Why Utah? How the Beehive State became the supplement capital of the U.S.
The remarkable history behind a cast of unlikely characters and a collection of fortuitous circumstances that led to a $16 billion industry.
Regulation, legislation & enforcement
Prevagen ordered to remove all memory-improvement claims
A New York court has issued an order prohibiting Quincy Bioscience from advertising that its Prevagen supplement improves memory.
NutraCast: US Hemp Authority’s new certification program and the state of the hemp industry
As the hemp industry rapidly evolves, the U.S. Hemp Authority, a third-party certification body for hemp and CBD products, recently launched its Adult-Use Hemp Product Certification Program. The program is designed for manufacturers and sellers of...
Regulators approve Arla’s acquisition of Volac’s whey nutrition business
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has approved Arla Foods Ingredients’ acquisition of Volac’s Whey Nutrition business to expand its sports nutrition portfolio.
UNPA’s Israelsen: ‘The gap between the science and the framework of a structure-function claim is increasingly stressed’
Dietary supplements are permitted to make structure-function claims, but the industry is increasingly seeking a solution to make stronger claims given the rapid advances in the science supporting the efficacy of some ingredients and products.
NPA hails ‘monumental victory’ with NMN case
The Natural Products Association (NPA) is celebrating after a federal court granted a joint motion to stay proceedings in a lawsuit to allow the Food and Drug Administration to respond to a Citizen Petition that may resolve the case about Nicotinamide...
NJ State Assembly passes bill to prohibit certain supplement sales to minors
The New Jersey Assembly voted 56-17 to pass a bill that seeks to prohibit the sale of certain diet pills and dietary supplements for weight loss or muscle building.
NutraCast: 'Uniting for a higher purpose': The story behind DSHEA
On the 30th anniversary of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, we sat down with United Natural Products Association (UNPA) President Loren Israelsen, who played an instrumental role in the landmark legislation that protects...
Celebrating 30 years of DSHEA: Taking a look back to look forward
Signed into law on Oct. 25, 1994, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) ushered in a new and lasting era for the dietary supplement industry.
FTC announces final ‘Click-to-Cancel’ rule
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized its “Click-to-Cancel” rule, which mandates that sellers make it as easy for consumers to end recurring online subscriptions and memberships as it was to sign up.
Weight Management Summit 2025: Event to explore the role of nutrition in a post-GLP-1 world
The Weight Management Summit will explore the market, the regulatory landscape, the science of natural alternatives, side effect support and how to best communicate all of this to an engaged, passionate and growing consumer base.
Steve Mister calls for convergence at CRN conference
Last week, the Council for Responsible Nutrition hosted its annual executive conference at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, with sessions spanning emerging science, marketing and communication, innovation, technology and the evolving regulatory...
FDA’s Human Foods Program in effect, emphasizing modernized food safety, nutrition and transparency
As the single largest reorganization in FDA’s history, the agency’s unified and modernized Human Foods Program is in effect and will “zero in” on science-based measures towards food safety and public health, according to the agency’s leadership.
dsm-firmenich wins €1 million compensation in biotin patent fight
dsm-firmenich has been awarded approximately €1.02 million in a patent infringement case relating to it biotin intermediate production technology.
NutraWomen Wednesday: Amy Caplette, SVP of Quality and Regulatory Affairs, Thorne
Amy Caplette, senior vice president of quality and regulatory affairs at Thorne, said her career has been marked by a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to enforcing quality standards. Her experiences, from working at the state food and drug agency...
CHPA’s MacKay on Amazon policy: ‘The retailers are watching’
The recent Consumer Healthcare Products Association’s Regulatory, Scientific & Quality (RSQ) Conference brought together leaders from across the consumer healthcare landscape to discuss issues that are facing the industry and find solutions to some of...
‘Great content and loved the networking opportunities!’: Save the date for Probiota Americas 2025
NutraIngredients-USA is pleased to announce the dates for the 10th anniversary edition of Probiota Americas, described by one recent attendee as “one of the finest, most balanced events in the supplement industry globally.”
Guidance on caffeine in supplements issued amid safety concerns
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued new guidance to ensure the safe consumption and production of food supplements containing high levels of caffeine in response to growing health risk concerns.
NJ State Assembly bill that restricts supplements to minors advances
New Jersey, home to many dietary supplement industry players like The Vitamin Shoppe, Gaspari Nutrition, NutraBio Labs Inc and Solgar Inc, is now facing potential restrictions on dietary supplement sales.
New ASA rulings target CBD for kids “grey area”
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) identifies two brands making claims that cannabidiol (CBD) is suitable for consumption by children, but “legal and safe are two different things” according to expert opinion.
FDA’s food czar laments ‘virtually no barriers to entry to the dietary supplement market’
FDA Deputy Commissioner Jim Jones restated the Agency’s commitment to a Mandatory Product Listing for dietary supplements as a way to counter a perceived lack of barriers to entry. The Natural Products Association called the statements a “slap in the...
NutraWomen Wednesday: Alicia Wolf, senior director of regulatory affairs, Ritual
Alicia Wolf, senior director of regulatory affairs at Ritual, said her journey into regulatory work wasn't exactly planned. A Fargo, North Dakota native, Wolf grew up with horses. She aspired to be a zoologist, which led her to pursue her undergraduate...
NPA’s Fabricant on NMN lawsuit: ‘We've got to take a stand on these things’
The Natural Products Association has filed a lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting the agency cease its unlawful retroactive application of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act against Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN).
FTC announces Final Rule banning fake reviews and testimonials
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has finalized its rules to combat fake reviews and testimonials, including those generated by A.I., by prohibiting their sale or purchase. The rule will also allow the commission to seek civil penalties against knowing...
Picking the right analytical testing lab strongly advised
Insisting on a high bar in product testing protects both a company’s bottom line and the dietary supplement industry’s long-term success, says Alkemist Labs.
Amazon sellers pay the high price of updated dietary supplements policy
Vox Nutrition has made a sizable investment to offset the costly tests associated with Amazon’s new TIC requirements, however, the private label manufacturer admits many of their smaller clients have still been forced to jump ship.
NutraCast: TINA.org exposes ACV brands misleading consumers
The advertising watchdog recently explored the divide between the marketing and the science pertaining to popular apple cider vinegar supplements.
Sen. Durbin reintroduces Dietary Supplement Listing Act, industry reacts
U.S. Senate Majority Whip Richard Durbin (D-IL) has introduced the Dietary Supplement Listing Act of 2024, which would require dietary supplement manufacturers to list their products with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
ODS calls for public comment on draft strategic plan 2025-2029
The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) is inviting public comment on its upcoming five-year strategic plan, which includes a reimagining of the office and an expansive research agenda.
NutraWomen Wednesday: Sarah Burden, Vice President of Sales, Radicle Science
After spending 20+ years in the natural products industry, Sarah Burden has decided to take a more ‘radicle’ approach, highlighting the importance of education, compliance and research.
Ask your doctor if this supplement is right for you
Consumers should consult their healthcare professionals about their supplement use to ensure efficacy and safety of self-care routines, suggests a new study led by researchers from The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce backs CRN suit against NY age-restriction law
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is among four organizations that filed an amicus brief Thursday to combat a New York law which bans the sale of weight loss and muscle building supplements to minors.
NutraCast: Microbiologist breaks down myths, misconceptions about GMO probiotics
Dr Zack Abbott, founder and CEO of ZBiotics, says the science supporting probiotics is inconsistent because like a fingerprint, everyone has a unique microbiome. Instead, Abbott suggests genetically engineered probiotics.
Bob Durkin joins Amin Wasserman Gurnani as co-chair of AWG’s regulatory group
Prominent industry law firm Amin Wasserman Gurnani (AWG) has announced that renowned FDA attorney Robert “Bob” Durkin has joined the firm as a partner and co-chair of its Regulatory Group in Washington, DC.
CRN argues first amendment in appellate brief challenging New York’s age restriction for specific supplements
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) is continuing its effort to fight a New York law that imposes an age restriction on the sale of weight loss and muscle-building supplements to minors, arguing that it restricts first amendment rights.
Ex-CEO of GNC on herbal research retraction: ‘Really sad to see scientists abused the trust of our consumer’
The recent retraction of a controversial 2013 paper that used a DNA testing methodology to allege widespread adulteration in herbal products has been welcomed by the former CEO of GNC.
The fall of Chevron and the potential implications for dietary supplements
The ink on the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Chevron deference was barely dry when dietary supplements stakeholders were asking about potential implications for their industry.
Who controls intellectual property? Attorneys weigh in on the use of AI
Artificial intelligence poses both promise and risk to copyright and intellectual property for several fields, including the sciences, according to legal experts who spoke at a recent United Natural Products Alliance webinar.
Lawyers talk evolving risk in modern supplement industry
In a constantly evolving marketplace, dietary supplement companies are exposed to a constantly evolving risk profile determined by off-script influencers, generative AI, elongated supply chains and the proliferation of new ingredients and manufacturing...
National Animal Supplement Council president breaks down the dos and don’ts of pet supps
As consumers continue to treat their pets like children, fads that are typically reserved for humans are now tracking in the pet category. One trend that is on the rise is pet supplements, a topic highlighted at the recent IPA World Congress + Probiota...
NutraCast: USP advocates for regulatory reform in dietary supplement industry
Since the passage of DSHEA in 1994, the dietary supplement industry has expanded from about 4,000 products to an estimated 80,000 today. With 80% of U.S. consumers using dietary supplements, some say a stronger regulatory framework is needed to address...
AHP responds to claims of ashwagandha abortifacient effects
The American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP) has responded to the growing number of European authorities reporting ashwagandha as an abortificient, arguing they have incorrectly cited the WHO monograph and AHP review.
The DSHEA Summit in pictures
NutraIngredients-USA's DSHEA Summit, supported by the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA), brought together the architects of the law and key industry stakeholders to discuss the past, present and future of the U.S. dietary supplements...
DSHEA at 30: ODSP director ticks through industry report card
At the DSHEA Summit last week in Salt Lake City, Dr. Cara Welch, director of the Office of Dietary Supplement Programs (ODSP), had an allotted 10 minutes to provide a report card on the state of the industry.
Joey Savage on being part of ‘new wave of DSHEA’
Last week inquisitive members of industry took to Salt Lake City for the landmark DSHEA Summit, Where DSHEA pioneers and key stakeholders discussed the past, present and future of the US dietary supplements industry.
NutraCast: You gotta fight for your right to sell supps
Several states and most recently the platform TikTok have placed tighter restrictions on dietary supplements, causing concern for many in the industry as well as supplement users. Adel Villalobos, founder and CEO of Lief Labs, says now is the time to...
NutraCast: Exploring key differences in regulatory frameworks governing dietary supplements in the U.S. and the EU
The European Union and the United States operate with different regulations for dietary supplements, including labeling, marketing, food additives and more. So how do brands navigate two very different regulatory environments?
Poppi faces class action lawsuit over health claims around prebiotic labeling
A class action lawsuit accusing better-for-you soda maker Poppi of misleading consumers about the prebiotic benefits of its beverages could force the industry to standardize marketing for these ingredients, according to one industry player.
FDA responds to congressman's letter that calls out ‘FDA’s failure to act’ on NOW’s test results
The letter also addresses concerns over FDA’s Human Foods Program reorganization and how it will impact the Office of Dietary Supplement Programs, new dietary ingredient notifications (NDIN) and more.
FDA reorganization gets green light
The U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services has approved the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) proposed reorganization which includes unifying the Human Foods Program.