The International Dietary Supplement Association (IDSA), Vero Beach, FL, has unveiled its new Certification website, http://idsacertification.org. The IDSA is a new organization supported by many in the supplement industry to help improve the knowledge base and professionalism of those who sell or recommend dietary supplements.
 
With 50% – 60% of Americans taking vitamins, minerals and other dietary supplements, it is apparent Americans consider dietary supplements as an important component of a well-balanced health routine. Consumers get their information about supplements from a vast array of sources — including manufacturers, marketers, and the media. In fact, there are over 3 million people in the U.S. who are actively selling/marketing dietary supplements, according to IDSA. The organization aims to support these groups though training, education and certification, in an attempt to raise the standards of those involved in the dietary supplement field.
 
Using well-known and accepted reference materials on dietary supplementation, the IDSA has developed a core body of knowledge on supplementation. This core body of knowledge has been reviewed and further defined by recognized experts from a variety of areas in the dietary supplement industry. Supplement professionals can now study this material and seek professional certification by successfully passing an examination that tests their mastery of this core body of knowledge. Professional certification provides the ability to distinguish between those who have demonstrated competency or knowledge in a field, and those who have not. The confirmation of mastery of basic nutritional supplement principles and practices should help meet the public’s expectations for knowledgeable professionals.
 
Those who pass the certification examination are granted Certified Supplement Nutritionist (CSN) credentials. To maintain certification they must demonstrate an ongoing professional commitment to the field of dietary supplements by satisfying IDSA’s continuing education requirements and abiding by its Code of Ethics.
 
The dietary supplement industry has continually exhibited its desire for high standards as it has voluntarily initiated any number of codes, guidelines and programs. IDSA’s certification program further contributes to this initiative by recognizing the importance of measuring the skills of those involved in the field against an industry standard for knowledge, thus further improving the overall quality of the profession.
 
The IDSA is an independent, non-sponsored association that advances knowledge and professionalism in the marketing and sales of dietary supplements. It is the first organization in the field to develop a core body of knowledge on supplementation for the purpose of providing Professional Certification to those who sell or recommend dietary supplements to the public.