The executive director and CEO of the US dietary supplement trade body, the National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA), is to highlight the beneficial role played by supplements and natural foods in a speech to the US House Government Reform Committee today - part of a bid to request further funding for research.
At the hearing titled, "Diet, Physical Activity, and Dietary Supplements - the Scientific Basis for Improving Health," David Seckman will address the economic impact of illnesses that can be controlled or prevented through a nutrient-rich diet and exercise. He will also highlight recent scientific studies that demonstrate the important roles of both dietary supplements and healthy foods in disease prevention and health maintenance.
"Without question, combining a nutritional diet and appropriate supplementation with physical activity not only reduces the risk of contracting a host of ailments; it improves quality of life for every age group," said Seckman. "The body of research about the health benefits of a nutrient-rich diet is impressive, but needs to be expanded, particularly in the area of dietary supplements."
Seckman will also ask for further funding for the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) so that more research can continue.
"The recent questions raised about Hormone Replacement Therapy, which could affect an estimated 42 million women, underscores the need for more research and more information about safe and effective alternatives," Seckman said.