NORTHRIDGE, Calif. – (November 15, 2005) Pharmavite LLC, manufacturers of Nature Made® vitamins, minerals and other supplements, Nature’s Resource herbs and OLAY™ Vitamins, introduced a new drug-nutrient interaction and depletion (DNID) database as part of its online dietary supplement information resource, Vitamin & Herb University, www.vitaminherbuniversity.com.

“Taking supplements and prescription medications concurrently can cause potentially harmful interactions or lead to nutrient depletion. We created the DNID to arm pharmacists with accurate, current information on the relationship between drugs and dietary supplements,” said Rachel Agnew, registered dietitian, Pharmavite professional education. “As new research becomes available, the DNID will be updated so pharmacists have immediate access to the latest data.”

The new DNID reviews more than 70 vitamins, minerals, herbs and supplements and 16 common drug classes, identifying products to take or use with caution with certain drugs. Users can search by drug category, drug brand or supplement to learn about specific drug and nutrient interactions and nutritional depletions. For example, a pharmacist dispensing antibiotics may suggest a patient also take B vitamins as antibiotics interfere with proper utilization of these essential nutrients.

The online guide also includes a convenient printable chart that lists the drug categories and supplements with easily identifiable symbols indicating recommended use – ideal for posting at pharmacy counters. The DNID is a useful comprehensive communications tool for pharmacists and other health care professionals to reference, as they dispense medication and discuss patient well-being.

Pharmavite developed Vitamin Herb University (VHU) as an online resource to give retail pharmacists and other health care professionals immediate access to detailed dietary supplement information right at their fingertips. Pharmacists can share VHU information with consumers to help them make the right choices to stay healthy. Several retail pharmacists have in-store access to VHU, and more than 15,000 pharmacists have taken the site’s online continuing education exams, which are accredited by the University of Georgia. Pharmavite launched VHU in 2003.