In response to an increased growth in consumer desire and interest in nutraceutical products, the need for scientific foundations in the development and manufacture of dietary supplements or nutraceuticals has been recognized. It is estimated that Americans regularly spend billions of dollars annually on dietary supplements in an effort to reduce the risk of disease and generally to promote health. There are many studies reporting poor quality among different brands. Clinical research varies greatly in terms of quality making it difficult to scientifically measure efficacy of claims.
Consumers ultimately have no basis for determining the quality of the product they are purchasing.
This focus group on Nutraceuticals will provide a forum for the advocacy of good scientific research into dietary supplements. This forum potentially will unite AAPS and other related organizations committed to providing the public and health care providers current and accurate information regarding claims, benefits and safety of nutraceutical products. As we enter the next millennium issues posed to the industry in providing nutraceuticals to consumers include quality assurance, uniformity of content, product stability, bioavailability, clinical validation and safety. The industry will continue to make advances in self regulation as well as responding to external regulatory influences. As a forum for sound scientific research on nutraceutical products, this symposium should reaffirm the industry s commitment to providing the public and healthcare providers with current and accurate information regarding claims, benefits and safety of nutraceutical products.