Edward Lee, PhD, is president and founder of AIDP, Inc. Founded in 1996, AIDP has grown to one of the largest ingredient suppliers to the dietary supplement industry. Mr. Lee sources only the finest ingredients at competitive prices. His resources in the industry and knowledge of current health trends have enabled AIDP to provide the most up to date products. In recent years, AIDP has invested in the development of several proprietary products in the joint and bone health industry and the cognitive space as well. Mr. Lee received his PhD in applied mathematics from the University of Florida. 
 
Health E-Insights: What can AIDP do that your competitors can’t?
 
Mr. Lee: AIDP is unique. We not only develop proprietary products, but also distribute a variety of products such as vitamins, amino acids and specialty chemicals. Thus we provide a one-stop shop for our customers. We recently moved to a larger facility in Southern California that allowed us to expand our quality lab facility and increase product inventories. Salespeople at AIDP are available 24/7. Wherever a customer calls, we will answer. Our office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. And we go the extra mile to provide the best service. We have built a solid reputation for producing customized products that meet our customer’s needs.
 
Health E-Insights: As the supplement industry has changed in recent years, how has AIDP kept pace?
 
Mr. Lee: We have certified our facility by NSF GMP. We have hired Q/A personnel in our California office and in China, to meet the growing demand of FDA cGMP and have also built a system in-house to service our customers better.
 
Health E-Insights: How do you define your corporate culture?
 
Mr. Lee: Loyal, caring, devoted and a family-like environment.
 
Health E-Insights: How does AIDP give back to the community?
 
Mr. Lee: We are a major contributor to Vitamin Angels. We also support Nourish America.
 
Health E-Insights: What are the most important decisions you make as a leader of your organization?
 
Mr. Lee: In 2004, we decided to develop a proprietary product. As a result we developed KoACT. KoACT is a patented, chelated compound of calcium and hydrolyzed collagen peptides (collagen I) that was shown to increase bone mineral density and bone strength in a Tokyo university animal study. KoACT was shown to increase bone strength 9.9% more than calcium alone in that university study. The KoACT results were significantly better than calcium or a simple mixture of calcium and collagen. In 2011, we signed an exclusive representation agreement with Magceutics on Magtein, a cognitive function product. Magtein is a highly bioavailable form of magnesium. It has been shown in a recent animal study published in Neuron to elevate brain levels of magnesium. Magtein markedly improved learning and memory in animals fed the ingredient. With these two products, AIDP is moving to the next level.
 
Health E-Insights: What is the best advice you ever received?
 
Mr. Lee: If you like a house, take a picture and look at it every day. One day you will get it.

Sheldon Baker wants to interview you. Contact Sheldon at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @NutraInk and visit his website at www.BakerDIllon.com.