Nutrition 21 Launches New Innovative PRESCRIPTIX(TM) Nutraceuticals Product Line

Featuring Clinical Drug Study Dosages to Address Bone Density, Heart Health
and Joint Health

PURCHASE, N.Y., July 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nutrition 21, Inc. (Nasdaq:
NXXI), a developer and marketer of nutritional supplements that help consumers
manage blood sugar levels, improve cardiovascular health, enhance memory and
address chronic joint pain today announced the newest addition to its
portfolio of wellness brands: PRESCRIPTIX(TM).

The PRESCRIPTIX product line, comprised of three separate products, provides
consumers a safe and more natural option by delivering clinical drug study
levels of specific nutrients to enhance bone density, heart, and joint health.
-- PRESCRIPTIX-OP promotes bone density with clinical study doses of
calcium and Vitamin D3;
-- PRESCRIPTIX-CP promotes heart health via clinical study doses of
CoQ10;

-- PRESCRIPTIX-JP supports joint health with clinical doses of
glucosamine
and chondroitin.

PRESCRIPTIX(TM) delivers the nutrients without a prescription via an
innovative, two-step fusion caplet delivery system. The line contains key
nutrients that do not have the side effects evident in many prescription
medications. The new product line began shipping mid-June to more than 6000
Walgreens stores nationwide.

In addition to providing key clinical dose nutrients, the innovative
PRESCRIPTIX(TM) delivery system offers a second advantage: a system formulated
to enhance the efficient transmittal of the nutrients, and their benefits, to
the body. The breakthrough, two-step fusion caplet system centers around a
single dose comprised of two caplets which act as companions to one another:
the first caplet contains the clinical dosages of nutrients; the second caplet
contains a proprietary "smart" nutrient mix formulated to enhance and maximize
the beneficial effects of the first caplet.

"This revolutionary product line offers consumers affordable, innovative
alternatives to their bone density, heart and joint health support regimens,"
said Dean DiMaria, senior vice president-marketing, Nutrition 21. "The
combination of delivering clinical study strength nutrients without a
prescription and the innovation of our two-step fusion caplet delivery system
is yet one more example of Nutrition 21's solid track record of creating
innovative products known to continually offer best-in-class science with top
quality ingredients. We are excited about the promise that PRESCRIPTIX brings
to helping Americans achieve their goals of living longer, healthier and
happier lives."

About PRESCRIPTIX-OP(TM)
The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that by 2010, approximately 12
million people over the age of 50 are expected to have osteoporosis and
another 40 million to have low bone mass. Women, in particular, may lose
between 35 and 50 percent of their bone density as they age. There are two
key defenses people can employ to support bone health - 1.) maintain bone
density and 2.) retain bone mass. PRESCRIPTIX-OP provides clinical drug study
levels of calcium and vitamin D3 - two nutrients integral to maintaining and
protecting bone density - to help promote bone mass retention, maintain and
retain bone density, and support calcium replenishment.

About PRESCRIPTIX-CP(TM)
It is estimated that one in three Americans have one or more types of
cardiovascular disease. Two of the most prevalent conditions associated with
this class of disease are high blood pressure (hypertension) and coronary
heart disease. PRESCRIPTIX-CP provides clinical study dosages of Coenzyme Q10
- an essential energy nutrient that has been found to be in low levels in
people with heart disorders - to support long term cardiovascular health.

About PRESCRIPTIX-JP(TM)
Nearly one-third of Americans suffer from chronic joint pain which affects
people at any age and at any activity level. If not properly treated, chronic
joint pain typically gets progressively worse and can lead to arthritis or
other related conditions. PRESCRIPTIX-JP provides clinical study doses of
glucosamine and chondroitin - two essential building blocks for healthy joints
- to enhance joint mobility and flexibility and to improve joint function and
comfort.

The PRESCRIPTIX line of supplements is now available in the vitamin aisle
exclusively at Walgreens stores nationwide. For more information, visit
http://www.nutrition21.com and www.PRESCRIPTIX.net.

About Nutrition 21
Nutrition 21, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXXI), headquartered in Purchase, NY, is a
nutritional bioscience company and the maker of chromium picolinate-based and
omega-3 fish oil-based supplements with health benefits substantiated by
clinical research. Nutrition 21 holds more than 30 patents for nutrition
products and uses. Nutrition 21's portfolio of health and wellness products
include: Iceland Health Chromax(R), Iceland Health Advanced Memory
Formula(TM), Diabetes Essentials, Iceland Health(R) Maximum Strength Omega-3
and Iceland Health(R) Joint Relief. The company also manufactures private
label supplements and ingredients for third parties. Nutrition 21 distributes
its products nationally through more than 29,000 major food, drug and super
center stores throughout the United States and internationally. For more
information please visit http://www.nutrition21.com.

Safe Harbor Provision
This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements. The words
"believe," "expect," "anticipate" and other similar expressions generally
identify forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their
dates. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the Company's
current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties,
including without limitation: the effect of the expiration of patents;
regulatory issues; uncertainty in the outcomes of clinical trials; changes in
external market factors; changes in the Company's business or growth strategy
or an inability to execute its strategy due to changes in its industry or the
economy generally; the emergence of new or growing competitors; various other
competitive factors; and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to
time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
including its Form 10-K/A for the year ended June 30, 2008. Actual results
could differ materially from the results referred to in the forward-looking
statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no
assurance that the results referred to in the forward-looking statements
contained in this press release will in fact occur. Additionally, the Company
makes no commitment to disclose any revisions to forward-looking statements,
or any facts, events or circumstances after the date hereof that may bear upon
forward-looking statements.

CONTACT:
Lytham Partners, LLC
Joe Diaz, Joe Dorame, Robert Blum
(602) 889-9700

SOURCE Nutrition 21, Inc.

Joe Diaz, Joe Dorame, or Robert Blum, all of Lytham Partners, LLC,
+1-602-889-9700, for Nutrition 21, Inc.