving and zero-calorie health shots contain 250 mg of omega-3s (EPA and DHA).

They will be available in three flavors, including peach mango, raspberry lemon and pink grapefruit.

Research shows that consumers are actively looking for Omega-3 fortified food and beverages, the company stated.

'Basketball Wives' Evelyn Lozada promotes energy shot at Duane Reade

LOS ANGELES — Huffington Post fitness blogger and a star of "Basketball Wives," Evelyn Lozada appeared in New York on Tuesday at a midtown Duane Reade to help promote YouthH2O, a "beauty and wellness" energy shot.
Doctor recommendations influence cold-flu-allergy OTC purchase

Product consideration at the shelf level remains a driving force behind purchase decisions. According to an online survey of more than 500 AccentHealth viewers conducted in August, 34% of respondents indicated that in-store browsing influences their OTC purchase. However, 40% of respondents indicated that OTCs purchased to treat cold, flu and allergy were the result of a doctor recommendation. To see more Patient Views, click here
Digestive Aids 2013

The September/October 2013 Digestive Aids Ingredient Guide breaks down the indication, ingredients, purpose and dosage of Tums Chewy Delights, Alka Seltzer Fruit Chews, Maximum Strength Zantac 150 Cool Mint, Maximum Strength Pepcid AC, Prilosec OTC (Wildberry Flavor), Prevacid 24 Hour, Zegerid OTC and Gas-X.

Click here for the complete guide.
World Self-Medication Industry names president of Bayer HealthCare’s Global Consumer Care division chair-elect

LEVERKUSEN, Germany — The board of directors of the World Self-Medication Industry on Wednesday named as its chair-elect Erica Mann, member of the Bayer HealthCare executive committee and president of Bayer HealthCare’s Global Consumer Care division. Mann will succeed current chair Zhenyu Guo, CEO, Dihon Pharmaceutical at the completion of his term in June 2014.
USA Today: Mexican company selling adulterated dietary supplements can't be found

GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Looking into a company masquerading adulterated pharmaceuticals as miracle dietary supplements branded Reumofan, USA Today investigative journalists traveled as far as Mexico to find those responsible.

What they found were fake addresses, misleading ingredient lists and no trace of the parent company.
Meda Consumer revitalizes Geritol Multivitamin with new packaging, TV spot

ATLANTA — Meda Consumer on Tuesday announced it is re-energizing its Geritol Multivitamin brand, pitching the product to a new generation of consumers with a fresh new package design and its first television spot in more than 20 years.
It's all about patient engagement
Abbott launches Glucerna Advance RTD to provide nutritional benefits for those with diabetes

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. — Abbott on Tuesday introduced a new nutrition shake called Glucerna Advance — formulated for people with diabetes who are seeking additional nutrition and health benefits. The new product helps to minimize blood sugar spikes while supporting heart hearth and the immune system, Abbott noted.