Vitamins, Diet and Sports Nutrition

SOLON, Ohio — Efficient Collaborative Retail Marketing on Wednesday unveiled the ECRM Data web site, ECRMData.com. ECRM Data is an industry solution that offers turnkey solutions for promotional tracking and analysis functions.

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition on Tuesday named seven newly seated directors to its governing board, and three newly appointed committee chairs.

The seven new executives joining CRN’s Board of Directors are: Mark Hartman, Banner Life Sciences; Connie Hallquist, Healthy Directions; Mark LeDoux, Natural Alternatives International; Bret Scholtes, Omega Protein/Nutegrity; Jennifer Spalding, Abbott Nutrition; Steve Strickland, Sensient Pharmaceutical Coating Systems; and James Watson, Watson.

WASHINGTON — The Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday announced a law enforcement initiative stopping national marketers that used deceptive advertising claims to peddle fad weight-loss products, from food additives and skin cream to dietary supplements.

NEW YORK — South Beach Diet on Monday unveiled a new addition to its family of nutritious and convenient snacks — the South Beach Diet 100 Calorie Smoothie in chocolate truffle flavor. 

The new smoothie contains 6 grams of protein and fiber and has no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or sugar alcohols.

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. — Living Essentials on Friday announced a donation of $344,269.20 to Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a national nonprofit education and support organization serving women and families affected by breast cancer. The total amount of the donation is based on a donation of five cents from the sale of every bottle of the limited edition, specially marked Raspberry Flavored 5-hour Energy sold between Aug. 15 and Dec. 31.

CHICAGO — According to new research from Mintel, nearly 6-in-10 Americans who are current energy drink or shot users say they worry about the safety of these beverages. 

Despite fears over safety, the energy drink, shot and mix category has beat back detractors to show consistent annual growth from 2008 to 2013 sales. The market reported a 17% increase in 2012 and is projected to repeat that growth rate in 2013.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy announced on Monday the launch of the Family Vitamin Center, a new health hub on CVS.com to help educate customers on the vitamins and supplements that can support their personal health goals.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration is cracking down on companies claiming their products can speed recovery from concussions, according to a consumer update posted Wednesday.