05.25.18
American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) Chief Information Analyst Merle Zimmermann, PhD, will be presenting at the Mary Frances Picciano Dietary Supplement Research Practicum being held by the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from May 30 to June 1, at the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD.
Dr. Zimmermann will provide an overview of AHPA’s work, including recent initiatives and resources developed to support the herbal supplement industry. He is also participating in a Meet the Stakeholders panel of industry and consumer organizations involved in the dietary supplement marketplace.
“Participating in the Mary Frances Picciano Dietary Supplement Research Practicum is another way that AHPA connects with future scientists and doctors to build their understanding of the dietary supplement industry and introduce them to resources and support provided by the commercial sector for these traditional, natural wellness practices.” Dr. Zimmermann explained. “It is critical to educate the next generation of academic and wellness experts so they can inform consumers and patients about the wide variety of products that promote health and well-being.”
Approximately 80 full-time healthcare providers as well as academic faculty, research practitioners, doctoral students, postdocs, and fellows involved in dietary supplement research and students in allied health schools are expected participate in the two-and-a-half-day practicum. Attendees will be provided with a thorough overview and grounding on the issues, concepts, unknowns, and controversies about dietary supplements and supplement ingredients. Presenters will also emphasize the importance of scientific investigation to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and value of these products for health promotion and disease prevention as well as how to carry out this type of research.
Topics to be addressed include:
Dr. Zimmermann previously presented at the 2017 Practicum. That presentation is available online.
Dr. Zimmermann will provide an overview of AHPA’s work, including recent initiatives and resources developed to support the herbal supplement industry. He is also participating in a Meet the Stakeholders panel of industry and consumer organizations involved in the dietary supplement marketplace.
“Participating in the Mary Frances Picciano Dietary Supplement Research Practicum is another way that AHPA connects with future scientists and doctors to build their understanding of the dietary supplement industry and introduce them to resources and support provided by the commercial sector for these traditional, natural wellness practices.” Dr. Zimmermann explained. “It is critical to educate the next generation of academic and wellness experts so they can inform consumers and patients about the wide variety of products that promote health and well-being.”
Approximately 80 full-time healthcare providers as well as academic faculty, research practitioners, doctoral students, postdocs, and fellows involved in dietary supplement research and students in allied health schools are expected participate in the two-and-a-half-day practicum. Attendees will be provided with a thorough overview and grounding on the issues, concepts, unknowns, and controversies about dietary supplements and supplement ingredients. Presenters will also emphasize the importance of scientific investigation to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and value of these products for health promotion and disease prevention as well as how to carry out this type of research.
Topics to be addressed include:
- Supplement use in the U.S. and reasons for use;
- The regulatory framework governing supplements;
- Differences in bringing foods, drugs, and supplements to market;
- Supplement quality;
- Assessing the health effects of foods and supplements; and
- Developing policies and advice about supplement use based on science.
Dr. Zimmermann previously presented at the 2017 Practicum. That presentation is available online.
