Minisymposia Archive

 

2026

  • NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Seminar Series
    January 7 – May 13, 2026
    The 2025–2026 ODS Seminar series featured presentations by experts who conduct research on dietary supplements, nutrition, and related issues. The seminars took place monthly and were presented live and viewed remotely via WebEx webinars. Contact ODS to receive seminar announcements and webinar information for the upcoming 2025–2026 Seminar Series: [email protected]

2025

  • Collaboration Within and Beyond the NIH Consortium for Advancing Research on Botanicals and Other Natural Products (CARBON)
    September 26–29, 2025
    The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) and National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) hosted a virtual symposium that highlighted the major advances achieved by the CARBON Centers through both intra- and inter-Center collaborations during the 2020–2025 project periods as well as plans for the next phase of the program and other natural products research collaborative opportunities at NIH.
  • Sleep in a Bottle? Research Needs and Gaps in Ingested, Non-Prescription Interventions for Better Sleep
    September 15–16, 2025
    This virtual workshop, co-organized by ODS and the NIH National Center on Sleep Disorders Research of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, aimed to better understand the most important gaps in knowledge of dietary supplements and other non-prescription products used to improve sleep. Discussions also focused on prioritizing future research, identifying required tools and resources, and determining how future studies could help advance our knowledge of sleep and circadian rhythms.
  • NIH Workshop on Prenatal Dietary Supplements: Evidence Gaps and Research Needs
    June 30 – July 1, 2025
    ODS sponsored this workshop to review the state of the science on prenatal dietary supplements and determine whether nutrient levels in current formulations support maternal and infant health. The workshop also aimed to identify gaps for further research and describe considerations for appropriate ranges of nutrient content in prenatal dietary supplements marketed in the U.S. based on the available evidence.

2024

2023

  • NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Seminar Series
    September 13 – June 12, 2024
    The 2023-2024 ODS Seminar series features presentations by experts who conduct research on dietary supplements, nutrition, and related issues. The seminars take place monthly and are presented live and viewed remotely via WebEx webinars. Contact ODS to receive seminar announcements and webinar information: [email protected]
  • Mary Frances Picciano Dietary Supplement Research Practicum
    May 22–24, 2023
    This 3-day comprehensive educational program is designed to provide a thorough overview and grounding about issues, concepts, unknowns, and controversies about dietary supplements and supplement ingredients. It will also emphasize the importance of scientific investigations to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and value of these products for health promotion and disease prevention as well as how to carry out this type of research. This practicum is open to all, although it is particularly geared toward faculty, graduate students, and research practitioners in health-related disciplines such as nutrition, food science, pharmacy, pharmacology and pharmacognosy, exercise science and kinesiology, medicine, dentistry, nursing, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
  • NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Seminar Series
    January 11 – May 3, 2023
    The 2022-2023 ODS Seminar series features presentations by experts who conduct research on dietary supplements, nutrition, and related issues. The seminars take place monthly and are presented live and viewed remotely via WebEx webinars. Contact ODS to receive seminar announcements and webinar information: [email protected]

2022

  • NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Seminar Series
    September 12 – May 3, 2023
    The 2022-2023 ODS Seminar series features presentations by experts who conduct research on dietary supplements, nutrition, and related issues. The seminars take place monthly and are presented live and viewed remotely via WebEx webinars. Contact ODS to receive seminar announcements and webinar information: [email protected]
  • Pathways to Prevention (P2P) Program: Nutrition as Prevention for Improved Cancer Health Outcomes
    July 26–28, 2022
    Speakers in this Pathways to Prevention (P2P) workshop will assess the scientific evidence on how nutritional interventions affect cancer health outcomes. After the workshop, an independent panel will draft a report on evidence gaps and identify priorities for future research. The sponsoring organizations of this workshop are the National Cancer Institute, National Institute on Aging, NIH Office of Nutrition Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, and NIH Office of Disease Prevention. Registration for this virtual workshop is required.
  • Mary Frances Picciano Dietary Supplement Research Practicum
    May 23–25, 2022
    This 3-day practicum provided a thorough overview and grounding on the issues, concepts, unknowns, and controversies about dietary supplements and supplement ingredients. It also emphasized the importance of scientific investigation to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and value of these products for health promotion and disease prevention as well as how to carry out this type of research. The annual practicum is open to everyone but is designed as an educational opportunity for faculty, students, and practitioners with a serious interest in the subject. Presentations from the 2022 Practicum, which was held virtually, were videotaped and are available for viewing.

    May 23, 2022: Day 1: https://videocast.nih.gov/watch=44992
    May 24, 2022: Day 2: https://videocast.nih.gov/watch=44994
    May 25, 2022: Day 3: https://videocast.nih.gov/watch=44996
  • Precision Probiotic Therapies—Challenges and Opportunities
    April 26–27, 2022
    The goals of this 2-day workshop were to: 1) identify gaps in our current understanding of the biology of the gut microbiota and of probiotics and 2) identify research questions and methodological challenges posed by those gaps. Knowledge developed through these activities will provide a critical foundation for future research efforts to develop “precision probiotic therapies.” This workshop was held as a virtual meeting and is available as NIH Videocast recordings:
  • ODS Research Scholars Symposium
    February 22, 2022
    The ODS Research Scholars Program is a one-year competitive scholarship opportunity for early career NIH intramural scientists to study the biological mechanisms, or role, of dietary supplement ingredients in health promotion and disease prevention. The FY 2021 group of scholars will present their research findings at the annual ODS Research Scholars Symposium, to be held virtually on Tuesday, February 22, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET.  
  • Trans-NIH Resilience Working Group Winter Seminar: The Science of Bouncing Back From Health Stressors: Development and Application of the Duke Pepper Model of Physical Resilienceexternal link disclaimer
    February 9, 2022
    Join the Trans-NIH Resilience Working Group for its Winter Seminar, Wednesday, Feb. 9th, 11:00 am - 12 noon ET.  Heather E. Whitson, M.D. will discuss maintaining independence and quality of life as we age, and the importance of the ability to recover after health stressors, such as infections, illnesses, and injuries. Dr. Whitson is Professor of Medicine and Director of the Duke Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina.
  • NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Seminar Series
    January 12 – May 18, 2022
    The 2021-2022 ODS Seminar series features presentations by experts who conduct research on dietary supplements, nutrition, and related issues. The seminars take place monthly and are presented live and viewed remotely via WebEx webinars. Contact ODS to receive seminar announcements and webinar information: [email protected]

2021

  • ODS 25th Anniversary Scientific Symposium
    October 25–26, 2021
    The ODS 25th Anniversary Scientific Symposium featured talks by experts in the field of dietary supplement science. The symposium was open to the public and nearly 1,000 people attended the virtual event.
  • NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Seminar Series
    September 15 – January 12, 2022
    The 2021-2022 ODS Seminar series features presentations by experts who conduct research on dietary supplements, nutrition, and related issues. The seminars take place monthly and are presented live and viewed remotely via WebEx webinars. Contact ODS to receive seminar announcements and webinar information: [email protected]
  • Mary Frances Picciano Dietary Supplement Research Practicum
    May 25–27, 2021
    This 3-day practicum provides a thorough overview and grounding on the issues, concepts, unknowns, and controversies about dietary supplements and supplement ingredients. It also emphasizes the importance of scientific investigation to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and value of these products for health promotion and disease prevention as well as how to carry out this type of research. The practicum is open to everyone, but is designed as an educational opportunity for faculty, students, and practitioners with a serious interest in the subject. All presentations are available for viewing: 
  • Trans-NIH Resilience Working Group Inaugural Webinar: Designing Resilience Research in the Context of Military Stress
    May 19, 2021
    Join the Trans-NIH Resilience Working Group for its inaugural webinar where NIH grantees from the University of Minnesota Medical School discuss their strategies for designing resilience research within the context of military stress. Featured speaker, Melissa A. Polusny, Ph.D., L.P., is principal investigator of the Advancing Research on Mechanism of Resilience (ARMOR) Study, a large multi-level, prospective longitudinal study investigating resilience processes that promote adjustment among National Guard service members. This study is supported by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Dr. Polusny will describe her study and address how it was designed, and how concepts of resilience were applied for measuring study outcomes. Her colleague, Christopher R. Erbes, Ph.D., A.B.P.P., will participate in a brief panel discussion following the main presentation. The recording of this webinar is now available for public view on the NIH VideoCast Past Events website:  https://videocast.nih.gov/watch=41984
  • ODS Webinar “Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know”
    March 16, 2021
    The video recording of the ODS webinar, Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know is available on the NIH VideoCast website. The 1-hour webinar is presented by Scientific and Health Communications Consultants Paul Thomas, Ed.D., R.D.N., and Carol Haggans, M.S., R.D., with an introduction by Joseph Betz, Ph.D., Acting ODS Director. Originally presented on March 16, 2021, the webinar addresses essential facts about dietary supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and botanicals, and concludes with a Q&A session that addresses many commonly asked questions about these products.
  • NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Seminar Series
    January 13 – June 23, 2021
    The 2020-2021 ODS Seminar series features presentations by experts who conduct research on dietary supplements, nutrition, and related issues. The seminars take place monthly from 11 a.m. to noon (ET) and are presented live and viewed remotely via WebEx webinars. Contact ODS to receive seminar announcements and webinar information: [email protected]

2020

  • NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Seminar Series
    September 16 – December 2, 2020
    The 2020-2021 ODS Seminar series features presentations by experts who conduct research on dietary supplements, nutrition, and related issues. The seminars take place monthly from 11 a.m. to noon (ET) and are presented live and viewed remotely via WebEx webinars. Contact ODS to receive seminar announcements and webinar information: [email protected]
  • NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Seminar Series
    February 19 – May 27, 2020
    The 2019-2020 ODS Seminar series features presentations by experts who conduct research on dietary supplements, nutrition, and related issues. The seminars take place monthly from 11 a.m. to noon in the ground floor conference room of 6100 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD. These seminars may also be viewed remotely via webinar. Contact ODS to receive seminar announcements: [email protected]
  • Nutrition During Pregnancy and Lactation: Exploring New Evidenceexternal link disclaimer
    January 29–30, 2020
    The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) held this workshop to explore the current state of the science of nutrition during pregnancy and lactation. Significant research and advances have taken place since NASEM released its last reports and recommendations on nutrition during pregnancy and lactation in 1990 (Nutrition During Pregnancy) and 1991 (Nutrition During Lactation). The workshop was sponsored by the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Health Canada, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The agenda, the speakers' presentations, and video recordings from the workshop have been posted to the meeting webpage. 

2019

  • NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Seminar Series
    September 18 – December 11, 2019
    The 2019-2020 ODS Seminar series features presentations by experts who conduct research on dietary supplements, nutrition, and related issues. The seminars take place monthly from 11 a.m. to noon in the ground floor conference room of 6100 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD. These seminars may also be viewed remotely via webinar. Contact ODS to receive seminar announcements: [email protected]
  • Workshop on Metabolic Interactions between Folic Acid Excess and Vitamin B12 Deficiency
    July 31 – August 1, 2019
    The main objectives of the workshop are to (1) deliberate on the potential mechanisms of excess folate/folic acid and Vit B12 deficiency, as well as potential biological effects of unmetabolized folic acid; and (2) develop consensus on various basic and clinical experimental study designs, intervention strategies and experimental models for exploring the biochemical mechanisms for these interactions. This workshop, sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, will take place at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda in Bethesda, MD. 
  • XV International Magnesium Symposium: Magnesium in Health and Diseaseexternal link disclaimer
    March 20–22, 2019
    This annual meeting of the International Society for the Development of Research on Magnesium was held on the NIH Campus in Bethesda, Maryland. The program included presentations on the latest scientific data in magnesium research -- spanning from molecular mechanisms to epidemiology and clinical data. The program highlighted molecular biology of magnesium transport and analysis and crucial nutritional aspects, as well as biological and clinical research on magnesium in diseases.
  • NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Seminar Series
    January 16 – June 12, 2019
    The 2018-2019 ODS Seminar series features presentations by experts who conduct research on dietary supplements, nutrition, and related issues. The seminars take place monthly from 11 a.m. to noon in the ground floor conference room of 6100 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD. These seminars may also be viewed remotely via webinar. Contact ODS to receive seminar announcements: [email protected]

2018

  • NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Seminar Series
    September 26 – December 12, 2018
    The 2018-2019 ODS Seminar series features presentations by experts who conduct research on dietary supplements, nutrition, and related issues. The seminars take place monthly from 11 a.m. to noon in the ground floor conference room of 6100 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD. These seminars may also be viewed remotely via webinar. Contact ODS to receive seminar announcements: [email protected]
  • Enhancing Natural Product Clinical Trialsexternal link disclaimer
    September 13–14, 2018
    A workshop, “Enhancing Natural Product Clinical Trials,” was held on September 13-14, 2018 in Natcher Auditorium on the NIH Campus in Bethesda, Maryland. The overall goal of this workshop was to enhance the progression of natural products research from foundational data (e.g., from preclinical and epidemiological research) to actionable public health information. The workshop brought together trans-disciplinary experts for structured discussions of good practices for rigor in obtaining, reporting, interpreting and assessing foundational data for natural product clinical trials (NPCT), as well as for NPCT decision-making and design. Adoption of these good practices would be expected to enhance return on investment in NPCT.

2016

  • Iron Screening and Supplementation of Iron-replete Pregnant Women and Young Children
    September 28–29, 2016
  • Addressing Challenges in the Assessment of Botanical Dietary Supplement Safety
    April 26–27, 2016
    The safety of botanical dietary supplements is an important public health issue. This workshop engaged experts from multiple disciplines to focus on practical approaches for addressing challenges in botannicals such as developing methods and criteria for assessing phytoequivalence of botanicals, identifying active constituent(s) or patterns of biological response of botanicals, and assessing absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of botanicals. Participants discussed the relative merits of dedicating scientific attention to identifying the active constituent(s) in botanicals and identifying biological signatures that are predictive of adverse events (biomarkers of effect). Presentations addressed promising approaches (e.g., high throughput screening, computational tools) and accompanying challenges for using these approaches to advance the understanding of the risks associated with botanical use. This workshop was co-sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences National Toxicology Program.

2015

  • Options for Consideration of Chronic Disease Endpoints for Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs)
    March 10–11, 2015
    This intensive workshop brought together experts to provide a forum to consider options for including chronic disease endpoints in the setting of future dietary reference intakes (DRIs).  The DRIs are widely used in the design and evaluation of research studies and results, in planning and monitoring nutrition-related public health programs and initiatives, in assessing the nutritional status of individuals and groups, and in patient and consumer counseling and educational programs.  The information will be used in planning for future DRI reviews.  Panel experts included nutrition scientists, biostatisticians, epidemiologists, clinical trialists, and toxicologists.

2014

  • Nutritional Interventions in primary Mitochondrial Disorders: Developing an Evidence Base
    December 2, 2014
  • Vitamin D: Moving Toward Evidence-based Decision Making in Primary Care Conference and Webinar
    December 2–3, 2014
    Primary care practitioners are on the front lines dealing with today’s public health interests in vitamin D. Decisions about screening for vitamin D status, interpreting laboratory measures, and determining interventions such as supplementation lend themselves to evidence-based approaches to decision making in primary care practice, but such approaches may be misunderstood or overlooked.

2013

  • Vitamin D Standardization Program (VDSP) Symposium: Tools to Improve Laboratory Measurement
    November 14, 2013
    The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), National Institutes of Health, established the Vitamin D Standardization Program (VDSP) in November 2010 to standardize the laboratory measurement of vitamin D status worldwide. Standardization is essential to improve the detection, evaluation, and treatment of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency by making measurements of serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] accurate and comparable over time, location, and laboratory procedure. ODS leads this collaborative effort with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); the Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry of Ghent University, Belgium; and the Vitamin D External Quality Assessment Scheme (DEQAS), U.K.; and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Key VDSP participants also include the national health surveys from Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States; numerous consultants from around the world also participated.  VDSP is part of the ODS Vitamin D Initiative.
  • The Use and Biology of Energy Drinks: Current Knowledge and Critical Gaps
    August 15–16, 2013
    "Energy" drinks are marketed as promoting alertness, concentration, energy, weight loss, athletic performance or stamina. Products within the scope of this workshop contain caffeine and other ingredients such as amino acids, vitamins, herbal supplements and sugar or other sweeteners. These drinks are the fastest growing component of the U.S. beverage market; half the consumers of these products are under 25. The published data on the biological effects of many of the ingredients in these products, and on their effects when combined, are limited.
  • Nutrition and Diet in Heart Failure Management
    June 5–6, 2013
    The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) convened a working group on June 6 and 7, 2013. Members were asked to: 1) assess the evidence base for dietary and nutritional guidance for heart failure (HF) patients; 2) identify critical evidence gaps regarding the efficacy and clinical utility of dietary interventions for meeting nutritional needs, mitigating symptoms, and potentially arresting or reversing HF progression; and 3) consider how to develop new knowledge in the field and approaches for translation that will optimally use existing or new evidence, including novel study designs and methodological approaches. An important aspect of this working group was the dialogue among experts representing cardiology, nephrology, nutrition science, biostatistics and clinical trials, and basic science. In addition to NHLBI and ODS, representatives from NIDDK, NIA, and NINR participated. These stakeholders considered needs, opportunities, and obstacles regarding medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and HF management. 

2012

  • Human Performance and Dietary Supplements Summit
    August 9–10, 2012
    Fitness professionals often find themselves on the front line answering questions about dietary supplements, including the latest research on use and safety. The Human Performance and Dietary Supplements Summit highlighted the science and helped fitness professionals translate it to meet the needs of pro athletes, the military, civilian public servants, and youth.  Experts from the medical, nutrition, athletic performance, and military fields explored how to educate clients and tactical populations on the fundamentals, certification, and testing of dietary supplements. Continuing education credits were made available for certified personal trainers and registered dietitians. This Summit was co-sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements, the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the American Society for Nutrition, and EAS Academy.

2010

  • Nutrition and Diet in Hemoglobinopathies
    August 23–24, 2010
    The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, and the NIH Office of Rare Diseases Research convened a Working Group entitled “Nutrition and Diet in Surveillance and Registry Studies of Hemoglobinopathies” on August 23-24, 2010, as part of the annual NHLBI Sickle Cell Disease Clinical Research Meeting in Bethesda, MD. The purpose of this workshop was to: Review the scientific evidence on macronutrients, micronutrients, nutritional status, and dietary adequacy in hemoglobinopathies patients; Discuss consumers’ and clinicians’ concerns about nutritional status, dietary intake, and use of dietary supplements by hemoglobinopathy patients; Review methods for the assessment of dietary intake, nutritional status, and use of nutritive and non-nutritive dietary supplements and discuss their application to sickle cell disease and the thalassemias; and Identify research needs and opportunities in basic, translational, and clinical science.
  • Probiotic Foods and Supplements: The Science and Regulations of Labelingexternal link disclaimer
    June 12, 2010
    The goals of this symposium were to facilitate the exchange of ideas regarding labeling and substantiation of claims for probiotics among academic, industry and regulatory professionals and to discuss ways to translate and communicate research results in an understandable way to the consumer and to health professionals. The target audience included academicians interested in conducting research on health benefits of probiotics; scientists, communications experts and regulatory specialists from companies involved or interested in marketing probiotics; U.S. government regulatory experts tasked with oversight of probiotic foods and dietary supplement products; and other experts in the field interested in the development of probiotics for the U.S. market. This symposium was supported by the New York Academy of Sciences, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements, the NIH National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
  • Economic Analysis of Nutrition Interventions: Methods, Research, and Policy
    February 23–24, 2010
    The workshop consisted of three half-day sessions that covered the methods, research, and policy of the economic analysis of nutrition interventions. Sessions featured focused podium presentations and panel discussions. Products of the workshop included a summary of the discussions, identification of knowledge gaps, and suggestions for future research initiatives.

2009

  • Vitamin D Biomarkers Methods Workshop
    December 16, 2009
    The workshop consisted of a series of short, focused podium presentations interspersed with open discussion sessions on the currently available analytical methods and interpretation of findings. A final session summarized the discussions, identified knowledge gaps, and suggested a research agenda for future studies. The meeting was sponsored by ODS.
  • Soy Protein and Isoflavones Research: Challenges in Designing and Evaluating Intervention Studies
    July 28–29, 2009
    The purpose of this workshop was to provide guidance for the next generation of soy protein and isoflavone human research. Specifically, the workshop objectives were to: (1) identify methodological issues relative to exposures and interventions that may confound study results and interpretation, and (2) identify scientifically sound and useful options and solutions for dealing with these issues in the design, conduct, reporting of results, and interpretation of ongoing and future studies.
  • NIDA-ODS Symposium: Caffeine: Is the Next Problem Already Brewing?
    July 7–8, 2009
  • 7th International Conference on Diet and Activity Methods
    June 5–7, 2009
    Because all surveillance and epidemiologic studies examining diet and physical activity in relation to health depend on the strength of assessment methods, this international conference was devoted to improving methods and measures of  diet and physical activity. The conference was co-sponsored by the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, the National Cancer Institute Applied Research Program, Active Living Research and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
  • 8th Annual Oxford International Conference on the Science of Botanicalsexternal link disclaimer
    April 6–9, 2009
    The purpose of this conference was to review, discuss, and explore the confluence of current research topics in natural product chemistry, pharmacognosy, and botanicals. Topic areas included authentication, cultivation, collection, and post-harvest practices for producing quality plant material, and chemical, toxicological methods for quality/safety assessment of botanicals. This conference was supported by a cooperative agreement between the National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) and the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica/CAS, China, The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR, India), American Society of Pharmacognosy (ASP) and the Society for Medicinal Plant Research (GA).
  • Dietary Supplement Element Methodology Workshop
    March 23–24, 2009
    The purpose of this workshop was to evaluate the state of analytical methods for nutrient and non-nutrient minerals (including toxic elements) in dietary supplement products and to identify gaps in methodology, with a view toward designing a research program to fill the unmet methods needs of stakeholders.

2008

  • Vitamin Methodology Workshop
    July 7–9, 2008
    The purpose of this workshop was to evaluate the state of analytical methodology on vitamins suitable for dietary supplements and identify gaps in the analytical science for the purpose of meeting future methods needs of stakeholders.
  • ODS Dietary Supplement Research Practicum 2008, June 9 - 13 at NIH
    June 9–13, 2008
  • Vitamin D and Health in the 21st Century: Research Needs and Tools for Researchers
    April 8, 2008
  • Microscopic Identification and Characterization of Botanicals and Plant Materials
    March 10–14, 2008
    This was an intensive 5-day course with an approximately equal mixture of lecture and hands-on training. At the end of the course students were able to write a brief monograph identifying the different cell types present in the sample and use the Web to gather additional information on plant taxonomy.

2007

  • Analytical Methods and Reference Materials Program Stakeholders' Meeting
    September 10, 2007
    The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) at the National Institutes of Health held a public meeting to solicit comments to assist the ODS with the continued implementation of an overall strategy for research, development, validation, and dissemination of analytical methods and standard reference materials for dietary supplement ingredients.  
  • Vitamin D and Health in the 21st Century
    September 5–6, 2007
    This conference sought to evaluate available evidence on the efficacy and safety of vitamin D, identify gaps in knowledge on the efficacy and safety of vitamin D in general and across the life cycle, inform NIH and other Federal agencies on research priorities in the area of vitamin D and health, and disseminate the conference proceedings and executive summary to inform the broader nutrition community.
  • Black Cohosh Safety Workshop
    June 28, 2007
    This workshop was a follow-up to the November 22, 2004 Black Cohosh workshop convened by NCCAM and ODS. The purpose of this second workshop in 2007 was to update and improve our understanding of the safety issues surrounding this botanical. The workshop provided brief overviews of the pre-clinical and clinical research conducted and published over the 30 months since the last workshop. Academic and industrial scientists presented results of their studies on the species. Regulatory scientists from countries that had recently addressed the marketing of black cohosh were asked to explain their stances and presented the clinical data that were the basis of policy changes, if any.
  • The Science of Botanical Supplements for Human Health: A View from the NIH Botanical Research Center Program
    April 28, 2007
    At this workshop that took place at the 2007 Experimental Biology Meeting, scientists from all six Botanical Research Centers funded by ODS and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), discussed a spectrum of research activities ranging from plant identification to clinical investigation. Investigators shared strategies used in standardizing botanicals as research materials, applying newer technologies to botanicals research, and assessing efficacy of botanical preparations in early phase clinical trials. The goal of the centers is to advance the scientific base of knowledge about botanicals, including issues of their safety, efficacy, and biological action.

2006

  • What You Need to Know About Multivitamin and Mineral Supplements, FNCE 2006
    September 17, 2006
    The purpose of this session was twofold: 1) to provide information about the state of the science on associations between use of multivitamin/mineral supplements with chronic disease risk in adults; to review the findings of a systematic evidence-based review commissioned by NIH on this topic; and the implications for dietetic practice; and 2) provide findings from recent nationwide (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) population-based surveys of total dietary intakes of children and adolescents, including dietary supplement use; and to summarize implications for dietitians in the planning and assessment of dietary intakes.
  • 5th Oxford International Conference on the Science of Botanicals
    August 21–24, 2006
    The purpose of this conference was to review, discuss, and explore methods for determining the identity, purity, quality, and processing of plants, commonly known as botanicals. Topic areas included authentication, cultivation, collection, and post-harvest practices for producing quality plant material, and chemical, toxicological methods for quality/safety assessment. This conference was supported by a cooperative agreement between the National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) and the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) along with Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR, India).
  • 47th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Pharmacognosy: Natural Products On Target
    August 5–9, 2006
    The following topics were presented at this meeting: 1) Synthetic and Biosynthetic Paths to Natural Products; 2) Clinical Evaluation of Herbs and Supplements: Trials, Toxicology and Drug Interactions; 3) Chemical Biology of Natural Products I: Molecular Targets; and Chemical Biology of Natural Products II: Molecular Methods.
  • North American Research Conference on Complementary & Integrative Medicine
    May 24–27, 2006
    This conference showcased original scientific research through keynote and plenary presentations, oral and poster presentations, and innovative interactive sessions. Presentations included research in basic science, clinical studies, methodology, health services, and education.
  • NIH State-of-the-Science Conference on Multivitamin/Mineral Supplements and Chronic Disease Prevention
    May 15–17, 2006
    It is estimated that more than one-third of American adults take multivitamin/mineral (MVM) supplements regularly. Recommendations regarding supplement use from expert groups vary widely, as does the strength of the evidence supporting such guidelines. The goal of this conference was to assess the evidence available on MVM use and outcomes for chronic disease prevention in adults, and to make recommendations for future research.
  • Zinc, Alcohol, and the Immune System
    May 11, 2006
    The purpose of the workshop was to review the scientific evidence reagarding the following: 1) Alcohol abuse and zinc depletion undermine the immune system thereby increasing susceptibility to infection. 2) Alcohol abuse and zinc depletion increase oxidative stress, and in this way cause tissue injury. 3) The mechanism of zinc action is through its possible restorative effects on the immune system and/or antioxidant pathways. 4) Zinc deficiency is a risk factor for alcohol-induced liver injury. 5) Consumption of zinc is a safe and effective means of affording protection from alcohol-induced tissue injury. Based on an assessment of the state-of-the-science, the panel identified gaps in the knowledge and made recommendations for targeted initiatives in basic and translational research.
  • Biological/Environmental Reference Materials Symposium
    April 30 – May 4, 2006
    The Tenth International Symposium on Biological and Environmental Reference Materials, BERM 10, was held in Charleston, South Carolina. As a continuation of the symposium series held alternately in the European Union and the United States since 1983, BERM 10 was a forum to address issues related to the development of biological and environmental reference materials and their role in the quality assurance of analytical measurements.

2005

  • Why, When, What, and How of Clinical Trials: Educational Sessions
    November 9, 2005
    With growing recognition of the importance of conducting clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements, the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) was invited to organize three educational sessions at the November 2005 SupplySide West International Trade Show and Conference. The sessions featured scientists from academia and the government who spoke on the value of conducting clinical trials, designing trials to test hypotheses, appropriate selection of test materials and study subjects, and interpreting study findings, and funding clinical trials.
  • Dietary Supplement Use in the USA: Who's Using What and Why
    October 24, 2005
    Dietary supplement use is so pervasive in the United States today that it is becoming impossible to obtain estimates of total nutrient intakes without accounting for them. This session at the 2005 American Dietetic Association's Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo presented current data about why people use dietary supplements, how to collect and assess information about them, and some authoritative resources that dietitians can use.
  • Workshop on Diet, Nutrition, and Dietary Supplement Use in Autism: Evaluation of the Evidence
    October 6, 2005
    The workshop provided NIH with an overview of the current state of the science on dietary supplements and related interventions in managing autism; identified specific scientific questions concerning research needs and opportunities; and provided examples of the role of dietary supplements under investigation in management of autism spectrum disoder.
  • Role of Betaine in the Treatment of Alcoholic Liver Disease
    October 3, 2005
    This 1-day symposium explored the role of betaine in the treatment of alcoholic liver disease. The meeting was sponsored by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the Office of Dietary Supplements, and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids and their Role in Cardiac Arrhythmogenesis Workshop
    August 29–30, 2005
    The major goals for this workshop were to: (1) review the epidemiological evidence and the data from randomized trials on the role of omega-3 fatty acids in susceptibility to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death; (2) explore the basic mechanisms by which omega-3 fatty acids affect cardiac excitability at the cellular and organ level; (3) identify the gaps and barriers in basic understanding of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiac electrical activity at the cellular, tissue, and whole body levels; and (4) provide prioritized recommendations for additional research studies to (a) better understand the basic mechanisms coupling omega-3 fatty acids to cardiac electrical activity and (b) facilitate translation of this knowledge to the treatment and prevention of cardiac arrhythmias.
  • Use and Misuse of Biomarkers as Indicators of Cancer Risk Reduction Following Dietary Manipulation
    July 12–13, 2005
    The purpose of this workshop was to provide the scientific community and  lay public a general background regarding  biomarker validation. The conference goals were to review and discuss the criteria for surrogate endpoints for cancer risk, identify biomarkers that are influenced by diet and determine their relationship to cancer risk and tumor behavior, and explore emerging biomarkers for their relevance to nutrition and cancer prevention.
  • Bioactive Food Components Meetings
    March 24 – April 1, 2005
    In these meetings, the Office of Dietary Supplements and other interested parties in the Federal government explored existing and new approaches in evaluating the significance of bioactive food components in health promotion and disease prevention.
  • An NIH Conference on Dietary Supplements, Coagulation, and Antithrombotic Therapies
    January 13–14, 2005
    This national conference was convened to increase the understanding of the potential for dietary supplements to interfere with hemostasis and antithrombotic therapies. Cosponsors included the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and ODS.

2004

  • Carnitine: the science behind a conditionally essential nutrient
    March 25–26, 2004
    This 2-day conference addressed topics related to carnitine. The meeting was sponsored by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the Office of Dietary Supplements.

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

  • Supplemental Nutrients and Brain Function
    July 29, 1997
    16th International Congress on Nutrition

1996