Vitamins, Diet and Sports Nutrition

Sales of OTC medicines continue on a steady pace with dollar volumes up half a billion dollars over the first half of 2016, according to data culled from IRI. Drug Store News earlier this year reported $44 billion in OTC sales for calendar 2015, citing IRI figures.

The vitamins and dietary supplement category continues to perform well in retail pharmacy and represents a good companion category for those operators seeking to help their patients live healthier and achieve better outcomes.

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.  - Living Essentials on Monday launched the new 5-hour Energy Protein shot nationwide.  Each shot has 21 grams of protein and is available in four flavors – berry, peach mango, grape extra strength and berry extra strength. In addition, each six-ounce bottle contains 100 calories and less than one gram of sugar.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — It’s already one of the better selling vitamins on the shelf with $135.1 million in sales on 19.6% growth across total U.S. multi-outlets, according to IRI for the 52 weeks ended May 15. But not a company to rest on its laurels, Bausch + Lomb introduced a new and improved PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula + Multivitamin.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Adult nutrition market leader Abbott earlier this year launched its latest adult nutrition protein booster called Ensure Enlive that’s formulated to rebuild lost muscle and regain strength and energy for those boomers with chronic illness or recovering from surgery.

More vitamins, minerals and supplements were sold online so far in 2016 than have been sold through a Walmart store, TABS Analytics reported earlier this year. According to the TABS Analytics analysis, $2 billion in VMS products were sold online vs. $1.7 billion at Walmart, $1.3 billion at Costco and $1.2 billion at CVS Pharmacy.

EMERYVILLE, Calif. - Premier Nutrition on Monday introduced its new PowerBar Clean Whey Protein Bars and PowerBar Clean Whey Protein Drinks to a rapidly evolving portfolio of real and energizing foods. In response to consumer requests for cleaner ingredient labels, PowerBar Clean Whey products feature no artificial sweeteners, 2g of sugar and high quality whey protein for sustained energy.