Vitamins, Diet and Sports Nutrition

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. — Living Essentials on Friday announced a donation of $344,269.20 to Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a national nonprofit education and support organization serving women and families affected by breast cancer. The total amount of the donation is based on a donation of five cents from the sale of every bottle of the limited edition, specially marked Raspberry Flavored 5-hour Energy sold between Aug. 15 and Dec. 31.

CHICAGO — According to new research from Mintel, nearly 6-in-10 Americans who are current energy drink or shot users say they worry about the safety of these beverages. 

Despite fears over safety, the energy drink, shot and mix category has beat back detractors to show consistent annual growth from 2008 to 2013 sales. The market reported a 17% increase in 2012 and is projected to repeat that growth rate in 2013.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy announced on Monday the launch of the Family Vitamin Center, a new health hub on CVS.com to help educate customers on the vitamins and supplements that can support their personal health goals.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration is cracking down on companies claiming their products can speed recovery from concussions, according to a consumer update posted Wednesday. 

RONKONKOMA, N.Y. — In 2013, NBTY supported more than 30 organizations, including Feed The Children and International Aid, with nearly $7 million in products and money to provide sustenance, nutrition and support to those who need it most, the supplement manufacturer announced Thursday. 

NBTY's donations to Feed The Children are estimated to have reached almost 450,000 beneficiaries, the company stated.  

CHICAGO — Among patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer disease, a daily dosage of 2,000 IUs of vitamin E, compared to placebo, was effective in slowing functional decline and in reducing caregiver time in assisting patients, according to a study that appeared in the Jan. 1 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

PURCHASE, N.Y. — U.S. retail sales reportedly rose 3.5% between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24, 2013 compared to the same period in the prior year. According to data from MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse, sales of holiday-related categories, such as clothing, electronics and luxury goods, rose 2.3%, after rising 0.7% in 2012.

Probiotics have continued to rake in sales this fall, and it’s a product category that still has plenty of growth potential. According to a survey by Procter & Gamble, 53% of women still don’t know what probiotics are, but 74% are interested in how their digestive system works.

(For the full category review, including sales data, click here.)