The dietary supplement industry, a multibillion-dollar market, continues to face challenges in Washington despite support from President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Although the industry has grown in popularity, it is still waiting for significant policy changes that would make it easier for consumers to buy supplements and allow manufacturers more flexibility in making health claims.
Kennedy, a well-known advocate for alternative health, has surrounded himself with senior staff members who promote everything from weight loss pills to organ meat capsules. However, his "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) agenda has been focused more on vaccine skepticism, calling out food additives, and cutting research funds at federal agencies. Despite some positive rhetoric from Trump’s administration, neither the White House nor Congress, controlled by Republicans, has made meaningful moves to address the industry’s needs.
Industry Frustration and Ongoing Regulatory Hurdles
The dietary supplement market in the US was valued at $69 billion last year, and it continues to thrive with celebrity endorsements and high-profile influencers such as Joe Rogan and Dr. Mehmet Oz. However, industry representatives, such as Steve Mister from the Council for Responsible Nutrition, argue that the administration has failed to take concrete action to support the industry. Although officials have shown interest in the issues raised, there has been little change.
Dietary supplements, including vitamins, herbs, and other health products, are not approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness, unlike medications. Companies are prohibited from marketing supplements as treatments or cures for diseases, limiting the claims they can make. Despite this, many supplement companies argue they are safe and that current regulations are too restrictive.
The Push for Reform and Challenges in Congress
The industry is pushing for reforms that would allow supplements to be included in federal programs such as Medicare and health savings accounts (HSAs). Advocates argue that essential supplements, like Vitamin C, should be covered, noting that they are as necessary as any other health treatment. However, efforts to include supplements in these programs have so far been unsuccessful, even though supplement industry groups lobbied hard during debates on Trump’s tax reform bill.
Another significant challenge for the industry is FDA regulation, which currently only allows health claims for supplements that can be scientifically backed. However, organizations like the Alliance for Natural Health are petitioning the FDA to approve a wider range of claims. Critics warn that this could lead to misleading marketing if not carefully regulated, potentially putting consumers at risk. Despite the obstacles, industry groups remain hopeful, continuing to push for changes that will make it easier for consumers to access supplements and for manufacturers to advertise their health benefits more freely.
