The launch of My Companion Box, new research on phytochemicals in fruit and new dietary supplements supporting pregnancy, cardiovascular health and testosterone levels make this edition of Supplement Shorts. Check out the supplement industry news, from scientific innovations to finished products and everything in between.
My Companion Box sends dietary supplements directly to GLP-1 users
With glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (RA) medication taking the world by storm, more companies are launching finished goods to support people on their weight loss journeys. Sarah-Marie Cole, a marketing expert in the functional food and cannabis industries and a GLP-1 RA user herself, wanted to make it easier for people like her to discover new products.
Together with her friend and fellow GLP-1 RA user Allison Rankin, they launched My Companion Box. Their new initiative curates GLP-1 support products, from dietary supplements and functional foods to beauty solutions, so GLP-1 RA users can try out products before committing to full-size purchases.
“So much of what’s online is hard to trust,” Cole said. “We’re connecting the industry and brands directly to consumers in a way that matters, through real sampling, honest reviews and building trust.”
Cole and Rankin are curating dietary supplements that support nutrition and help manage side effects. In addition to protein and fiber, Cole sees several GLP-1 support products on the market with magnesium and berberine but also predicts probiotics like Akkermansia will begin to appear in finished goods marketed to GLP-1 RA users.
“Gut health is a big area where I think there’s a lot of confusion because there are products that are being marketed as natural GLP-1 boosters and supporters, like ‘Nature’s Ozempic,’” said Cole. “We want to create awareness around gut health.”
Watch the full interview with Sarah-Marie Cole below.
Clinical currents and science news
Oranges aren’t just for vitamin C. A review in the Journal of Functional Foods suggests citrus polyphenols may play a role in bone health. While only one human clinical trial demonstrated that hesperidin enhanced calcium absorption, preclinical evidence shows flavanones like naringenin and neoeriocitrin accelerate maturation of osteoblasts, or bone-forming cells.
Speaking of fruits, anthocyanins from blackcurrant impact substrate utilization during exercise. A meta-analysis in the Journal of Dietary Supplements showed these compounds boost fat oxidation and decrease carbohydrate oxidation, although it is not consistent on the basis of sex, age or training status.
Omega-3 supplementation may improve academic performance in children. Data from school-aged children in a Singapore cohort showed higher omega-3 levels correlated with better reading fluency and spelling scores.
Natural Remedies announced results from a clinical trial on its ashwagandha ingredient, Ashwa.30. The study found that participants who received 30 mg daily over four weeks experienced a decrease in cortisol response and stress scores, along with an increase in VO2max scores. The study is undergoing peer review.
O Positive launched its first prenatal dietary supplement with probiotics to balance both gut and vaginal microbiomes throughout pregnancy. Photo Credit: O Positiv
Dietary supplement finished product news
Wellness brand O Positiv entered the prenatal category with its Preggo Prenatal + Probiotic dietary supplement. The formulations includes L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate, omega-3 fatty acids, ginger root extract and probiotics along with other vitamins and minerals.
“What I love about Preggo Prenatal + Probiotic is that it bridges the gap between what most prenatals provide and what pregnant people actually need,” said Kendra Segura, M.D., a gynecologist and member of O Positiv’s medical advisory board. “It’s comprehensive, science-backed and designed with real pregnancy in mind.”
Nutrition retailer GNC announced a partnership with supplement brand High Level Science to launch its cardiovascular health and testosterone support formulas at The Drop by GNC, which curates new and exclusive dietary supplements and wellness products. The Heart + Body + Mind product contains omega-3s, coenzymeQ10 and vitamin E to support heart health, energy levels and longevity.
“As a cardiologist, I’ve seen firsthand how gaps in cardiovascular and metabolic health can impact quality of life long before symptoms show up,” said David Rizik, M.D., co-founder of High Level Science.
“Heart + Body + Mind and High Level Man (testosterone support supplement) are built from clinically studied ingredients and dosages, with the goal of helping people support their heart, brain and hormone health proactively, as part of a daily routine that is simple and sustainable,” Rizik said.
Company and organization updates
Consumer health company Blueroot Health announced the appointment of Jay Schwartz as chief executive officer. “Jay is a proven leader with a strong record of building and scaling science-driven, purpose-led brands,” said Roy Chin, partner at private equity firm North Castle Partners, which has invested in Blueroot since 2020.
“He understands how to balance growth with credibility, and how to translate clinical relevance into consumer impact. We are excited to support Blueroot Health in this next chapter,” Chin said.
Online supplement outlet Nootropics Depot highlighted its laboratory facilities and cell culture programs to promote transparency and quality in the dietary supplement industry. The company has also made part of its facilities and capabilities available to other companies via Omnient Labs.
“Our goal has always been simple: verify, don’t assume,” said Paul Eftang, Nootropics Depot CEO.
“By investing in pharmaceutical-grade analytics, live-cell research, and method development, we can demonstrate exactly what is in our ingredients and how they behave at the cellular level, which is what consumers and responsible brands should be able to expect from this industry,” Eftang Said.
The Global Prebiotic Association is now accepting applications for the 2026 GPA Young Researcher Award. The GPA grants two awards each year, one for basic research and one for applied research on probiotics. Scientists under 40 who are first author on a research paper about prebiotics are encouraged to apply online before Mar. 15.
Launching innovative ingredients and products? Did you just publish a new clinical trial? Getting ready to announce something big? SupplySide Supplement Journal would love to know. Reach out to Devon on LinkedIn with all your buzzworthy news.
