Hank Schultz
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Supplements and food journalist. Cyclist. Lover of steep mountains, good beer and seemingly extraneous facts.
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Articles by Hank Schultz
Study suggests folic acid improves training outcomes, heart health
A new study suggests folic acid supplementation could improve training responses from exercise and improve some measures of cardiovascular health. It adds to the small but growing evidence for the substance in the sports nutrition realm. The new research was published in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition. It was the work of a group of researchers associated with a sports university in Beijing, China.
New postbiotic has powerful production partner
A new postbiotic has debuted armed with a growing suite of scientific evidence. The ingredient has the backing of a prominent German manufacturer. The new ingredient, dubbed Thryvia, is the work of an emerging brand called Superbrewed Food. It is a strain of Clostridium tyrobutyricum, a species of bacteria that has been important in industrial applications because of its role in the production of butyric acid.
Study shows how low vitamin D levels could alter metabolic health in offspring
A post-hoc analysis of a large data pool sheds light on how low vitamin D levels damage metabolic health of mothers and in particular their newborns. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal schedule3 Min Read A new study using a large dataset has shed light on the mechanisms by which low vitamin D levels lead to negative metabolic outcomes for pregnant women and their offspring. The new research was published by the journal Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism.
Study uncovers consumers’ real world creatine experience
A study based on survey results provided valuable information about how consumers are using creatine and what benefits they are getting from it. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal schedule5 Min Read A new study gives valuable insight into the experience of creatine users. The big takeaway is that closing knowledge gaps about potential benefits and possible side effects could create better outcomes for more consumers.
New GRAS rule raises authority, manpower questions, experts warn
A proposed rule — making GRAS submissions to FDA mandatory and replacing the self-affirmed pathway — raises many questions, including whether FDA can pull it off. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal schedule4 Min Read The proposed GRAS (generally recognized as safe) rule announced yesterday by the federal government is unlikely to affect the dietary supplement industry in the short term because powerful interests are arrayed against it, experts predicted.
Industry experts analyze P&G's acquisition of supplement giant Thorne
Hank Schultz,Senior Editor, SupplySide Supplement Journal At a Glance Thorne's owner, private equity firm L. Catterton, will see an incredible 77% rate of return from the sale. Scott Steinford, CEO of PreMark Health Sciences, says Thorne is an example of private equity correctly managing a brand. Industry consultant Marc Brush points out that New Chapter's experience with P&G is a positive sign for Thorne's future.
Experts give high marks to P&G’s bet on Thorne
The high price Procter & Gamble paid for supplement manufacturer Thorne is both a testament to the thriving nature of that business and to the industry's future growth prospects, observers said. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal schedule4 Min Read Thorne announced a partnership with WNBA star Napheesa Collier to champion its NSF Certified for Sport products. At a Glance P&G to acquire Thorne for $3.8 billion, marking a 77% return for L. Catterton in just two years.
New study says lower-dose omega-3s don’t raise AF risk
A new meta-analysis that included more relevant data than earlier studies has concluded that supplement-size doses of omega-3s are not associated with increased AF risk. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal schedule3 Min Read A new meta-analysis that incorporates a large amount of new data has found that typical supplement doses of EPA and DHA do not raise the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). This effect applies even to patients already at risk of AF.
Kava study highlights botanical’s complex profile
A new study on the potential liver injury risks of kava sheds some light on the botanical’s complex chemistry. But the results don’t change the plant’s overall safety, an expert said. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal schedule4 Min Read A new study on kava constituents highlights the plant’s complicated chemistry and the difficulty in assessing which of these compounds might be responsible for the small number of liver injuries associated with the botanical.
OmniActive launches new shatavari/fenugreek ingredient
OmniActive Health Technologies has entered the women’s health space with a new shatavari/fenugreek ingredient. A clinical trial backs the new product’s menopause benefits. Mumbai-based OmniActive Health Technologies has cashed in on the growing interest in women’s health with the launch of a new combination shatavari/fenugreek ingredient backed by a placebo-controlled trial. The new ingredient, dubbed Fenavari, combines fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and shatavari (Asparagus racemosus).
GOED report sees stabilizing, growing market for omega-3s
Despite supply challenges and trade war storm clouds, the omega-3 trade organization sees market growth ahead in its latest industry report. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal schedule4 Min Read Geopolitical tensions, trade wars and price corrections have colored the global omega-3s market, but the overall supply and demand picture is good, according to one of the periodic reports released by GOED.
Supplement based on ayahuasca component makes formal debut
A supplement based on an extract of Banisteriopsis caapi, a tropical vine used as part of the ayahuasca brew, is now available to the public. It’s the first of its kind, the developer claims. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal Billed as the first of its kind, a supplement based on a constituent of ayahuasca made its formal market debut at an event in New York City.
Experts: Creatine/tumor study headline exceeds what research shows
The headline of new paper investigating how creatine might increase the metastasis of cancerous tumors exaggerated what the researchers found, experts said. Creatine is safe, they emphasized. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal A new study that is sure to garner attention linked creatine supplementation with increased metastasis of some cancerous tumors. But experts noted that the headline went beyond what the study actually showed.
Omega-3s effective in quelling systemic inflammation, review finds
A new review has laid out the mechanisms of action by which omega-3s quell systemic inflammation. It’s a growing aspect of healthy aging research. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal A new review has highlighted the positive effects of omega-3 supplementation in healthy aging. The primary mechanism is the ability of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) to quell the development of pro-inflammatory molecules in the body.
Research lays out interplay of gut microbiome and endocannabinoid system
The relationship between the endocannabinoid system and the gut microbiome seems to get more complex with each new research paper published. Emerging AI-assisted tools could help better define this critical signally pathway in the body. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal A new paper summarized the latest state of research concerning the mechanisms of action for how dietary interventions affect the so-called endocannabinoidome.
Oshala Farm gutted by fire
Oshala Farm, the second-largest grower of bulk medicinal herbs in the United States, was severely damaged by a fire on July 7. The owners are seeking donations to help keep this major employer in rural Oregon in business. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal A fire at Oshala Farm, a well-known herbal farm and bulk ingredient supplier, has consumed all of the company’s warehousing and drying facilities. The company’s extensive inventory has been destroyed.
CRN files motion to keep free speech case alive
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has filed a brief to keep its Supreme Court case moving. CRN is challenging a New York sales restriction on commercial speech grounds. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has filed a brief to keep alive its effort to have the U.S. Supreme Court review a free speech challenge of a New York law that restricts the sale of some supplements to minors.
As UNPA leader steps down, he wants to make sure industry understands its legacy Original
Longtime supplement industry thought leader Loren Israelsen announces his impending retirement and the disbanding of the United Natural Products Association. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal At a Glance Isrealsen was intstrumental in helping craft of the language of DSHEA and in getting it passed in 1994. He founded the United Natural Products Alliance in 1992. He leaves behind a long list of industry thought leaders who are grateful for his insights and mentorship.
NHANES study shows supplement use rising, except for kitchen-sink multis
A study using NHANES data from 1999-2023 found Americans’ supplement use rose steadily. It rose fastest among consumers over 65. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal A new study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) confirmed the rising tide of supplement use among adults in the United States. Most supplement categories increased, except for traditional kitchen-sink formula multivitamin products.
Protein developer unlocks the potential of leaves
A food process development firm has launched a consumer product based on alfalfa leaf protein, extracted via a proprietary process. It’s claimed to offer sustainability and digestibility advantages. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal A new method to isolate an ancient protein is poised to upend the protein space, the idea’s New Zealand-based developer claims.
Tariffs, turmeric and tide of state laws headline AHPA webinar
A mid year regulatory update from the American Herbal Products Association focused on tariffs, turmeric safety concerns, and the rising tide of state-level supplement laws. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal More tariff turmoil, questions about turmeric safety and the rising tide of state-based supplement laws headlined a recent webinar put on by the American Herbal Products Association. Among the speakers were AHPA’s (relatively) new president and CEO Graham Rigby.
BAPP leads way toward industry self-improvement
The Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) is now more than 15 years old and has published more than 100 peer-reviewed reports. Founder Mark Blumenthal lays out how the program has been making a difference Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal At a Glance BAPP has now published more than 100 peer-reviewed reports. All of those materials are free to any interested party. That publishing pace helps companies stay ahead of the adulteration curve.
New delivery tech poised to broaden reach of difficult bioactives
A new gentle, clean label emulsion technology will solve many of the issues that make some bioactives difficult to work with, the founders claim. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal At a Glance New delivery tech claims to solve the solubility, stability issues of many bioactives. Founders claim it can also help remove taste and smell hurdles. The idea has attracted significant funding from investors.
Review finds probiotics improve athletes’ sleep
A review employing a relatively new reporting protocol has found support for the use of probiotics and synbiotics in supporting sleep among athletes. The new review was published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. It was the work of a group of researchers based in Iran. The researchers used a relatively new analytical approach called SWiM (Synthesis Without Meta Analysis).
Bill would allow FSA/HSA spending on supplements
A new bill in Congress would change the rules around health savings accounts to allow consumers to use those dollars to buy supplements. It’s a change that trade groups have long requested. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal Industry insiders call a newly introduced bill that would allow consumers to use medical savings accounts to pay for supplements a commonsense fix.
Review shows creatine preserves muscle mass in older women
A review of studies including more than 600 subjects suggest that 5 grams daily of creatine monohydrate can preserve the muscles of postmenopausal women. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal A new meta-analysis has confirmed a modest benefit for a standard dose of creatine in supporting lean muscle mass in menopausal women. The new research was published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (JISSN).
NPA pushes agenda to receptive lawmakers during annual Fly In Day
The Natural Products Association members lobbied members of Congress in force during the group’s annual Fly In Day on Tuesday, May 12. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal At a Glance FSA/HAS reimbursement for supplements topped NPA’s lobbying day agenda. Support for a bill to reestablish federal regulatory authority over the industry was also on the docket. NPA also talked about the drug preclusion clause issue.
Trade court strikes blow at Trump’s 10% tariffs
A trade court has struck down Trump’s 10% tariffs, but the ruling has limited application. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal A federal court has ruled against the interim 10% tariffs that were imposed by the Trump administration. The ruling has limited application and is expected to be appealed, but nevertheless is another brick removed from Trump’s tariff wall.
Ayush dials up heat powering awareness of Ayurveda
The Indian Ministry of Ayush is helping to translate that country’s traditional medicine into a modern paradigm. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal Secretary of Ayush Rajesh Kotecha, left and Dr. Ikhlas Khan, Ph.D., head of the National Center for Natural Products Research.
Langworthy testifies on behalf of his federal preemption bill
Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.) testified in a hearing yesterday in support of his bill to restore federal authority over supplement regulations. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal The sponsor of a bill meant to clarify supplement regulations spoke on its behalf during a congressional hearing yesterday. The purpose of the legislation is to end the ongoing drift toward state-level rules when it comes to supplements. Rep.
FDA gets flood of comments on DSHEA meeting
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration received almost a thousand comments relating to a public meeting in late March that was meant to tackle the definitional issue of what constitutes a “dietary substance.” A general thread in the comments has been that FDA’s current interpretation is too restrictive. The public docket for comments closed Monday at midnight, by which time 955 comments had been received. As of the publication date of this article, only nine of those comments had been made public.
Ayush bans ashwagandha leaf extracts
The Indian Ayush Ministry has issued a ban on the use of leaves in ashwagandha extracts. This comes at a time of rising concerns about the botanical’s safety. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal Ashwagandha is again making news. The Indian government has banned the use of the leaves of the plant in health products. Meanwhile, a move is underway to gather scientific information to counter the allegations in some markets that the ingredient overall poses safety concerns.
Shatavari ingredient quells menopause symptoms in study
A shatavari root extract shows a steep reduction in menopause symptoms among healthy women in a recent study. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal Research on a new shatavari extract shows the ingredient provided substantial relief from menopause symptoms in a randomized trial. The study’s results add to the growing body of research around this increasingly popular botanical. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a member of the asparagus family native to Africa and southern Asia.
Cordyceps products survey finds quality, labeling shortfalls
A study in Thailand of cordyceps products found multiple issues with quality, labeling and undeclared drug ingredients. The findings should serve as a wake-up call for U.S. based firms, experts said. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal A study that found adulteration and misrepresentation of cordyceps supplements sold in Thailand has implications for product verification in the domestic market, experts said.
FDA exec Kyle Diamantas spoke on how FDA is modernizing its approach to dietary supplements to better reflect MAHA priorities. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal FDA official Kyle Diamantas said the MAHA, or Make America Healthy Again, movement has provided a push for change that has made it easier to look at the agency’s mission with fresh eyes. He made his statements during a meeting on Wednesday hosted by the Natural Products Association (NPA).
Charlotte’s Web cites drug project, HEMP Act as waypoints toward profitability
Summary: Charlotte’s Web sees revenue growth and new ownership while navigating CBD market challenges and exploring health care integration opportunities.
Turmeric liver warnings ignore long history of safety
Drawing conclusions about the recent raft of liver injury warnings about turmeric – including official action in Brazil – could ignore the ingredient’s strong safety record in favor of an overemphasis on a few case reports, experts claim. In early March, ANVISA, the Brazilian governmental department that regulates the health of foods and drugs, published a warning about the risk of liver injury from the use of turmeric supplements.
Streamlined adverse events system comes with pitfalls
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said its move to consolidate its adverse events reporting system is meant to streamline operations and cut costs. But, according to some experts, as the plan expands to include supplements in the coming months, it could also make this data easier to access, enabling pressure groups to drive policy decisions or serve as a launching pad for class action lawsuits.
John Kerry to spearhead Aker-backed sustainability effort
American diplomat John Kerry will spearhead an initiative to create a new Southern Ocean preserve as part of an initiative founded by King Charles of the U.K. and supported by Aker BioMarine. The initiative, dubbed the Ocean Stewardship Initiative (OSI), is a subset of an effort called the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) founded by King Charles III in 2020, when he was still the prince of Wales.
M2’s mushroom coffee launch highlights red hot sector
M2 Ingredients has launched a mushroom ingredient meant to pair with ground coffee, aiming at more discerning consumers. The development is part of the rapidly expanding fungal ingredient sector, which will be covered in an upcoming Supplement Journal webinar. Hank Schultz,Senior editor,SupplySide Supplement Journal The fungi sector continues to — well — mushroom.
DSHEA definition subject of FDA meeting
FDA has set a meeting to further clarify what kinds of substances qualify as a dietary ingredient. New production techniques have made that a thorny question. Hank Schultz,Senior editor, SupplySide Supplement Journal The Food and Drug Administration has announced a public meeting that will delve into definitional questions that figure in to the filing of new dietary ingredient notifications (NDINs).
Study finds linoleic acid linked to less dementia risk
A new study using UK Biobank data found that subjects with the highest levels of linoleic acid had less risk of dementia. This adds nuance to the question of whether omega-6s are bad for you. Hank Schultz,Senior editor, SupplySide Supplement Journal At a Glance Study used huge data set to find omega-6 correlation. Highest levels of linoleic acid seemed to be neuroprotective. Result adds nuance to question of proper role of omega-6s in diet.
Is MLM sales swoon coming to an end?
Herbalife and Usana recorded year-over-year sales gains, ending a downward trend. Whether that means the MLM sector as a whole is trending upward is unclear. Hank Schultz,Senior editor, SupplySide Supplement Journal Multilevel marketing (MLM) supplement giants Usana and Herbalife recently reported promising year-end earnings that beg the question of whether the network marketing sector is emerging from the gradual decline of recent years.
NuSkin bets on scanner, Indian market to halt sales slump
In 2026, multilevel marketing (MLM) company NuSkin will roll out the latest version of its skin carotenoid scanner technology, as well as enter the Indian market for the first time. The company hopes these initiatives will return it to growth after years of declines.
CRN comes out against state protein testing bill
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has come out against a California bill that would require additional heavy metals testing for protein powders. The bill is an unnecessary addition to existing federal regulation, CRN said. Hank Schultz,Senior editor, SupplySide Supplement Journal At a Glance A bill introduced in California would mandate new protein testing requirements. The bill is based on a Consumer Reports (CR) inquiry that said many protein powders have too much lead.
Women’s health is top-line trend in new report
A new report from a wellness nonprofit foresees women’s health as a key trend, with a focus on supporting ovarian health as one key to longevity. At a Glance A new trends report has identified women's health as the hottest category for 2026. A trend referred to as "neurowellness" is also of importance for the supplement industry. Among the ingredients that could benefit: Shatavari, inositol, psychobiotics, nootropics, adaptogens, and more.
Health-and-wellness spending evades downward trend
Health and wellness is the one area of the economy almost sure to grow in 2026, based on consumer sentiment. That’s the verdict of a new report released by a market research firm that bases its conclusions on a vast database of continuously updated survey results. The new report was distributed by Civic Science, a market research firm founded by serial entrepreneur John Dick that subsequently became part of billionaire Mark Cuban’s stable of companies.
Bill seeks to preempt state laws on supplements
A bill has been proposed to reassert federal authority over dietary supplements and preempt a patchwork quilt of state laws that seek to regulate the category. The bill, titled Dietary Supplement Regulatory Uniformity Act, was introduced Wednesday, Feb. 4, by Rep. Jeff Langworthy, R-NY. The bill is aimed at “restoring common sense to dietary supplement regulation” by reaffirming the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s authority over the category nationwide.
Hawaii sales restriction law proposed
Another proposed age-restriction bill, this one in Hawaii, would — like the others — end up restricting access to all supplements for all consumers, trade groups have warned.
20% of turmeric adulterated
A new BAPP review has found that about 20% of turmeric products worldwide are adulterated. However, there are signs of progress, the authors said. A turmeric field in Tamil Nadu, India. Photo courtesy of Hank Schultz. At a Glance A new review looks at turmeric adulteration worldwide. The overall average was 20% of turmeric prdoucts were found to be adulterated. The rate in North America was lower, with a trend toward improvement.
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