Len Monheit - Off the Cuff

Sports & Supplements: Again

len@npicenter.com — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:57:00 GMT

Every couple months, for the past 5 plus years, I've found occasion to write on the subject of the supplements industry and the sports community. Obviously, the latest opportunity comes in the wake of USADA CEO Travis Tygart's testimony in DC and the unveiling of the 'Supplement Safety Now' campaign.

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Ingredient Suppliers' Distress Bad for All

len@npicenter.com — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:42:00 GMT

There have been several times while in this industry when I really wished I didn't know what I know. In at least a dual role (editor and CEO), I find myself privy to information that should not be publicly disclosed, but is important enough for the future and integrity of the industry, that morally, it needs to be at least shared - in principle. Even if only to let others know what to watch for, the signs and signals of self-destructive behavior, in some cases, especially if we really do care about building a better industry, we have to at least tell part of the story.

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Let's Assist Nourish America by Supporting "Centrum Ultra’s My Ultra Goals Sweepstakes"

len@npicenter.com — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:32:00 GMT

Industry not-for-profit Nourish America needs a bit of help as it works on the "Centrum Ultra’s My Ultra Goals Sweepstakes". Help pass the word.

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FDA Warns Consumers About Products Marketed as Containing Steroids or steroid-Like Substances...About time?

len@npicenter.com — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:01:00 GMT

FDA has announced a warning to consumers not to consume products marketed as supplements, said to contain steroid-like components. It's time, they would say, because most, if not all of these products contain the latest greatest designer compounds engineered specifically for performance enhancement and to 'mimic' the actions of steroids. If it acts like one, looks like on, smells like one...well, you get the point. And FDA has identified what the 'good' side of this industry has known for a long time - these are not supplements in any way shape or form.

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Debunking the Debunking...or 'Everyone Has an Agenda'

len@npicenter.com — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 04:08:00 GMT

Several months ago I had quite a good conversation (or so I thought) with an editor from Consumers Digest, mostly background stuff, including how the industry was regulated, how the good guys operated, how I understood how confusing it could be for consumers, and how certification and trade association membership could be distinguishing. Imagine my surprise at the article which appeared on shelves this past week entitled, "Mass Confusion: The Truth About Dietary supplements"

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Not All Stevia Products Are Created Equal

len@npicenter.com — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:56:00 GMT

So the hot ingredient for 2009 is stevia. Or is it Reb A? Or is it Reb A 98%? Or is it Rebiana? And for just which of the stevia-based sweeteners has FDA determined that it has no objections to on the basis of a dossier that it has reviewed? It's all so confusing.

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Flu Brings Out the Worst Symptoms

len@npicenter.com — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:38:00 GMT

There is a natural reaction that forces a business person to consume a piece of news with a filter evaluating the significance of the information relative to the opportunity it provides your business. Unfortunately for our industry, many organizations that can be associated with this sector do not have a moral counter-check that stops them from doing public harm and from violating regulations as they take advantage of these stories and another common human failing – gullibility.

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It's the 'Ketchup Effect' - That's All

len@npicenter.com — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:28:00 GMT

We continue to be amazed by the relative success of the natural and nutritional products sector in light of a very 'fragile' economy. During past downturns, this industry perceived itself as relatively recession proof, yet the fact that this economic environment was so harsh, the future so unpredictable, and the scope so broad, there were no guarantees we would not be horrendously affected. We've been impacted for sure, but not as badly as many feared.

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How Do You Tell Quality and Value?

len@npicenter.com — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:15:00 GMT

This morning, I was once again on the NPIcenter front lines, picking up a few phone calls from viewers who had located the site, interested in finding suppliers of products and services. he questions, 'how do you tell' or 'how do you know' while sometimes unspoken, are a key feature of most of these conversations, and represent serious problems that hinder indsutry growth and product adoption.

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Perspectives on Natural Health Products In Sport

len@npicenter.com — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:41:00 GMT

Next week, I'll be off to Vancouver for CHFA's Expo West, to talk about one of the subjects I'm passionate about- supplements and NHP's and sports, specifically their use by elite athletes. Over the past six years that I have been working on this issue, much has changed and the prospects are good for more collaboration and positive outcomes in the future. However, the truce is fragile,and one huge substantiated blow-up will destroy a lot of the progress occuring.

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