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Articles by Eric Munson
Paul Stamets and Fungi Perfecti Publish Complete Genome for Agarikon
Renowned mycologist Paul Stamets and scientists from Fungi Perfecti (Olympia, WA) announced a significant milestone in fungal research with the the world’s first complete genome of the rare and endangered agarikon. The study was published in the journal G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics. According to Fungi Perfecti, agarikon has lacked comprehensive genomic reference to support deeper genetic investigation.
CRN Survey Shows Consumer Support for Federal Dietary Supplement Listings
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) released findings from its 2026 national consumer survey, which adds consumer perspective to its longstanding support for a federal dietary supplement registry. The association supports proposed legislation that would require information about supplements to be listed through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and made available through a searchable database. However, the natural products industry remains divided on product listings.
HHS Recommends Thresholds to Target Synthetic, Concentrated 7-OH Products
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provided new recommendations to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that establish science-based thresholds for 7-hydoxymitragyine (7-OH) and mitragyine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI). 7-OH and MGPI are controversial opioid-like ingredients found in kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) that have been marketed as “dietary supplements” and other consumer products, according to HHS.
Naturally Independent Expo Returning to Palm Springs!
Education, networking and a celebration of independent retail highlight the 2026 event this month. The natural products industry will gather in Palm Springs, CA, this month as the Naturally Independent Expo (NIE) returns to the Palm Springs Convention Center on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13-14. This year’s event marks the first Naturally Independent Expo under the ownership and management of VRM Media, publisher of Vitamin Retailer, Nutrition Industry Executive and Natural Practitioner magazines.
Nordic Naturals Joins 42nd Annual California Coastal Cleanup
On Sept. 19, Nordic Naturals (San Diego, CA) joined the 42nd Annual California Coastal Cleanup at Mission Beach Park in San Diego. The company partnered with the California Coastal Commission and I Love a Clean San Diego. The cleanup was part of International Coastal Cleanup Day and brought team members from Nordic Naturals and winners of the company’s “Ride the Wave” sales competition. The group together collected nearly 20 pounds of litter along the shoreline.
OmegaQuant Awarded Additional NIH Funding for Insulin Resistance Research
OmegaQuant Analytics (Sioux Falls, SD) received additional funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance research into a blood fatty acid-based algorithm as a potentially earlier and more accessible predictor of insulin resistance. According to OmegaQuant, insulin resistance is when the body’s cells do not respond normally to insulin, requiring the pancreas to produce more insulin to help keep blood glucose levels within the normal range.
U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Review New York Age Restriction Law
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) expressed “disappointment” that the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review CRN’s challenge to a New York law restricting the sale of certain dietary supplements to individuals under the age of 18. The Supreme Court denied CRN’s petition for a writ of certiorari in Council for Responsible Nutrition v. James, No. 25-1145.
Pharmavite Announces Multi-Year Sponsorship of 3 College Football Teams
Pharmavite, makers of Nature Made, (West Hills, CA) announced the continuation of its partnership with Learfield, a leading media and technology company for college athletics, to sponsor the Alabama Crimson Tide, Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks as part of a multi-year agreement.
California Passes Age Restriction Law on Weight-loss and Muscle-building Supplements
On Sept. 28, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2030, which prohibits the sale of certain dietary supplements to consumers under the age of 18. AB 2030 prohibits the sale of dietary supplements that are “labeled, marketed or otherwise represented for weight loss or muscle building,” and over-the-counter diet pills to consumers under 18 (with an exception for those who have a prescription).
2026 NIE New Ingredient Awards
In 2019, the staff of Nutrition Industry Executive (NIE) magazine was looking for a way to highlight the most cutting-edge and advanced natural branded ingredients backed by science. As a result, the NIE New Ingredient Awards were created. The 2026 NIE New Ingredient Awards highlight various notable ingredients launched since Oct. 1, 2024, for use in dietary supplements and functional foods and beverages in the United States.
2026 NIE New Ingredient Awards
In 2019, the staff of Nutrition Industry Executive (NIE) magazine was looking for a way to highlight the most cutting-edge and advanced natural branded ingredients backed by science. As a result, the NIE New Ingredient Awards were created. The 2026 NIE New Ingredient Awards highlight various notable ingredients launched since Oct. 1, 2024, for use in dietary supplements and functional foods and beverages in the United States.
[Extra! Extra!] Good Mood Science for Robuvit French Oak Wood Extract
Switzerland-based Horphag Research is the exclusive worldwide supplier of Pycnogenol and Robuvit. Sébastian Bornet, vice president global sales and marketing at Horphag, said one of Robuvit’s key benefits is that it works as a natural energy booster—it supports physical and mental energy without caffeine. “This [French oak wood] extract addresses the underlying biological drivers of low energy and mood dysregulation,” Bornet explained.
All-around Good Mood
Good mood support has now become a part of everyday, year-round wellness. Mood support is increasingly becoming part of a broader conversation around everyday wellness. Consumers now see stress, sleep, energy and emotional well-being as interconnected rather than separate concerns.
The Vitamin Professor Podcast’s Lesson 32: Interview with Industry Legend Mark Blumenthal
Web | Email | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | YouTube Music | iHeart | Amazon Music On this episode of The Vitamin Professor Podcast, Professor Gene Bruno talks to industry legend Mark Blumenthal. Mark is the founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council (ABC), the editor/publisher of HerbalGram, and the senior editor of three of ABC’s books. He represents ABC in the media, to ABC stakeholders, and in dozens of appearances at conventions, conferences, and other appearances.
NBJ Releases 2026 Sports Nutrition and Weight Management Report
Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ) released its 2026 Sports Nutrition and Weight Management Report, revealing the combined industry is rapidly approaching $100 billion (estimated at $93.81 billion in 2026). The report examines how consumer aspirations are fundamentally reshaping supplement sales and driving focus across multiple product categories.
CRN Celebrates Dietary Supplement Exemption on California Food Date Label Law
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) is celebrating a significant state advocacy victory following enactment of California Assembly Bill 2779 (AB 2779), which excludes dietary supplements from the state’s standardized food date labeling requirements.
EuroPharma Appoints Holly Hirsch as Interim President and CEO
Holly Hirsch EuroPharma’s Board of Directors (Green Bay, WI) appointed Holly Hirsch as interim president and chief executive officer (CEO), effective immediately. Hirsch has served as chief operating officer (COO) of EuroPharma, working closely with company founder Terry Lemerond, who passed away on Sept. 3 at age 88. As COO, she has provided day-to-day leadership across the business and has helped guide operations, commercial strategy, organizational development and long-term planning.
Consumer Research Shows Gut Health Shifting Toward Digestive Performance
New consumer research commissioned by ingredient supplier NXT USA suggests digestive health consumers are less interested in microbiome mechanics and colony forming units (CFUs) than in the outcomes experienced every day—comfort, regularity, predictability, and the ability to stop thinking about digestion. “The digestive-health industry spends an enormous amount of time talking about bacteria, strains, CFUs, fiber, and the microbiome,” said Eric Anderson, managing director of NXT USA.
Travel Support, Free Education Program Available To Retailers Attending Naturally Independent Expo In Palm Springs
A travel support program for natural retailers and holistic practitioners attending the 2026 Naturally Independent Expo in Palm Springs, CA, has been announced by show management. Upon acceptance, expo attendees can receive a travel reimbursement up to $250 toward their hotel room costs. The Naturally Independent Expo will be held November 13-14, 2026 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
ABC Criticizes New Scientist Article on Turmeric Efficacy and Safety
In an article published on June 1, 2026 in science and technology magazine New Scientist, writer Alice Klein questioned the health benefits of turmeric (Curcuma longa) extracts and suggested people should use caution when using turmeric over liver concerns. The American Botanical Council (ABC) criticized the article because it did not discuss any established health benefits of turmeric and its extracts.
Humann Announces Nutrition Research Partnership With UC Davis
Humann (Austin, TX) announced an academic research partnership with the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), which is a globally recognized leader in nutrition, food and health sciences research. The partnership with UC Davis and its Innovation Institute for Food and Health (IIFH) aims to investigate how precision nutrition approaches can improve cardiovascular health, performance and longevity.
OmegaQuant Awarded NIH Grant to Investigate Fatty Acid Biomarkers for AMD and Glaucoma
OmegaQuant Analytics (Sioux Falls, SD) has been awarded an NIH Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to investigate whether patterns of fatty acids in the blood can help predict future risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma.
New Index Shows What Supplement Brands AI Assistants Recommend
The Supplement AI Visibility Index by AI Shelf Space (London, England), which launched on Sept. 9, ranks brands across 185 product categories on seven artificial intelligence (AI) assistants. The data was taken from more than 1.3 million brand recommendations in more than 178,000 sampled answers collected from Sept. 3-7.
In Memoriam: Terry Lemerond, Formulator, Retailer, Author, Founder of EuroPharma/Terry Naturally
Terry Lemerond On Sept. 3, natural products pioneer Terrence Joseph “Terry” Lemerond, a renowned formulator, retailer, author and founder of EuroPharma/Terry Naturally (Green Bay, WI), died unexpectedly at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay at age 88. Lemerond was born on May 20, 1938 in Green Bay. He attended Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Grade School and Our Lady of Premontre High School.
Boiron Announces Grand Opening of New Logistics Center
Boiron USA (Newtown Square, PA) announced the grand opening and ribbon cutting for its new 78,898-square-foot logistics center will be held on Sept. 16. Operational since a soft launch in late May 2026, the facility expands the company’s storage and distribution to support continued growth and increasing demand for its homeopathic medicine. The new facility is located at 4400 Alice Grim Blvd. in Newtown Square about one mile from Boiron’s American headquarters.
cbdMD Enters Definitive Agreement to Acquire Twinlab
cbdMD (Charlotte, NC) announced it has entered a definitive asset purchase agreement to acquire the remaining operating assets and brands of Twinlab. The transaction is expected to give Twinlab a stable home and provide an “orderly path forward” for the company’s legacy obligations and ensure business and remains uninterrupted, according to cbdMD.
Nestlé Divests Holistic Health VMS Portfolio to Yellow Wood Partners
Nestlé (Vevey, Switzerland) announced it will divest its mainstream Holistic Health vitamins, minerals and supplements (VMS) portfolio to private equity firm Yellow Wood Partners for $1 billion. The Holistic Health portfolio comprises seven VMS brands: Nature’s Bounty, Osteo Bi-Flex, Ester-C, Gard, Nuun, Puritan’s Pride and Sisu. The divestment includes the associated U.S. private-label supplements business, dedicated manufacturing, packaging, warehousing and distribution operations.
The Natural Retailer Podcast’s Episode 3: He Started as a Bulk Boy—Now He Owns the Store
On this episode of GroceryPulse, recorded live at Expo West with VRM Media, host George Goodwin sits down with Brian Mosher, owner of Get Healthy—two independent health food stores in Spring Hill and Brooksville, Florida. Brian started as a cleaner and bulk boy 20 years ago and worked his way up to general manager before buying the business from the original owners when they had no succession plan.
[Extra! Extra!] U.S. Private Label Industry Reaches $282.2 Billion in Sales in 2025
According to a report from the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA), in 2025, U.S. sales of private label store brands increased slightly more than $9 billion to a record $282.8 billion in all outlets compared to 2024. Store brand dollar sales increased nearly three times the rate of national brands, climbing by 3.3 percent, compared to 1.2 percent for their national brand counterparts for the year-long period ending December 28, 2025.
[Extra! Extra!] A Unique Olive Leaf Extract for Immune Health
According to Geoff Melcher, president and COO of Nevada-based East Park Naturals, olive leaf has a long history of use in natural health, but the industry often focuses “too narrowly” on just one compound—oleuropein. It is important but is only one part of the olive leaf story. “My thinking on this became much clearer when we started looking more closely at why d-Lenolate was performing the way it was. As a researcher, I wanted to understand the ‘why’ behind what we were seeing.
Trends in Contract Manufacturing
The latest advancements and innovations for contract manufacturers and private labelers. According to Grand View Research, the global dietary supplement contract manufacturing market size is projected to reach $121.2 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6 percent from 2025-2030.1 Contract manufacturers offer international market expertise and support.
Shifting Beyond Seasons
For supplement consumers, immune support is a proactive, holistic, year-round health concern. The immune support category has expanded beyond traditional cold, flu and allergy seasons. It is a proactive and holistic year-round health concern especially during travel, back-to-school, seasonal transitions, stress, sleep and overall resilience. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global immune health supplements market size was valued at $27.58 billion in 2025.
2026 Practitioner of the Year: Michael T. Murray, ND
Natural Practitioner magazine honors industry icon Dr. Michael Murray for his leadership and contributions to naturopathic medicine. At the age of 14, Dr. Michael T. Murray suffered a knee injury that continued to worsen over time. When he turned 18, he could barely walk and was in constant, severe pain. He went in for exploratory surgery and found out his patellar tendon was almost completely ruptured.
Natural Brands Offer Free Products to Storm-hit Midwest Retailers
On Aug. 11, tornadoes and a derecho tore through Iowa, Illinois and Indiana, leading many independent retailers across the region without power, inventory and in some cases a building. Stores lost refrigeration, roofs and windows. Those who were spared from structural damage have spent significant time managing spoiled products, delayed deliveries and customers with far bigger problems than supplement routines.
Trump Nominates Dr. Heidi Overton as FDA Commissioner
Dr. Heidi Overton President Donald Trump announced his nomination of Heidi Overton, MD, PhD as the Commissioner for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Overton would replace Dr. Marty Makary who resigned in May 2026. Kyle Diamantas, JD, has been serving as acting commissioner. Overton is a physician and health care policy leader currently served as Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy at the White House.
Bragg Launches “The Bragg Philosophy for Vibrant Living”
Patricia and Paul Bragg Bragg Live Food Products (Santa Barbara, CA) launched “The Bragg Philosophy for Vibrant Living,” a modern expression of the founding principles of wellness pioneers Paul and Patricia Bragg from more than a century ago. Long before wellness became an established industry, the Braggs championed a holistic approach to health centered on simple, intentional daily habits to support vitality, longevity and overall well-being.
Research Shows Only 30% of Calcium in Global Food Supply is Bioavailable
New research from the U.S. and Canada entity of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) and ingredient supplier Balchem (Montvale, NJ) estimated only 30 percent of calcium in the global food supply is bioavailable. The results highlight opportunities for food and supplement brands to optimize their formulations with bioavailable ingredients that limit the effect of anti-nutrients on mineral absorption, according to researchers.
NOW Tests Vitamin C Gummy Supplements Sold on Amazon
In its latest round of testing, NOW (Bloomingdale, IL) said it tested 30 vitamin C gummy supplements sold on Amazon.
Nature’s Bounty Launches “Supplement the Gap” Campaign
Nature’s Bounty Begins “Supplement the Gap” campaign Nature’s Bounty (Bridgewater, NJ) launched its new “Supplement the Gap” campaign to “supplement the knowledge gap in women’s health and wellness.” Medical research specifically focused on women’s bodies is limited and trustworthy information can be hard to find, hindering women from making confident, informed decisions about their health and wellness, the company said.
Associations Respond to Mandatory GRAS Notification Proposal
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a rule requiring manufacturers to notify FDA whenever they conclude the use of a substance added to human or animal food is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).
“Differentiating Your Store From the Competition” Education Session Added to Naturally Independent Expo
Sarah Super A panel discussion on “How to Differentiate Your Store From the Competition” has been added to the free Retailer Education Day programming at the upcoming 2026 Naturally Independent Expo in Palm Springs, CA, show organizers have announced. The new education session will be presented from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday, Nov.
CDC/NHANES Data Reveals Most Americans Have Low Omega-3 Levels
A landmark study published in Current Developments in Nutrition reports the first nationally representative Omega-3 Index data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). It reveals that most Americans have omega-3 levels well-below those associated with optimal cardiovascular health. The study analyzed blood samples from more than 7,200 Americans age 6 and older collected between August 2021 and August 2023.
Chlorophyll Water Earns Clean Label Project Certification 4 Consecutive Years
Chlorophyll Water (New York, NY) announced it earned Clean Label Project Certification for the fourth consecutive year, reinforcing its commitment to rigorous third-party testing, product purity and transparency. In 2022, Chlorophyll water became the first bottled water in the United States to achieve Clean Label Project Certification, which established a new standard within the bottled water and functional beverage categories.
Thorne to be Acquired by Procter & Gamble
Thorne (Summerville, SC) announced it entered a definitive agreement to be acquired by The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G). Since 1984, Thorne has been a leader in science-backed health solutions, serving consumers, athletes and health care professionals through rigorous world-class manufacturing and uncompromising quality. Thorne and P&G share a belief that brands are built through a commitment to quality, innovation and earning consumer trust.
The Vitamin Professor Podcast’s Lesson 29: From Skate Parks to Supplement Aisles
Web | Email | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | YouTube Music | iHeart | Amazon Music On this episode of The Vitamin Professor Podcast, Professor Gene Bruno talks to Matts Johansen, CEO at Aker BioMarine and Chairman of Aker QRILL Company. This podcast is focused on the science in the supplement industry. Please join our host Gene Bruno, the Vitamin Professor, as he explores all aspects of the supplement space with leading industry professionals.
TruShield Introduces New Certification App
TruSheild certified app Eagle Diagnostics TruShield (Salt Lake City, UT) announced the launch of the TruShield Certification app, a new digital resource to help consumers, athletes, health care professionals, professional teams, trainers, retailers and other professionals quickly verify if a product or ingredient has earned TruShield Certification.
Sprouts Farmers Market Opens New Flagship Store
New Sprouts flagship store. Photo courtesy: Sprouts Farmers Market On July 24, Sprouts Farmers Market (Phoenix, AZ) opened its new flagship store at CityNorth in Phoenix, AZ. The new store, located at 20650 N. 56th St., anchors a new mixed-use development that features Sprouts’ new corporate headquarters along with other retail and restaurant offerings.
Analysis Shows Low-Dose Omega-3 Supplementation Does Not Increase AF Risk
A new meta-analysis led by researchers from the Fatty Acid Research Institute (FARI) provides the clearest picture of the relationship between omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and atrial fibrillation (AF). Published in Circulation: Arrythmia and Electrophysiology, the study analyzed data from 35 randomized controlled trials involving more than 114,000 participants—more than for times the number of studies included in previous meta-analyses.
[Video] 2026 Retailer of the Year: Clark’s Nutrition & Natural Foods Market
by VRM Media | August 3, 2026 Since its inception, this California retailer has been both creating and keeping up with the latest trends—and growing along the way. Feature Don't Miss Out! Vitamin Retailer Magazine Stay informed about the latest health, nutrition, and wellness developments by signing up for a FREE subscription to Vitamin Retailer magazine and digital newsletter.
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