CRN seminar to explain science behind supplements
science seminar on Thursday 28 October in an attempt to give the
supplements industry the chance to catch up on scientific advances.
The seminar plans to examine an array of subjects including the potential effect of vitamin E on respiratory infections and heart disease, the clinical prospects for green tea extracts, the apparent need for phosphorus to be present if calcium supplements are to have the desired effect on bones, and the putative link between omega-3 fatty acids and the brain.
The conference will be held the day after the trade association's annual conference, meaning, as Judy Blatman, vice resident of communications for the organization noted: "we are taking advantage of the fact we are in Washington to bring in a number experts, such as Dr Lester Packer from the University of Southern California, who will give the keynote address on 'lipoic acid and the antioxidant network'".
Other well known speakers will include Dr Simin Meydani, from Tufts University, Dr Ishworlal Jialal from the University of California and Dr Frederick Khachik from the University of Maryland.
"Science is interesting for manufacturers who want to justify their health claims, to help them launch new products and to enable them to react to regulatory bodies if they don't agree with a companies actions," John Hathcock, vice president of scientific and international affairs at the CRN, told NutraIngredientsUSA.
The body has plumped for a "pot-pourri" of subjects, rather than concentrating on a single topic as "this best reflects the CRN's relationship with the supplement industry," said Hathcock, adding that other bodies organize conferences for those interested solely in one area of research. He explained that the subjects chosen were those with a "new or underdeveloped story to tell".
"We hope this seminar will lead to some good interaction between leading researchers, government regulatory scientists and the industry," he said.
To this end the CRN hopes to attract a "modest size audience" to encourage exchanges between the participants and attendees.
If the seminar proves successful the organization will think about making the science day a regular event.
For those interested in attending this event, go to www.crnusa.com.
