An August 2002 U.S. patent issued to Innovative Foods Inc. provides a method of infusing nutrients such as vitamins, phytochemicals, herbal extracts and medicinals into fruits, vegetables and other underutilized food products.

On March 7th, 2003, the FDA proposed labeling and manufacturing standards for all dietary supplements. Under the cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) proposal, manufacturers would be required to evaluate the identity, purity, quality, strength and composition of their dietary ingredients and dietary supplements.

Elevated sales of calcium supplements and fortified foods evidence concerns about osteoporosis, even as isoflavones and essential fatty acids join the battle.

Consumer awareness of eye-health, along with landmark research supporting supplementation benefits, gives direction for nutritional products companies.

A Nutrition Business Journal report titled "Consumer Research in the Nutrition Industry II," concludes consumers are ill-informed about nutritional science, brands and regulations, making them easy prey for misconceptions and misinformation.

The interest in foods with healthful properties has increased the need for food formulators to offer additional benefits in the foods and beverages they manufacture.

Although supermarkets fill an important role in our society...they are not a good place to educate the consumer about the functional benefits of food.

With complex mechanisms maintaining body cholesterol levels, foods to pharmaceuticals must fight for 'share of healthcare.'