Council for Responsible Nutrition

🎧 In the latest episode of Supplement Source, Jeff V. chats with Lori Lauersen, SVP of Global R&D at Unilever, about the strategy behind wellness powerhouses like Liquid I.V., Nutrafol, and OLLY PBC. From sugar-free hydration to menopause supplements, discover how Unilever is driving innovation and shaping the future of the wellness industry. Listen now: https://lnkd.in/e7bFXpD4

CRN President and CEO Steven Mister recently weighed in on a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that evaluated #choline, #iodine, and toxic metal content in #prenatal vitamins. “As we understand it, the researchers made an inadvertent error by using USP standards that were intended really for raw materials, and looked at the allowable levels of heavy metals, looking at the mcg per gram of the raw material. They applied that as if it were mcg per daily dose of the finished product," Mister told Pharmacy Times. "What that led to was a misreporting that a number of these products had levels of heavy metals and contaminants in them that exceeded USP standards, when in fact they did not... it's important now that we correct that so that consumers are not unnecessarily alarmed." Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/exKun2Ds

Happy New Year! Wishing everyone health and wellness in 2025! Our CRN team looks forward to continuing serving our members in the #dietarysupplement and #functionalfood space and growing our essential industry that helps so many people live their best lives. https://lnkd.in/gWBQBzd

In WTOP News’ recent coverage of #dietarysupplements, listeners might have walked away with an incomplete picture of how this industry operates. Let’s set the record straight: Dietary supplements play a critical role in addressing nutrient shortfalls, helping Americans meet key nutritional needs like #vitaminD, #calcium, and #potassium, when their diet falls short. The significant bodies of research available on platforms like the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed and the Office of Dietary Supplements’ Fact Sheets belie the unsupported assertions that are ineffective. The FDA regulates supplements under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, which ensures they are manufactured to strict quality standards, labeled accurately, and safe for use when taken as directed. On top of that, #FTC holds companies accountable for truthful advertising and marketing claims. But that’s not all. CRN members (https://lnkd.in/eiMEmNsu) voluntarily go above and beyond these federal requirements. Our members follow self-regulatory guidelines that promote transparency, good manufacturing practices, and responsible marketing (https://lnkd.in/eZEYD2eQ).

🚨 Protecting Expectant Mothers: Correcting Misreported Claims About Prenatal Vitamins 🚨 Recent media coverage by The New York Times (Dana G Smith), Vogue (Margaux Anbouba), Women's Health, New York Post (Tracy Swartz), Best Life, SciTechDaily, of a flawed study by University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus on heavy metals in prenatal vitamins has caused unnecessary alarm among pregnant women. This study, now acknowledged by the US Pharmacopeia (USP) to have significant methodological errors, incorrectly suggested that prenatal vitamins contain unsafe levels of heavy metals. Let’s set the record straight: prenatal vitamins are rigorously tested to meet strict safety standards and remain a vital resource for maternal and fetal health. Misinformation like this could discourage women from taking these essential supplements, potentially putting their health and their babies' health at risk. 🤰💊 Correcting this narrative isn’t just about accuracy—it’s a public service. Expectant mothers deserve peace of mind and confidence in the products they rely on during such a critical time in their lives. If you're a journalist or part of the media, we urge you to revisit your coverage and consider updating your reporting to reflect USP's clarification (https://lnkd.in/eBtxdfrR). Ensuring the public is well-informed can make a meaningful difference. Together, let’s prioritize health and truth over fear. 💡✅ #MaternalHealth #PrenatalVitamins #PublicHealth #AccurateReporting

In case you missed it, we issued a statement (https://lnkd.in/erjkwGH7) concerning a study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition out of University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder. The study's conclusions are flawed, as confirmed by a statement issued by US Pharmacopeia: https://lnkd.in/eBtxdfrR. We urge the study's authors and institutions to issue a prompt retraction, as this error has caused widespread media coverage creating needless fear of prenatal supplements by pregnant women.

With both gratitude and a touch of sadness, CRN shared that James Cedric Griffiths, Ph.D., CRN's SVP of International & Scientific Affairs, has announced he plans to retire from the company at the end of this month. CRN extends heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Griffiths as he embarks on this exciting new chapter—one we hope includes plenty of quality time with his grandchildren. While we’re thrilled for what’s ahead, his presence will be deeply missed at CRN. https://lnkd.in/e3CAg7UP

As we close another remarkable year, we reflect with gratitude on the collaborations that make it possible to advance the #dietarysupplement and #functionalfood industry. Our dedicated team remains steadfast in supporting our members and upholding our shared commitment to innovation, responsibility, and, of course, better #health for all. Warmest holiday wishes from all of us at CRN! https://lnkd.in/erDEGz5P

CRN has issued a statement responding to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf's recent remarks at the NIH-FDA Nutrition Regulatory Workshop. The statement addresses his misunderstanding of DSHEA and dismissive claims about the scientific evidence supporting dietary supplements. CRN highlighted the need for stronger enforcement of existing regulations rather than imposing premarket evaluation. Read CRN's full statement here: https://lnkd.in/eUWqyD45

Did you know registration is open for the CRN / American Conference Institute Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance Forum, taking place in New York City, June 24–26? Get this anticipated event for #dietarysupplement industry professionals on your calendar and book now for the best early-bird rates. The forum is a must-attend for in-house counsel, including generalists and those having responsibility for FDA and FTC compliance and regulatory affairs as well as advertising and promotion, IP, patents and trademarks, licensing and business development officers, directors and executives for regulatory affairs. https://lnkd.in/eDiaPfm3