CONTACT:

Denise Martinez, MS, RD - Coordinator, REDS Programs, Division of Nutrition

250 South 1850 East, HPER N-214, Salt Lake City, UT 84112

P: (801) 556-5991 /F:(801) 585-3874/E: denise.martinez@utah.edu

PRESS RELEASE

March 31, 2010

The Division of Nutrition at the University of Utah is pleased to offer two long awaited and much needed academic programs in the Regulation & Evaluation of Dietary Supplements (REDS). The first program is a REDS Nutrition Minor for the University of Utah’s undergraduate students, and the second program is a REDS Graduate Emphasis Program for the Division of Nutrition’s graduate students. Both programs will provide a comprehensive understanding of the latest science and research in dietary supplements, as well as the laws and regulations that govern this very important industry. Both programs are scheduled to begin this Fall 2010 semester.

The dietary supplement industry is the third largest industry in the State of Utah, behind agriculture and tourism. Individuals working in this field need specialized knowledge critical to understanding the science, formulation and regulation of dietary supplements. Students of both the Division of Nutrition’s REDS programs will have an opportunity to participate in summer internships at local dietary supplement manufacturing companies. These internships will provide students with the valuable hands-on education that is critical in furthering the necessary research and understanding of dietary supplements while providing for a growing and vital State industry.

Dietary supplements can have an impact on the prevention of disease and on the maintenance of health. In the US, these ingredients are usually defined as including plant extracts, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and hormonal products that are available without prescription and are consumed in addition to the regular diet. Although vitamin and mineral supplements have been available for decades, scientists have only recently begun to study potential health benefits in controlled human clinical trials. It is important to expand this research to include the health effects of other bioactive factors consumed as supplements to promote health and prevent disease.

The Division of Nutrition’s REDS programs will help students develop an appreciation for evidence-based research necessary for the development and evaluation of dietary supplements. A greater understanding of how dietary supplements interact with human nutrition is essential for the development of safe and effective dietary supplement recommendations for the prevention of disease and promotion of health.

For more information about this very important educational program, please contact the Denise Martinez, MS, RD – Coordinator, REDS PROGRAMS.