The 30th Congressional Dietary Supplement Caucus luncheon briefing, held on June 21, featured celebrated U.S. soccer player Christie Pearce (formerly Rampone), who said dietary supplements saved her and her family’s lives. Speaking before an audience of 115 Congressional staffers and guests, Pearce shared personal stories and discussed the role dietary supplements have played in supporting peak athletic performance throughout her career, as well as the unique nutritional needs of her fellow players and family.
A three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion, Pearce is the second most-capped soccer player in U.S. and world history and a long-time dietary supplement user.
“One thing I’m always focusing on is my fitness,” Pearce told the audience. “If it weren’t for the proper supplements, I don’t know if my level of play would be where it is today.”
Before highlighting her supplement regimen, Pearce revealed that she questioned dietary supplements when she started training as a professional athlete. “I began looking to trusted sources of information, such as team nutritionists, and took a good look at product labels,” she shared. “As I transitioned from college playing to the national team, I realized that the foods I was eating were not enough. The right supplements give you something extra. They helped me prepare for each training session and game.”
Pearce highlighted the critical role of consumer education and responsible supplement usage, stressing the importance of discussing dietary supplements with health care professionals and identifying companies that manufacture legitimate products. Pearce also echoed industry’s collective message that dietary supplements are not a one-size-fits-all solution for optimal nutrition. “Focus on what you need to eat,” she said. “The food is the fuel. Supplements fill in the gaps.”
The educational event was sponsored by the bipartisan, bicameral Dietary Supplement Caucus and co-hosted by the leading trade associations representing the dietary supplement industry—the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the Natural Products Association (NPA), and the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA).
For more information, visit www.ahpa.org, www.chpa.org, www.knowyourotcs.org, www.crnusa.org, www.npainfo.org or www.unpa.com.
