Omega-3s and vitamin D first focus for Global Nutrition & Health Alliance

The group said it was formed to, “shed light on misconceptions about diet and appropriate use of vitamin and mineral supplementation, as part of a healthy lifestyle”.​

It said the vitamin and mineral landscape was, “riddled with inconsistent messages and misconceptions that ultimately may confuse both healthcare professionals and consumers.”​

Initial efforts aimed at educating healthcare professionals about the role of vitamin D and omega-3s in the diet. It said deficiencies remained common for these two and other nutrients.

"The goal of [GNHA] is to add to and elevate credible science behind [vitamin and mineral supplements] and in turn educate about appropriate use,"​ said Suzanne Steinbaum, DO, director, Women's Heart Health at the  Heart and Vascular Institute at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.

"As a member of the Alliance, I hope to bring greater clarity and understanding to supplementation for consumers and healthcare colleagues alike."​

Nigel Denby, RD, head of dietetics at www.Grub4Life.com in London added: "National guidelines for daily nutrient intake exist in almost every country, yet the reality is that much of the global population is overfed but undernourished.”​

Inaugural GNHA​ members include:

• Regan Bailey, PhD, RD: Nutritional Epidemiologist, National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements; Washington DC
• Bryan Haycock: Exercise Physiologist, Health Medical Affairs, RB; Salt Lake City, Utah
• Clemens von Schacky, MD: Head of Preventative Cardiology, University of Munich, Germany
• Katherine Sherif, MD: Director, Jefferson Women's Primary; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The GNHA is funded by Reckitt Benckiser.