Vitamins, Diet and Sports Nutrition

More Americans are more often seeking their ounce of prevention. According to Bain & Co.’s recent Healthy Living Survey, 75% of consumers are in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. Take that predominant mindset, coupled with the outcomes-driven preventive focus associated with the Affordable Care Act, and you have a formula for OTC success at retail pharmacy.

To get a better sense of how OTC brands are helping to improve patient outcomes and drive down healthcare costs, DSN invited some leading OTC executives to share their opinions on the value of OTCs.

ROCHESTER, Minn.— Men and women with large waist circumferences — even those with a healthy body mass index — are more likely to die younger, and were more likely to die from such illnesses as heart disease, respiratory problems and cancer after accounting for BMI, smoking, alcohol use and physical activity, according to a study led by a Mayo Clinic researcher.

The study is published in the March edition of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — A new study suggests that calcium and vitamin D supplements after menopause can improve women's cholesterol profiles, and much of that effect is tied to raising vitamin D levels.

The study is from the Women's Health Initiative and was recently published online in Menopause, the journal of the North American Menopause Society.

SALT LAKE CITY — A study published online Friday shows that the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA — commonly found in fatty fish and fish oil supplements — are as effective, if not more effective, in lowering blood pressure as some of the commonly recommended lifestyle changes like increasing physical activity and restricting alcohol and sodium intake. The findings, released by the American Journal of Hypertension, are good news, especially for those with elevated blood pressure.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Rainbow Light Nutritional Systems on Friday unveiled its new Game Changer/Life Changer marketing campaign at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, Calif. The campaign features women leaders who are making impacts in community health. In addition, each of the Game Changers will receive a donation to their cause through Rainbow Light's newly announced corporate social responsibility program, Circle of Care.

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — Hero Nutritionals on Thursday accepted the 2014 Taste for Life Essentials Award for its Slice of Life Sugar Free Multi+, a gummy vitamin and mineral supplement for adults. Naturally sweetened from fruit, Slice of Life Sugar Free Multi+ gives consumers a gummy vitamin option for adults that is made without any sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners.