NIH Office of Dietary Supplements names new director
ODS – not to be confused with FDA’s Office of Dietary Supplement Programs (ODSP) – was established under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) to strengthen knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, stimulating and supporting research, disseminating research results, and educating the public to foster an enhanced quality of life and health for the US population.
Dr Pasiakos is currently a Research Physiologist and Chief of the Military Performance Division at the United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), where he leads a diverse research program and scientific team to develop evidence-based solutions to limit musculoskeletal injuries, accelerate return to duty, and optimize physical and behavioral performance in military training and operational environments.
At ODS, Dr Pasiakos will help lead NIH efforts in expanding the scientific knowledge base on dietary supplements, enhancing the dietary supplement research workforce, and translating dietary supplement research findings into useful information for consumers, health professionals, researchers, and policymakers.
Dr Pasiakos received his PhD in Nutritional Science in 2008 from the University of Connecticut and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Military Nutrition Division (MND) at USARIEM in 2012 as a United States Army Medical Service Corps officer.
From 2012 to 2021, Dr Pasiakos led an interdisciplinary research program in the MND to refine dietary protein requirements for soldiers and develop targeted dietary strategies that sustain muscle mass during strenuous operations, fields for which he is internationally recognized. He has published over 150 articles and is a member of the American Society for Nutrition, Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
Dr Pasiakos will begin his new role on July 16, 2023, taking over from the current Acting Director, Dr David Murray, who has been in the role since January. Prior to Dr Murray, the top seat at ODS was held by Joseph Betz, PhD, who served as Acting Director from 2018 until his retirement at the end of 2022. Dr Betz took over tom Dr Paul Coates, who served as ODS Director for 19 years.
Commenting on the announcement, Scott Melville, President and CEO of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), stated: “CHPA welcomes Dr. Pasiakos to this new role, where he will be instrumental in helping advance ODS’s mission as its permanent director. ODS plays a critical role in strengthening the public’s knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by advancing scientific information, supporting research, and disseminating results into findings that are beneficial for consumers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers.
"As more Americans incorporate supplementation into their overall self-care plans, we at CHPA look forward to working with Dr. Pasiakos to support scientific evidence that strengthens the understanding of how supplements can be used to optimize overall health and well-being.”
