Consumer confidence must be maintained through regulatory bodies and trade groups that advocate product quality and improved, internationally recognized manufacturing standards. NAI is a leader in developing such standards and advocating comprehensive certification processes.		NAI's involvement in key organizations helps shape on-going regulatory discussions. NAI CEO Mark LeDoux has leadership roles with the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN); the Transatlantic Business Dialogue sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the European Union; and the United Nations-sponsored Codex Alimentarius Commission which establishes international food trade standards. Sustained growth in the supplements market is driven by educating consumers about the efficacy of science-based products to meet real health needs. Increasingly, the entire supplement supply chain — from manufacturers to distributors to consumers — is focused on the value of science-based products. While essential for guiding consumers' decision-making, science-based research is also an effective response to media scrutiny and calls for increased regulation. NAI's leadership in formulating products based upon scientific research and supported by clinical studies is an important reason our current customers selected NAI and is a significant point of differentiation for attracting new customers. The company invests in educating consumers through various distribution channels and industry organizations. Activities range from Dr. John Wise, NAI's Chief Science Officer, speaking about the science-based products to thousands of distributors at annual conferences, to NAI-prepared educational material used in the direct-to-consumer channel. NAI's clinical research program is the bedrock of science-based product development. Studies are underway with the University of Connecticut (anti-inflammatory formula for allergies); Georgetown University (improving anti-oxidant status); UCLA (new approach to weight loss); UCSD (natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy); and Vanderbilt University (measuring bio-markers associated with cardiovascular health). The company has additional studies underway on proprietary and patented products.