Natrol(R) Carb Intercept(R) Wins "Best of Supplements" Award in The "Metabolism and Weight Loss" Category

CHATSWORTH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Better Nutrition Magazine names Natrol^® Carb Intercept^® as the “Metabolism And Weight Loss” category winner in the publication’s first annual “Best Of Supplements” awards. Better Nutrition, published in print and online at www.BetterNutrition.com, is the country's leading independent health food store magazine. Natrol, Inc. is a premier marketer, manufacturer, and distributor of nationally branded nutritional products.

“Shopping for supplements isn’t always easy; in fact, it’s often an overwhelming experience. Our Best of Supplements Awards will help shoppers feel confident about their purchases, as well as expose them to new products.”

Better Nutrition’s “Best Of Supplements” awards will help take the guesswork out of shopping for supplements. The magazine conducted extensive interviews with a panel of experts, including naturopaths, medical doctors, and supplement industry specialists. These experts also completed a comprehensive supplement survey and provided feedback on various supplements.

“Our goal is to give health food store shoppers recommendations of high-quality, effective products in a range of categories,” says Nicole Brechka, Better Nutrition's editor-in-chief. “Shopping for supplements isn’t always easy; in fact, it’s often an overwhelming experience. Our Best of Supplements Awards will help shoppers feel confident about their purchases, as well as expose them to new products.”

The winning supplements -- chosen by a roster of experts, consumers, and Better Nutrition’s editors -- will be featured in the magazine’s November ’08 issue, recognizing 72 outstanding products in 31 categories, including Natrol^® Carb Intercept^®, winner of the “Metabolism And Weight Loss” category.

New York-based caterer, chef, and culinary educator, Gerard Viverito, who regularly does TV cooking segments, has been a fan of Natrol^® Carb Intercept^® for many years. He says, “I am always on the look-out for products that can help people enjoy foods, including carb-rich foods, that they may not eat otherwise. For this reason, I recommend Natrol^® Carb Intercept^®for those who wish to lower the impact of eating carb-rich foods.”*

Carbohydrates (“carbs”) are a necessary part of our diet—they provide nutrients and fiber, and serve as the body’s primary fuel source. Foods high in carbohydrates include breads, potatoes, rice, and pasta. During digestion, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose (sugar) for energy, and excess carbohydrates can be stored as fat.

Natrol^® Carb Intercept^® contains Phase 2^® Carb Controller, a proprietary white bean extract. Each Natrol^® Carb Intercept^® serving provides 1,000mg of Phase 2^® Carb Controller to neutralize carbohydrates. In addition, the new-and-improved Natrol^® Carb Intercept^® includes Foodbound™ Chromium, providing 40mcg of Chromium to help metabolize fats and proteins for energy, so consumers can still enjoy their favorite foods.^†*

According to Mitch Skop of Pharmachem Laboratories, supplier of Phase 2^®, “Reducing carb intake is an effective weight control strategy.” He continues, “In fact, a recent edition of The New England Journal of Medicine featured a study demonstrating that a low-carb diet helps people lose more weight than a traditional low-fat diet.”*

Carbohydrate consumption has risen dramatically over the past few decades, particularly with the prevalence of convenience and fast foods. Today, many people consume excessive amounts of carbs, which are contributing to weight gain, blood sugar imbalances, and other health problems.

Pharmacist Sherry Torkos, author of The GI Made Simple, says, “Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the benefits of Phase 2^® Carb Controller. The safety of this product is well documented and, as a pharmacist, I feel confident recommending it for people who want to manage their weight and improve their body’s blood glucose control.”*

A natural product, Natrol^® Carb Intercept^®, used in conjunction with a healthy calorie reduction and exercise program, can support weight loss and a low-carb lifestyle. For optimal effect, two capsules should be taken with a glass of water immediately before each starch-containing meal (not to exceed ten capsules daily). Natrol^® Carb Intercept^® is sold in quantities of 30, 60, and 120 capsules (average U.S. SRP is $12.49, $20.99, and $31.49 respectively).*

“We are proud that Better Nutrition has named Natrol^® Carb Intercept^® for its first annual Best Of Supplements award in the metabolism and weight loss category,” says Dr. Michael T. Yatcilla, Natrol’s Research and Development VP. He continues, “Over the years, this product has received testimonials from consumers, as well as positive feedback from health care professionals, media, retailers, and other members of our industry.”*

Natrol products are offered by U.S. health food, drug and grocery stores, mass-market retailers, Natrol.com, and other online retailers. Natrol also offers a free Nutrition Club for consumers to join.

About Better Nutrition

Since 1938, Better Nutrition’s mission has been to responsibly inform health-food store shoppers about the latest breakthroughs in nutritional approaches to optimal health, and ongoing research into vitamins, botanicals (herbs), minerals, and other supplements. Better Nutrition provides the link between the consumer reader interested in better nutrition, independent health-food stores, and the products carefully formulated by natural product companies. Better Nutrition is published by Active Interest Media (www.aimmedia.com), in El Segundo, CA.

About Natrol – Nourishing the Potential of Mind and Body ^SM

Natrol, Inc., headquartered in Chatsworth, CA, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Plethico Pharmaceuticals Limited. Plethico Pharmaceuticals Limited (BSE: 532739.BO: PLETHICO), an herbal/nutraceutical-focused Indian Company, engages in the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of pharmaceutical and allied healthcare products in India and internationally.

Natrol, Inc. has a portfolio of health and wellness brands representing quality nutritional supplements, functional herbal teas, and sports nutrition products. Established in 1980, Natrol’s portfolio of brands includes: Natrol^®, MRI, Prolab^®, BioSil^®, Laci Le Beau^®, Promensil^®, Trinovin^®, Nu Hair^®, and Shen Min^®. The company also manufactures supplements for its own brands and on behalf of third parties.

Natrol distributes products nationally through more than 54,000 retailers, as well as internationally in over 40 other countries through distribution partners and subsidiaries in the UK and Hong Kong. For more information, call 1-800-2-NATROL (1-800-262-8765) or visit www.Natrol.com.

^†The trademarks Phase 2 Carb Controller™ and Foodbound™ are being used under license.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare professional prior to use if you have or suspect a medical condition, are taking prescription drugs, or are pregnant or lactating.