Arlington, VA -- June 12, 2000 -- Scientists, leaders of scientific associations, nutraceutical companies, universities and government agencies will gather at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Dietary Supplements Forum: Exploring the Science of Nutraceuticals, June 28-30, 2000 to discuss the burgeoning field of nutraceuticals. Experts, many whom may have opposing views on issues like regulation and standardization, will set aside their differences to examine breakthrough scientific research that will eventually lead to --
- improved dietary supplement quality and consistency
- a reduction in the misuse and distribution of fraudulent products
- increased consumer confidence in herbal remedies
The forum will be held at the International Trade Center in The Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, in Washington, D.C. Discussion topics include understanding Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, promoting consistency in testing botanicals, and overcoming the challenge of communicating information on supplements to consumers.
The following summarizes some specific case studies to be discussed:
When Active Ingredients Become Inactive Ingredients -- Is the teabag you're using to deliver an herbal remedy really the most effective delivery system or is it just hip? The AAPS Forum explores how different forms of delivery (i.e., capsules, tea bag, energy bar, powder, etc.) determine the effectiveness of nutraceuticals.
Ethnic Differences in Herbal Supplements Use -- According to professors at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, minorities lead the country in use of herbal remedies. Elderly Hispanic women are most likely to use such healing practices, and in fact, many grow their own herbs rather than purchase pre-packaged nutraceuticals.
Demographics of Nutraceutical Users -- Based on a 1998 JAMA study, researchers at The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy conclude there are three types of people who use nutraceuticals:
- Inexperienced Users -- uses products recommended by friends or family
- Experienced Users -- educated, enjoys a high income and knows how to prepare teas, combine and dose herbal remedies, etc.
- Traditional Users -- effects a large portion of the Hispanic market and includes those who base usage on traditions passed on from generation to generation.
Can Vitamins or Herbal Remedies Lose Their Efficacy? -- They can, but consumers don't know when products expire because the FDA does not require expiration dates for dietary supplements. So how do consumers know when products have lost their potency? Do botanicals react differently in hot, cold, humid, or dry environments? A professor at the University of Minnesota will address the issue of shelf life testing for dietary supplements.
Organizations participating in the forum include: Council for Responsible Nutrition, American Nutraceutical Association, Council for Responsible Nutrition, US Pharmacopeia, FDA, Consumer and Healthcare Products Association, American Herbal Products Association, and various universities and pharmaceutical companies.
AAPS is a professional, scientific society of more than 10,000 members employed in academia, industry, government and other research institutes worldwide. Founded in 1986, AAPS aims to advance science through the open exchange of scientific knowledge, serve as an information resource, and contribute to human health through pharmaceutical research and development. For more information about AAPS, visit AAPS Online at http://www.aaps.org.
Editor's Note: For more information on the AAPS Dietary Supplements Forum, contact Marie Bertot bertot@nixongroup.com at 305-573-9955, ext. 210. During the forum, contact Lisa Mozloom at 305-528-5341. For complete up-to-date meeting information, visit http://www.aaps.org/edumeet/ds/index.html.