Key Takeaways
- Manufacturing Expansion: Icelandirect acquires Soma Labs, significantly expanding its solid dosage form manufacturing capabilities.
- Moringa Safety: The FDA closes its investigation into a Salmonella outbreak linked to moringa supplements, highlighting supply chain vulnerabilities.
- Award-Winning Innovation: Big Bold Health's Immunity Chews, featuring Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat, win a 2026 NEXTY Award at Expo West.
- AI in Research: A new AI-driven review confirms the safety profile of ashwagandha root, analyzing nearly 1,400 scientific publications.
- Omega-3 Transparency: GOED announces the launch of an online database to help industry players navigate the omega-3 supply chain.
Top Stories
Icelandirect Acquires Soma Labs to Expand Manufacturing Capabilities
Icelandirect, a subsidiary of New Heritage Capital, has announced the acquisition of Soma Labs, a New Jersey-based supplement manufacturer specializing in solid dosage forms. This strategic move significantly expands Icelandirect's manufacturing capabilities beyond its existing lipid and softgel expertise, adding powders, tablets, capsules, and chewables for both human and pet supplements. The acquisition allows Icelandirect to offer a more comprehensive, turnkey service to its clients, from formulation to finished product. Soma Labs will be integrated into Icelandirect, and its leadership and technical teams will join the company. Source
FDA Closes Investigation into Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Moringa Supplements
The FDA has officially closed its investigation into a Salmonella outbreak linked to moringa supplements, which affected 97 people across 32 states. The outbreak was traced to Live it Up-brand Super Greens and Why Not Natural moringa capsules. While the investigation is closed, the root cause of the contamination has not been publicly disclosed. This incident highlights significant vulnerabilities within botanical ingredient supply chains, emphasizing the critical importance of comprehensive, multi-stage testing and full supply chain transparency to mitigate risks and ensure consumer safety. Source
Big Bold Health's Immunity Chews Win 2026 NEXTY Award at Expo West
Big Bold Health has announced that its Immunity Chews have been named a 2026 NEXTY Award winner in the "Supplement for the Body" category at Natural Products Expo West. The chews were recognized for their unique formulation featuring Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat (HTB) sprout powder, a nutrient-dense ingredient with a high concentration of polyphenols currently being studied for its role in supporting brain and immune health. The chews combine HTB with zinc, magnesium, and vitamins C and D, delivering convenient daily support for immune health and cellular energy. Source
Business and Investment
Olyos Group Acquires Somatoline Brand from Manetti & Roberts
Olyos Group, a major player in the natural health and French food supplement market, has acquired the dermocosmetics brand Somatoline from Manetti & Roberts, a subsidiary of the Bolton Group. This strategic acquisition is aimed at strengthening Olyos Group's presence in the dermocosmetics sector and accelerating its expansion in the Italian and European markets. Source
Fevara Deepens Brazilian Push with São Paulo Livestock Supplement Plant Deal
Fevara plc, a UK-based producer of livestock supplements, has acquired a production facility in São Paulo, Brazil, for £4.3 million. This is Fevara's second acquisition in Brazil and is intended to localize the manufacturing of higher-margin supplements and expand distribution in the world's largest beef market. The acquisition gives Fevara access to a market of approximately 100 million cattle. Source
Science and Research
AI-Driven Review Confirms Safety Profile of Ashwagandha Root
A new study utilizing artificial intelligence has confirmed the safety of ashwagandha root as a nutraceutical ingredient. Researchers from MeNow, an AI-driven research firm, employed large-scale literature meta-analysis and molecular-level toxicity prediction to evaluate the adaptogen's safety, with a particular focus on liver and reproductive health. The AI analysis of nearly 1,400 scientific publications revealed that over 97% reported no safety concerns, and any mentions of toxicity were often linked to non-root parts of the plant or other confounding factors. For those seeking to manage stress and support overall well-being, our CALM supplement offers a carefully crafted blend of ingredients. Source
Daily Multivitamins May Slow Biological Aging, Reveals Study
A recent study published in Nature Medicine suggests that daily multivitamin-multimineral supplementation may help slow the biological aging process in older adults. The research, part of the COSMOS trial, found that participants who took a daily multivitamin showed a modest slowing of epigenetic aging clocks, which are biomarkers associated with mortality risk. The positive effects were particularly noticeable in individuals who exhibited signs of accelerated biological aging at the start of the study. Source
Natto Consumption Linked to Better Bone Health
A meta-analysis of six studies conducted in Japan suggests a positive association between the consumption of natto, a fermented soybean product, and improved bone health. The research, which included over 2,300 adults, found that habitual natto intake was linked to higher bone mineral density. This effect is likely due to natto's high concentration of menaquinone-7 (MK-7), a form of vitamin K2, which plays a crucial role in bone metabolism. Source
New Product Launches and Formulation
Nature Made Expands Gut Health Portfolio with SuperGreens and Digestive Enzymes
Nature Made has introduced a line of three new products to support gut health: SuperGreens Powder, SuperGreens Capsules, and Digestive Enzymes. The SuperGreens Powder features the prebiotic fiber inulin, while the capsules contain the probiotic LactoSpore to deliver digestive health benefits. Both products contain B vitamins to support metabolism, and vitamins C and D3 to support immune function. The Digestive Enzymes formula features five different types of enzymes to break down various food groups, addressing occasional bloating and abdominal discomfort. If you are looking for comprehensive gut support, consider our Multispore Probiotic. Source
Cosmax NBT Introduces Jelly Stick Supplement Format
Cosmax NBT has launched a new jelly stick supplement format as a convenient and enjoyable alternative to pills and gummies. This single-serve, on-the-go format allows for a much larger serving size (25-30 grams) compared to traditional gummies (3 grams), enabling more meaningful doses of active ingredients and multi-benefit formulations. The jelly sticks also offer improved stability, lower sugar content, and more precise dosing compared to gummies. Source
Zhou Nutrition Launches Three New Creatine Products
Zhou Nutrition has launched three new creatine products—Creatine for Her, Creatine Calm + Focus, and Creatine + HMB—to meet the growing mainstream demand for lifestyle-friendly performance supplements. These new formulas are designed to appeal to a broader consumer base, including women, who are increasingly using creatine for everyday wellness. Each product contains 5g of creatine and is blended with other targeted ingredients to support cardiovascular health, mental focus, and exercise recovery. Source
AstaReal AB Launches High-Bioavailability Magnesium Supplement
AstaReal AB has launched a new supplement, Magnesium Total by Astaxin, formulated with three mineral forms for energy metabolism. The product combines magnesium bisglycinate, magnesium taurate, and magnesium malate for enhanced absorption and utilization by the body. For those interested in highly absorbable magnesium, our Magnesium Glycinate is an excellent option. Source
Regulations and Quality
FDA Issues Urgent Warning About Weight Loss Supplements Containing a Potentially Deadly Toxin
The FDA has expanded its warning about weight loss supplements labeled as tejocote root or Brazil seed that instead contain yellow oleander, a poisonous plant. The latest product added to the list is Chupa Panza, sold by Naturista Reyes. The FDA has identified over two dozen such products sold on various online platforms, including Amazon and eBay, and is urging consumers who have used them to seek immediate medical attention. Source
GOED to Launch Online Database of Omega-3 Companies
The Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED) is launching an online database to help industry players identify and locate companies operating across the omega-3 supply chain. The database, launching in April 2026, contains information on 248 suppliers from 54 countries. The first stage will focus on crude oil suppliers, including information on regions served, regulatory approvals, and average annual oil production. The creation of the database was prompted in part by the 2023 fish oil supply shortage. Source
Marketing and Consumer Trends
Top Nutrition Trends from Integrative Healthcare Symposium
A recent article from the Integrative Healthcare Symposium highlights key trends shaping the functional nutrition and dietary supplement industry. The brain health category is booming, with a focus on cognitive longevity and mental function. Peptides are emerging as a versatile tool for various health concerns, with user-friendly delivery systems on the horizon. The mushroom market continues to expand, with new clinical data supporting its immune-boosting properties. Precision probiotics are also gaining traction, offering targeted solutions for a wide range of health issues. Source
BYHEALTH Targets Changing Consumer Needs in China with New Protein Powder Launch
BYHEALTH has launched an upgraded version of its flagship protein powder in China, increasing the protein content from 80% to 90%. The new product, BYHEALTH Zhenzuan Protein Powder, aims to meet the growing demand for high-quality protein supplements among fitness enthusiasts and individuals on weight management journeys. The company is also expanding into the Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) category with a post-surgery recovery drink. Source
About the Author
Ben Law is the Founder of Love Life Supplements. He is passionate about health, fitness, and providing high-quality, clean supplements to help people achieve their optimal health. Learn more about Ben and his journey here.