Despite Economic Slowdown, Nutritional Supplements Market Poised for Healthy Growth Through 2012

NEW YORK, NY, Aug 20 (MARKET WIRE) --
Every day, parents across the country tell their kids to take their
vitamins. According to a new study from Packaged Facts, "Nutritional
Supplements in the U.S.," it appears that adults and children alike are
starting to take this advice. Despite the economic doldrums afflicting
the nation, the report found that the market for vitamins, minerals,
homeopathics and herbals will jump 39% between 2008 and 2012 to reach
$8.5 billion.

The nutritional supplements market has been on an upswing, the report
found, revitalizing after sluggish growth in 2004-2005, and to grow 5% in
2006 and 8% in 2007. Helping to protect the category as consumers tighten
their discretionary spending belts are the strong preventive health care
angle of supplements and the market's sizeable component of better-off
demographics, including aging Baby Boomers.

Another factor contributing to increased sales is the success of products
that target a specific health condition, the report noted. Age-related
treatments, gender- and kid-targeted products and supplements cashing in
on food and beverage trends are the main thrusts in this area, with
condition-specific products accounting for nearly one-third of supplement
sales through the mass market.

"During the past decade, with the massive growth of highly fortified
foods, nutraceuticals and functional foods, supplements have been
competing directly with foods and beverages," notes Tatjana Meerman,
Publisher of Packaged Facts. "But increased media attention on obesity
and other diet-related health problems has prompted consumers to take
more aggressive steps to avert health problems before they occur, and
this includes renewed attention to taking their vitamins."

Packaged Facts' updated report, "Nutritional Supplements in the U.S.," 3rd
Edition, examines the U.S. market for nutritional supplements sold to
consumers through the entire retail spectrum, including vitamins,
minerals, herbals, homeopathics and combination products. The report
provides extensive retail sales breakouts, past and future, along with a
thorough examination of market drivers, the competitive situation,
marketer and brand shares, marketing trends, and consumer trends,
including health, wellness and dietary patterns and interest in
nutraceutical foods and beverages. For further information visit:
http://www.packagedfacts.com/Nutritional-Supplements-1634930/.

Packaged Facts publishes market intelligence on a wide range of consumer
industries, including consumer goods and retailing, foods and beverages,
demographics, pet, and financial products. Packaged Facts also offers a
full range of custom research services. For more information visit
www.packagedfacts.com, or contact Jenn Tekin at 240-747-3015 or
jtekin@marketresearch.com.

Contact:
Jenn Tekin
240-747-3015
jtekin@marketresearch.com

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