Corrections or additions?
This column was published in U.S. 1 Newspaper on November 10, 1999. All rights reserved.
Between the Lines
When does U.S. 1 print articles about the personal problems
of the people in its readership area? Almost never. But an item on
page 53 of this issue is an exception to the rule, and an opportunity
to explain that rule in some detail.
In our view personal peccadilloes such as marijuana charges (the subject
of the aforementioned item), drunk driving (arguably more dangerous
than marijuana usage), and marital affairs should remain personal.
But when the charges change the face of the business landscape (such
as the current drug arrest that has led to a change in the executive
suite at MIIX, the medical malpractice insurance company), then our
attention is warranted.
Other types of stories that U.S. 1 does not normally cover include
tenant-landlord disputes (but we have made exceptions to report entire
neighborhoods going to court against their developer); employee complaints
(except those that trigger landmark legal cases); and divorce proceedings
(though we have covered some that involved important new case law
or celebrity partners). If that makes for boring reading, we can only
apologize — and refer you to the titillating content of network
television or to the true master of sleaze, Judge Kenneth Starr.
YOUR BALANCED article (October 20) on NutRx Natural Therapies and
nutriceuticals (October 20) was a service to the reader in helping
make that “new” term more understood. Boomers are discovering
(or rediscovering) the idea of personal responsibility in many areas,
particularly health.
It can be difficult to obtain reliable information about the natural
products industry. The article described supplements as a $3.9 billion
business. The size of the natural products market for 1998, including
everything from organic foods to raw herbs to vitamin supplements,
is in excess of $25.8 billion, with the supplement segment estimated
at $13.9 billion, a 23 percent jump over 1997. Online sales of supplements
grew from $12 million in 1997 to $40 million in 1998. During the time
that the article was being drafted, NutRx introduced a direct-to-consumer
marketing program, starting with LipiChol, for patients with elevated
cholesterol levels.
The LipiChol 90-Day Challenge promises customers who take LipiChol
(according to directions) for 90 days a minimum 10 percent reduction
in total cholesterol — if not, customers receive a money-back
guarantee. LipiChol contains lipid lowering agents including red rice
yeast extract, tocotrienols (with all-natural Vitamin E), hexaniacinate
and the patented absorption-enhancer Bioperine.
By January 1, we will launch an E-Commerce component to this campaign
(https://www.YourDoctorKnows.com). This does not disengage
the physician, but enhances our ability to get information out regarding
treatment and prevention options. Moreover, it will allow NutRx to
capture a greater market share, enhancing our ability to fund educational
programs and web content for physicians and consumers.
Christian L. LeFer Jr.
CEO, NutRx Natural Therapies
Corrections or additions?
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