Key Takeaways
- TopGum Expands: TopGum Industries acquires PL Developments for $35M to boost US gummy manufacturing.
- Laird Superfood Acquisition: Laird acquires Terrasoul Superfoods in a $48M deal backed by Nexus Capital.
- DSHEA Modernization: Organic & Natural Health Association proposes new framework for supplement regulations.
- Ashwagandha Benefits: New study shows ashwagandha root extract improves sexual health and sperm quality in men.
- Lactose Patch Launch: Barrière introduces the first-ever transdermal lactose intolerance patch in 1,700 Walmart stores.
Top Stories
TopGum Industries has made a significant move to expand its North American manufacturing footprint by acquiring the US-based contract manufacturer PL Developments in a deal valued at up to $35 million. This strategic acquisition strengthens TopGum's production capabilities, particularly in the rapidly growing gummy and chewable supplement formats. By establishing a more localized supply chain, TopGum aims to enhance its manufacturing scale and speed-to-market for US customers, while also gaining access to leading retail chains through PL Developments' established private-label relationships [1].
In a major consolidation within the functional nutrition category, Laird Superfood has acquired Terrasoul Superfoods in a $48 million transaction. This acquisition is backed by a substantial $60 million investment from Nexus Capital. The move is designed to solidify Laird's position in the US superfoods market by integrating Terrasoul's robust sourcing and manufacturing capabilities, reflecting a broader industry trend toward vertical integration [2].
The Organic & Natural Health Association has proposed a new framework to modernize the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). The proposal aims to enhance FDA oversight and unify state rules to improve safety. Key elements include mandatory supplement product listing without premarket approval, clarification of drug preclusion rules, and the establishment of national uniformity for labeling, safety, and claims. The framework also seeks to modernize the New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) process [3].
Business and Investment
The supplement industry continues to see active investment and strategic partnerships. Holland & Barrett, a major UK-based retailer, has partnered with Phlo, a provider of GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro. This partnership aims to offer a holistic approach to weight management, combining nutritional supplements (such as Magnesium Glycinate) with pharmaceutical interventions [4].
In the anti-aging sector, supplement manufacturer ROKIT America has set its initial public offering (IPO) price range at $8.5 to $10.5 per share. The company is aiming to raise $25 million through this public offering to fund its expansion and research initiatives [5].
Cosmos Health is projecting over $3.2 million in incremental annual revenue from its Fort18 product in the United States within the next 12 to 18 months. The company plans to scale distribution across various retail channels, expecting the product to become a meaningful contributor to its nutraceutical portfolio [6].
Science and Research
Recent clinical research continues to validate the efficacy of botanical ingredients. A randomized controlled trial has demonstrated that ashwagandha root extract significantly improves sperm quality parameters and several domains of sexual health in men. The study reported improvements in libido, intercourse satisfaction, sperm count, and motility compared to a placebo, aligning with previous research on men with infertility [7].
In the realm of healthy aging, new research from Japan suggests that a bioactive compound extracted from aged garlic, S-1-propenyl-L-cysteine (S1PC), supports inter-organ communication between fat tissue and the brain. This communication pathway enhances muscle strength and may protect elderly individuals from muscle frailty by activating the LKB1 enzyme and promoting the secretion of eNAMPT, which is essential for synthesizing NAD+ [8].
A new clinical trial overseen by Biofortis Clinical Research and sponsored by Shaklee Corporation is currently recruiting healthy adults. The study aims to evaluate the effects of a proprietary nutritional supplement on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels compared to a placebo [9].
New Product Launches and Formulation
Innovation in delivery formats is a key theme in recent product launches. Barrière has introduced "Dear Dairy," which it describes as the first-ever transdermal lactose intolerance patch. The single daily-wear patch delivers 9000 FCC of lactase enzyme throughout the day, offering a convenient alternative to per-meal capsules. The product is set to debut in 1,700 Walmart locations across the US [10].
Toxicology and medicinal chemistry experts have launched LiT Protect, a botanical supplement designed to target environmental stressors such as pollution and passive smoke. The formula includes thyme, oregano, and Ceylon cinnamon, and aims to support the body's normal metabolic handling of nicotine, potentially helping to reduce cravings [11].
Seagarden has introduced Seacoll, a new ingredient brand for its collagen portfolio. The brand features three distinct sub-brands to provide a clearer and more differentiated structure for its collagen ingredients [12]. Additionally, Man Matters has entered the active nutrition segment with the launch of a new Creatine + Electrolyte supplement designed for performance and recovery [13].
Regulations and Quality
The FDA is actively soliciting input on efforts related to drug repurposing to address unmet medical needs. By identifying potential new uses for FDA-approved drugs, the agency hopes to accelerate the availability of treatments using existing knowledge about these substances [14].
In legal news, a federal district court judge in Chicago has partially dismissed a putative class action lawsuit against Quincy Bioscience, the makers of the Prevagen dietary supplement. While claims regarding pre-injunction marketing were dismissed, the post-injunction labeling claims under the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act survived the dismissal [15].
Kerry Group has launched a new online platform called Safeguard Ashwagandha to address myths and misinformation surrounding the safety of the botanical. The campaign provides scientific evidence and regulatory updates to counteract concerns that have led some regulators to consider banning the ingredient, encouraging industry collaboration focused on science-based risk management [16].
Marketing and Consumer Trends
The recent Vitafoods Europe 2026 trade show in Barcelona highlighted several emerging consumer trends. Flavor houses are moving deeper into the nutraceutical space, as bars, beverages, coffees, and vitamin formats become more indulgent and routine-friendly. Dairy proteins are also gaining renewed momentum as consumers prioritize protein quality, taste, and texture across GLP-1, longevity, and active nutrition trends [17].
The mainstream shift toward functional foods with sensory indulgence was underscored by Starbucks' rollout of protein foam. The show floor featured innovations such as fizzing probiotics, slurpable vitamin jellies, and ready-to-mix soups packed with protein, demonstrating the industry's focus on combining health benefits with appealing formats [17].
Postbiotics are emerging as targeted, science-backed ingredients with applications in immunity, beauty-from-within, and stress support. Evolving from stable probiotic alternatives, companies like Lallemand Bio-Ingredients and ADM are developing postbiotics that act as precision tools targeting specific pathways within the microbiome-host interaction [18].
About the Author
Ben Law is the Founder of Love Life Supplements. He is passionate about providing high-quality, clean supplements and educating consumers on optimal health. Learn more about Ben's journey and philosophy at Love Life Supplements - Ben Law Founder.
References
[1] Nutritional Outlook: TopGum Expands US Manufacturing Footprint With Acquisition of PL Developments. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/topgum-expands-us-manufacturing-footprint-acquisition-pl-developments [2] NutraIngredients: Laird Superfood acquires Terrasoul Superfoods backed by $60M venture capital investment. https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2026/05/11/laird-superfood-acquires-terrasoul-superfoods-backed-by-60m-nexus-investment/ [3] SupplySide Supplement Journal: Organization proposses DSHEA changes. https://www.supplysidesj.com/supplement-regulations/proposal-to-modernize-dshea [4] NutraIngredients: This week's Nutraverse: Chemist Warehouse in the UK, H&B Phlo partnership, NI EU Awards. https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2026/05/11/this-weeks-nutraverse-chemist-warehouse-in-the-uk-hb-phlo-partnership-ni-eu-awards/ [5] Moomoo: Anti-aging supplement manufacturer ROKIT America (RKAM.US) sets IPO price. https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/69734155/anti-aging-supplement-manufacturer-rokit-america-rkamus-sets-ipo-price [6] Morningstar: Cosmos Health Projects Over $3.2 Million in Incremental Annual Revenue from Fort18 in the United States Within 12-18 Months. https://www.morningstar.com/news/accesswire/1165776msn/cosmos-health-projects-over-32-million-in-incremental-annual-revenue-from-fort18-in-the-united-states-within-12-18-months [7] Examine: Ashwagandha root extract improved sexual and reproductive health in men - Study Summary. https://examine.com/research-feed/study/0O2eQ1/?requirelogin=1&srsltid=AfmBOooi2pHPQ9UHLWRmQswWUFhawSxy2ByUtXYqKXG_LZ_Lu93jVfSH [8] Nutrition Insight: Study finds aged garlic compound may support muscle health in older adults. https://www.nutritioninsight.com/news/aged-garlic-bioactive-compound-muscle-elderly-aging.html [9] WithPower: Nutritional Supplement for Healthy Adults · Recruiting Participants for Clinical Trial 2026. https://www.withpower.com/trial/phase-healthy-adults-1-2026-89d27 [10] Nutraceutical Business Review: Barrière launches first-ever lactose intolerance supplement patch. https://nutraceuticalbusinessreview.com/barri%C3%A8re-launches-first-ever-lactose-intolerance-supplement-patch [11] Nutrition Insight: Toxicology experts launch supplement against environmental stressors and nicotine cravings. https://www.nutritioninsight.com/news/lit-protect-botanical-supplement-environmental-stress.html [12] Nutraceutical Business Review: Seagarden launches Seacoll – A new ingredient brand for collagen. https://nutraceuticalbusinessreview.com/seagarden-launches-seacoll-a-new-ingredient-brand [13] MediaBrief: Man Matters Launches Creatine and Electrolyte Supplement. https://mediabrief.com/man-matters-enters-active-nutrition-segment-with-creatine-electrolyte-supplement/ [14] GlobeNewswire: FDA Advances Drug Repurposing to Address Unmet Medical Needs. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/05/11/3292366/0/en/fda-advances-drug-repurposing-to-address-unmet-medical-needs.html [15] VitalLaw: ADVERTISING—N.D. Ill.: Prevagen dietary supplement labeling class action claims partially survive dismissal. https://www.vitallaw.com/news/advertising-n-d-ill-prevagen-dietary-supplement-labeling-class-action-claims-partially-survive-dismissal/ald015ba036f9d3a240549a4075d8c90249d2 [16] NutraIngredients: Kerry Group aims to dispel misinformation with Safeguard Ashwagandha platform. https://www.nutraingredients-latam.com/Article/2026/05/11/kerry-group-aims-to-dispel-misinformation-with-safeguard-ashwagandha-platform/ [17] Food Ingredients First: Vitafoods Europe 2026: From Starbucks protein foam to bone broth coffee, fortified foods go mainstream. https://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/news/vitafoods-2026-dairy-protein-food-fortification-starbucks.html [18] Nutritional Outlook: The Growth of Postbiotics. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/the-growth-of-postbiotics