Vitamins, Diet and Sports Nutrition

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Johnson & Johnson on Monday announced that Mark McClellan, senior fellow in economic studies and director of the Initiative on Value and Innovation in Health Care at the Brookings Institution, will join the company's board of directors on Oct. 15. McClellan will serve on the regulatory, compliance and government affairs committee, as well as the science, technology and sustainability committee.

WASHINGTON — USA Today on Monday morning reported two products marketed as dietary supplements in outlets including Walmart.com and GNC have actually been adulterated with a chemical similar to methamphetamine.  

The supplements included Craze, a pre-workout powder sold by Driven Sports, and Gaspari Nutrition's weight loss supplement Detonate. 

When multiple multinational companies start investing their acquisition monies into one particular category, it’s a good bet that category is poised for some pretty significant growth.

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

There may still be room for substantial growth in multivitamins — like in gummy vitamins.

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

Many of the larger probiotic brands are experiencing significant growth. i-Health’s Culturelle generated $61.6 million in sales on a growth rate of 44.5% for the 52 weeks ended Aug. 11, according to IRI data across U.S. multi-outlets. And sales of Bayer’s Phillips Colon Health were up 18.5% to $58.7 million.

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — Pharmavite launched its latest VMS innovation, Nature Made VitaMelts, earlier this summer, and already the brand ranks No. 12 among one- and two-letter vitamins, according to 52-week sales data as tracked by IRI.

The most significant point of differentiation: a new-format delivery that induces trial and subsequently the repurchase. “The repurchase is so high because the marketing campaign has been very successful and continues to build awareness among mass consumers,” noted Pharmavite spokesman Doug Jones.

MIAMI LAKES, Fla. — Fuse Science on Monday announced that as of late last month it has officially launched its ad campaign behind Powered By Fuse energy products. 

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — Clif Kid, maker of organic snacks for active kids, on Thursday introduced Zbar Monster Chocolate Mint — a seasonal offering for Halloween. 

A nutritious alternative to candy, Zbar Monster Chocolate Mint combines the flavor of chocolate with a hint of mint in a snack bar made with USDA-certified organic ingredients.