Quote/Unquote: DMAA, class actions and brain food… The best of Nutracon, Engredea & Expo West

IS DMAA SAFE?​

“We found that acute dosage ​[temporarily] increased systolic blood pressure about the same amount as you’d get from ingesting 250mg of caffeine. We looked at various other biomarkers and didn’t see any harmful effects. ​

But what someone needs to do is a big study with 100-200 people and follow them over four to six months and look at a variety of different outcomes so that decisions are based on data, not hearsay. Ideally you would also look beyond blood pressure and heart rate.​

The problem with DMAA supplements arises when people use doses that far exceed the recommendations. But if you’re very overweight or hypertensive, you probably shouldn’t take these stimulants.​

The reports from New Zealand ​[where a young man suffered a cerebral hemorrhage after taking DMAA pills] are a worry, but he was also taking alcohol and caffeine, and you have to look at the dose.” ​Dr Richard Bloomer, University of Memphis​

I’LL SEE YOU IN COURT…​

“One of the biggest threats to the dietary supplements industry is the growing threat of civil litigation. Where you used to get a slap on the wrist from the FDA, you could now be the target of a massive class action lawsuit in California.​

Just in the last month it seems like there has been a new complaint filed almost every day about one thing or the other, whether its weight loss claims, natural labels or failing to meet the conditions of use for nutrient content claims. And while harried consumers get a small sum, the lawyers always get the most money in the end…”  ​Justin Prochnow, Greenberg Traurig LLP​

THE BRAIN HEALTH INGREDIENT TO WATCH?

“We think magnesium-l-threonate is the next generation nutrient for cognitive function. We’re conducting human trials now, but in rats it can restore synaptic density. It helps rebuild the neural circuitry.…” ​Dr Guosong Liu, Magceutics​

FEED YOUR MIND (BUT PICK THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS)!

“There is often an unclear theoretical process underpinning ingredient selections in cognitive function beverages, so you’ll get two ingredients that work in opposite directions, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid​ [which relaxes people] and caffeine​ [which stimulates them]..…” Dr Rob Paul, Nawgan​

FEED YOUR FACE! 

“I think we’ll see a resurgence of beauty-from-within drinks in the near future…”​ Shaheen Majeed, Sabinsa​

HOW MUCH DO CONSUMERS KNOW ABOUT OMEGA-3?  

“Awareness of omega-3s is pretty much universal but when you ask people that are aware of omega-3s why they are good for you, more than half do not point out heart health, so there is a big education problem we still need to address, as other supplements are still better known for heart health.”​  Adam Ismail, GOED​

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS

“Every time the market gets hit with bad PR, the overall pie might shrink, but at least the responsible players should gain a bigger share of it…”​  Scott Steil, NutraBridge​

WHAT IS THE OPTIMAL DOSE OF ASTAXANTHIN?

“We recommend 2-4mg a day; 2mg for the average person and 4mg for very active lifestyles. A 12mg dose of astaxanthin is just not warranted. While there are clinical trials that show physiological benefits from 12mg doses, the pharmacokinetics of astaxanthin indicate that these trials would have shown similar results at a 4mg dose.”​ Dr Rudi Moerck, Valensa International​

THE RISE AND RISE OF PRIVATE LABEL  

“My feeling is that private label will just explode over the next 10 years Millennials don’t want the hype and the selling behind big brands. If the ingredient is the same, they’ll buy it at Walgreens…”​ Jeff Hilton, Integrated Marketing Group ​

 ​​