Proposed legislation calls for expanded access to dietary supplements through SNAP and WIC

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My students are wrapping up their second project of the semester for which they explore claims, efficacy, and safety of a dietary supplement using credible websites and medical literature (see post from 10-13-2020).  This project not only provides opportunity to learn about a particular supplement, but exposes them to the challenges and questions surrounding supplement regulation and recommendations.  This week during "live" office hours I plan to share the recently proposed Congressional legislation to expand access to dietary supplements via programs like SNAP, WIC, HSAs and FSAs for discussion.  Currently neither SNAP nor WIC allow participants to purchase dietary supplements through the programs.   Interesting proposal that will no doubt generate discussion and debate among health professionals, health organizations, policy makers, and industry representatives.   This proposed legislation certainly brings questions and concerns to my mind!   Read more here:  

https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2021/03/18/Ed-Towns-Jr-calls-to-expand-access-to-dietar...

And in looking for more on this proposed legislation, I came across this 3/9/2021 article that reports a 12% increase in supplement sales in 2020 alone - and a call for more government focus on supplement regulation, industry practices, and consumer protection.  https://wholefoodsmagazine.com/columns/trade-secrets/modernizing-regulations-for-a-safer-dietary-sup... 

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About the Author
Jamie Pope, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Adjunct Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University, has worked in the areas of obesity research, health promotion, heart disease prevention, and since 2000 teaching introductory nutrition. Beyond the classroom, she adapted portions of her nutrition courses to produce a Massive Open Online Course attracting more than 175,000 participants from around the world. This experience earned Jamie an Innovation in Teaching award from the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She is the co-author of the textbook entitled Nutrition for a Changing World. Now in its second edition, the text is in use in over 140 universities across the U.S. and the recipient of a 2020 Textbook Excellence Award. Most recently she developed and produced an audio course for Learn25.com (Nutrition 101: Understanding the Science and Practice of Eating Well) that is also featured on platforms like Apple Books and Audible. Jamie holds a Master’s of Science degree in Nutrition and post graduate work in Health Psychology. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Jamie is an active member and serves on the board of the Textbook and Academic Authors Association. She has authored or contributed to numerous scientific and popular press publications. Jamie also held several corporate positions, serving as nutrition consultant and media representative.