By: Rebecca Wright
My oldest niece headed off to college last month and she already knows what she wants to be when she grows up. In fact, she told me—without hesitation—she wants a job in the medical research field. Can you believe that? I remember when I left for college (which, ironically, was a week after my niece was born) and I had NO IDEA what I wanted to do with my life.
Watching my niece grow up has been an interesting experience. From coaching her “kinder kickers” soccer team, to attending her gymnastics competitions, to just laughing on the couch with her and my other nieces, it has been a memorable journey. But it has not been without its bumps. She was diagnosed with Type I diabetes in the summer of 2009. A year later she had her appendix taken out. Currently she is struggling with a possible gluten allergy. Despite all of this, I am proud to say she has taken it all in stride. She’s one tough cookie (a sugar-free one, that is).
This experience reminds me so much of watching the nutraceuticals industry grow up. It has been enlightening and rewarding a good majority of the time, but it has also been challenging. Still, the industry has survived ephedra, adverse event reporting and GMPs (so far, anyway). And despite the handful of Senators and other authorities that continually test the strength of this industry, I know it will persevere.
This industry will ALWAYS have a role to play in consumers’ lives from a health and well-being standpoint. And it will soon (within the next 10 years) play a central role in healthcare, especially as the medical community realizes that drugs can only take them so far in patient care.
With more consumers taking ownership of their health, expect more self-diagnosis to go along with it. According to recent research from The Hartman Group, “…historically consumers often see prescription drugs as a last treatment resort and today’s consumers are more likely to be treating self-diagnosed moods and emotional states with their diet (e.g., foods and beverages) rather than turning to medications.”
This industry has traveled a long road and it will continue to grow in ways never before imagined—the possibilities are endless. As for my niece, perhaps by the time she’s all grown up she’ll have found a cure for diabetes.
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New to the ‘Nut’ Team
It is a pleasure to welcome Nick Wegman to our sales team. As a BBQ and health food aficionado and fitness enthusiast, he’ll fit right in with the rest of us ‘nuts.’ You can reach him at nwegman@rodpub.com.
