In the Naturally Informed session Setting the Record Straight on Dietary Supplements, Eating Disorders, and Mental Wellness, which was recorded in October at Stress and Mental Wellness: Mastering the Market, Drs. Hewling and Kalman discuss the science, while Rick Collins, Founding Partner at Collins Gann McCloskey & Barry PLLC, provides a regulatory update on state efforts to age-restrict access to certain nutritional supplements. 

UPDATE: Following the recording of this informative session, on October 28, proposed age restriction legislation in New Jersey (A-1848) passed out of the New Jersey General Assembly by a vote of 56-17, with four abstaining. Despite efforts from industry trade groups, the bill passed out of the General Assembly. CRN explained that A-1848 was a non-consent bill and does not currently have a Senate companion. 

Background: Efforts to Age-Restrict Access to Supplements in NJ

In a letter sent to to all members of the New Jersey General Assembly head of the October 28 vote, the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) expressed concerns with the bill and requested that they withhold passage: "CRN is committed to working with the bill sponsor and policymakers in New Jersey to enhance public health; however, targeting safe, beneficial, and federally regulated products is not a viable solution. The reality is that this legislation will not provide any benefit toward reducing eating disorders among young people and, in fact, creates a false sense of hope that the legislature is doing something to address this issue and help those in need. We urge you to reevaluate A-1848 as its extensive impacts will be felt by most of the communities and consumers that you represent, and we respectfully ask that the Assembly withhold passage of this bill until further revisions can be considered." 

On its grassroots action page, the Natural Products Association (NPA), urged: "In Congress, bipartisan and bicameral lawmakers have recognized the significance vitamins play and are actively pursuing ways to expand access. Yet Assemblyman Herb Conaway's bill A1848 would prohibit and restrict access to dietary supplements. While many of us are working toward a healthier lifestyle, Assemblyman Conaway wants to ensure that you're restricted from accessing essential health products like creatine and amino acids. New Jerseyans can’t afford to be punished by draconian policies that undermine public health." The page makes it easy to compose a message to one's NJ state assemblymember.

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) also weighed in on the passage of A-1848 : "CHPA recognizes and shares the Assembly's commitment to preventing the potential misuse of consumer healthcare products by minors,” said CHPA Vice President of State and Local Government Affairs Carlos Gutiérrez, “which is why we fully support thoughtful age restrictions on products explicitly marketed for weight loss. A-1848, as passed today, unfortunately misses the mark by extending far beyond its intended purpose. The bill’s overly broad language now captures numerous dietary supplement products that have nothing to do with weight loss, including safe and beneficial products many New Jerseyans rely on to support bone health, muscle recovery, and to promote cognitive function. CHPA has demonstrated a willingness to work collaboratively with the Assembly on crafting legislation that precisely targets weight loss products to avoid sweeping restrictions against supplements consumers use daily to support their wellness needs. We plan to work with the New Jersey Senate to improve this legislation so that it achieves its intended goal of educating and protecting our youth against potential misuse without hindering access for the millions of New Jerseyans who rely on the daily use of these products."


To view the rest of the educational lineup from this Naturally Informed event, access your for free on-demand access.

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