Pursuing its strategic plan to lead the industry forward with a broad range of resources, perspectives and expertise for its membership and the natural health products industry at large, the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) has entered a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) partnership with the Natural Algae Astaxanthin Association (NAXA).
 
As part of the formal agreement, NAXA will work with UNPA to advance the state of natural algal astaxanthin dietary supplement education, research, safety and quality, both nationally and internationally. Such collaborations may include educational workshops and information, technical and science exchanges.
 
NAXA was founded in 2014 and is built around the promotion, protection, education and regulatory status of natural astaxanthin derived from Haematococcus pluvial for use in food and dietary supplements. The NAXA mission is to support NAXA members, who are committed to the production and research of natural astaxanthin derived from Haematococcus pluvialis, while promoting health benefits, supporting public education and safety and product quality and testing standards, while advancing government, healthcare and industry relations.
 
“Dietary supplement ingredient education and understanding is critical in today’s climate,” said Scott Steinford, NAXA president. “The relationship with UNPA will help further NAXA’s ability to gain industry recognition, insight and access on natural algal astaxanthin and to educate UNPA members about the research, safety, quality and efficacy of this essential nutrient.”
 
“We welcome our strategic partnership with NAXA, which represents a product category, natural astaxanthin for use in food and dietary supplements, that increasingly is playing an important role in the nutritional supplement landscape,” said Loren Israelsen, UNPA president. “We look forward to working with NAXA to mutually advance the state of natural algal astaxanthin dietary supplement education, research, safety and quality.”
 
NAXA joins a roster of four other trade associations and a total of 15 UNPA MOU and commercial partners. UNPA organizes its key objectives and work plans through these partnerships that bring expertise, influence and trusted reputations to the UNPA membership. By laying out its joint objectives via an MOU, UNPA is able to serve the needs of its members and its industry stakeholders with greatest effect and efficiency.