Scripps to host Natural Supplements School Jan. 15

Consumers can learn the latest insights into the safety and effectiveness of vitamins, herbs and minerals at the Natural Supplements School, presented by Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine on Thursday, Jan. 15.

The interactive seminar, sponsored by Nordic Naturals, will take place from 1-5:30 p.m. at the Paradise Point Resort on Mission Bay, 1404 Vacation Road in San Diego. The public event has an advance registration fee of $99 through Jan. 9. On-site registration after Jan. 9 will be $125. For information or to register, call 858-652-5400, or visit scripps.org/naturalsupplements.

The Scripps Natural Supplements School will help attendees understand the basics of supplements, including how to interpret product labels and claims. It will also explore the use of supplements for pain, inflammation, fatigue and heart conditions. The program will conclude with an interactive panel discussion and Q-and-A session with experts.

Sales of herbal dietary supplements in the United States reached an all-time high of about $6 billion in 2013, according to HerbalGram, the peer-reviewed quarterly journal of the nonprofit American Botanical Council. The ABC reports that sales of herbal supplements in the United States have increased in each of the past 10 years. Also, the annual sales of all supplements in the United States, including herbal and nonherbal products (such as fish oil and CoQ10), have exceeded $30 billion for several years, according to the Nutrition Business Journal.

The Scripps Natural Supplements School is part of a larger continuing medical education conference for health care professionals. The 12th annual “Natural Supplements: An Evidence-Based Update” will run Jan. 16-18. The public is also invited to a keynote address at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, featuring Tieraona Low Dog, M.D., author of the book “Life is Your Best Medicine.” A book-signing event will follow. Registration is $35.