Athena Wins Nutrition Business Journal Product Merit Award

Product Merit Award from industry analyst Nutrition Business Journal caps string of successes for new effervescent vitamin company.

Portland, OR - Athena Natural Effervescent Vitamins won a 2002 Product Merit Award from the Nutrition Business Journal for the release of Athena Vitality -- Womens Energy Blend. Athena Vitality is the first effervescent vitamin supplement formulated for women.

Athena Natural Effervescent Vitamins are made from powdered vitamins that effervesce or fizz when mixed with water, creating a delicious no stir" vitamin drink. Athena effervescent supplements are easy-to-take and provide improved nutrient absorption over traditional capsule and pill vitamins.

The Nutrition Business Journal also cited the announcement of Athena PreOne Prenatal Formula as criteria in their selection. Athena PreOne is the first effervescent prenatal vitamin supplement. PreOne is an important product because for the first time it provides expecting mothers with a credible alternative to hard to swallow prenatal capsules. Ease of ingestion is a major issue in prenatal nutritional compliance.

Athena founder and naturopathic physician Dr. Michelle Hillis said, I am very excited about the award and all of the success Athena has had. Clearly we have demonstrated that there is a real need for professional quality effervescent vitamins and for a credible alternative to hard to swallow vitamin capsules and pills."

The NBJ Merit award caps off a recent string of success for Athena. Bastyr University Clinic and National College of Naturopathic Medicine Clinic - the two leading naturopathic medical schools -- recently began using Athenas Vitality --Womens Energy Blend, an effervescent B Complex enhanced for womens health. Additionally, the Athena Natural Effervescent Vitamin line recently won distribution from Select Nutrition and Azure Standard, two national distributors. Both distributors will begin marketing Athena products in February 2003.

The company is releasing PreOne Prenatal Formula and CalMate Calcium Magnesium Blend - two new effervescent vitamin supplements - at the Natural Products Expo West Show in Anaheim California March 7-9.

About Athena Natural Effervescent Vitamins
Founded by naturopathic physician Dr. Michelle Hillis, Athena is the leader in professional quality effervescent vitamins. Bastyr University Clinic and National College of Naturopathic Medicine Clinic - the two leading naturopathic medical schools - use Athena products. Athena won a 2002 Product Merit Award from the Nutrition Business Journal. Athena supplements are distributed to physicians by Natural Partners, Inc. and to retailers by Select Nutrition, Mountain Peoples Warehouse and Azure Standard.