Public health in the U.S. has come to a crossroads, reckoning with the consequences of chronic and lifestyle-related diseases, a mental health crisis, and systemic inequities. Meanwhile, advancing technologies and scientific discoveries present paths to move the needle in the right direction.

Trust in public institutions has reached a low watermark, creating a vacuum that competing interests have scrambled to fill, including states and interest groups intent on banning certain ingredients and product types. At the same time, retailers like Amazon have become de facto regulators, enacting new rules intended to safeguard product quality and integrity.

Three decades since the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) established the rules of the road, the U.S. market has proliferated, surpassing $60 billion, according to industry estimates. Consumers are eager for continued innovation in the category.

The rapid uptake of GLP-1 agonist medications offers brands a menu of opportunities to support people during and after use of these anti-obesity medications. Women’s health continues to develop in diverse and distinct directions, offering new product options for health issues that have gone overlooked for too long. Microbiome-modulating ingredients and products are positioned to proliferate as well.

Either from within or around the incoming Trump Administration, the potential impact Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may have on the nutraceutical community — given his criticism of health agencies and advocacy for natural health medicine — could be seismic, or something much more modest. Time will tell.

Geopolitical tension, supply chain dynamics, natural disasters and climate-related issues, and many unforeseen issues will surely challenge both the status quo and the best-laid plans in the years to come.

Our mission at Nutraceuticals World is to be a trusted resource and partner for companies in this dynamic category as they navigate uncertain terrain. With that in mind, our December issue is intended to be a practical guide for buyers and decision-makers as they look for trusted partners and industry insights on the journey ahead.

Our State of the Industry review, offers market analysis from respected thought leaders. Our Company Capabilities Directory presents in-depth profiles of prominent raw material suppliers and contract service providers in the global nutraceuticals market. And our International Buyers’ Guide is a compilation of industry suppliers, contract service providers, consultants, and trade associations.

See you at the crossroads …