The group said it was formed to, “shed light on misconceptions about diet and appropriate use of vitamin and mineral supplementation, as part of a healthy lifestyle”.
It said the vitamin and mineral landscape was, “riddled with inconsistent messages and misconceptions that ultimately may confuse both healthcare professionals and consumers.”
Initial efforts aimed at educating healthcare professionals about the role of vitamin D and omega-3s in the diet. It said deficiencies remained common for these two and other nutrients.
"The goal of [GNHA] is to add to and elevate credible science behind [vitamin and mineral supplements] and in turn educate about appropriate use," said Suzanne Steinbaum, DO, director, Women's Heart Health at the Heart and Vascular Institute at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.
"As a member of the Alliance, I hope to bring greater clarity and understanding to supplementation for consumers and healthcare colleagues alike."
Nigel Denby, RD, head of dietetics at www.Grub4Life.com in London added: "National guidelines for daily nutrient intake exist in almost every country, yet the reality is that much of the global population is overfed but undernourished.”
Inaugural GNHA members include:
- Regan Bailey, PhD, RD: Nutritional Epidemiologist, National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements; Washington DC
- Bryan Haycock: Exercise Physiologist, Health Medical Affairs, RB; Salt Lake City, Utah
- Clemens von Schacky, MD: Head of Preventative Cardiology, University of Munich, Germany
- Katherine Sherif, MD: Director, Jefferson Women's Primary; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The GNHA is funded by Reckitt Benckiser.