Washington, DC—Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore) and Ginny Brown-Waite (R-Fla) today introduced bipartisan legislation that will make those vitamins, wellness and nutritional supplements eligible for FDA-approved health claims more affordable by allowing employees to purchase them using pre-tax dollars already reserved for health needs.

“Fitness, preventive care, good eating, and vitamins keep us healthier longer – and often out of the doctor’s office,” said Rep. Blumenauer. “As we in Congress work to reform our broken health care system, there are small, common sense steps we can take to save money and reduce unnecessary visits to the doctor. Nutritional supplements can significantly improve health, and by making vitamins and supplements more affordable, we can help people stay healthy while reducing medical costs.”

Among the examples of FDA permitted supplements are selenium and antioxidant vitamins, which have a link to fighting cancer, Omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to fighting coronary heart disease, and folic acid, which helps prevent neural tube birth defects.

“Our doctors tell us time and again that we can stay healthy by living healthy and getting the daily recommended nutrients," said Congresswoman Brown-Waite.  “As we consider health care reform in Washington, we need to make sure that preventative care is also a part of the conversation.  This bill encourages consumers to utilize FDA approved vitamins and supplements as a means of maintaining a healthy and productive lifestyle.”