Number One Broadline Supplement Manufacturer Launches Stop Osteoporosis Now! Consumer Education Campaign

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. (October 14, 2004) — Today, Pharmavite LLC, manufacturer of Nature Made® vitamins, minerals and other supplements, announced support for a new report from the Surgeon General titled “Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A Report of the Surgeon General" and the launch of an extensive consumer education campaign. Led by the Nature Made brand, Pharmavite’s Stop Osteoporosis Now! consumer education campaign will focus on osteoporosis prevention through calcium intake, including supplementation, exercise and changing lifestyle habits. The Surgeon General recommended calcium supplements in his report for people who can’t meet the recommended amount through their diet.

“As the dietary supplement industry leader, we are well positioned to lead a consumer osteoporosis awareness campaign,” says Katherine Mardesich, Nature Made product manager. “The Stop Osteoporosis Now! campaign and Nature Made’s extensive calcium product offering provides consumers the tools they need to take control of their bone health.”

Osteoporosis is a major public health threat that can lead to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures. According to the Surgeon General’s report, an estimated 44 million Americans, or one in 10, has a bone disease or is at risk of developing one. Moreover, while the majority of people with osteoporosis are women, the disease affects men as well. In fact, 20% of people with osteoporosis are men.

“It is never too late, or too early, to start taking care of your bones,” says Heidi Becker, M.S., R.D., Pharmavite consumer education specialist. “Add calcium and weight-bearing exercises to your daily routine and stop calcium stealing habits, such as smoking and consuming salty foods, to improve bone health and prevent osteoporosis.”

To arm all consumers with osteoporosis prevention information, Nature Made’s Stop Osteoporosis Now! campaign offers numerous resources to consumers and media to encourage self-education. All resources encourage consumers to also consult their health care professional.

Stop Osteoporosis Now! Online. The Nature Made Wellness Advisor available at NatureMade.com offers an Osteoporosis Prevention calculator, which allows consumers to calculate their osteoporosis risk factors. In addition, numerous articles offering consumer information such as Nature Made’s Guide to Calcium, Building Bone Density and the Better Bone Check-Up are available on the Web site.

Stop Osteoporosis Now! Consumer Hotline. Consumers can contact trained specialists who can answer questions about bone loss prevention, calcium and other nutritional needs. Specialists are available via Nature Made’s toll-free consumer hotline at 1-800-276-2878 toll-free or online at NatureMade.com.

Public Relations. Nature Made plans to distribute a consumer education broadcast piece on lifestyle factors that impact bone health and tips for osteoporosis prevention during the Bone and Joint Decade’s National Awareness Week.

Stop Osteoporosis Now! POS. At shelf materials will highlight the Surgeon General’s prevention recommendations, including calcium.

Nature Made offers consumers a number of convenient consumer calcium options, including Nature Made Calcium Minis, which are 30 percent smaller than traditional calcium products, but contain the same amount of calcium found in larger tablets; Nature Made Chewable Calcium Tablets and Nature Made Advanced Calcium High Absorption.