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In a time where antioxidants are essential, consumers are looking for the right ingredient to combat free radicals. Known as thioctic acid, alpha lipoic acid is generated through small amounts in the mitochondria—otherwise known as “the powerhouse of the cell.” One study found that “As an antioxidant, [alpha lipoic acid] directly terminates free radicals, chelates…
In December, FDA announced the formation of a working group to improve oversight of the dietary supplement industry. The industry immediately wondered about the working group’s participants and objectives, including whether it would make substantive changes affecting dietary supplements without outside input. In an interview, an FDA official explained the internal working group is focused on improving…
USDA on Wednesday announced its plans to promulgate regulations in fall 2019 regarding the commercial production of industrial hemp in the United States. Under the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018—otherwise known as the 2018 Farm Bill—states and Indian tribes have the option to primarily regulate the production of hemp. That’s provided USDA approves their plans.…
Transparency has become a reality, not an aspiration, in today’s marketplace. Understandably, customers and consumers in the dietary supplement industry have learned to expect more from companies, and are becoming progressively more demanding. Ingredient manufacturers are becoming the cultural pivot point for change, and supply chains have been the focus of improvement. Expectations about transparency…
The world’s population is increasing rapidly. All people need to eat and there is no denying that protein supplies an essential part of a healthy daily diet. However, protein sources can exert an enormous impact on the environment and the world. Scientists around the globe are investigating plant-based alternatives to animal proteins. These alternatives can…
On May 27, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a definition of “dietary fiber” and created a pre-approval system for various isolated and synthetic non-digestible carbohydrates (NDCs). For all food labeled on or after Jan. 1, 2020, the isolated or synthetic NDCs must be determined by FDA to have a physiological effect…
Powdered supplements are projected to experience a 10.8 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2016 to 2024, according to a 2018 report from Grand View Research. Succeeding in a thriving market with anticipated double-digit growth requires fine-tuned product development and formulation to ensure powdered supplements not only meet consumer expectations for quality, but also…
Consumer advocates, some Democratic lawmakers and industry trade organizations reacted differently to FDA’s willingness to examine possible reform of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA). The divergent reactions reflect stark differences of opinion over the reputation of the dietary supplement industry and its 25-year-old regulatory regime. Peter Lurie, M.D., a former…
Consumer demand for sustainable products and knowledge of the health benefits of protein has driven the need for protein from plants, such as pea, hemp, rice, oats and beyond. A decade ago, soy-based veggie burgers were the primary plant protein-rich food found in a typical grocery store. Fast forward to 2019, and products made with…
Massachusetts Rep. Kay Kahn, a Democrat from the Boston suburb of Newton, refiled a bill in January that would restrict sales of certain weight loss and muscle building dietary supplements to minors, requiring retailers to post dire warnings of potential injuries and even death, as well as placing these supplements behind the counter. Introduced in…