Vitamins, Diet and Sports Nutrition

LOS ANGELES — The Nutritional Magnesium Association on Wednesday noted magnesium is an essential nutrient that helps absorb necessary nutritional supplements like vitamin D or calcium in response to a recent U.S. Preventive Services Task Force report that suggested supplementing with these ingredients may not help prevent bone fractures in postmenopausal women, while also increasing the risk of kidney stones. 

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. — Abbott on Monday introduced a new line of nutrition bars for active kids branded Kidz ZonePerfect. The new bars are formulated with 5 g of protein, 23 vitamins and minerals, and 3 g of fiber.

IRVINE, Calif. — True Drinks, Inc., a healthy beverage provider, has launched a new marketing campaign behind its healthy kids' drinks in support of First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" healthy food and exercise campaign to battle childhood obesity.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Erba Vita on Monday announced its entry into the U.S. market with a line of supplements, including Propolis, a resinous material collected by honeybees from tree buds and other plant sources shown to benefit the immune system.

"Erba Vita has been helping Italians naturally live 'la dolce vita' for decades, and we are thrilled to finally bring this innovative line of products to American consumers," stated Angela Butler, director of Erba Vita USA. 

WINNEPEG, Manitoba — Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods on Wednesday named John Durkin VP sales. Durkin will lead the sales team in expanding sales of Manitoba Harvest’s award-winning Hemp Hearts raw shelled hemp seeds, and the newly rebranded line up of hemp protein powders.   

“We are thrilled to have a seasoned professional like John join our dynamic team,” stated Mike Fata, Manitoba Harvest CEO. “John brings an abundance of experience and expertise that will boost Manitoba Harvest’s rapid growth.” 

PITTSBURGH — GNC on Thursday announced new the launch of new delivery systems and certification advancements across GNC's Pro Performance AMP Concentrated Intelligent Release Series and the Pro Performance X.R. Series, along with three new AMP formulas. 

NEW YORK — The Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program on Monday recommended that Lunada Biomedical discontinue weight-loss and other claims made for Amberen, a dietary supplement marketed to menopausal women. ERSP found, however, the company could support claims related to hot flashes, irritability, sleeplessness and “low libido.”

LOS ANGELES — Music mogul Sean Combs and actor/producer Mark Wahlberg on Wednesday announced a joint venture with fitness and wellness water brand AQUAhydrate. Per the arrangement, Combs and Wahlberg will oversee business strategy along with CEO John Cochran, former president of Fiji Water.  

Together they will help drive the AQUAhydrate brand and be instrumental in helping secure retail partnerships for the water brand, such as their recently signed deals with Safeway, Kroger and GNC.