In this episode of Supplement Source, Jeff Ventura sits down with Dr. Michelle Simon, President and CEO of the Institute for Natural Medicine, to explore the growing momentum behind whole-person health—and what it will take to bring it into the mainstream.

Dr. Simon shares how INM is expanding its mission beyond naturopathic medicine to unify the broader traditional, complementary, and integrative health (TCIM) community under a single voice. At the center of that effort is a new collaboration with Georgetown University: a CME-accredited course designed to educate conventional healthcare providers on integrative approaches, from nutrition and supplements to lifestyle-based care.

The conversation dives into the persistent knowledge gap among clinicians, the role industry can play in advancing credible research and quality standards, and the challenges practitioners face in navigating a fragmented supplement marketplace. Dr. Simon emphasizes the importance of practitioner guidance in helping patients cut through misinformation and make evidence-informed decisions.

They also explore shifting consumer behavior—particularly among younger generations—who are increasingly seeking proactive, preventive health strategies rather than reactive treatments. From lifestyle changes to skepticism of traditional healthcare models, this cultural shift is fueling demand for a more holistic, root-cause approach to care.

Ultimately, the episode highlights a critical inflection point in healthcare: bridging conventional and integrative medicine, investing in education and research, and redesigning systems to prioritize prevention and whole-person wellness.

About the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) 
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973, is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing 180 dietary supplement and functional food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and companies providing services to those manufacturers and suppliers. In addition to complying with a host of federal and state regulations governing dietary supplements and food in the areas of manufacturing, marketing, quality control and safety, our manufacturer and supplier members also agree to adhere to additional voluntary guidelines as well as to CRN’s Code of Ethics. Follow us on Twitter @CRN_Supplements and LinkedIn.

In this episode of Supplement Source, Jeff Ventura speaks with Dr. Joe Pizzorno, President of Bastyr University and a pioneer in naturopathic medicine.

They discuss his journey from pharmaceutical research to natural medicine, the divide between drugs and nutrition, and the growing role of supplements in supporting health. Dr. Pizzorno also explains how environmental toxins contribute to chronic disease—and why restoring key nutrients is essential for the future of healthcare.

About the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) 
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973, is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing 180 dietary supplement and functional food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and companies providing services to those manufacturers and suppliers. In addition to complying with a host of federal and state regulations governing dietary supplements and food in the areas of manufacturing, marketing, quality control and safety, our manufacturer and supplier members also agree to adhere to additional voluntary guidelines as well as to CRN’s Code of Ethics. Follow us on Twitter @CRN_Supplements and LinkedIn.

In this episode of Supplement Source, CRN Vice President of Communications Jeff Ventura sits down with Doug Lynch, CEO of MarketWell Nutrition, for a wide-ranging conversation about the forces reshaping the dietary supplement industry.

The discussion begins with what Jeff calls the “race to quality”—the growing push to distinguish trusted, science-backed brands from the rest of the marketplace. Doug explores how certifications, testing methodologies, and manufacturing practices help build consumer confidence—but also why post-market testing and third-party verification aren’t always as straightforward as they seem.

From there, the conversation turns to the realities companies face when investing in clinical trials, intellectual property, and product innovation, and why differentiation matters in a fast-moving marketplace where trends can rise—and fall—overnight.

Finally, Jeff and Doug look toward the future, discussing how artificial intelligence is transforming everything from ingredient discovery to clinical research and consumer insights, as well as the growing focus on healthspan, longevity science, and the evolving role of nutrition in disease prevention.

If you’re interested in the science, strategy, and innovation shaping the next generation of dietary supplements, this episode offers a thoughtful look at where the industry is headed.

About the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) 
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973, is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing 180 dietary supplement and functional food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and companies providing services to those manufacturers and suppliers. In addition to complying with a host of federal and state regulations governing dietary supplements and food in the areas of manufacturing, marketing, quality control and safety, our manufacturer and supplier members also agree to adhere to additional voluntary guidelines as well as to CRN’s Code of Ethics. Follow us on Twitter @CRN_Supplements and LinkedIn.

China’s supplement market offers enormous opportunity—but getting there isn’t simple.

Jeff Ventura sits down with Jeff Crowther to break down what companies need to know about selling dietary supplements in China today. From the unpredictable impact of tariffs to the rise of cross-border e-commerce platforms, the conversation explores the strategies companies are using to reach Chinese consumers.

They also unpack the regulatory maze companies must navigate—including Blue Hat registrations, bonded warehouse logistics, and new customs rules coming in 2026.

If you’re considering China—or trying to understand how companies succeed there—this episode offers practical insight from someone who has spent more than a decade working on the ground in the market.

About the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) 
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973, is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing 180 dietary supplement and functional food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and companies providing services to those manufacturers and suppliers. In addition to complying with a host of federal and state regulations governing dietary supplements and food in the areas of manufacturing, marketing, quality control and safety, our manufacturer and supplier members also agree to adhere to additional voluntary guidelines as well as to CRN’s Code of Ethics. Follow us on Twitter @CRN_Supplements and LinkedIn.

In this episode of The Supplement Source, host Jeff Ventura is joined by Lindsay Cole, Business Development & Marketing Manager for North America, and Eric Ciappio, Senior Manager of Nutrition Science at Balchem, to unpack one of the most pressing issues facing the dietary supplement industry today: quality and consumer trust.

Against the backdrop of renewed policy debates around supplement oversight, the conversation explores what “quality” really means—from objective testing and regulatory standards to formulation science, ingredient stability, and shelf-life performance. Using vitamin K2 as a real-world case study, the guests break down why factors like encapsulation, ingredient interactions, and isomeric form can make the difference between a supplement that works and one that doesn’t.

Lindsay and Eric also share  testing data showing inconsistencies in K2 products on the market, discuss how poor formulation can undermine consumer confidence, and explain why leadership in quality requires going beyond minimum requirements through education, innovation, and rigorous science.

Whether you’re a manufacturer, formulator, policymaker, or informed consumer, this episode offers a clear, science-backed look at why supplement quality is more than a buzzword—and how getting it right is essential for the future of the industry.

About the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) 
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973, is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing 180 dietary supplement and functional food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and companies providing services to those manufacturers and suppliers. In addition to complying with a host of federal and state regulations governing dietary supplements and food in the areas of manufacturing, marketing, quality control and safety, our manufacturer and supplier members also agree to adhere to additional voluntary guidelines as well as to CRN’s Code of Ethics. Follow us on Twitter @CRN_Supplements and LinkedIn.

In our first episode of 2026, Supplement Source kicks off the year with major policy news for the dietary supplement industry.

CRN President and CEO Steve Mister joins host Jeff Ventura to break down Senator Dick Durbin’s reintroduction of the Dietary Supplement Listing Act of 2026—what it does, what it doesn’t do, and why this moment matters now.

The conversation cuts through common misconceptions about FDA “pre-market approval,” explains how a public-facing product registry would work, and explores how greater transparency can strengthen consumer trust, support responsible companies, and help clean up online marketplaces—without burdening innovation or small businesses.

If you’ve seen the headlines and heard the concerns, this episode delivers the clarity, context, and straight talk the supplement industry needs right now.

About the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) 
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973, is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing 180 dietary supplement and functional food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and companies providing services to those manufacturers and suppliers. In addition to complying with a host of federal and state regulations governing dietary supplements and food in the areas of manufacturing, marketing, quality control and safety, our manufacturer and supplier members also agree to adhere to additional voluntary guidelines as well as to CRN’s Code of Ethics. Follow us on Twitter @CRN_Supplements and LinkedIn.

In this episode of Supplement Source, CRN’s Jeff Ventura sits down with Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum — microbiome researcher, author, and co-founder of BIOHM Health — to explore how the gut microbiome influences healthy aging, immunity, and even mood. From the “good guys” in your gut to anti-aging strategies rooted in  science, Dr. Ghannoum explains how rebalancing your microbiome can improve digestion, skin health, cognition, and longevity. Tune in for practical insights, fascinating data from BIOHM’s research, and actionable tips to help your gut — and you — thrive. 

About the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) 
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973, is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing 180 dietary supplement and functional food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and companies providing services to those manufacturers and suppliers. In addition to complying with a host of federal and state regulations governing dietary supplements and food in the areas of manufacturing, marketing, quality control and safety, our manufacturer and supplier members also agree to adhere to additional voluntary guidelines as well as to CRN’s Code of Ethics. Follow us on Twitter @CRN_Supplements and LinkedIn.

In this episode of Supplement Source, CRN’s Jeff Ventura talks with 2025 CAPS Scholars Huyen Le, Ben Levine, and past scholar Sam Fessler about how CRN’s Campus to Career (CAPS) Program helps bridge the gap between academic research and the dietary supplement industry. The scholars share how attending Science in Session and Convergence offered mentorship, networking, and real-world insights that expanded their career horizons—showing how scientists can carry their research skills into impactful industry roles while staying true to the science.

About the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) 
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973, is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing 180 dietary supplement and functional food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and companies providing services to those manufacturers and suppliers. In addition to complying with a host of federal and state regulations governing dietary supplements and food in the areas of manufacturing, marketing, quality control and safety, our manufacturer and supplier members also agree to adhere to additional voluntary guidelines as well as to CRN’s Code of Ethics. Follow us on Twitter @CRN_Supplements and LinkedIn.

In this episode of Supplement Source, CRN’s Jeff Ventura sits down again with Ajay Patel, CEO of Verdure Sciences, and Isabella Bucklew, the company’s Sustainability Coordinator, to explore Verdegration—Verdure’s comprehensive sustainability platform. The conversation covers everything from the company’s early roots in ethical sourcing to its expansive farmer programs and new headquarters initiatives in Noblesville, Indiana.

Listeners will learn how Verdure’s turmeric procurement program has grown from just five farmers to more than 600, impacting over 1,300 acres, and how the company’s commitment to water conservation, biodiversity, and community welfare shapes every aspect of its operations. Patel discusses why long-term sustainability is essential for the future of botanicals, while Bucklew shares updates on certifications like Rainforest Alliance, Fair for Life, and Ecovadis, as well as local projects supporting pollinators, tree canopies, and food donations.

Together, they offer an inspiring look at how a responsible supply chain and global stewardship can coexist with business growth—proving that sustainability isn’t a side project, but the foundation of Verdure’s mission.

About the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) 
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973, is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing 180 dietary supplement and functional food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and companies providing services to those manufacturers and suppliers. In addition to complying with a host of federal and state regulations governing dietary supplements and food in the areas of manufacturing, marketing, quality control and safety, our manufacturer and supplier members also agree to adhere to additional voluntary guidelines as well as to CRN’s Code of Ethics. Follow us on Twitter @CRN_Supplements and LinkedIn.

In this episode of Supplement Source, host Jeff Ventura (Council for Responsible Nutrition) sits down with Gregory Drew, VP of Innovation at Vitaquest and a leader of the company’s VQ Cares initiative. Together, they explore how Vitaquest is tackling health equity by manufacturing and donating high-quality multivitamins through partnerships with the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC), as part of CRN's Access Initiative.

Greg shares the program’s origin story, its ambitious first-year goal of donating over $500,000 worth of supplements, and how Vitaquest is inviting ingredient suppliers, service providers, and peers across the dietary supplement industry to join the effort. 

Listeners will come away inspired by how VQ Cares is not just a philanthropic project, but a scalable model for how industry collaboration can make a lasting impact on communities nationwide. 

About the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) 
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973, is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing 180 dietary supplement and functional food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and companies providing services to those manufacturers and suppliers. In addition to complying with a host of federal and state regulations governing dietary supplements and food in the areas of manufacturing, marketing, quality control and safety, our manufacturer and supplier members also agree to adhere to additional voluntary guidelines as well as to CRN’s Code of Ethics. Follow us on Twitter @CRN_Supplements and LinkedIn.