10.01.06
Integrity Nutraceuticals International: Trust the Source
Tim Romero, executive vice president, Integrity Nutraceuticals International, Sarasota, FL, got his start in the nutraceuticals industry in 1993 working for a contract manufacturer. Interested in changing his focus, he decided to move into the ingredient segment in 1999. The environment in the market at that time was changing, and not for the better. According to Mr. Romero, there was an influx of disreputable players and lackluster products.
Taking all of this into consideration, Mr. Romero partnered with Lloyd Slabach, president of Integrity, to form an entity that would operate according to the highest standards, literally and figuratively. “At the time we founded the company, we noticed that there was a serious lack of integrity and quality in the marketplace. Therefore, we saw a need to create a company that customers could really trust,” Mr. Romero said.
Being men of strong faith, the two partners felt the teachings of the Bible held great relevance in creating their new business. To that end, they founded a holding company called FHG Corporation. Translation: For His Glory. Answering to a “higher” authority, they felt, was the only way to construct a solid foundation for their new enterprise. Putting this into practice, all employees are urged to abide by things like the “golden rule,” which means that they treat all people the way they would like to be treated. Another principle they live by is to look out not only for their own interests, but also the interests of others.
Armed with this philosophy, Integrity Nutraceuticals broke on to the nutraceuticals scene shortly after the formation of FHG. The company started out selling a majority of its ingredients to the sports nutrition market. However, eventually, with the markets expanding, Integrity branched out into weight loss and glucose control, as well as other important health areas.
There are well over 100 ingredients in the Integrity portfolio, ranging from amino acids to herbs and botanicals to specialty and branded ingredients. Right now its top seller is CinnulinPF, which is positioned as a premier cinnamon extract. In a recent clinical trial, 500 milligrams of Cinnulin PF daily significantly reduced the symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome, also known as Syndrome X, by supporting healthy glucose, body composition and blood pressure. This evidence, the company says, indicates a strong future for its signature product. Mr. Romero commented, “We are excited about this study along with several others that will be published later this year, all demonstrating efficacy.”
Another branded ingredient in the company’s arsenal is i-FAS503, a combination of three different herbs, which is positioned for weight loss because it can inhibit the body’s ability to store fat. Also in the weight loss category, the company offers Thermodiamine, which is the trade name for its Evodia rutaecarpa extract. Although sales for this ingredient were slow in the beginning, Mr. Romero says it is really starting to take off. Another signature product for the company is Razberi-K, which is also geared toward weight loss.
These days Integrity is looking to be more of an R&D company, rather than just an ingredient supplier. To make the transition easier, the company is in the process of expanding its laboratory facility and putting the right people in place. Speaking of the right people, the company recently added Peter Miller to its product development team. “He is a key person for us because he can help us develop the novel ingredient side of our business.”
But perhaps the biggest transition the company will make over the next year is expanding its operations and moving its headquarters. “We are currently finalizing plans for a new facility in Nashville, Tennessee,” said Mr. Romero, adding, “Moving to this location will help us be efficient from both a cost and distribution perspective. We hope to be operating from our new headquarters in the third quarter of next year.”
Mr. Romero believes companies have become a bit more quality conscious these days, but he said there are still those out there looking to take advantage. Further complicating matters is the absence of GMPs for dietary supplements. “Right now it is frustrating for a company to do what’s right by the regulations, especially when they are so vague. The industry is in great need of a more specific guide for manufacturing standards and all stand to benefit the sooner they are implemented.”—R.W.
Integrity Nutraceuticals International
201 Field End Street
Sarasota, FL 34240
Telephone: 941-342-0007
Fax: 941-342-7337
E-mail: info@integritynut.com
Website: www.integritynut.com