Key Takeaways
- Texas AG Investigates Protein Powders: An industry-wide probe has been launched over heavy metal contamination concerns in plant-based protein powders.
- FDA Moves Against 7-OH Products: Warning letters issued to seven companies marketing products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a synthesized chemical found in kratom.
- Function Acquires SuppCo: Health technology company Function integrates biomarker testing with personalized supplement recommendations through its acquisition of SuppCo.
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
FDA Moves Against 7-OH Products
The FDA has issued warning letters to seven companies marketing products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a synthesized chemical found in trace amounts in kratom. The agency stated that 7-OH is not a lawful dietary ingredient and has not been evaluated for safe use, noting reports of adverse events and opioid-like effects. The Natural Products Association (NPA) supported the FDA's action, urging the removal of these highly concentrated or semi-synthetic products from the market. However, some researchers suggest more pharmacokinetic data is needed to fully understand the immediate public health risks. Read more
Function Acquires SuppCo to Connect Supplement Recommendations with Health Data
Health technology company Function has acquired SuppCo to integrate biomarker testing, imaging, and clinician guidance with personalized supplement recommendations. SuppCo's consumer app, which evaluates over 35,000 products, will add an actionable layer to Function's health data ecosystem. The acquisition aligns with Function's vision of creating an AI health operating system that continuously learns from individual data to provide personalized health management. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Read more
Business & Investment
NNB Nutrition Reports 33% Year-Over-Year Growth
NNB Nutrition, a global leader in nutraceutical ingredient innovation, reported 33% year-over-year sales growth from 2025 to 2026, substantially outperforming the broader supplement industry's projected 11.7% growth rate. The company expects to complete its current Series C investment round before March 10, 2026, totaling nearly $20 million in funding. NNB Nutrition additionally plans to launch a Series C+ round later this year, expected to raise approximately $20 million more to support continued expansion, innovation, and global commercialization efforts. Read more
3i Invests in Leading French Natural Nutrition Brand Nutergia
3i Group plc has invested in Laboratoire Nutergia, a leading French natural food supplements brand and a pioneer in science-based micronutrition. Founded in 1989, Nutergia provides natural, expert-recommended food supplements with a differentiated positioning built around its proprietary concept of Active Cellular Nutrition. The company has delivered double-digit organic annual growth for over a decade. 3i is investing to accelerate Nutergia’s growth, driving further penetration of existing markets, continued innovation across product categories, acceleration of digital channels, and international expansion. Read more
AI and 3D Printing Nutrition Firm Rem3dy Health Raises £14m
Rem3dy Health, the parent company of personalized vitamin brand Nourished, has raised £14 million in a funding round backed by global strategic investors including Suntory and Apollo Hospitals. The investment values the business at £84 million and will support its global expansion across the US, MENA region, and India. The company reported a 61% revenue increase to £10.2 million over the past year and plans to leverage AI and 3D printing to advance personalized health, including expanding into the pet health category. Read more
Science & Research
Study Links Joint Pain Supplement to Accelerating Dementia
A new study by University of Florida neuroscientists found an association between taking glucosamine, a popular over-the-counter supplement used for joint pain, and a higher likelihood of progressing from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease. The research is based on a large retrospective analysis of patients’ records and supporting data from advanced imaging technology. The findings suggest that glucosamine use is associated with a 25% higher likelihood that a person with mild cognitive impairment will progress to full Alzheimer's disease. For those seeking alternative joint support, Joint Support formulas with clinically backed ingredients remain a priority. Read more
KSM-66 Ashwagandha Shows Favorable Safety, Tolerability at 2,000 mg/Day
A high-dose clinical study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that KSM-66 Ashwagandha root extract had a favorable safety and tolerability profile at a daily dose of 2,000 mg over a 12-week period. The study enrolled 145 healthy adults and monitored liver, kidney, and thyroid function, observing no clinically significant changes or serious adverse events. This dose is more than three times the most commonly studied daily dose of 600 mg, providing encouraging safety data for brands evaluating high-potency formats to support stress and cortisol management, similar to the benefits sought in products like CALM. Read more
VeMico Study Suggests Postbiotic Improves Overall Skin Health and Appearance
A recent study published in Dermatology and Therapy evaluated VeMico's Bifidobacterium breve BB091109 postbiotic formulation (VMK223) in 29 healthy women aged 40-55. The 12-week trial demonstrated that supplementation was associated with significant reductions in wrinkle depth (28.0%), pore appearance (22.0%), acne severity (15.9%), and melanin levels (11.5%). Additionally, the formulation led to meaningful increases in skin hydration (28.3%) and elasticity (26.8%), highlighting the potential of postbiotics as a systemic strategy for enhancing visible skin health. Read more
New Product Launches & Formulation
Elysium Launches Three-In-One Creatine Powder Supplement
Elysium Health has introduced Creatine+, a three-in-one longevity supplement formulated to support strength, recovery, and cognition. Developed in collaboration with Dr. Michael Fredericson from Stanford University, the product features creatine monohydrate, HMB, and pomegranate polyphenols standardized to urolithin A precursors. This combination aims to optimize athletic performance and recovery while addressing the growing interest in muscle health for healthy aging and mobility. Read more
Garden of Life Introduces Clear Whey Protein, Partners with Dylan Efron
Garden of Life is launching Clear Whey Protein, a lighter alternative to traditional protein powders that contains 20 grams of whey protein isolate per serving. The company emphasizes ingredient quality and sourcing, specifically obtaining whey from Denmark due to its strong dairy standards and consistency. The product is iGen Non-GMO certified and will be available in mango mist, lemon frost, and unflavored varieties. The launch is supported by a partnership with Dylan Efron to create travel content connecting ingredient origins with wellness experiences. Read more
Sifts Bets on Digestion-Focused Nutrition Support for Microplastics
Sifts has launched a new supplement designed to support the body's natural elimination processes in response to growing concerns over microplastics exposure. The formulation combines chitosan, apple pectin, and baobab, which are selected for their functional roles within the gastrointestinal tract. According to Sifts founder Jacob Gilson, the product leverages the unique physicochemical properties of chitosan to interact with negatively charged particles, aiming to increase microplastic excretion in stool while supporting overall digestive health, a growing area of interest alongside traditional Multispore Probiotic solutions. Read more
Regulations & Quality
New GS1 US Guidance Gives Supplement Manufacturers a Data Framework for EPR Compliance
GS1 US has published a new cross-industry guidance document to help companies, including dietary supplement manufacturers, manage packaging data for state-level extended producer responsibility (EPR) requirements. With seven US states having enacted packaging EPR laws, compliance complexity is increasing due to varying definitions, covered materials, and reporting timelines. The guidance provides a standardized approach using Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) and Global Location Numbers (GLNs) to capture material composition, weight, and recyclability data. Read more
BSCG Warns of Reputational Risks from Unregulated Peptides and Research Chemicals
The Banned Substances Control Group (BSCG) has issued a warning about the commercialization of unregulated peptides, injectable compounds, and research chemicals targeting consumers. BSCG President Oliver Catlin stated that these unapproved drugs are often illegally marketed as dietary supplements, exposing consumers to risks due to a lack of safety verification and regulatory authorization. The BSCG emphasized that legitimate supplement brands face unfair competition from these gray-market products, which are sold with unsubstantiated claims regarding injury treatment and anti-aging effects. Read more
Marketing & Consumer Trends
Health and Wellness Brands Take Center Stage on Times 100 List
Eight supplement brands have been named on The Sunday Times 100 list of the UK's fastest-growing private companies. Ancient + Brave ranked seventh overall with £53.7 million in sales, growing by 248% compared to the previous year. The trend highlights a shift towards proactive health management, with particular growth in women's health and hydration categories, represented by brands like Free Soul, Novomins, and Vidrate. Read more
Men's Health Supplements in 2026: Science-Driven Formulations
The men's health supplement market is projected to grow from $87.64bn in 2025 to $148.91bn by 2030, driven by demand for transparency and clinical backing. Key consumer trends include hormonal longevity, metabolic resilience, and gut health, moving away from single-ingredient formulations. Clinically studied ingredients like Testofen, Tesnor, ActivAMP, and Levagen+ are gaining traction as consumers seek multifunctional products that address interconnected physiological systems. Read more