Key Takeaways
- Personalized Nutrition Expands: Function's acquisition of SuppCo signals a major shift toward combining biomarker testing with independent supplement verification.
- Bioavailability Innovations Win Big: EVANIUM's dual-coated berberine and MartinBauer's low-dose thyme extract took top honors at Vitafoods Europe for solving absorption and efficacy challenges.
- AI Scrutiny Increases: The FDA's first AI-related Warning Letter to a supplement manufacturer highlights the critical need for human oversight in GMP documentation.
- Influencer Brands Drive M&A: Healthy Extracts' $20M acquisition of Sommer Ray's Imaraïs Beauty demonstrates the growing value of creator-led wellness brands.
- Amino Acid Delivery Evolves: Triquetra Health's new free-form EAA tablets bypass digestion entirely, offering a zero-bloat alternative to traditional protein powders.
Top Stories
Function Acquires Supplement Trust Platform SuppCo Health testing company Function has acquired SuppCo, an independent supplement rating platform, in a move that connects biomarker testing with personalized supplement guidance. The acquisition addresses the nutraceutical sector's growing need for improved transparency and evidence standards as consumers become increasingly skeptical of marketing claims. SuppCo's platform covers over 35,000 products using a TrustScore rating system and an ISO 17025-accredited label verification program. This integration points to a broader industry trend toward personalized nutrition based on biological data rather than demographic assumptions. [1]
Vitafoods Europe 2026 Innovation Awards Highlight Bioavailability and Gut Health The Vitafoods Europe 2026 Innovation Awards showcased significant advancements in ingredient technology. EVANIUM won "Most Innovative Nutraceutical Ingredient" for its OPTISOLV Berberine, which utilizes a proprietary dual-coating technology (cyclodextrin inner core and phospholipid outer shell) to enhance the poor bioavailability of traditional berberine, similar to how we optimize absorption in our Curcumin formulation. Meanwhile, MartinBauer Nutraceuticals received an Innovation Award for 360GUT®, a wild thyme polyphenol extract that delivers clinically proven digestive relief at a low 600mg daily dose (complementing the benefits of a robust Multispore Probiotic), demonstrating the industry's shift toward low-dose, highly efficacious botanical formulations. [2] [3]
FDA Issues First AI-Related Warning Letter to Supplement Manufacturer The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued its first Warning Letter related to the inappropriate use of artificial intelligence in manufacturing. The letter highlights concerns where firms relied on AI-generated content for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) documentation without adequate human review. The Council for Responsible Nutrition emphasized that while AI can support operations for dietary supplement manufacturers, it cannot replace qualified quality oversight, and all documents must still be reviewed by trained personnel to ensure compliance and safety. [4]
Business and Investment
Healthy Extracts Acquires Sommer Ray's Imaraïs Beauty Healthy Extracts has acquired women's wellness brand Imaraïs Beauty, founded by influencer Sommer Ray, in a transaction valued at approximately $20 million. The equity-structured deal underscores the ongoing momentum in supplement mergers and acquisitions, particularly the appeal of influencer-led wellness brands. The acquisition aims to expand retail distribution and international presence, with the brand preparing for a nationwide CVS rollout. [5]
Tate & Lyle Expands Partnership with BioHarvest Sciences Tate & Lyle has expanded its collaboration with BioHarvest Sciences to accelerate the development of next-generation plant-based sweeteners. The partnership aims to provide food and beverage manufacturers with greater flexibility in reformulating products to reduce sugar and calories, building on an initial agreement signed in 2024. [6]
Puori Reverses Financial Trend to Achieve Profitability Dietary supplement brand Puori, which sells through its own e-commerce platform and retailers like Meds and Apotea, has successfully reversed a downward financial trend. The company's 2024 report showed an 82% increase in turnover to 7.8 million SEK, resulting in a profit of 336,740 SEK. The board affirmed continued operations based on these positive results and improved profitability. [7]
Science and Research
Heat-Treated Postbiotic Linked to Skin Elasticity Gains A recent clinical trial funded by Kaneka Corporation found that a heat-treated postbiotic strain, Latilactobacillus sakei KABP-065, improved skin elasticity in healthy middle-aged women. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study followed 60 Japanese women for eight weeks, with the most significant improvements observed in women in their 40s. [8]
Carob Concentrate Improves Insulin Sensitivity New research indicates that supplementation with Planttech Biotechnology's carob liquid concentrate, LVLD, can significantly improve HbA1c, glucose metabolism, and insulin sensitivity in individuals with elevated blood glucose levels. The clinically relevant effects result from the synergistic interaction between D-pinitol and the wider spectrum of naturally occurring carob bioactives within the syrup matrix. [9]
Hydrolyzed Chicken Extract May Improve Sleep Quality A study funded by Suntory found that daily consumption of a hydrolyzed chicken extract may improve perceived sleep quality and memory. The research suggests that this extract could be incorporated as a nutritional supplement within a broader strategy for sleep management, much like the calming effects of our Magnesium Glycinate. [10]
New Product Launches and Formulation
Triquetra Health Launches Instant Aminos Triquetra Health has introduced Instant Aminos, the first free-form essential amino acid tablet that delivers all nine essential amino acids in an optimized ratio. The formulation is designed to bypass digestion entirely, providing protein building blocks directly to muscles without the digestive discomfort and bloating often associated with traditional protein supplements. [11]
Jenerise Introduces Precision-Grade Creatine Monohydrate Jenerise has launched Cr.01, a precision-grade creatine monohydrate that features batch-by-batch SGS testing and ultra-low impurity levels. The ingredient is manufactured to comply with major international quality and safety standards, including FDA and EFSA requirements, aiming to raise quality standards across the dietary supplement market. [12]
Natrol Partners with Calm App for New Sleep and Energy Supplements Natrol has launched a complementary pair of products: Ultra Sleep, a 3-in-1 melatonin, GABA, and botanical formula, and Ultra Energy, combining B12, CoQ10, and vitamin D. The launch is accompanied by a strategic partnership with the mental health app Calm to support consumers across the full sleep-wake cycle. [13]
Regulations and Quality
FDA Investigator Outlines Issues with Gummy Manufacturing Siobhan Taylor, a national expert on dietary supplements at the FDA, discussed the ongoing challenges in gummy supplement production. She highlighted contamination risks from starch, allergens, and environmental factors. As gummy supplements continue to grow in popularity, the FDA is emphasizing the critical importance of strict manufacturing controls to ensure product safety. [14]
Pharma Company Argues NMN is Precluded in Supplements Clinical-stage pharmaceutical company Metro International Biotech LLC has requested that the FDA uphold its determination that NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) is excluded from the definition of a dietary supplement product. The company argues that NMN should not be sold as a dietary supplement because it is currently being investigated as a new drug for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. [15]
Marketing and Consumer Trends
Storytelling and Consumer Education Become Essential Amy Summers of Pitch Publicity highlighted the growing need for supplement brands to balance scientific substantiation with relatable storytelling to connect with health-conscious consumers. She noted that consumers increasingly demand transparency, validation, and authenticity, expecting brands to "show their work." Companies must prioritize continuous consumer education and establish a strong digital presence to build trust and succeed in the marketplace. [16]
Mushroom Gummy Supplements Show Rapid Growth Mushroom gummy supplements are emerging as a fast-growing category in the wellness industry, offering a convenient and tasty format for functional fungi like reishi and lion's mane. Brands are increasingly partnering with contract manufacturers like Makers Nutrition to handle the complex formulation and production of these botanical ingredients, reflecting a broader consumer shift toward functional wellness products. [17]
Unmanned Supplement Stores Unfold in South Korea Little Better, an unmanned retail franchise specializing in health functional foods, is set to open its first store in South Korea. The concept offers a low-capital investment model with automated operations and a profit-sharing structure for online subscriptions, representing a novel approach to supplement retail distribution. [18]
About the Author
Ben Law is the Founder of Love Life Supplements. With a passion for health, fitness, and clean nutrition, Ben established LLS to provide high-quality, effective supplements without unnecessary fillers or artificial ingredients. Learn more about his journey and the LLS mission at lovelifesupplements.co.uk/pages/ben-law-founder.
References
[1] Nutraceutical Business Review: Function acquires supplement trust platform SuppCo (https://nutraceuticalbusinessreview.com/function-acquires-supplement-trust-platform-suppco) [2] Nutraceutical Business Review: EVANIUM's OPTISOLV Berberine Wins "Most Innovative Nutraceutical Ingredient" (https://nutraceuticalbusinessreview.com/evanium-s-optisolv-berberine-wins-most-innovative-nutraceutical-ingredient) [3] Innovations in Food Technology: MartinBauer Nutraceuticals wins Innovation Award at Vitafoods Europe 2026 with 360GUT® (https://innovationsfood.com/martinbauer-nutraceuticals-wins-innovation-award-at-vitafoods-europe-2026-with-360gut/) [4] Council for Responsible Nutrition: Associate Member Spotlight: What FDA's first AI-related Warning Letter signals (https://www.crnusa.org/associate-member-spotlight-what-fdas-first-ai-related-warning-letter-signals-dietary-supplement) [5] Beauty Independent: Healthy Extracts Acquires Sommer Ray's Imaraïs Beauty In $20M Deal (https://www.beautyindependent.com/healthy-extracts-acquires-sommer-ray-imarais-beauty/) [6] New Food Magazine: Tate & Lyle expands plant-based sweetener innovation partnership with BioHarvest Sciences (https://www.newfoodmagazine.com/news/tate-and-lyle-expands-plant-based-sweetener-innovation-partnership-with-bioharvest-sciences/2135481.article) [7] Ehandel: E-Commerce Company Burned Capital – Turned to Profit (https://ehandel.com/e-commerce-company-burned-capital-turned-to-profit/) [8] NutraIngredients: Heat-treated postbiotic linked to skin elasticity gains in clinical trial (https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2026/05/15/heat-treated-postbiotic-linked-to-skin-elasticity-gains-in-clinical-trial/) [9] NutraIngredients: Planttech carob concentrate improves insulin sensitivity in participants with elevated glucose (https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2026/05/18/planttech-carob-concentrate-improves-insulin-sensitivity-in-participants-with-elevated-glucose/) [10] NutraIngredients: Hydrolyzed chicken extract shown to improve perceived sleep quality: Suntory-funded study (https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2026/05/19/suntory-study-finds-that-hydrolyzed-chicken-extract-improves-perceived-sleep-quality/) [11] Yahoo Finance: Triquetra Health Launches Instant Aminos (https://finance.yahoo.com/sectors/healthcare/articles/triquetra-health-launches-instant-aminos-110000541.html) [12] NutraIngredients: Jenerise launches precision-grade creatine monohydrate (https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2026/05/18/jenerise-launches-creatine-with-sgs-verification/) [13] Nutraceutical Business Review: Natrol launches Ultra Sleep and Ultra Energy supplements in partnership with Calm app (https://nutraceuticalbusinessreview.com/natrol-launches-ultra-sleep-and-ultra-energy-supplements-in-partnership-with-calm-app) [14] NutraIngredients: FDA investigator outlines issues with gummy manufacturing (https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2026/05/18/fda-national-expert-talks-complications-of-gummy-manufacturing/) [15] SupplySide Supplement Journal: NMN is precluded in supplements, says pharma company to FDA (https://www.supplysidesj.com/supplement-regulations/nmn-is-precluded-in-supplements-says-pharma-company-to-fda) [16] Nutritional Outlook: Why Storytelling and Consumer Education Are Becoming Essential in Nutraceutical Communications (https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/why-storytelling-consumer-education-essential-nutraceutical-communications) [17] Makers Nutrition: Mushroom Gummy Supplements: A Growing Trend in Functional Wellness (https://www.makersnutrition.com/news/mushroom-gummy-supplements-a-growing-trend-in-functional-wellness) [18] NutraIngredients: Retail evolution: Era of unmanned supplement stores unfolds in South Korea (https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2026/05/19/era-of-unmanned-supplement-stores-unfolds-in-south-korea/)