Articles by Shari Barbanel
VRM Media Acquires Naturally Independent Expo
The Positively Natural Network (PNN), a non-profit association for independent natural product retailers, practitioners and related industry companies, has announced the sale of its Naturally Independent Expo (NIE) trade show to VRM Media, publisher of Vitamin Retailer, Nutrition Industry Executive and Natural Practitioner magazines. Positively Natural President Jeremiah Bogenhagen and VRM President Daniel McSweeney finalized ...
Most of the World Isn’t Getting Enough Omega-3
More than three-quarters of the global population aren’t getting enough omega-3, according to new research from the University of East Anglia (UEA), the University of Southampton and Holland & Barrett. The collaborative review highlights that 76 percent of people worldwide are not meeting recommended intakes of EPA and DHA, revealing a significant global public health ...
Scientists Say This Viral Rosemary Skincare Trend Actually Works
A popular online skincare trend centered on rosemary and rosemary extract now has scientific evidence behind it. Researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) report in JCI Insight that a natural compound in rosemary leaves may help wounds heal more effectively and limit the formation of scars. “Many skin injuries end ...
Patrick Sly Named Metagenics CEO
Metagenics (Aliso Viejo, CA) has named Patrick Sly as CEO, effective immediately. A highly regarded executive in the health and wellness industry, Sly brings a wealth of relevant leadership experience to Metagenics. Current President and CEO Pat Smallcombe, who has led Metagenics through a period of tremendous growth since 2023, will transition to the role ...
Rutgers Launches Unique Undergraduate Minor in Holistic Wellness
A new undergraduate minor in holistic wellness at Rutgers University-New Brunswick aims to equip students with the practical skills to design and deliver wellness programs—in their lives and in their careers. The coursework is interdisciplinary and experiential, with classes ranging from nature journaling and personal finance to nutrition and wellness communication. Developed by a committee ...
IFM Announces 2025 Functional Medicine for All Scholarship Winners
The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) has announced the recipients of its 2025 Functional Medicine for All Scholarship. This scholarship program aims to expand access to functional medicine training benefiting practitioners and patients worldwide. It is specifically intended for clinicians who are embarking on their certification journey and are dedicated to working with medically underserved communities. Expanding ...
1MD Nutrition Marks Fourth Year of Giving Tuesday Partnership With Vitamin Angels
1MD Nutrition (Irvine, CA) will offer up to 50 percent discounts and be donating 5 percent of all sales site wide on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 to address women and children malnutrition in underserved communities worldwide.† The fifth year that 1MD has earmarked Giving Tuesday to raise money for this cause, the brand is ...
Michael’s Health Launches Naturopathic Wellness Center
Michael Schwartz, founder of Texas-based Michael’s Health, launched a new national initiative to support independent health food stores. Called the “Naturopathic Wellness Center” National Advertising Campaign, this project is designed to celebrate and support independent retailers who keep the spirit of national wellness alive, according to the company. About 100 stores have already joined. “I’ve ...
Associations Respond to Melatonin Study Presented at the 2025 AHA Scientific Sessions
Long-term use of melatonin supplements, often used to promote sleep and address insomnia, was associated with a higher risk of heart failure diagnosis, heart failure hospitalization and death from any cause in chronic insomnia, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2025. In the study, researchers classified people who ...
Mama Bird Completes Rebrand From Best Nest Wellness
Mama Bird (Denver, CO) has completed its rebrand from Best Nest Wellness. Marking the company’s 10-year anniversary, the new name reflects Mama Bird’s mission to make brain-first nutrition easy and accessible for families at every stage of life. The redesigned packaging is bright, playful and instantly recognizable, and is as approachable as it is functional. Clean ...
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