In 2006, Shaklee Corporation marked its 50th year with a continued commitment to producing top quality products, to environmental citizenship, and to ongoing philanthropic endeavors.  Since 1956, the company has played a leadership role in the emerging knowledge regarding evidence-based nutrition supplementation as an important adjunct to maintaining health and well-being. Shaklee has collaborated with researchers at institutions such as Stanford University, University of California at Berkeley, and Tufts University to produce a substantial body of clinical investigations that have been published in peer review journals, poster presentations, and scientific meetings. In addition to examining product efficacy and safety, the company sponsors research that contributes to general knowledge in the field of nutrition. For instance, Shaklee's collaboration with University of Texas scientists led to the validation that a combination of carbohydrate and protein was more efficacious than either nutrient alone in facilitating post-endurance exercise muscle recovery.

Shaklee defines "quality" as meeting or exceeding the highest standards in the industry, from product conception to market entry. A team led by Jamie McManus, MD, Chairman of Medical Affairs, Health Science and Education, is comprised of nutritionists, chemists and food scientists, who are involved in all stages of new product development and the continuing evaluation of existing products. In the initial phases of new product development, ingredients are evaluated for substantiated evidence of human benefit and safety, often in conjunction with members of the company's Scientific Advisory Board. As product development proceeds, the team guides selection of the proper nutrient forms or standardized botanical extracts, collaborates with independent researchers when clinical assessment is appropriate, ensures that marketing materials are scientifically accurate. For instance, a series of clinical studies were conducted at Stanford University, to determine both the short and long term cholesterol-lowering effect of the Shaklee's soluble fiber supplement in subjects with mild to moderate hyperlipidemia.  

The company's product-related testing far exceeds industry standards and common practice. Raw material suppliers, for example, are screened to determine the material's origin, presence of heavy metals or agrichemical residues, use of solvents, microbial analysis and package and storage conditions. Botanical identity is confirmed by HPLC. Finished products are tested for potency, disintegration, dissolution where applicable, and undergo accelerated stability studies to determine product shelf. The company's manufacturing standards also go beyond basic compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices.

In 2006, three new products were launched which epitomize the quality that Shaklee strives to achieve. OmegaGuard™ is a pharmaceutical grade fish oil which undergoes a triple molecular distillation process to remove harmful contaminates such as lead, mercury, PCB's, and dioxins. A clinical study involving OsteoMatrix, a reformulated calcium and vitamin D product, was shown to increase blood calcium levels during the 12 hours after consumption. And VitalMag was created with a unique gel diffusion delivery system which optimizes absorption while minimizing digestive upset.

In fact, developing innovative ingredient delivery systems is a company hallmark.  For example when testing indicated that dissolution of folic acid is impaired when this B-vitamin is combined with other nutrients, the company developed a patented process that incorporates folic acid into the outer portion of tablets to ensure dissolution and enhance bioavailability. The company also utilizes micro-sphere encapsulation of vulnerable probiotic bacteria to ensure that the delivery site is the small intestines.