MISSION HILLS, Calif. — Pharmavite’s Nature Made dietary supplement brand has become a partner of the American Academy of Family Physicians Consumer Alliance Program.

As part of the effort, Nature Made underwrote development of physician-reviewed consumer education content on vitamins, supplements, general health and heart health for FamilyDoctor.org, the program’s consumer health web site, according to Pharmavite.

The American Academy of Family Physicians also has recognized Nature Made as a core supporter of its Americans In Motion Healthy Interventions program, an initiative designed to improve the health of Americans by implementing a multifaceted fitness program addressing physical activity, nutrition and emotional well-being.

Pharmavite reported that Americans increasingly are using vitamins and dietary supplements to prevent nutritional deficiencies. The company cited Nielsen Scantrack data indicated that use of vitamins, minerals and supplements by U.S. consumers rose 31% from 2005 to 2009.

The supplements supplier also noted that with increased use of these products comes an increased need for patient education to ensure their proper use. Physicians can now refer their patients to the educational materials on FamilyDoctor.org about the appropriate use of vitamins and supplements, the company said.

“We know that many of our patients already use vitamins and supplements,” commented Dr. Douglas Henley, executive vice president and chief executive officer at the American Academy of Family Physicians. "As family physicians, it is important that we counsel our patients on how to use these products properly, what vitamins and minerals they might not be getting enough of in their diet and recommend appropriate dosages to resolve those deficiencies if they exist. It is also important to remind them that taking supplements does not replace the need to eat a healthy diet."