GNHA: Commentary to PBS Documentary, "Supplements and Safety"

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Jan. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Nutrition and Health Alliance (GNHA) feels compelled to comment on the the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) documentary, "Supplements and Safety," which aired on Tuesday, January 19th. The documentary focused on the dietary supplement industry and discussed important issues regarding the dangers posed by non-reputable manufacturers along with issues related to FDA oversight within the United States. In light of this documentary, the GNHA believes a scientific interpretation of the role of supplementation and the importance of making informed decisions when choosing a supplement is warranted.

Statement by the co-founding members* of the Global Nutrition and Health Alliance:

"It is extremely important not to lose sight of the beneficial role supplements play in achieving optimal nutrition. Supplements allow consumers to achieve the daily recommended intake of vitamins, minerals and key nutrients suggested by the Food and Nutrition Board at the National Academy of Medicine, which many Americans struggle to meet through diet alone.  Nutrients such as omega-3s, vitamin D, calcium, etc. are often low in the diet yet vital to overall health.

Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically, are considered essential fatty acids necessary for human health, but the body can't make them on its own. Therefore, omega-3s must be consumed via food and/or supplementation. In these cases, supplements may be able to bridge the gap between dietary intake and nutritional needs.

However, consumers need to be diligent in making informed decisions when selecting a supplement to ensure they choose a brand from a reputable manufacturer. Consuming a healthy balanced diet is the start of any optimal nutrition plan. But when diet alone is not enough to meet nutritional needs, supplementation can help. The key is to discuss nutrient needs with a healthcare professional and ensure the supplements taken are made by a reputable manufacturer that adheres to the highest standards."

For more information, visit our website at http://www.globalnutritionhealth.org/.

*Global Nutrition & Health Alliance Co-founding Members

• Suzanne Steinbaum, DO
  Director and Attending Cardiologist, Women and Heart Disease Center, Lenox Hill Hospital; New York, United States.
• Regan Bailey, PhD, RD, MPH
  Associate Professor at Purdue University; West Lafayette, IN, United States
• Katherine Sherif, MD
  Director, Jefferson Women's Primary; Philadelphia, United States
• Nigel Denby, RD
  Head of Dietetics, Grub4Life and People Matter TV; London, United Kingdom
• Clemens von Schacky, MD
  Head of Preventative Cardiology, University of Munich; Munich, Germany
• Bryan Haycock
  Exercise Physiologist, Health Medical Affairs, Reckitt Benckiser (RB); Salt Lake City, United States

Global Nutrition & Health Alliance
The Global Nutrition & Health Alliance is a global, multi-disciplinary group of physicians and nutrition experts working together to educate the public and professionals about optimal nutrition as part of a healthy lifestyle, including the contribution and interpretation of realistic and science-based recommendations on the appropriate use of vitamins and mineral supplements. 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Jessica Ross
[email protected]
Phone: 484-333-1004

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SOURCE Global Nutrition & Health Alliance