New Products In Brief

Buckwheat honey sweetens cough/cold category: Jeffrey L. Chamberlain, a physician in Grand Rapids, Mich., and his wife Christine introduce an alternative to pediatric cough/cold medications. Honey, Don't Cough Children's Buckwheat Honey sells for a suggested retail price of $4.99 for a box of 10 liqui-paks, each pre-dosed for children older than 1 year, according to a Jan. 26 release. The product is sold at Michigan and Missouri retail stores and online. While FDA revises the pediatric cough/cold rules, Chamberlain claims honey is a safe alternative (1"The Tan Sheet" Oct. 6, 2008, p. 3)

Buckwheat honey sweetens cough/cold category: Jeffrey L. Chamberlain, a physician in Grand Rapids, Mich., and his wife Christine introduce an alternative to pediatric cough/cold medications. Honey, Don't Cough Children's Buckwheat Honey sells for a suggested retail price of $4.99 for a box of 10 liqui-paks, each pre-dosed for children older than 1 year, according to a Jan. 26 release. The product is sold at Michigan and Missouri retail stores and online. While FDA revises the pediatric cough/cold rules, Chamberlain claims honey is a safe alternative (¹ (Also see "Calls For Cough/Cold Collaboration As FDA Inches Toward Rulemaking" - Pink Sheet, 6 Oct, 2008.), p. 3).

Plasmanex1 enters circulation: Daiwa Health Development's Plasmanex1 supplement with a proprietary natural soy enzyme blend promotes healthy blood circulation and studies show it assists "the normalization of coagulation," the Los Angeles-based firm says Feb. 4. Daiwa launched Plasmanex1 in December 2008 with primary distribution through health professionals who monitor users' health, a spokeswoman says. Diawa sells 60-count bottles of 125 mg capsules for $59.90. The firm may distribute Plasmanex1 wider in the future.

Alaven pumps up iron supplements: Bifera contains both protein- and plant-based iron and is available in major U.S. drugstores, Alaven Pharmaceutical announces Jan. 19. Bifera tablets provide for "maximum absorption with virtually no GI side effects, including stomach irritation and constipation," the Marietta, Ga.-based firm says. Alaven recommends the iron supplement for adults needing more dietary iron, including pregnant women. Bifera sells in 30-count packages for a suggested retail price of $19.99.

BeeReady to counter free radicals: Hickman Health launches its antioxidant dietary supplement powder Feb. 3 to "reduce typical adverse effects of alcohol consumption such as liver damage" by accelerating the metabolism of blood alcohol and neutralizing free radical activity. BeeReady, now available online and at drugstores in Missouri, Oklahoma and Tennessee, sells for a suggested retail price of $3.99 for a single-dose, 18-gram foil pack or $14.99 for a 4-dose package. Destin, Fla.-based Hickman Health says BeeReady "is not intended to encourage the overconsumption of alcohol" and can be used to "combat free radicals on a daily basis."

Alacer feeling blue: In April, Emergen-C Blue berry-flavored supplement drink mix will hit Target stores and other grocery retailers, the firm says Jan. 22. The line extension of Emergen-C, with 1,000 mg of vitamin C in each 0.3-ounce packet, will sell for a suggested retail price of between $8.99 and $12.99 per 30-packet box, with sales benefiting the Surfrider Foundation to protect oceans and beaches. San Clemente, Calif.-based Alacer also announces Feb. 17 a nationwide tour to promote its reformulated Emergen-C Health & Energy Water, which an executive says "now tastes a lot better." The beverage sells at a suggested price of $1.99 for a 16-ounce bottle.

EARinse to clear ears: PNG Gerolymatos brings its all-natural ear wax removal solution to the U.S., the Greek pharmaceutical firm announces Feb. 10. EARinse, made from French coast seawater, is delivered gently by a flexible safety applicator that adapts to the shape of the ear, the company says. CVS, Walgreens and other retailers sell the hypertonic saline product for a suggested price of $9.99 for a 1-ounce bottle.

Generex spray staves off cravings: Crave-NX , a glucose diet-aid spray, will hit retailers this quarter, Generex Biotechnology says Feb. 18. A 20-dose bottle is available now for purchase online for $7.77. The Toronto-based firm says Crave-NX can help "save up to 2 pounds per week" by eliminating desire for junk food.

Beverage spreads good health, good news: Trinity Nutraceuticals says it designed its Fruit of the Spirit antioxidant health drink for Christian consumers with "healing fruits from the Galilee area and energizing minerals from the Dead Sea." Founder and CEO Craig Keeland launched the product Feb. 7 at the National Religious Broadcasters' Convention in Nashville, Tenn. Fruit of the Spirit, available online for $39.95 per bottle, also provides anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits, the Plano, Texas-based firm says Feb. 16.

Colorful sun protection for kids: KidsUV chemical-free sunscreen products for children come in pink and blue versions, says babyUV/kidsUV inc. The products provide 30 SPF for children ages 2 and older, a critical age for sun protection, babyUV/kidsUV President Christopher Zenaty says Feb. 11. KidsUV is available online for $17.95 for an 8-ounce bottle, according to the New York-based firm.