Weekly Digest

FDA Weighs Updates to Supplement Ingredient Framework as Innovation Accelerates

Nutraceuticals World • March 30, 2026

The FDA held what could become one of the most consequential public meetings for the supplement industry since DSHEA’s passage. Technologies such as precision fermentation, synthesis, and cell culture are challenging whether the existing framework can keep pace. Deputy Commissioner Kyle Diamantas called for the agency to be “nimble and adaptable” while maintaining consumer safety.

Supplement Industry Stakeholders Call for ‘Dietary Supplement’ Expansion at FDA Hearing

SupplySide Supplement Journal • March 27, 2026

NPA’s Daniel Fabricant declared “DSHEA works and works incredibly well” at the FDA’s public hearing. CRN’s Andrea Wong pushed for a more inclusive NDI notification approach. DSHEA architect Loren Israelsen noted the intentional use of “dietary” rather than “nutritional” in the original law. Public comment remains open through April 27 under docket FDA-2026-N-2047.

FDA Weighs Expanding What Can Go Into Supplements

U.S. News & World Report / HealthDay • March 30, 2026

The FDA is considering whether to allow new ingredients in dietary supplements, including peptides and certain probiotics. Consumer advocates warn the expansion could make it harder to protect the public, while industry leaders argue the current law does not clearly require all ingredients to come from food.

FDA Seeks Comments on the Scope of Dietary Supplement Ingredients

SBA Office of Advocacy • March 31, 2026

The SBA Office of Advocacy flagged the FDA’s public meeting and open comment period as significant for small businesses. The agency is seeking input on whether DSHEA’s “dietary substance” language can include substances never part of the diet, and how emerging production technologies should be characterized for regulatory review.

Pharma Firm Tells FDA: NMN Can’t Be Sold in Dietary Supplements

SupplySide Supplement Journal • March 25, 2026

A pharmaceutical company renewed its argument that NMN should remain excluded from the dietary supplement market under DSHEA’s drug exclusion clause. NPA’s Dan Fabricant responded that this interpretation would create “an ice age on innovation” and called for a legislative fix to the drug exclusion clause.

Uthever Secures FDA NDI Notification for NMN Ingredient

Effepharm / LinkedIn • March 26, 2026

Uthever (Effepharm) has secured an FDA New Dietary Ingredient notification for its NMN ingredient, marking a significant compliance milestone. Since the FDA clarified that NMN is not excluded from the dietary supplement definition, companies have been advancing the NDI notification process to establish market legitimacy.

CRN Petitions U.S. Supreme Court to Review New York Law Restricting Supplement Sales

Council for Responsible Nutrition • March 30, 2026

CRN has filed a petition for certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court, challenging a New York law that restricts dietary supplement sales to minors based on marketing claims rather than ingredient safety. CRN argues the law is a content-based infringement on commercial speech that conflicts with First Amendment protections upheld by other federal circuits. The case could set nationwide precedent.

Supplement Industry Adapts to Era Without Political Champions

SupplySide Supplement Journal • March 31, 2026

With the era of singular champions like Senators Hatch and Harkin behind it, the $73 billion supplement industry is shifting toward bipartisan coalition-building through the revived Dietary Supplement Caucus. Key figures include Sens. Heinrich and Curtis, and Reps. Kennedy and Veasey. Industry leaders say political engagement still lags relative to the industry’s size.

Makers of Dietary Supplements Push the FDA to Allow Peptides and Other New Ingredients

PBS NewsHour / Associated Press • March 27, 2026

The Associated Press reported on the supplement industry’s push to expand what qualifies as a dietary ingredient, with particular focus on peptides. HHS Secretary RFK Jr. has described himself as “a big fan” of peptides and wants fewer restrictions. The article highlights the tension between industry innovation and consumer safety oversight.

What is a ‘Dietary Substance’? FDA Invites Comment to Move Supplement Innovation Forward

NutraIngredients • March 31, 2026

Advances in biotech and ingredient manufacturing are spurring the FDA to reconsider the boundaries of DSHEA. From plant cell culture and precision fermentation to ingredients like probiotics and peptides, advancing science is challenging long-standing interpretations of what qualifies as a “dietary substance” under the law.

FDA Issues Advisory Letter to Divine Rx Nutrition for Illegal Disease Claims

U.S. Food and Drug Administration • March 24, 2026

The FDA issued an advisory letter to Divine Rx Nutrition for marketing dietary supplements with illegal disease claims. The enforcement action demonstrates the FDA’s existing authority under DSHEA to act against bad actors who make unauthorized drug claims for supplement products.

FDA Warns Consumers About Hidden Drug Ingredients in “Red Bull Extreme” and “Blue Bull Extreme”

U.S. Food and Drug Administration • March 29, 2026

The FDA warned consumers about products marketed as supplements that contain hidden active pharmaceutical ingredients. These cases highlight the ongoing challenge of adulterated products in the supplement marketplace and underscore why DSHEA’s enforcement provisions remain critical for consumer protection.