Key Takeaways
- Texas AG Investigates Protein Powders: An industry-wide probe has been launched over heavy metal contamination concerns in plant-based protein powders.
- TikTok Shop Tightens Compliance: Mérieux NutriSciences has been approved as a testing body to enforce new third-party testing requirements for supplements on TikTok Shop.
- Ingredion Acquires Benicaros: The prebiotic fiber market sees consolidation as Ingredion acquires the patented carrot pomace ingredient from NutriLeads.
Top Stories
Texas AG Launches Protein Powder Investigation Over Heavy Metal Concerns
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an industry-wide investigation into protein powder manufacturers regarding potential violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The probe was triggered by independent testing from Consumer Reports and the Clean Label Project, which found elevated levels of lead, cadmium, and inorganic arsenic in various products, noting that plant-based powders averaged nine times higher lead levels than whey-based alternatives. The Natural Products Association (NPA) has challenged the methodology of these tests, arguing that modern analytical testing detects trace amounts of naturally occurring heavy metals that do not constitute a public health risk, and has requested a meeting with Paxton to discuss the industry's manufacturing safeguards. Read more
Mérieux NutriSciences Approved as TIC Body for TikTok Shop Supplements
In a move that aligns with recent compliance shifts across major e-commerce platforms, TikTok Shop now requires third-party testing and verification documents from ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratories for all dietary supplements sold on its platform. Mérieux NutriSciences has been officially approved as a testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) body to support this new policy. This development mirrors the stringent compliance requirements rolled out by Amazon in 2024, signaling a continued tightening of quality control standards in the online supplement marketplace. Read more
Ingredion Acquires Prebiotic Fiber Ingredient Benicaros
Ingredion Incorporated has acquired Benicaros, a patented prebiotic fiber made from upcycled carrot pomace, from Dutch ingredient innovator NutriLeads. The asset deal includes full ownership of all intellectual property, trademarks, human clinical trials, and manufacturing know-how. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently deemed Benicaros safe for human consumption. Following the transition of ownership to Ingredion, NutriLeads will no longer operate as an independent business. Read more
Business & Investment
eXoZymes Inc. Announces Pricing of Public Offering
eXoZymes Inc. (NASDAQ:EXOZ), a company specializing in AI-enhanced enzymes for nutraceuticals and novel medicines, announced the pricing of its public offering of units at $18.00 per unit. The company sold 592,270 shares of common stock and 296,135 warrants, expecting to generate approximately $5.33 million in gross proceeds. The funding is intended to support the development of its NCT program, continued research and development, and general corporate initiatives. Read more
Nitches, Inc. Returns to the Nutraceutical Market
Nitches, Inc. (OTC:NICH) is refocusing its business on supplements and lifestyle enhancement by opening its manufacturing and intelligence platform to outside founders. The company offers a turnkey capability from conceptualization to final product, including over 200 pre-approved nutraceutical and OTC formulations. Nitches is also developing an intelligence platform to cross-reference ingredients against live enforcement data and produce auditable compliance records. Read more
Science & Research
PQQ and IPQ May Boost Lifespan Through Surprising Mechanisms
A study on senescence-accelerated mice found that lifelong supplementation with PQQ or IPQ reduced midlife mortality and delayed visible signs of aging. The research demonstrated that both compounds restored muscle performance in middle-aged mice to levels similar to young mice after six weeks. While PQQ helped maintain healthy fat stores, IPQ specifically reduced fat accumulation in the liver. Read more
Single-Dose Creatine Before Exercise May Support Strength Training
A randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial involving 11 physically active men evaluated the acute effects of creatine timing on strength training. The study found that ingesting 0.1 grams of creatine per kilogram of body mass two hours before exercise significantly improved bench press and back squat performance compared to taking it during or after exercise. Researchers noted this single-dose strategy may provide acute strength benefits without requiring a traditional loading phase, making it an efficient approach for those using Creatine Monohydrate to support their workouts. Read more
Curcumin-Flaxseed Oil Blend Shows Promise for Lipid Management
Researchers in Taiwan conducted an eight-week study on 32 male Golden Syrian hamsters fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet to test a curcumin and flaxseed oil mixture. The supplementation significantly reduced serum and hepatic levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol compared to the control group. The combination also increased fecal excretion of triglycerides and total cholesterol, suggesting a dose-related modulation of lipid metabolism. For those looking to manage inflammation and support overall health, high-quality Curcumin remains a staple in the functional nutrition toolkit. Read more
New Product Launches & Formulation
Krill Oil Outperforms Fish Oil in Raising Fatty Acid Plasma
A 12-week randomized controlled trial in 72 healthy adults found that krill oil raised circulating EPA and DHA more effectively than conventional fish oil. Participants receiving krill oil showed around 1.5-fold greater increases in plasma EPA and DHA than those taking fish oil, despite both groups receiving about 1.1 grams a day of omega-3 fatty acids. The study suggests krill oil's phospholipid structure promotes superior incorporation into circulating membrane lipids, though high-strength Omega-3 fish oils continue to be a highly effective and accessible option for cardiovascular and cognitive support. Read more
Vitafoods Europe 2026 Highlights Key Industry Trends
The recent Vitafoods Europe 2026 event showcased a nutraceutical industry increasingly focused on precision health. The biggest trends defining product development included women's wellness, gut health and microbiome science, GLP-1 companion solutions, longevity-focused nutrition, and postbiotics. Exhibitors strongly emphasized the need for clinically validated botanical ingredients and evidence-based nutrition to meet evolving consumer demands. Read more
Regulations & Quality
USP Annual Drug Shortages Report Highlights Supply Chain Risks
The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) published its Annual Drug Shortages Report, revealing that the average drug shortage now lasts over five years, up from 4.3 years in 2024. The report highlights that nearly half (44 percent) of drugs in shortage have at least one Key Starting Material (KSM) solely manufactured in a single country, typically China or India. Product discontinuations have reached their highest level since 2019, with an acute 60 percent increase from 2024 to 2025, driven by low prices, manufacturing complexity, and geographic concentration. Read more
CRN CEO Discusses Importance of Engaging Congress
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) emphasized the critical need for dietary supplement industry leaders to directly engage with Congress during their annual Day on the Hill event. Key legislative priorities discussed included proposals to allow consumers to use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for supplement purchases, as well as advocating for a mandatory product registry to improve transparency. Read more
Marketing & Consumer Trends
5 Key Insights from Supplement Consumers
A recent focus group highlighted by the SupplySide Supplement Journal revealed that consumers take supplements for varying reasons, including filling nutritional gaps and addressing specific health concerns. While ingredients like creatine and probiotics are well understood, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding postbiotics. Consumers are increasingly purchasing products across omnichannel platforms, with the top three sales channels being mass market, natural and specialty, and e-commerce, relying heavily on Google, AI, and social media for product education. Read more
Pet Supplement Market Poised for Continued Growth
The U.S. pet wellness market is projected to reach $5.4 billion to $5.6 billion in 2025, driven by an aging pet population and increased consumer investment in pet health. Dog products dominate the market, accounting for 75% to 85% of sales, with soft chews being the most popular format. The category is experiencing significant growth online, which accounts for 65% to 70% of total spending, while the cat supplement market presents a significant untapped growth opportunity as cat ownership remains steady. Read more