Articles by Eric Munson
[Extra! Extra!] Innovations for Active Nutrition Supplements
Carl Germano, CNS, CDN, vice president of Verdant Nature and consultant for Bluebonnet Nutrition (Sugar Land, TX) said recent ingredient innovation in sports and active nutrition supplements is based around more efficient delivery of familiar actives, multi-benefit blends and new bioactives targeting cognition, recovery and metabolic health. These innovations include: Novel Protein Systems Whey–plant hybrids, ...
Staying Active
Everyday consumers are turning to sports products for overall health and wellness. Although sports nutrition has largely been geared toward athletes and fitness enthusiasts, in recent years, it has seen a massive shift toward everyday consumers who are prioritizing overall health, fitness and well-being. This shift has driven demand for various products such as protein ...
The Vitamin Shoppe Opens New AI-Powered Innovation Store
On Jan. 28, The Vitamin Shoppe (Secaucus, NJ) announced the opening of a new Innovation Store on the Upper East Side of New York City, located at 157 East 86th Street. The new store brings The Vitamin Shoppe’s innovation-forward design format and an expansive assortment of vitamins, supplements, sports nutrition, herbs, functional foods, energy drinks ...
AHPA Rebuts Washington Post Article Based on Retracted Study
The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) issued a statement regarding a Feb. 2 article published in The Washington Post titled “Can Supplements Reduce Cancer Risk?” AHPA said the author referenced an investigation targeting herbal supplements that was built on a retracted study and repeatedly asserts the dietary supplement industry is “not well regulated.” In response, ...
CRN Opposes New California Protein Powder Bill
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) expressed strong opposition to California Senate Bill 1033, which would impose new state-specific testing, disclosure and labeling mandates on protein powder and other concentrated protein products sold in the state. CRN supports science-based safety and transparency standards for dietary supplements, but said SB 1033 represents a “misplaced policy approach” ...
Expo West Celebrates 45 Years, Plans Biggest Show to Date
Natural Products Expo West returns to the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA from March 3-6. According to show organizers, 2026 is a milestone year as Expo West celebrates 45 years with the biggest show to date. The new CPG Innovation Summit is a one-day immersive experience built to connect brands with the resources they ...
Durbin, Blumenthal and Pallone Reintroduce Bill to Prohibit Sale of Tianeptine
On Feb. 5, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Frank Pallone (D-NJ) reintroduced the Prohibiting Tianeptine and Other Dangerous Products Act, legislation that would prohibit tianeptine or “gas station heroin” from being marketed to consumers. The law would give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ...
HHS and FDA Take New Approach on “No Artificial Colors” Claims
On Feb. 5, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced additional steps to transition the nation’s food supply from the use of artificial petroleum-based colors to alternatives derived from natural sources. In April 2025, HHS and FDA officially announced its plans to phase out petroleum-based synthetic ...
Colorado State University Creates Julie and Barney Feinblum Herb Garden
On Feb. 11, Colorado State University (CSU) announced the creation of the Julie and Barney Feinblum Herb Garden. The groundbreaking ceremonies are scheduled for April 2026 at CSU’s main campus in Fort Collins, CO. Endowed through a gift from longtime natural products industry leader Barney Feinblum and his wife Julie, the herb garden will feature ...
Age Restriction Bills Introduced in Alaska and Hawaii
In January 2026, Alaska and Hawaii became the latest states to introduce age restriction bills on weight-loss and muscle-building dietary supplements. The bills would restrict the sale of these products to those under 18 years of age. Other states that have introduced and/or passed similar bills consist of Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Texas, New ...
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