New year, new newsletter—and new website on the way
Notice anything different? The Report newsletter has a new look and feel for 2016, as CRN takes steps to streamline its communications and paves the way for a brand new website launch later in the year. Find out more.
Pull up your seat at the table and log on to CRN's members-only webinar to find out about important association activities for 2016, building on all CRN has done for its members in 2015 and adding on new initiatives—and learn how you can get involved to make the most of your membership dollars.
CRN also wrote to FDA about picamilon, discussing its legal status, and more broadly, the issue of whether combination ingredients (i.e., an ingredient that combines two or more other dietary ingredients) meet the statutory definition of a dietary ingredient in DSHEA.
FDA's comment period for the term "natural" has been extended to May 10. CRN has created a member committee to respond and plans to submit comments within the new timeframe. Contact Andrea Wong (awong@crnusa.org / 202-204-7660) for more information.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans released, with nod to supplements
HHS and the USDA last week released the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. CRN welcomed the guidelines in a next-day statement, noting the guidelines' recognition of dietary supplements as having a role to play in achieving optimal nutrition. Included in the executive summary is an acknowledgment that "In some cases, fortified foods and dietary supplements may be useful in providing one or more nutrients that otherwise may be consumed in less-than-recommended amounts." CRN was engaged throughout the guidelines' development, submitting extensive comments and attending meetings of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans Committee and provided its members with a summary of the guidelines.
New Jersey bill goes to governor; allows docs to dispense supplements
On Thursday, New Jersey’s legislature sent Gov. Chris Christie legislation (A 4133 / S 2997) that would permit physicians to dispense dietary supplements. It exempts supplements from the existing law that otherwise limits doctors’ ability to dispense pharmaceuticals to their patients to only a 7-day supply. CRN has been monitoring the bill and has urged Gov. Christieto sign the legislation.
Blumenthal, Durbin call for revision of supplement regulation
The Senate HELP Committee will vote on Robert Califf, M.D.’s, nomination to lead FDA on Jan. 12 during an executive session. CRN's government relations team expects that his confirmation will be confirmed by the committee and the full Senate. Contact Anthony Wroblewski (awrobewlski@crnusa.org / 202-204-7677) for more information.
CRN in the News
"I would like to see the supplement industry 'own' some of the problems that negatively impact the industry and our consumers, as well as develop strategies that separate the good guys from the bad."
CRN Associate Member NSF International, a provider of auditing, testing and certification services for the dietary supplement, natural product and food industries, has acquired AuthenTechnologies, which provides DNA-based species identification services. See NSF's press release for more information.
Research Watch
An ancillary study of an RCT showed 4000 IU vitamin D3 can have a positive impact on immunity. Thirty-eight participants were randomized to either low (400 IU daily) or high (4000 IU daily) dose oral vitaminD3 for six months. CD4+ T cell activation was estimated by intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release after stimulation of whole blood with plant lectin phytohemagglutinin collected at baseline (pre-treatment) and 2 month follow-up.
