Media
Leading Halal supplement brand NoorVitamins is aiming to be a serious part of the wider dietary supplements industry, with a focus on quality and transparency driving their value proposition, the company’s President and CEO tells NutraIngredients-USA.
Launched in 2011, Long Island-based NoorVitamins (a division of Noor Pharmaceuticals), is already posting impressive growth (double digits every month), Dr Mohamed Issa, the company’s CEO, told us. "We grew over 100% from 2014 to 2015,” he said. “This is a combination of the sector and us being a start-up experiencing exponential growth."
"The size of the Halal supplement market is still to be determined, he said. According to the Pew Research Center, about there were about 2.8 million Muslims in the US in 2014, or about 0.9% of the US population. “The competitive advantage that we have is not just our expertise in Halal, but that everyone in the company comes from the community, and that brings trust and confidence in the standard of our products,” he said.
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Launched in 2011, Long Island-based NoorVitamins (a division of Noor Pharmaceuticals), is already posting impressive growth (double digits every month), Dr Mohamed Issa, the company’s CEO, told us. "We grew over 100% from 2014 to 2015,” he said. “This is a combination of the sector and us being a start-up experiencing exponential growth."
"The size of the Halal supplement market is still to be determined, he said. According to the Pew Research Center, about there were about 2.8 million Muslims in the US in 2014, or about 0.9% of the US population. “The competitive advantage that we have is not just our expertise in Halal, but that everyone in the company comes from the community, and that brings trust and confidence in the standard of our products,” he said.
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Noor Pharmaceuticals, makers of NoorVitamins, is donating all retail profits for next thirty days to charity chosen by the victim’s family as Muslims worldwide continue to mourn for the three Muslim-American Students killed in Chapel Hill North Carolina and a Muslim man killed Canada a week ago.
New York, New York (PRWEB) February 18, 2015 -- The deaths of newlywed Deah Barakat, 23; his wife, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, 21; and her sister Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, in Chapel Hill North Carolina on Tuesday February 10th have prompted an international outpouring of support by the Muslim community. The day before the three young Muslims were killed, a young Muslim man in Canada, Mustafa Mattan, 28, suffered the same fate where he was fatally shot in his apartment.
Deah’s humanitarian project to provide dental care to Syrian refugees has raised more than $400,000 in less than seven days, 200 times more than was raised prior to the deaths. The White House has issued a statement condemning the crime and opening an FBI investigation regarding the motive, while NBA athlete Steph Curry wrote Deah Barakat on his sneakers as he won the three point contest during NBA all Star weekend in NYC as a sign of solidarity. Muslims have argued that both Chapel Hill and Mr. Mattan’s killings have not received appropriate media coverage but the incidents have galvanized the Muslim community in many ways.
Today, Noor Pharmaceuticals, makers of NoorVitamins, a Muslim-founded and run US-based company who has quickly become the worldwide leader in Halal Vitamins announced that it would be donating 100% of retail profits for the next thirty days to a charity in memory of the victims. President of Noor, Dr. Mohamed Issa stated, “Our Muslim community, and even more so, this world, has lost beautiful young people that had great things ahead of them. They were undoubtedly going to make a positive impact on this world and it is our responsibility as Muslim-Americans to keep their legacy alive.” Dr. Issa, added, “Our sincerest condolences go to the family and friends of Deah, Yusur, Razan and Mustafa. The next thirty days is our small way of letting them know they are not alone and that the four angels have made the world a better place, even in their absence.”
For more information on Noor Pharmaceuticals, please visit the company’s website at www.noorvitamins.com, follow Noor on Facebook (www.facebook.com/noorvitamins) and Twitter (@Noorvitamins) or call Noor Public Affairs at 1 800-531-6451.
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New York, New York (PRWEB) February 18, 2015 -- The deaths of newlywed Deah Barakat, 23; his wife, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, 21; and her sister Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, in Chapel Hill North Carolina on Tuesday February 10th have prompted an international outpouring of support by the Muslim community. The day before the three young Muslims were killed, a young Muslim man in Canada, Mustafa Mattan, 28, suffered the same fate where he was fatally shot in his apartment.
Deah’s humanitarian project to provide dental care to Syrian refugees has raised more than $400,000 in less than seven days, 200 times more than was raised prior to the deaths. The White House has issued a statement condemning the crime and opening an FBI investigation regarding the motive, while NBA athlete Steph Curry wrote Deah Barakat on his sneakers as he won the three point contest during NBA all Star weekend in NYC as a sign of solidarity. Muslims have argued that both Chapel Hill and Mr. Mattan’s killings have not received appropriate media coverage but the incidents have galvanized the Muslim community in many ways.
Today, Noor Pharmaceuticals, makers of NoorVitamins, a Muslim-founded and run US-based company who has quickly become the worldwide leader in Halal Vitamins announced that it would be donating 100% of retail profits for the next thirty days to a charity in memory of the victims. President of Noor, Dr. Mohamed Issa stated, “Our Muslim community, and even more so, this world, has lost beautiful young people that had great things ahead of them. They were undoubtedly going to make a positive impact on this world and it is our responsibility as Muslim-Americans to keep their legacy alive.” Dr. Issa, added, “Our sincerest condolences go to the family and friends of Deah, Yusur, Razan and Mustafa. The next thirty days is our small way of letting them know they are not alone and that the four angels have made the world a better place, even in their absence.”
About Noor Pharmaceuticals
Noor Pharmaceuticals is the first US based Halal pharmaceutical company in the US and makers of NoorVitamins, the leading halal vitamin brand worldwide. Noor products are produced in US based FDA GMP certified facilities and are Halal-certified. Halal means pork and alcohol free products and if animal ingredients are ever used, which they rarely are, animals are slaughtered in the most possible humane manner (Zabihah).For more information on Noor Pharmaceuticals, please visit the company’s website at www.noorvitamins.com, follow Noor on Facebook (www.facebook.com/noorvitamins) and Twitter (@Noorvitamins) or call Noor Public Affairs at 1 800-531-6451.
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In the spirit of Ramadan, NoorVitamins has launched the “Ummah Project 2012,” pledging to donate one meal to the hungry in Bangladesh and Pakistan through the Muslims without Borders organization for every purchase made on their website this month.
"Ramadan is not only a month of worship for Muslims but also a month of compassion. At Noor we don’t see giving back as an obligation; instead it’s a privilege to be given an opportunity to help," says the president of NoorVitamins, Dr. Mohamed Issa.
NoorVitamins states that apart from taking vitamins to maintain general health, it is important to take such vitamins during Ramadan because food and drink intake (especially fruits, vegetables, and liquids) is limited for Muslims.
However, the challenge arises when most store brand vitamins contain non-halal ingredients such as gelatin. NoorVitamins offers the halal-certified and scientifically formulated alternative for health conscious Muslims.
NoorVitamins specializes in developing high quality halal vitamins and dietary supplements for the health-conscious Muslim consumer. The brand is also distributing thousands of bottles of Halal vitamins to more than 50 mosques across the US as a part of their nation-wide tour promoting a Halal and healthy lifestyle.
NoorVitamins is a division of Noor Pharmaceuticals that launched in May of 2011. The latter was founded by Muslims in the medical field who noticed a need and demand for halal vitamin and supplements.
Nashwah Akhtar
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"Ramadan is not only a month of worship for Muslims but also a month of compassion. At Noor we don’t see giving back as an obligation; instead it’s a privilege to be given an opportunity to help," says the president of NoorVitamins, Dr. Mohamed Issa.
NoorVitamins states that apart from taking vitamins to maintain general health, it is important to take such vitamins during Ramadan because food and drink intake (especially fruits, vegetables, and liquids) is limited for Muslims.
However, the challenge arises when most store brand vitamins contain non-halal ingredients such as gelatin. NoorVitamins offers the halal-certified and scientifically formulated alternative for health conscious Muslims.
NoorVitamins specializes in developing high quality halal vitamins and dietary supplements for the health-conscious Muslim consumer. The brand is also distributing thousands of bottles of Halal vitamins to more than 50 mosques across the US as a part of their nation-wide tour promoting a Halal and healthy lifestyle.
NoorVitamins is a division of Noor Pharmaceuticals that launched in May of 2011. The latter was founded by Muslims in the medical field who noticed a need and demand for halal vitamin and supplements.
Nashwah Akhtar
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Launched a little more than a year ago, NoorVitamins™ offers the first-ever, scientifically-formulated, Halal vitamins for health conscious Muslims. Noor Pharmaceuticals is the only US based pharmaceutical company, specializing in manufacturing and commercializing halal-certified vitamins, all of which are manufactured in US FDA-certified facilities. It is recommended that all adults and children take a multivitamin to maintain general health. It is even more important to take such vitamins during Ramadan because food and drink intake (especially fruits, vegetables, and liquids) is limited for Muslims. However, for Muslims, this is sometimes a burden since many vitamin brands contain gelatin and other non-halal ingredients.
NoorVitamins™ offers the alternative for health conscious Muslims, the first scientifically formulated, halal-certified vitamins produced in US based FDA-certified facilities.
To celebrate Ramadan 2012, NoorVitamins™ has launched the Ummah Project 2012. Ummah means "community" in Arabic. Dr. Mohamed Issa, President of NoorVitamins™ shared, "Ramadan is not only a month of worship for Muslims but also a month of compassion. At Noor we don't see giving back as an obligation; instead it's a privilege to be given an opportunity to help."
NoorVitamins™ will be on tour across the US visiting more than 50 mosques giving away thousands of bottles of Halal Vitamins to promote a halal and healthy lifestyle.
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NoorVitamins™ offers the alternative for health conscious Muslims, the first scientifically formulated, halal-certified vitamins produced in US based FDA-certified facilities.
To celebrate Ramadan 2012, NoorVitamins™ has launched the Ummah Project 2012. Ummah means "community" in Arabic. Dr. Mohamed Issa, President of NoorVitamins™ shared, "Ramadan is not only a month of worship for Muslims but also a month of compassion. At Noor we don't see giving back as an obligation; instead it's a privilege to be given an opportunity to help."
Ummah Project 2012
For Every bottle of Halal vitamins sold on www.noorvitamins.com, Noor is donating a meal to help feed the hungry through Muslims without Borders.NoorVitamins™ will be on tour across the US visiting more than 50 mosques giving away thousands of bottles of Halal Vitamins to promote a halal and healthy lifestyle.
About NoorVitamins™
Launched May 2011, NoorVitamins™ a division of Noor Pharmaceuticals, specializes in developing high quality halal vitamins and dietary supplements for the health-conscious Muslim consumer. Noor Pharmaceuticals was founded by Muslim physicians and pharmacists, who experienced first-hand the need for halal vitamins and nutritional supplements.Read More
The all natural Vitamin D softgel from NoorVitamins www.NoorVitamins.com is the first halal vitamin D on the market.
NoorVitamins http://www.NoorVitamins.com customers have grown to expect only the highest quality halal vitamins and supplements from them since 2011. Therefore, NoorVitamins is pleased to announce the first ever 100% all natural, halal certified Vitamin D softgel.
These are the first pork-free gelatin vitamins on the market today. This option is needed by Muslims since they are at higher risk for Vitamin D deficiency. This is due to the lack of direct sunlight for their modest dress and the fact that most vitamins contain pork, so they are not halal.
Dr. Salah-Dean Kwo, NoorVitamins’ director of community outreach says NoorVitamins has been working on this product for some time. Dr. Kwo adds that, "Vitamin D deficiency disproportionately afflicts our (Muslim) communities and families, and we’re excited to offer our customers a halal compliant option to meet their needs."
First Ever 100% All Natural Halal Vitamin D Softgel Unlike any other product in the market today, NoorVitamins’ Vitamin D Softgel:
Limited Time Only Free Shipping - Online Coupon To launch the new product, NoorVitamins will offer free shipping to anywhere in the United States when purchasing online at www.NoorVitamins.com until January 15, 2013. At checkout, use promo code: NOORFS
About NoorVitamins™ NoorVitamins™, a division of Noor Pharmaceuticals, is a US-based pharmaceutical company owned and operated by Muslim physicians and pharmacists. All NoorVitamins™ products are halal certified and manufactured in FDA-GMP certified facilities. NoorVitamins’ mission is to provide the Muslim community with high quality halal vitamins and supplements in order to promote a healthy and halal lifestyle. Visit NoorVitamins at www.NoorVitamins.com and become a facebook fan at www.facebook.com/NoorVitamins today.
NoorVitamins http://www.NoorVitamins.com customers have grown to expect only the highest quality halal vitamins and supplements from them since 2011. Therefore, NoorVitamins is pleased to announce the first ever 100% all natural, halal certified Vitamin D softgel.
These are the first pork-free gelatin vitamins on the market today. This option is needed by Muslims since they are at higher risk for Vitamin D deficiency. This is due to the lack of direct sunlight for their modest dress and the fact that most vitamins contain pork, so they are not halal.
Dr. Salah-Dean Kwo, NoorVitamins’ director of community outreach says NoorVitamins has been working on this product for some time. Dr. Kwo adds that, "Vitamin D deficiency disproportionately afflicts our (Muslim) communities and families, and we’re excited to offer our customers a halal compliant option to meet their needs."
First Ever 100% All Natural Halal Vitamin D Softgel Unlike any other product in the market today, NoorVitamins’ Vitamin D Softgel:
- Is scientifically formulated halal certified,
- Uses halal gelatin,
- Is 100% all natural,
- Has no artificial ingredients,
- Is compatible with any dosage requirement, and can be taken daily or added up to an equivalent weekly dose recommended by a physician to treat any scope of deficiency.
The Need for Halal Vitamin D Supplement
Vitamin D is critical for all adults and children for calcium absorption, bone health, and muscle strength. Often called The Sunshine Vitamin, Vitamin D is synthesized in the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. A Muslim’s modest dress prevents this natural process to occur. Furthermore, Muslims’ only options were Vitamin D supplements containing pork gelatin, and other artificial ingredients that strict halal abiding Muslims deterred from taking. Therefore, the need for a halal supplement for Vitamin D became an increasingly prominent issue. NoorVitamins’ newest product solves these concerns.Limited Time Only Free Shipping - Online Coupon To launch the new product, NoorVitamins will offer free shipping to anywhere in the United States when purchasing online at www.NoorVitamins.com until January 15, 2013. At checkout, use promo code: NOORFS
About NoorVitamins™ NoorVitamins™, a division of Noor Pharmaceuticals, is a US-based pharmaceutical company owned and operated by Muslim physicians and pharmacists. All NoorVitamins™ products are halal certified and manufactured in FDA-GMP certified facilities. NoorVitamins’ mission is to provide the Muslim community with high quality halal vitamins and supplements in order to promote a healthy and halal lifestyle. Visit NoorVitamins at www.NoorVitamins.com and become a facebook fan at www.facebook.com/NoorVitamins today.
Some patients are asking if their meds contain animal products. Vegetarians, vegans, Jews, Muslims, and others sometimes want to know which products come from certain animal sources. Watch for desiccated thyroid from pig thyroids...heparin from pig intestines...pancreatic enzymes from pig pancreases...Premarin from pregnant mares' urine...and vaccines (influenza, etc) grown in eggs.
Also point out that glucosamine is usually from shellfish, chondroitin from cartilage, vitamin D3 from lanolin, and heme iron (Proferrin) from animal blood. Omega-3 fatty acids are often from fish oils and calcium can come from oyster shells or bone meal.
Recommend alternatives when possible, such as levothyroxine instead of desiccated thyroid...Cenestin instead of Premarin...omega-3s derived from algae...glucosamine from corn...or vitamin D2 from plants.
The gelatin used to make capsules and even some tablets and vaccines can also be a concern. It's sometimes derived from vegetables...but it's often hydrolyzed collagen from animal tissues. Finding out the source of gelatin in a specific product usually requires calling the manufacturer. If appropriate, try switching gelatin capsules to tablets...or have patients empty the contents of the capsules.
For supplements, suggest brands that cater to special needs, such as Deva for vegans...Freeda or Puritan's Pride kosher products for Jews...or NoorVitamins halal supplements for Muslims.
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Also point out that glucosamine is usually from shellfish, chondroitin from cartilage, vitamin D3 from lanolin, and heme iron (Proferrin) from animal blood. Omega-3 fatty acids are often from fish oils and calcium can come from oyster shells or bone meal.
Recommend alternatives when possible, such as levothyroxine instead of desiccated thyroid...Cenestin instead of Premarin...omega-3s derived from algae...glucosamine from corn...or vitamin D2 from plants.
The gelatin used to make capsules and even some tablets and vaccines can also be a concern. It's sometimes derived from vegetables...but it's often hydrolyzed collagen from animal tissues. Finding out the source of gelatin in a specific product usually requires calling the manufacturer. If appropriate, try switching gelatin capsules to tablets...or have patients empty the contents of the capsules.
For supplements, suggest brands that cater to special needs, such as Deva for vegans...Freeda or Puritan's Pride kosher products for Jews...or NoorVitamins halal supplements for Muslims.
Read More
As we introduced NoorVitamins to the American Muslim Mom community during Ramadan, we’re excited to debut their monthly health column today by their esteemed doctors, mashaAllah. A wonderful introduction to their column is sharing quick little tips for you to make small little changes in your daily lifestyle so these small new habits in your day will ultimately, inshaAllah God willing, add up to a bigger long-term goal of losing weight and keeping that weight off for good.
Just like anything in life “Slow & Steady Wins the Race”!
So, are these small changes small enough to get you motivated to reach your weight lost goals? If not, why. If so, please share your journey with us and let us know what else you want to learn about weight lose and maintenance by the NoorVitamins doctors. This column will also discuss diabetes, smoking cessation, heart health, staying active and general nutrition. Please comment below letting us know which topics you’d like us to focus on next inshaAllah.
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Just like anything in life “Slow & Steady Wins the Race”!
- Start with a healthy breakfast, such as oatmeal and whole grain cereals. This may prevent you from overeating later.
- Keep a food diary. Knowing how much you consumed in a day can help you understand your eating habits.
- Turn off the tube. You don’t burn many calories sitting on the couch. Watching television can be a great time to add extra pounds.
- Weigh yourself often, at least once a week.
- Cut calories by consuming smaller portions, skipping seconds, and asking restaurants to bag half your meals to-go.
- Become more active. Physical activity helps you burn calories and stay fit. A great time to sneak in some exercise is during TV time!
So, are these small changes small enough to get you motivated to reach your weight lost goals? If not, why. If so, please share your journey with us and let us know what else you want to learn about weight lose and maintenance by the NoorVitamins doctors. This column will also discuss diabetes, smoking cessation, heart health, staying active and general nutrition. Please comment below letting us know which topics you’d like us to focus on next inshaAllah.
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Please welcome Dr. Mohammed Issa, the President of NoorVitamins.
[American Muslim Mom] How did the Noor Vitamins idea come about?
[Noor Vitamins] First of all thanks for having us Ponn! The idea of Noor Vitamins actually came from our patients Alhamdulillah. The Noor Vitamins team are all either Muslim physicians or pharmacists and we all experienced first hand patients specifically asking us if we can recommend halal alternatives to the supplements they were taking. As we looked into it, we did not find a brand that met the scientific quality we would be comfortable recommending and the Halal certification we needed. Given that, we recognized a need in our community and by Allah’s grace we put together a team which has extensive clinical experience with research and development as well as business backgrounds to develop this much needed alternative for the Muslim consumer.
[American Muslim Mom] Please share the mission, vision and goals of Noor Vitamins.
[Noor Vitamins] Our mission is to provide the Muslim community with the highest quality Halal vitamins and supplements in order to promote a healthy and Halal lifestyle. We are committed to ensuring that our products meet the highest possible scientific and Halal standards and that our business practices fulfill the highest Islamic principles.
[American Muslim Mom] What makes a vitamin non-halal?
[Noor Vitamins] As Muslims, we all know to look for Gelatin on any package labeling and avoid products with this ingredient, knowing that it probably comes from pork sources. Several vitamin brands contain gelatin which is used to make different types of capsules. Surprisingly however, it is more than just gelatin. Many other ingredients like mono and di glycerides which are used to coat tablets, and even some vitamins themselves (Vitamins A,B, D,E,K) can come from non-halal sources.
[American Muslim Mom] How do you insure that all your vitamins are halal?
[Noor Vitamins] We work with a Halal certifying agency (Islamic Services of America) to ensure all of our sources for our products are certified Halal, this is more than just using Veggie sources, we actually go out and get the certification. In addition our manufacturing facilities are certified Halal which ensures that the machinery used to produce our products are not contaminated with non-halal ingredients. Even further to that, we are really proud to use only Sharia compliant business practices which ensures our entire organization is Halal alhamdullilah.
[American Muslim Mom] Are Halal vitamins lacking any vitamins that a traditional brand has?
[Noor Vitamins] I’m glad you asked that question Ponn! At Noor Pharmaceuticals we have gone through great lengths to ensure that all of our products are comparable if not more complete than the most popular vitamin brands on the market. Being health care professionals, we take our formulations very seriously and ensure that they meet the highest scientific quality and manufactured in FDA GMP (good manufacturing practices) certified facilities. At Noor, we pride our self on bringing the best of the science with Islam Alhamdulillah.
[American Muslim Mom] How long did it take you to develop these products? Why did it take you so long? or short? (Compared to industry norms for other pharmaceutical companies).
[Noor Vitamins] We have been working on this project for a very long time now. We didn’t want to rush the introduction of our products as we wanted to establish the best possible scientific and business foundation. We wanted to make sure our products, manufacturing and ingredients met the highest quality scientific quality and we operated with the highest possible Islamic standards. In addition, we worked extensively on the business process to ensure we would be able to provide our products to our customers for the long term and be a long term solution for the Muslim consumer not just a short term fix insha’Allah.
[American Muslim Mom] How did you prioritize which products to develop first? Nutritional/Health needs specific to general public or Muslims specifically? Or, the vitamins you discovered to have mostly haram by-products as their ingredients?
[Noor Vitamins] We prioritize the vitamins we introduce using all of what you just mentioned. We did extensive research to identify one, which vitamins were used and are needed most by the Muslim consumer and two, which vitamins are most likely to contain non-halal ingredients. We used that information to introduce the Noor Vitamins five products marketed now and we are currently working on introducing more than 10 additional products in the near future insha’Allah.
[American Muslim Mom] Do you plan to ever launch anything besides Noor Vitamins through NoorPharmaceuticals?
[Noor Vitamins] Insha’Allah. We are currently working on developing pharmaceutical products, and since that process requires significant resources and time we pray that Allah makes it easy for us so we can continue to serve our Muslim consumers insha’Allah.
[American Muslim Mom] Typically high-specialty items, such as Noor Vitamins, cost more simply because the production costs are greatly inflated due to the extra protocols, staffing, certification-processes, etc. Comparably, I find your prices are extremely economical. How is this possible?
[Noor Vitamins] Alhamdulillah, I appreciate you noticing that. While the production, protocols and certification costs are multiplied in producing our products, we wanted to make sure that our products are accessible to as many Muslims as possible regardless of economic status. We take this very seriously since the last thing we wanted was to inform the Muslim consumer that the vitamins they are taking may not be appropriate since they may contain non-halal ingredients then realize that the products that WOULD BE appropriate are not within an acceptable price range. We do this by being as operationally efficient as possible and lowering our profit margins in hopes that as many Muslims as possible would have access to Noor Vitamins.
[American Muslim Mom] When did you start making them available to the public? Where can we buy them? (bricks & mortar & online).
[Noor Vitamins] Right now, all of our products are available and can be purchased online at www.Noor Vitamins.com. In addition we are in several pharmacies in the northeast and plan to be in the DC and Chicago area in the next few months and ultimately nationwide in early 2012. In an effort to make our products even more accessible, we are offering free shipping anywhere in the US on orders of more than three bottles when customers join the “Noor Community” on our website insha’Allah.
[Noor Vitamins] We are very excited about the Ummah Project Alahmdulillah. Being from and apart of the Muslim community, the Noor founders understand the importance of many Muslim oragnizations fundraising efforts in Ramadan. To do our part in this, we designed the Ummah Project. During the program Noor assigns participating Muslim non-profit organizations including Masajid across the US a unique promotional code; 100% of the profit margin on any purchases made on www.Noor Vitamins.com using an organization’s code during Ramadan 2011 is donated to that respective organization. Any Muslim non-profit organization including schools and masajid can particpate in the program by e-mailing info@Noor Vitamins.com their name, non-profit ID, address, phone number and a contact person. The sooner an organization registered the more they can benefit from the program insha’Allah.
[American Muslim Mom] MashaAllah, 100% of the profits going to sadaqah during the month of Ramadan! May Allah multiply your rewards for offering and encouraging sadaqah during our blessed month of Ramadan. May Allah bless you handsomely in this dunya and the akhira for your efforts to work in His cause. Ameen. It’s truly an honor to work with a company that has such strong principles who scrutinizes their business practices to seek Allah’s approval. I am proud to partner with Noor Vitamins and their incredible products, and look forward to hosting a monthly Health Column with Noor’s Doctors, inshaAllah.
Noor Vitamins’s Doctors will be discussing important health issues, such as weight management and weight loss, diabetes, smoking cessation, heart health, staying active and general nutrition. Further information available on recent press release, Noor Pharmaceuticals Launches New Line of Halal Vitamins Just in time for Ramadan 2011.
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[American Muslim Mom] How did the Noor Vitamins idea come about?
[Noor Vitamins] First of all thanks for having us Ponn! The idea of Noor Vitamins actually came from our patients Alhamdulillah. The Noor Vitamins team are all either Muslim physicians or pharmacists and we all experienced first hand patients specifically asking us if we can recommend halal alternatives to the supplements they were taking. As we looked into it, we did not find a brand that met the scientific quality we would be comfortable recommending and the Halal certification we needed. Given that, we recognized a need in our community and by Allah’s grace we put together a team which has extensive clinical experience with research and development as well as business backgrounds to develop this much needed alternative for the Muslim consumer.
[American Muslim Mom] Please share the mission, vision and goals of Noor Vitamins.
[Noor Vitamins] Our mission is to provide the Muslim community with the highest quality Halal vitamins and supplements in order to promote a healthy and Halal lifestyle. We are committed to ensuring that our products meet the highest possible scientific and Halal standards and that our business practices fulfill the highest Islamic principles.
[American Muslim Mom] What makes a vitamin non-halal?
[Noor Vitamins] As Muslims, we all know to look for Gelatin on any package labeling and avoid products with this ingredient, knowing that it probably comes from pork sources. Several vitamin brands contain gelatin which is used to make different types of capsules. Surprisingly however, it is more than just gelatin. Many other ingredients like mono and di glycerides which are used to coat tablets, and even some vitamins themselves (Vitamins A,B, D,E,K) can come from non-halal sources.
[American Muslim Mom] How do you insure that all your vitamins are halal?
[Noor Vitamins] We work with a Halal certifying agency (Islamic Services of America) to ensure all of our sources for our products are certified Halal, this is more than just using Veggie sources, we actually go out and get the certification. In addition our manufacturing facilities are certified Halal which ensures that the machinery used to produce our products are not contaminated with non-halal ingredients. Even further to that, we are really proud to use only Sharia compliant business practices which ensures our entire organization is Halal alhamdullilah.
[American Muslim Mom] Are Halal vitamins lacking any vitamins that a traditional brand has?
[Noor Vitamins] I’m glad you asked that question Ponn! At Noor Pharmaceuticals we have gone through great lengths to ensure that all of our products are comparable if not more complete than the most popular vitamin brands on the market. Being health care professionals, we take our formulations very seriously and ensure that they meet the highest scientific quality and manufactured in FDA GMP (good manufacturing practices) certified facilities. At Noor, we pride our self on bringing the best of the science with Islam Alhamdulillah.
[American Muslim Mom] How long did it take you to develop these products? Why did it take you so long? or short? (Compared to industry norms for other pharmaceutical companies).
[Noor Vitamins] We have been working on this project for a very long time now. We didn’t want to rush the introduction of our products as we wanted to establish the best possible scientific and business foundation. We wanted to make sure our products, manufacturing and ingredients met the highest quality scientific quality and we operated with the highest possible Islamic standards. In addition, we worked extensively on the business process to ensure we would be able to provide our products to our customers for the long term and be a long term solution for the Muslim consumer not just a short term fix insha’Allah.
[American Muslim Mom] How did you prioritize which products to develop first? Nutritional/Health needs specific to general public or Muslims specifically? Or, the vitamins you discovered to have mostly haram by-products as their ingredients?
[Noor Vitamins] We prioritize the vitamins we introduce using all of what you just mentioned. We did extensive research to identify one, which vitamins were used and are needed most by the Muslim consumer and two, which vitamins are most likely to contain non-halal ingredients. We used that information to introduce the Noor Vitamins five products marketed now and we are currently working on introducing more than 10 additional products in the near future insha’Allah.
[American Muslim Mom] Do you plan to ever launch anything besides Noor Vitamins through NoorPharmaceuticals?
[Noor Vitamins] Insha’Allah. We are currently working on developing pharmaceutical products, and since that process requires significant resources and time we pray that Allah makes it easy for us so we can continue to serve our Muslim consumers insha’Allah.
[American Muslim Mom] Typically high-specialty items, such as Noor Vitamins, cost more simply because the production costs are greatly inflated due to the extra protocols, staffing, certification-processes, etc. Comparably, I find your prices are extremely economical. How is this possible?
[Noor Vitamins] Alhamdulillah, I appreciate you noticing that. While the production, protocols and certification costs are multiplied in producing our products, we wanted to make sure that our products are accessible to as many Muslims as possible regardless of economic status. We take this very seriously since the last thing we wanted was to inform the Muslim consumer that the vitamins they are taking may not be appropriate since they may contain non-halal ingredients then realize that the products that WOULD BE appropriate are not within an acceptable price range. We do this by being as operationally efficient as possible and lowering our profit margins in hopes that as many Muslims as possible would have access to Noor Vitamins.
[American Muslim Mom] When did you start making them available to the public? Where can we buy them? (bricks & mortar & online).
[Noor Vitamins] Right now, all of our products are available and can be purchased online at www.Noor Vitamins.com. In addition we are in several pharmacies in the northeast and plan to be in the DC and Chicago area in the next few months and ultimately nationwide in early 2012. In an effort to make our products even more accessible, we are offering free shipping anywhere in the US on orders of more than three bottles when customers join the “Noor Community” on our website insha’Allah.
The Ummah Project – Ramadan 2011 Fundraiser
[American Muslim Mom] Please share with us about the Ummah Project. What is it? Who should be involved? How can we get involved? Who is already involved (or, how many are already involved).[Noor Vitamins] We are very excited about the Ummah Project Alahmdulillah. Being from and apart of the Muslim community, the Noor founders understand the importance of many Muslim oragnizations fundraising efforts in Ramadan. To do our part in this, we designed the Ummah Project. During the program Noor assigns participating Muslim non-profit organizations including Masajid across the US a unique promotional code; 100% of the profit margin on any purchases made on www.Noor Vitamins.com using an organization’s code during Ramadan 2011 is donated to that respective organization. Any Muslim non-profit organization including schools and masajid can particpate in the program by e-mailing info@Noor Vitamins.com their name, non-profit ID, address, phone number and a contact person. The sooner an organization registered the more they can benefit from the program insha’Allah.
[American Muslim Mom] MashaAllah, 100% of the profits going to sadaqah during the month of Ramadan! May Allah multiply your rewards for offering and encouraging sadaqah during our blessed month of Ramadan. May Allah bless you handsomely in this dunya and the akhira for your efforts to work in His cause. Ameen. It’s truly an honor to work with a company that has such strong principles who scrutinizes their business practices to seek Allah’s approval. I am proud to partner with Noor Vitamins and their incredible products, and look forward to hosting a monthly Health Column with Noor’s Doctors, inshaAllah.
Noor Vitamins’s Doctors will be discussing important health issues, such as weight management and weight loss, diabetes, smoking cessation, heart health, staying active and general nutrition. Further information available on recent press release, Noor Pharmaceuticals Launches New Line of Halal Vitamins Just in time for Ramadan 2011.
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Frustrated, after reading ingredient labels on numerous children’s chewable vitamins, we put them back on the store shelf and walk away. Finding vitamins without gelatin is akin to the search for the Holy Grail. Surprisingly, it’s more than just gelatin, many other ingredients including vitamins themselves (Vitamin A,E, D, and K) can come from non-Halal sources. Finding vitamins and supplements to take without concern are mighty hard to find—until recently.
A team of U.S. Muslim physicians and pharmacists sought to create Halal alternatives to medicines and supplements that had non-Halal ingredients; two years later, NoorVitamins™ has arrived, launched by Noor Pharmaceuticals, LLC.
As Islam allows the consumption of haram substances if necessary to preserve life or treat illness, we have settled for less-than-Halal options. Yet, the question that each of us must answer is, “How far can one reasonably allow this provision for leniency?” If we can legitimately permit non-Halal properties in medicines, is it permissible for vitamins, supplements, and topical therapeutics?
The team of concerned health professionals accepted the obligation to research and courageously provided Halal alternatives for the benefit of the Muslim and other health conscious people by manufacturing NoorVitamins™. In addition to medical and pharmacology training, the executive team at Noor has extensive pharmaceutical industry experience spanning from research and development to global business management. In addition, the team brings the balance of Science and Islam to their products and business. Sh. Hatem el-Haj, MD, PhD, a co-founder of Noor Pharmaceuticals, is considered a thought leader in Science and Islam. His medical training provides a scientific perspective to Noor’s products and his PhD in Islamic Studies provides a Halal business model where the whole organization practices the highest business principles adhering to Islam.
Additionally, NoorVitamins is FDA GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified, and all of Noor’s ingredients and manufacturing is certified Halal by American Halal Association member Islamic Services Association (ISA of Cedar Rapids, IA).
NoorVitamins launched in May 2011 and is already available in several pharmacies in the Northeast, with plans to expand nationally by 2012. Additionally, Dr. Mohamed Issa, Noor’s CEO, stated that the next phases of the company’s development will include development of more Halal vitamin products and extend beyond vitamins to provide Halal pharmaceuticals and medicines specifically needed by the Muslim population.
Noor Vitamins.com™ features Noor’s most popular products: Omega-3 Fish Oil; Adult MultiVitamin and Mineral; Children’s Chewable MultiVitamin; Prenatal Supplement; and Calcium with Vitamin D. The Health Center and FAQ tabs on the site are informative resources for consumers seeking healthcare information. A unique feature of the site is the video series, “More Than Honey and the Black Seed,” which features one of Noor’s co-founders speaking about the balance of Science and Islam on satellite TV.
In addition the product offerings, leadership at Noor Pharmaceuticals™ is committed to the Muslim community they serve. Noor’s team partners with local healthcare providers to lead community health fairs hosted in masajid, schools and community centers with the goal of educating the community about health-related topics. According to Dr. Issa, “Noor is striving to educate local communities about the ailments that affect our people the most.”
Susan Labadi
A team of U.S. Muslim physicians and pharmacists sought to create Halal alternatives to medicines and supplements that had non-Halal ingredients; two years later, NoorVitamins™ has arrived, launched by Noor Pharmaceuticals, LLC.
As Islam allows the consumption of haram substances if necessary to preserve life or treat illness, we have settled for less-than-Halal options. Yet, the question that each of us must answer is, “How far can one reasonably allow this provision for leniency?” If we can legitimately permit non-Halal properties in medicines, is it permissible for vitamins, supplements, and topical therapeutics?
The team of concerned health professionals accepted the obligation to research and courageously provided Halal alternatives for the benefit of the Muslim and other health conscious people by manufacturing NoorVitamins™. In addition to medical and pharmacology training, the executive team at Noor has extensive pharmaceutical industry experience spanning from research and development to global business management. In addition, the team brings the balance of Science and Islam to their products and business. Sh. Hatem el-Haj, MD, PhD, a co-founder of Noor Pharmaceuticals, is considered a thought leader in Science and Islam. His medical training provides a scientific perspective to Noor’s products and his PhD in Islamic Studies provides a Halal business model where the whole organization practices the highest business principles adhering to Islam.
Additionally, NoorVitamins is FDA GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified, and all of Noor’s ingredients and manufacturing is certified Halal by American Halal Association member Islamic Services Association (ISA of Cedar Rapids, IA).
NoorVitamins launched in May 2011 and is already available in several pharmacies in the Northeast, with plans to expand nationally by 2012. Additionally, Dr. Mohamed Issa, Noor’s CEO, stated that the next phases of the company’s development will include development of more Halal vitamin products and extend beyond vitamins to provide Halal pharmaceuticals and medicines specifically needed by the Muslim population.
Noor Vitamins.com™ features Noor’s most popular products: Omega-3 Fish Oil; Adult MultiVitamin and Mineral; Children’s Chewable MultiVitamin; Prenatal Supplement; and Calcium with Vitamin D. The Health Center and FAQ tabs on the site are informative resources for consumers seeking healthcare information. A unique feature of the site is the video series, “More Than Honey and the Black Seed,” which features one of Noor’s co-founders speaking about the balance of Science and Islam on satellite TV.
In addition the product offerings, leadership at Noor Pharmaceuticals™ is committed to the Muslim community they serve. Noor’s team partners with local healthcare providers to lead community health fairs hosted in masajid, schools and community centers with the goal of educating the community about health-related topics. According to Dr. Issa, “Noor is striving to educate local communities about the ailments that affect our people the most.”
Susan Labadi
