Len Monheit Off The Cuff

Antioxidants and Mortality

len@npicenter.com — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:42:00 GMT

From a trickle to a flow, the latest UK-generated anaklysis, published by the Cohrane collaboration, has generated widespread headlines around the globe as the 'researchers' 'selected' several studies to examine the relationship between antioxidant supplements and prevention of mortality.

Regulations and regulators

len@npicenter.com — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:45:00 GMT

OK- I'm a hypocrite and I admit it. And to those of you chastising me for being so delinquent on my blog - thanks and good on you. I'd use the excuse that I blog weekly in my editorial, but we all know that's not the same thing....or style...or purpose. Today - regulations and regulators.

Supplements for Sports - In the News Again

len@npicenter.com — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:52:00 GMT

An article that appeared a couple days ago in USA Today has raised again the issue of sports products and the presence of banned substances. The study, performed by UK-based HFL Labs and aggressively promoted by the group InformedChoice, claims that 25 percent of supplements are contaminated with steroids.

Does Overflow of Industry Initiatives Dilute Capabilities of Each

len@npicenter.com — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 19:32:00 GMT

We, as an industry, should certainly be proud of the number of good and worthy causes available to us to support, several of which are noteworthy 'not for profits' operating primarily from within and with the support of our sector. On the flip side, with all of these activities available to support, companies must choose carefully where a finite amount of dollars will go. Despite all of these support opportunities, are all the necessary elements to ensure and stabilize industry's future protected? I suspect not.

Canada's NHPD Officially Punts Food Format NHPs

len@npicenter.com — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 20:22:00 GMT

For at least the past year, behind the scenes, Canada's NHPD (Natural Health Products Directorate) and Foods Directorate had been debating under whose jurisdiction products containing natural health based ingredients, and presumably intending to make NHP-type claims would lie. A new notice issued by NHPD makes clear that NHPD has punted responsibility into what may be an even bigger black hole.

Organic Paralleling Supplements?

len@npicenter.com — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 20:27:00 GMT

I had the wonderful chance to sit in on the first day of the Organic Summit in Boulder Colorado this past week, where industry legends, movers and shakers got together to discuss origins, evolution, recent developments and ongoing challenges as a niche industry approached mainstream acceptance and a certain critical mass. The challenges and varying perspectives were quickly evident as a Colorado organic farmer followed a Safeway corporate presentation on the highly successful 'O Organics' brand. Success comes with its challenges and its in how an industry deals with its challenges that it measures its adherence to a fundamental vision.

At Last - GMPs

len@npicenter.com — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 15:52:00 GMT

At long last, industry finally has a GMP rule from the FDA. The 815 page rule "establishes the minimum CGMPs necessary for activities related to manufacturing, packaging, labeling, or holding dietary supplements to ensure the quality of the dietary supplement." Over the next several weeks, we'll get ideas and interpretations of what it really means. There are some signs though.

Current food safety will not leave us unscathed.

len@npicenter.com — Wed, 02 May 2007 21:01:00 GMT

The current food safety issue in the United States will certainly not leave the supplements industry unscathed. Less clear is whether the ultimate outcome will be positive or negative. Could this be the ingredient shakeout trigger industry has been needing for so long? Could this provide the much needed impetus for companies to look closely at buying and sourcing practices? Could this resolve the issue of how much ingredient testing is necessary by manufacturers once and for all?

Time will tell, but this issue is not going to go away lightly and without an ongoing impact.

Just Cause

len@npicenter.com — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 18:56:00 GMT

In a perfect world, where it was appropriate, you'd get credit for the things you do and for what you contribute. The credit would take the form of payment (as in a transaction), a simple acknowledgement (public or private) or some other form of accommodation that helps attribute a value to what you've contributed. Of course, there are times when you want nothing in return, your contribution is for peace of mind or totally philanthropic. Earlier this week, I had a conversation with a colleague on this topic that really got me thinking.....

Test Results Beg Questions

len@npicenter.com — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 17:30:00 GMT

Last week's Consumerlab.com release regarding its test results for multi-vitamin products in various formats has received widespread media pick-up. In its release, Consumerlab.com noted that over 50% of the products it tested failed its criteria and hence were not 'approved'. The criteria for approval in this case were a mix of USP standards and Proposition 65 State of California regulations governing lead levels. Industry dialogue over these results, their presentation and appropriateness of test methods in general has continued this week. There are numerous questions that just beg to be asked.....