Breaking news

Washington, D.C.–Organic & Natural Health announced the results and future goals of its “Nutrient Power” campaign and nutrient field study at the organization’s 4th annual national conference, held January 22-23, at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa in Fort Myers, Florida. 

The Nutrient Power campaign is designed to increase consumer awareness about the health benefits of knowing their levels of omega-3 DHA and EPA through self-testing. Organic & Natural Health reports that in the past two years, it has generated more than 250 million media impressions on the importance of both omega-3 and vitamin D supplementation and testing. More than 1,200 individuals have enrolled in the omega-3 portion of the nutrient field study run by GrassrootsHealth, and Organic & Natural Health is aiming to increase that number to 5,000, with a five-year goal to link increased omega-3 levels to specific health outcomes.

“What we have learned so far from GrassrootsHealth’s omega-3 nutrient field study is that, different from vitamin D, there may be more variables when it comes to how omega-3 is metabolized in the body, what form of omega-3 should be taken, the dosage and duration, as well as the frequency of testing your levels,” Karen Howard, CEO and executive director of Organic & Natural Health, said in a media release. “We need enrollment to be closer to 5,000 to have a better understanding of dose response especially with how it relates to the omega-3 index level values. We also need participants to re-test their omega-3 every 3 to 6 months.”

Howard added that to reach accomplish these expanded goals, more corporate sponsorship is needed. “The participants involved in the nutrient field study are motivated to learn about their omega-3 and vitamin D levels and want to help further the research to understand how specific levels of supplementation translate to health outcomes,” she explained in the release. “However, the self-test kits do cost participants about $100 each, which can be a barrier for many, especially when you need to get re-tested every 3 to 6 months. In order to expand this study, additional funding to cover the costs of the test kits will help us get there more quickly.”

Members and industry leaders participated in Organic & Natural Health Association’s 4th annual conference. From left to right: Heather Wainer, publisher of WholeFoods Magazine, Karen Howard, CEO of Organic & Natural Health Association and Naomi Whittel, author of New York Times bestseller, Glow15 who gave the keynote address.

The Organic & Natural Health conference also featured:

  • A keynote address by Naomi Whittel, author of New York Times bestseller, Glow15
  • A discussion around supply chain integrity and inspiration featuring Mark Blumenthal of the American Botanical Council
  • A presentation on leveraging media to support one’s mission featuring Ronnie Cummins of the Organic Consumers Association and Amy Summers of Pitch Publicity
  • A discussion on food and supplement ingredients and the business case for regenerative and organic discussion featuring Will Harris of American Grassfed Association
  • A presentation on finances for the future featuring William Hood of William Hood & Co.
  • A discussion featuring Carl German, DCN, CNS, on the future of CBD with the recent passing of the 2018 U.S. farm bill.

Organic & Natural Health’s 5th annual conference will take place in January 2020, at South Seas Island Resort in Captiva Island, Florida. To become a member or participate as a sponsor in the omega-3 nutrient field study, call 202-660-1345. Applications for membership may also be submitted online at: http://www.organicandnatural.org.

Breaking news as seen in Whole Foods Magazine online, January 25, 2019.