The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), Bethesda, MD, has released its “Strategic Plan for the Office of Dietary Supplements: 2004-2009.” For the next five years, ODS has a budget of nearly $20 million to work with, a considerable increase compared to the $3.5 million it was given in 1998. According to ODS, the goals and initiatives presented in the plan for 2004-2009, just as those developed in the original plan in 1998, emphasize the important role of the office in research on disease prevention and health promotion, education and communication of scientific information about dietary supplements. Specifically, ODS’ goals include: Expand the evaluation of the role of dietary supplements in disease prevention and in reduction of risk factors associated with disease; Foster research that evaluates the role of dietary supplements in maintaining and improving optimal physical and mental health performance; Stimulate and support research to further understanding of the biochemical and cellular effects of dietary supplements on biological systems and their physiological impact across the lifecycle; Promote and support the development and improvement of methodologies appropriate to the scientific study of dietary supplement ingredients and Expand and conduct outreach activities that inform and educate the public, healthcare providers and scientists about the benefits and risk of dietary supplements.