Chondroitin, Kava Kava, 5HTP, Garlic, Selenium Now Among Ten Most Popular Nutritional Supplements

NBTY Announces Results of Third Consumer Tracking Report onNutritional Supplement Spending Habits

BOHEMIA, N.Y., Nov. 12 PRNewswire

Curious about what your neighbors keep in their kitchen cabinets? Nutritional supplements of course. Chondroitin/Glucosamine, Kava Kava, 5HTP, Garlic and Selenium are now among the ten most popular supplements in the U.S., according to the most recent consumer tracking report conducted by NBTY Inc., (Nasdaq: NBTY), a leader in the dietary supplement industry.

The study reveals the latest American spending habits on vitamins, minerals, herbs and nutritional supplements. "With more and more people including Chondroitin/Glucosamine, Kava Kava, 5HTP, Garlic and Selenium in their nutritional regimen, it's understandable why they are now among the ten most popular," said Scott Rudolph, Chairman, CEO and President of NBTY, Inc. "Consumers are taking an active role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and have realized that nutritional supplements are an easy and effective way to make a difference in their lives."

The top nutritional supplements purchased by American consumers from July through September 1998 are:

1. Vitamin E (400 i.u.)

2. Ginkgo Biloba

3. Chondroitin/Glucosamine

4. Calcium with Vitamin D

5. Vitamin C (500 & 1000 mg)

6. Kava Kava

7. Garlic

8. St. John's Wort

9. 5HTP

10. Selenium

Chondroitin/Glucosamine, the third most popular supplement, is best known for strengthening and protecting the joints. Kava Kava, which is sixth on the list, has been reported in the press to relieve anxiety.

The ninth most popular supplement, 5HTP, reportedly relieves anxiety and improves mood.

Selenium, the tenth most popular supplement, is reported to protect against cancer, heart disease, arthritis and accelerated aging.

Seventh on the list is Garlic, which is reported to protect the cardiovascular system.

Since the release of NBTY's first consumer tracking report in October 1997, the important antioxidant Vitamin E continues its reign as the most widely purchased nutritional supplement among American consumers. Vitamin E, which maintains healthy cell membranes, made headlines recently when reports indicated that it may reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men. Additionally, Vitamin E has been reported in the press to fight Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, kidney disease and strengthen the immune system in the elderly.

Remaining on the top ten list of nutritional supplements among American consumers are: Ginkgo Biloba, which went from ninth to second, reportedly enhances circulation to the brain; Calcium, which remained fourth on the list, helps build strong teeth and bones; Vitamin C, which went from second to fifth on the list, is known for its antioxidant properties; and St. John's Wort, which dropped from third to eighth, has been reported to control depression.

NBTY's consumer report has been compiled from a national representative sample of sales data primarily through NBTY's retail chain Vitamin Worlda, with additional data from the Puritan's Pride catalogues and Nature's Bounty product sales. The next consumer report will be available in January 1999. This release contains statements relating to future performance of the Company (including certain expansion projections and business trends) that are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, changes in political and economic conditions, demand for and market acceptance of new and existing products, as well as other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the filings of the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

NBTY, Inc., headquartered in Bohemia, NY, is one of America's leading vitamin, mineral and nutritional supplement manufacturers. The company is committed to educating consumers on the importance of nutritional supplements as an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.