Vitamins, Diet and Sports Nutrition

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force on Monday issued a trio of controversial recommendations regarding supplementing with vitamin D and calcium. Specifically, the Task Force determined that the current evidence was insufficient to support vitamin D and calcium supplementation for the primary prevention of fractures in premenopausal women, in men or in postmenopausal women and recommended against daily supplementation of vitamin D or calcium toward that end. 

As many as 72% of consumers use vitamins and dietary supplements, according to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers conducted in late 2012. Those most likely to report supplement use include women and all consumers over the age of 55 years. Almost 3-in-4 women surveyed supplement their diets (74%) vs. 65% of men, and 81% of consumers over 55 years reported supplementing vs. 72% of consumers between the ages of 35 years and 54 years.

MIAMI — Scimera BioScience on Thursday announced the launch of a novel probiotic formulation, Asprega ProPac, to address the gastrointestinal side effects of antibiotic therapy including antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Unique to ProPac, Scimera packages its probiotic in a convenient 10-day course.

NEW YORK — HungerShield on Friday announced the launch of its appetite control product of the same name. The appetite suppressant is formulated with a blend of fiber, protein and probiotics and is designed to be mixed with 12-16 oz. of water to create a lemon-lime flavored drink that can be consumed on-the-go.

SPARTA TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Rise-N-Shine recently highlighted its Wake Up on Time supplement formulated to help night owls transform into morning people. Taken right before bed, Wake Up on Time starts to work six to eight hours later by releasing energy supplements for an alert, refreshed feeling.

“It's more than a vitamin; it's time in a bottle because, instead of hitting the snooze button over and over again, our product allows you bounce out of bed, ready to go,” Cathy Beggan, founder of Rise-N-Shine stated. 

PITTSBURGH — GNC is ramping up its reach beyond its 6,100 retail outlets, Joe Fortunato, the company's chairman, president and CEO, told analysts last week. The company's relationship with Sam's Club, which incorporated a branded shelf in July, is expanding; new products are being introduced to PetSmart, suggesting potential growth in pet supplements; and GNC's Marked line, co-developed with action movie star Mark Wahlberg, has been launched through Rite Aid and Walgreens. 

LOS ANGELES — ThinkThin on Tuesday announced its Crunch bars are getting a makeover with a new design and the addition of a coconut chocolate dipped mixed nuts flavor. 

“What sets the thinkThin brand apart from competitors is our ingredients,” stated Lizanne Falsetto, CEO ThinkThin. “The new … bar delivers on our promise of providing nourishing, nutritious, great tasting food and our new Crunch packaging is a natural progression of showcasing our brand message in a clear, visually appealing way.” 

NEW YORK — The Martha Graham Dance Company on Tuesday announced that two of its veteran principal dancers, Tadej Brdnik and Katherine Crockett, will be featured on billboards as part of GNC's  new brand campaign, "Respect Yourself." Conceived and photographed by Peter Arnell for GNC, the "Respect Yourself" campaign celebrates individuals who live well by leading healthy lifestyles.