At a time when more than 150 million American adults say they use dietary supplements each year, the Council for Responsible Nutrition has found that a majority of physicians and nurses also use the products. The council reveals that 72 percent of U.S. physicians and 89 percent of nurses use vitamins, minerals, herbs or other supplements, while 79 percent and 82 percent, respectively, said they recommend dietary supplements to their patients. U.S. supplement sales totaled nearly $24 billion in 2007, according to industry reports.

Given these statistics, health care practitioners encompassing several disciplines have a tremendous marketing opportunity in nutrition, as the products …

• Support a variety of health conditions, protocols and therapies
• Help develop long-term business from patients who regularly reorder
• Generate referrals and help set health care practices apart from those of competitors
• Can be used with several bioenergetic testing devices
• Provide an alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, linked to serious gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects

Health care practitioners who sell nutritional products can choose from several distribution options, each providing flexibility based on desired profit and in-house resources. Many decide to store products in their offices, selling directly to patients. Others choose to sell supplements and have the manufacturer ship products to their patients, an option that eliminates inventory but requires staff time for billing. Finally, some programs allow the practitioner to recommend supplements and have patients order directly from the manufacturer, an alternative that cuts out staff time and inventory while still providing revenue. Probably one of the most profitable options, but potentially the most time consuming, is private label.

Call 800-637-7893 to learn more.