The 100 million Americans who take at least one dietary supplement daily can now benefit from an educational guide filled with practical advice on how to select and use dietary supplements safely, and tips on how to talk to health care providers about dietary supplement use.
Called "Health Sense: A Consumer's Guide to Smart Vitamin Use," the guide was developed by Nature Made, the leading vitamin and mineral brand, and also has been favorably reviewed by The National Council on the Aging (NCOA) and The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Foundation.
"As the leading dietary supplement manufacturer, it is our responsibility to be an information resource for consumers," said Carolyn Sabatini, Pharmavite manager, government relations. "Health Sense provides quick tips on the importance of discussing vitamin use with your health care provider, how to select a quality vitamin brand and how to read a vitamin label."
Added NCOA President and CEO James P. Firman, "Many older Americans use supplements, but they don't always talk to their doctors about it. This guide encourages them to let their doctors know what supplements they may be taking, which will help protect their health and optimize their care."
AAFP Foundation Executive Vice President, Sandra L. Panther said, "We commend Nature Made for investing in consumer education and have encouraged our member physicians to make Health Sense available in their offices for patients."
Health Sense is available in printed form and online. Nature Made plans to distribute the guide at consumer and professional events this fall including AARP, The American Dietetic Association's annual meeting and the American Academy of Family Physicians Scientific Assembly. Consumers who want a free copy can visit www.aafpfoundation.org/pep and look under the nutrition category, or visit www.ncoa.org and look under Seniors' Corner section.
Founded in 1971, Northridge, Calif.-based Pharmavite LLC manufactures and distributes Nature Made vitamins and minerals, SAM-e, Nature's Resource herbal products, OLAY Vitamins and other science-based supplements designed to promote health. Pharmavite's manufacturing facilities have been inspected and found to be in compliance with United States Pharmacopeia's Good Manufacturing Practices, the industry's most stringent standards.
Pharmavite is also the first participant in the United States Pharmacopeia's Dietary Supplement Verification Program (DSVP). DSVP is designed to build consumer confidence in dietary supplements and helps assure a product's quality, purity and composition through a rigorous inspection process.
Nature Made is America's number one, broad line brand of vitamins and minerals in the food, drug and mass channels. The Nature Made Wellness Advisor, an online educational initiative, utilizes sophisticated analytical tools to provide consumers with personalized health tips and wellness solutions.