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‘THE SCIENCE OF ANTI-AGEING NUTRITION
THE next top-flight nutrition and food science expert to visit SA as a guest of the HPA – Professor David Richardson - arrives in Cape Town in May to talk to the health industry and media on the science of ageing optimally with the support of supplementation.
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With more people than ever before having the potential to live much longer lives, the science of how to grow older without falling prey to disease, frailty and disability has taken on new, and urgent, meaning.
What the inter-disciplinary research reveals is startling. These conditions are not an inevitable part of ageing: the process is, in fact, malleable. |
Science is showing that improved nutrition, a healthy lifestyle and a supportive environment can diminish the likelihood of cellular and molecular damage. And an intervention such as enhanced nutrition can help protect and repair the body and brain.
Prof Richardson will talk to us - as individuals, business people and healthcare stakeholders - about what determines the nutritional status of older people; how safe nutritional interventions influence age-related organ and cognitive decline; and how much we can delay the onset of ageing, improve immune response and support quality of life through our later years.
As scientific advisor to the UK Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the European Federation of Health Product Manufacturers (EHPM) and the International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA), Richardson has found overwhelming evidence to demonstrate that “specific nutrients and food substances can play a major role in maintaining and enhancing physical and mental performance as well as delaying the onset of chronic diseases.
“An enormous gap lies between the ideal and the reality of what many people actually can or choose to eat,” he states. “Food supplements can serve as an effective way of meeting the need for micronutrients and other substances with physiologically beneficial effects.”
Healthy ageing is not only a key to reducing healthcare costs but will immeasurably improve the quality of life of people as they age. HPA members are urged to take advantage of hearing Richardson speak in Cape Town and Johannesburg. A combined HPA/media breakfast will be held at the Vineyard Hotel on Tuesday, 13 May, and the Johannesburg Hilton on Friday, 16 May. The cost to HPA members and guests wanting CPD points will be R350; otherwise tickets will be R450. A consumer lunch in conjunction with Longevity magazine is scheduled for Durban on Wednesday, 14 May.
For info & bookings contact
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SPEAKING OUT ON FOODSTUFF LABELLING
COMMENTS from the health and food industry to the Department of Health’s new draft regulations for the labelling and advertising of foodstuffs – specifically Annexure 6 of The Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (54/174) – are currently being processed.According to the Department’s Antoinette Booyzen, 102 sets of comments were received from stakeholders by 31 January – and three critical issues need to be resolved before the Draft Regulations reach final publication.“We are getting the Minister’s support to proceed with these issues,” Booyzen said – and they are:
- a suitable nutrient profiling model for South Africa
- infrastructure possibilities for a permanent, independent scientific committee for health claim approvals
- and ways to enhance law enforcement of nutritional regulations.
Booyzen described some the comments as “substantial” but added that
although several commentators responded positively to the DoH request to provide clear wording and solutions, others commented in a very general way. “According to the Act, the comments period is intended to accommodate consultation with stakeholders and to provide technical input. So it’s highly regrettable that some people wasted this opportunity.“It will take considerable time to work through all the comments and the Department will use its discretion when it comes to issues that need further research or consultation. Depending on the issue, these could be handled in a general way or on an ad hoc basis.” |
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VITAMIN EXPERT WELL RECEIVED IN S.A.
THE South African lecture tour in February by renowned vitamin safety expert, Dr John Hathcock, was a great success. Venues in Cape Town and Johannesburg were packed with members of the HPA, media and the general health and natural medicines industry to hear his presentation on a new scientific approach to evaluating safety and upper dosage levels for vitamins and minerals.
Hathcock stressed the need for governments and health authorities to work with globally standardized measurements for safe dosage and upper limits – and stressed that the usefulness of the RDA - recommended dietary allowance - was over. “RDA-based upper limits have no scientific validity and consequently should have no role in determining safety or upper limits. Governmental and regulatory organizations worldwide need to look more closely at how to evaluate the safety of vitamins and minerals,” he said.
He pointed out that, in the absence of upper limits, there was leeway for governments to set their own unscientific standards – and possibly restrict nutritional fortification. In South Africa, we have the example of an intake of anything above 300mg of vitamin C and 30 international units (iu) of vitamin E per day being considered a medicine. Hathcock was adamant that there was absolutely no scientific basis for such limits and that they were based on multiples of the outdated RDA.
The research done by Hathcock and the Council for Responsible Nutrition in the U.S. (of which he is an executive member) has scientifically proved that the upper safety level of vitamin C is 2000mg and that of vitamin E is 1000 IU per day. This highlights the fact that local micronutrient legislation is out-of-date and based on information that was available more than 30 years ago.
Hathcock referred audiences to his book, Vitamin and Mineral Safety: 2nd Edition. It provides a review of safety levels for 28 vitamins and minerals, details of the CRN's methodology for assessing safety and a review of the approaches adopted by governmental and regulatory organizations. |
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NATURAL HEALTH TRAINING FOR PROFESSIONALS
A training course in natural medicine for healthcare professionals is being offered in Pretoria by Dr Jacques Rossouw of DNI.
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Known as the Natural Health Continued Education Programme (NHCEP), it incorporates a comprehensive correspondence course and workshops covering 30 modules of natural health and complementary medicine topics. Drawn up by experts in their respective fields, the modules fall into three groups: western herbals and plant extracts; nutritional supplements; and wider complementary health issues and subjects. |
After completion of the course, GPs, pharmacists and healthcare practitioners will receive two clinical points per module towards their continued education system. Seven points are available in the following topics: the effects of nutrition/nutritional supplements on sport performance, HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, CVD, arthritis and chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia.
Selected modules may be completed by front-shop assistants, marketers of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products and personal trainers towards a certificate accredited by the Institute for Sport Research (ISR).
The cost of the correspondence course is R4 500, and the workshops are R150 per topic which includes a CPD certificate.
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AMBITIOUS WELLNESS RETAILING FOR S.A.
THERE’S a new kid on the block of health retailing – and it’s unlike anything currently available in the wellness market. Aimed at affluent, health orientated, environmentally conscious consumers, the Wellness Warehouse is a single destination shopping experience that combines all aspects of healthy living under one roof.
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The brain-child of the Gomes family (founders of the De La Rey hardware chain) the first store opened in Cape Town’s Kloof Street Lifestyle Centre last year. Two more stores – at Cavendish Connect in Cape Town and Heathway, Johannesburg – have subsequently opened. The goal of MD Sean Gomes and co-owner brother Carlos, is to follow up with 20 to 25 stores in major centres by 2010. |
Their vision is to emphasise healthy living, eco-ethics, environmental awareness, social responsibility and responsible consumerism so the 2 000 m² stores are designed not only to appeal and relax but to inspire. Signage and indoor prompts point out alternatives, information on product ingredients and friendly environmental practices.
The shops offer an extensive range of products and services from health supplements and appliances to books, toiletries, fitness equipment and hemp-based clothing. Facilities include an allopathic pharmacy, natural medicine dispensary, a deli-style food market and café while the WellSpa offers treatments as well as massages and facials. Also on the premises is a NailBar, PediLounge and Hair Treatment studio. All staff are trained to advise on healthy living, diet and products.
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WORK CONTINUES ON WESTERN HERBALS
THE Herbal Committee was set up by the HPA in 1997 to work on ‘Western Herbals’ as part of the Broad Based Reference Group’s aim of creating a scientific list of herbal medicines. This incorporates quality, safety and efficacy based on accredited references as well as collaborating with herbal regulatory authorities throughout the world.
Chaired by Professor Kobus Eloff of the University of Pretoria with Maria Ascencao as secretary, the committee has met regularly to update the list and to approve new listings. “These are based on stringent reference criteria,” stresses Ascencao.
International moves to regulate herbal medicines may impact on South Africa, and the Herbal Committee keeps close watch on international developments – such as the U.N.’s Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods, which aims for harmonised treatment of herbs, as well as the recent European Union Herbal Directive that requires establishments that manufacture or distribute herbal medicines to apply for licensing fees.
At their most recent meeting in February 2008, the Herbal Committee decided that the current list needed to be updated and checked against the Australian TGA herbal list. “It would be expedient to have a list as updated as possible prior to the publication of the new draft regulations.
for complementary medicine as we believe these are imminent,” Ascencao comments.
The Herbal Committee also reviewed the Human Indications List, and it was decided to circulate it to the HPA Executive in order to ensure urgent updating. The Master List for all modalities (under the directorship of Janet Welham) aims to ensure a synchronised indications list. Adds Ascencao: “That’s why it’s necessary for all the sub-committees to work on the list so we can make a unified submission to the MCC.” |
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DAMIANA: Still in limbo
FOLLOWING instructions from the Department of Health for supplements containing Damiana to be withdrawn, the HPA’s Dr Alan Tomlinson and Mathabo Kona met with Medicines Control Council registrar, Mandisa Hela, where it was suggested that a memorandum recommending the re-evaluation of Damiana be re-submitted to the MCC.
“The matter has now been referred to Dr Joey Gouws, who will table it at the meeting of the Expert Committee on Safety,” said Kona. “They will then make recommendations to council – and the HPA is in contact with the DoH to assess timelines for the process.”
FACT FILE: Hoodia
IN recent years, the Southern African plant, Hoodia gordonii, has been widely promoted as a wonder weight loss supplement. The reputation grew from its historical use by the indigenous San people, who used it for centuries to stave off hunger while on long hunting trips through the Kalahari Desert. However there is much controversy regarding the quality of unregulated Hoodia supplements on the market, as well as unfounded, exaggerated claims for its actions.
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“The SAN people use specific parts of the raw Hoodia plant but supplements available on the market consist of dried, processed Hoodia plant, or adulterated versions of it,” explains Cape Town GP and consumer activist, Dr Harris Steinman, who has researched the subject extensively. |
“The South African CSIR extracted various active constituents from Hoodia, one designated P57, which was shown to have biological activity,” continues Steinman. “The CSIR has patented this on their and the SAN’s behalf. An unpublished and confidential study was performed by Phytopharm to evaluate whether Hoodia and the active constituents have any effect, the dosage interval and the dose. The finding of this study has not been released. Only four labs worldwide are able to measure the active ingredients.”
According to Steinman, the expression of the active constituents by the Hoodia plant have been shown to be heavily dependent on a number of known and unknown variables. For example, in certain parts of the country and in different soils, the active constituents were not expressed at all or only in low quantities. And not all parts of the plant express the active ingredients. Different methods of processing raw Hoodia into the dried form can destroy or reduce the efficacy of the active constituents.
“There are no publicly available studies to show what dose of active P57, and therefore the amount of dried processed Hoodia, is required to be ingested for a physiological effect to occur,” says Steinman. “What is the half life of the active constituents – 5 minutes or 6 hours? So should users take the processed product every hour for any benefit or is three times a day sufficient?
“In a recent Advertising Standards Association ruling, using the term “Hoodia” as part of the product’s name was deemed to be misleading as it implied that the product was able to impart the expected “benefits” of the plant. To do this, the company had to prove that they were using the correct dose, dosage interval, and proof of efficacy for the claims being made for Hoodia.”
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HEALTH & PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS:
On top of their game
Foresight and fortitude have helped establish Health & Performance Products as one of the leading sports and nutrition supplement companies in South Africa.
| In 1985, Norman Fels had the foresight to pick up the market potential of sports nutrition. “Schwartzenegger and Stallone were making muscles fashionable,” remembers Fels. “California was waking up to aerobics and exercise started to became popular. We could see what was happening in the health market, and realised that there was a need for sports nutrition-and not just for long distance runners.” |
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At the time, Fels was climbing ladders in the corporate world, having begun his working life began as a chemical engineer in the food industry. He moved into general management and training after completing an MBA & AMP at UCT and, in 1982, was promoted to CEO of Jabula Foods.
With his sights set on sports nutrition, Fels decided to start his own business and founded Health & Performance Products (HAPPI) with four people and two brands - Highveld Foods and ProHealth Products. In 1986 he acquired the Fithealth brand which was closely followed by Weider. Canyon Organics became part of the company in 1989.
“There are two divisions in the company,” explains Fels, “a retail division, which is predominantly pharmaceutical, and the network marketing division of Canyon Organics.”
A division of Sports Health & Fitness Technologies (Pty) Ltd, HAPPI currently markets six brands: Weider, ProHealth, American Pro, Breakkthru, Fithealth and Margaret Roberts. The ranges include vitamins, minerals, herbals, sports nutrition, common ailment and slimming supplements are distributed through pharmacies, sports shops and health stores. The company is exporting to Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
The sports nutrition market has grown enormously since 1985, and although Fels admits that the company is “doing nicely”, he warns that the market is over-traded and under-regulated. “This is causing problems and what is inhibiting the market is the number of new boys who are complete charlatans.”
NEW HEAD FOR ANNIQUE
ANNIQUE Skin Care Products (Pty) Ltd has appointed Ernest du Toit - a respected leader in the direct selling and skin care industry - as new CEO and member of the board of directors. He replaces Henk Theron, who remains a company shareholder and board member. “We are excited to have Ernest on board,” says Theron. “We conducted an extensive search to find the right blend of experience, skills and personality to propel Annique to new heights. Ernest is definitely that leader and I look forward to working with him to grow the company.”
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Du Toit brings as exceptional mix of strategic, analytic, business and leadership skills to Annique Rooibos Skin Care Products, having held key marketing and executive positions with companies such as Sara Lee Corporation, Avroy Shlain Cosmetics, Tupperware Brands and Swissgard... |
Said du Toit: “Annique has already delivered an incredibly innovative product range to the local market with the use of Rooibos extract. The company and its team are seasoned and ready to go to the next level and I’m thrilled by the opportunity to help build the next major player in the direct selling industry.”
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FORTHCOMING EVENTS…..
HIGHLIGHT FOR THE PHARMACY CALENDAR
THE 2008 Annual Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA) will be held from 8-11 May at the Spier Wine Estate in the Western Cape. As the largest organisation that represents the interests of pharmacists in South Africa, the PSSA aims to use the conference as a means of informing members about the latest developments in their profession - and to provide sponsors with an opportunity to promote their organisations, products and services to pharmacists. Discussion of challenges, issues and opportunities that are of mutual concern is included in the comprehensive formal programme. Besides pharmacists from all the provinces, other guests are invited to ensure broad representation and informed discussion, including statutory councils, representatives from the national Department of Health, heads of provincial pharmaceutical services and representatives from other industry associations. The PSSA is continuously adapting the format of the conference to best suit the needs of the delegates, sponsors and exhibitors.
DURBAN WELLNESS AND BEAUTY SHOW
THE Body Show – coming up at the Durban Exhibition Centre on 22 and 23 September – will be the first specialised exhibition in Durban to target the wellness and beauty industry. It will present an assortment of mini-shows featuring alternative health, beauty, fitness, natural and organic products. Also on the cards is a programme of motivational presentations from various experts as well as demonstrations such as martial arts, yoga and cooking. An extensive media campaign is planned and 80 stands are available for exhibitors who wish to showcase their products and services to the consumer.
- For info & bookings contact Camilla Railton
- Phone (031) 572 3831 or 078 339 8300
- bodyexpo@gmail.com
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MORE RESEARCH NEEDED ON ANTIOXIDANT USE
AUSTRALIA: Responding to a recent review published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), Dietary antioxidants and primary prevention of age-related macular degeneration: systematic review and meta-analysis, the Australian Complementary Healthcare Council (CHC) has called for further research. The BMJ review concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support the use of dietary antioxidants, including supplementation for the primary prevention of age-related macular degeneration. The conclusion was disputed by Dr. Tony Lewis of the CHC who called for “further quality research to assess potential benefits in antioxidant consumption and the prevention of AMD. Given that the research is clearly there to show the benefits of antioxidant supplements in slowing the progression, it is imperative we look to quality studies to help stem potential vision loss.”
GUILTY OF FALSE CLAIMS ABOUT EPHEDRAUS:
The former president of a company manufacturing diet pills containing ephedra, which were the cause of many thousands of consumer complaints of adverse effects, has pleaded guilty to charges of making false statements to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He faces a substantial term of imprisonment and a heavy fine because, despite knowing the statement to be false, he had told the FDA that the company did not make claims for its products.
POSSIBLE RESTRICTIONS FOR FOLIC ACID
UK: In May 2007, the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommended that bread or flour be fortified with folic acid in order to decrease the number of babies born with neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Now, however, scientists at the Institute of Food Research (IFR) have highlighted possible adverse effects of fortifying food with this vitamin, due to the way in which it is absorbed in the body.
The FSA’s Scientific Advisory Group on Nutrition (SACN) has also been asked to consider two further studies carried out in the USA and Canada that show possible links between folic acid and colorectal cancer.
In a recent meeting between FSA and the food supplement industry, it was noted that while FSA still wish to implement policies which reduce the risk of neural tube defect, they also want to minimise the number of people taking amounts of folate over an upper limit of 1000mcg, and are likely to seek to limit supplement levels accordingly.
NO WARNING FOR BLACK COHOSH, SAYS AB
US: The American Botanical Council (ABC) has filed comment with the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) on its proposal for a cautionary statement for Black Cohosh products. ABC considers the data concerning the association between hepatoxicity and Black Cohosh to be insufficient for a caution and case reports to be inadequately substantiated. The ABC maintains there is no risk in properly manufactured Black Cohosh preparations.
GERMANY LOSES ON GARLIC CLASSIFICATION
EU: In a case that began in 2005, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has finally ruled that Germany failed to fulfil its obligations on the free movement of goods by refusing imports of garlic extract powder capsules as food supplements. This was done on the grounds that they were considered to be medicinal products and there was concern about the general risks of taking garlic. The judgement is important for the principle of mutual recognition, food supplements and botanicals in particular.
MEDICAL ALERT ON CHINESE HERBAL PRODUCTS
IRELAND: In August 2007, the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) posted an alert regarding a potentially harmful product containing aristolochic acid - Xie Gan Wan tablets. At the time it was thought that the tablets were not on the Irish market as they had been removed the previous year. However the IMB has now issued a further alert as Xie Gan Wan tablets have again been found on the Irish market, together with several other potentially harmful Traditional Chinese Medicine products containing varying levels of aristolochic acid. A similar alert has been circulated by the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.
NUTRIENT LABELLING CLAIMS RUN INTO TROUBLE
US: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to rule that certain nutrient content claims for food, including conventional foods and dietary supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids, do not meet the requirements of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and may not appear in food labelling. The proposal is in reaction to three notifications submitted under the Act concerning nutrient content claims for alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
ENFORCEMENT CONTROL AROUND LISTED PLANTS
US: US Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) requires ‘re-export certificates’ for export from the United States of finished products that contain certain plant species that are listed on CITES Appendix ll. The FWS is aggressively enforcing this requirement and has taken serious enforcement action against companies neglecting to obtain this paperwork prior to export. |
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HERE’S WHY SHOULD YOU SHOULD
JOIN THE H.P.A.
Manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of complementary medicines, food supplements and health foods and beverages can derive great benefits from becoming members of the Health Products Association of Southern Africa.
Established in 1978, the HPASA maintains the public profile of the health products industry as a dynamic, organised and responsible force. Having grown in strength and stature over the years, the HPASA now represents over 100 health product manufacturers and distributors in Southern Africa who work together as a unified voice to protect and represent the industry.
The benefits of becoming a member are many– for both small companies and giant multi-nationals. As a credible and scientific association, the primary focus for the HPASA is responsible regulation of the health products industry. To this end the HPASA continuously liaises with government bodies and works tirelessly to deal with regulation issues.
Of particular importance has been the establishment of the Self Monitoring Technical Committee (SMTC). The association undertook this initiative to serve the interests of members and consumers and ensure that high ethical standards of production, quality control, marketing and advertising would be maintained.
The HPASA also ensures that Good Manufacturing Procedures (GMP) are being employed by manufacturing concerns that are subject to the legislative controls of the Department of Health. The Association also assists member companies with claims and indications to ensure they stay within the CAMS parameters. Members are entitled to a range of benefits including media and advertising assistance, introductions to international distributor networks and access to a significant pool of information and resources as well as legal assistance.
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If you would like to share your company news with the industry please email:
fairallm@mweb.co.za or zansu@iafrica.com
Health Product Association of South Africa
PO Box 55544 • Northlands • Johannesburg 2116 •
South Africa
Tel : +27 11 789 4464 • Fax : +27 11 789 4464
email: hpasa@hpasa.co.za | website: www.hpasa.co.za
The opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily endorsed by the HPA.
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