The Supplement Industry’s Two-Pronged Push for Change
The supplement industry is currently pursuing two key strategies to expand its reach and influence. First, trade groups are lobbying the Trump administration to update the tax code to better align with the Modern Health and Wellness Act (MHWA), possibly allowing more health-related expenses to be covered by Health Savings accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
Simultaneously, advocates are pressing the FDA to loosen restrictions on health claims supplement companies can make about their products. Currently, the FDA’s approval process for claims linking supplements to disease risk reduction is rigorous, requiring ample scientific evidence and consensus – resulting in only a dozen approved claims to date.
The Alliance for Natural Health is leading a push for significantly broader claim allowances, petitioning the FDA for approval of over 150 claims based on emerging research linking nutrients like B vitamins and folate to cognitive health and mood.
However, this push is met with caution from consumer advocates and experts who fear less stringent regulations coudl lead to misleading marketing and exploitation of consumers.
Despite seeking deregulation in some areas, industry groups also emphasize their commitment to quality control and enforcement. They’ve voiced concerns about Trump administration staff cuts impacting FDA oversight and applauded recent FDA action against potentially risky substances like 7-OH. Leaders like Jim Emme of NOW Health Group are actively calling for stricter enforcement against substandard products, particularly those sold online.
Industry representatives express optimism about a potential window of possibility for collaboration with the FDA, citing recent conversations focused on expanding supplement coverage and addressing consumer needs. However, they acknowledge the uncertainty of political cycles and the need to capitalize on current momentum.
