As 2025 comes to an end, Natural Practitioner (NP) magazine looks back at the most read stories throughout the year. This year featured news items include natural products industry associations responding to recent studies and tariffs.
In 2025, VRM Media partnered with Positively Natural Network (PNN) to promote the Naturally Independent Expo in Palm Springs, CA. Two of the top stories were announcements about the trade show.
Other stories include EuroPharma, Inc. announcing its second major expansion and The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) forming the International Board of Functional Medicine Certification (IBFMC).
See below for the Top 10 Stories of 2025!
1. Independent Retail Expo to be Held in Palm Springs This November
The Positively Natural Network (PNN), a not-for-profit trade association for independent natural products retailers, health care practitioners, manufacturers, brokers and related businesses, has announced new dates for its annual Naturally Independent Expo (NIE). The event will now be held Nov. 14-15, 2025, at the Palm Springs Convention Center in Palms Springs, CA.
https://naturalpractitionermag.com/independent-retail-expo-to-be-held-in-palm-springs-this-november/
2. 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.
3. IFM Establishes Certifying Board for the Functional Medicine Field
The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) has taken the next step in the new Functional Medicine Certification Program by announcing the formation of the International Board of Functional Medicine Certification (IBFMC).
4. NPA Responds to Taurine Study
In a new study, published in the journal Nature, researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center said that they identified taurine, which is made naturally in the body and consumed through some foods, as a key regulator of myeloid cancers such as leukemia.
https://naturalpractitionermag.com/npa-responds-to-taurine-study/
5. National Chiropractic Health Month to Raise Awareness of Non-drug Pain Management
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and doctors of chiropractic nationwide will celebrate National Chiropractic Health Month this October with the theme “Get Started with Chiropractic.”
6. INM to Hold Free Practical Webinar on Nutrition in Pregnancy
The Institute for Natural Medicine (INM) invites families, health professionals and anyone invested in lifelong wellness to join a free webinar: The Power of Nutrition for a Healthy Start on Jan. 23 from 12-1:30 p.m. PST. This hour-and-a-half-long event will explore how decisions made by parents and providers during pregnancy and early childhood have a massive impact on a child’s later risk for chronic disease.
https://naturalpractitionermag.com/inm-to-hold-free-practical-webinar-on-nutrition-in-pregnancy/
7. Natural Products Industry Responds to Trump Tariffs
On April 2, President Donald Trump declared that “foreign trade and economic practices have created a national emergency.” His executive order imposes responsive tariffs to “strengthen the international economic position of the United States and protect American workers.”
https://naturalpractitionermag.com/natural-products-industry-responds-to-trump-tariffs/
8. Positively Natural Network, VRM Media To Partner on 2025 Naturally Independent Expo
Positively Natural Network (PNN), the not-for-profit trade organization for independent health and natural products retailers, has announced a new partnership agreement with VRM Media/Vitamin Retailer magazine whereby VRM will serve as the exclusive sales and marketing partner for PNN’s annual Naturally Independent Expo.
9. EuroPharma, Inc. Announces Second Major Expansion Since Founding
EuroPharma, Inc. headquartered in Green Bay, WI, and maker of the EuroMedica brand of dietary supplements, announces its second major expansion since its founding in 2003.
https://naturalpractitionermag.com/europharma-inc-announces-second-major-expansion-since-founding/
10. IFM Announces 2026 Annual International Conference Steering Committee
The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) has announced its 2026 Annual International Conference (AIC) Steering Committee. This distinguished group of medical experts and members of IFM Executive Leadership will provide strategic input for IFM’s 33rd AIC, which will be held in San Diego, CA, and via livestream from May 27-30, 2026.
