New poll shows one in five Americans may stop using vitamin E

02/Dec/2004

NATROL INC. (NASDAQ: NTOL – news), a manufacturer and distributor of nationally branded nutritional supplements, today expressed concern about the findings of a new poll that shows one in five Americans may stop using Vitamin E.

CHATSWORTH, Calif. - (December 2, 2004, NASDAQ: NTOL) – NATROL INC. (NASDAQ: NTOL – news), a manufacturer and distributor of nationally branded nutritional supplements, today expressed concern about the findings of a new poll that shows one in five Americans may stop using Vitamin E.

The new national poll, commissioned by the Dietary Supplement Information Bureau, demonstrates that 18 percent of Americans are less likely to take vitamin E based on the news suggesting high doses “may increase risk of dying” among older, high-risk patients. Many experts are concerned that a meta-analysis, released last month, may make consumers less likely to take the beneficial supplement – vitamin E.

“This meta-analysis, released at the American Heart Association annual meeting, produced and created an avalanche of misinformation that puts millions of Americans at a health risk,” said Natrol President & CEO Elliott Balbert who also serves as president of the Dietary Supplement Education Alliance. “Numerous scientific studies have shown that Americans, especially seniors, can benefit from vitamin E supplements to support cardiovascular health.”

The Dietary Supplement Information Bureau survey measured the attitudes (post meta-analysis) of 1,051 American adults via telephone from November 19 through November 22, 2004.

Other poll findings include that nearly 20 percent recalled the negative study on vitamin E, and one in ten (10 percent) say they are less likely to take a dietary supplement as a result of recent news coverage.

However, the poll showed that the American people overwhelmingly believe in the benefits of vitamins and vitamin E:
  • Ninety percent of Americans surveyed agree that a well-balanced daily intake of vitamins from both food and dietary supplements is an important part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
  • Furthermore, 79 percent believe it is important to get the recommended daily allowance of vitamin E from food and dietary supplement sources.
  • "Do not throw away your vitamin E," said C. Wayne Callaway, MD, PC, Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Clinical Nutrition. “One study (the meta-analysis) does not outweigh the many studies that document the benefits of vitamin E in people who need it and the lack of harm in people who do not."

In response to the meta-analysis, the Dietary Supplement Information Bureau (DSIB) launched a new Web site – www.vitaminEfacts.org – to help consumers obtain accurate information on vitamin E. Visitors will find referenced materials to help them understand the analysis generating news headlines and facts on why vitamin E is safe and beneficial.

For more information regarding the poll commissioned by the Dietary Supplement Information Bureau, review the DSIB press release at www.supplementinfo.org. Or, call Bree Flammini at 202.326.1763 or Deb Knowles at 941-349-9044.

For more information regarding Natrol, visit www.natrol.com or call Bob Mauser at 818.739.6000 extension 583.

Natrol, Inc. is a diversified nutrition company that manufactures and markets premium branded nutritional products, functional teas and sports fitness products under the Natrol®, Laci Le Beau® Tea and Prolab® Sports Nutrition labels. In addition, Natrol also provides premium grade nutraceutical ingredients as well as private label manufacturing through its Essentially Pure Ingredients (EPI) Division.

Natrol markets more than 200 nutritional products designed to meet a wide range of consumer needs. The products are available at more than 50,000 drug, food, mass market and independent health food stores, catalogues and Internet sites, gyms and specialty stores nationally and in select foreign countries. For more information visit http://www.natrol.com.

The Dietary Supplement Information Bureau (DSIB) was created to provide accurate information about vitamins, minerals, herbs and other supplements for consumers and the professional healthcare community. The DSIB Scientific Advisory Board comprises nationally-recognized physicians and researchers who are experts in dietary supplements. For more information, see the DSIB Web site at www.supplementinfo.org.

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Contact: Bob Mauser
Director of Communications
Natrol Inc.
818-739-6000 x583
bmauser@natrol.com