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Earlier his career, CRN's Luke Huber, ND, MBA, had a clinical practice as a naturopathic doctor. Years of seeing patients informs his view of the role dietary supplements can play in supporting wellness beyond just filling nutrient gaps—and his take on the recent reporting on SPORT cholesterol study results.

CRN’s annual conference provided me with a variety of professional “firsts.” It was the first conference I had ever attended as well as my first in-person event with CRN (as I joined during the pandemic). I ended the week also able to say I had my first taste of the karaoke spotlight.

Reflections upon a return to the Arizona Biltmore after 10 years and some of the ways CRN sets itself apart in what it provides for its members in the dietary supplement and functional food space—and the energy our members bring!

Giving back to the community has been an important part of my life since I first sorted canned vegetables and cereal boxes at a local food bank as a child, so I was thrilled to be a part of the nutrition access initiative CRN launched in 2021—and work with the dream team of scientists that comprise our Nutrition Access Task Force Scientific Advisory Board.

The Shopping for Health event, an annual two-day gathering of grocery store registered dietitians provided a great opportunity to share the case for vitamin D supplementation with health care professionals and highlight its value when it comes to COVID-19.

CRN is committed to professional education. We are encouraged to find development opportunities that will help us become better professionals and better able to serve our members.

Every week, I see how misinformation in the media hurts the supplement industry and consumers. In my work for CRN, I lead the charge in keeping the media’s record straight on the science behind the supplements. While I understand every industry has its detractors, it seems supplement cynics will say just about anything to make a point.

When asked what the most impactful event has been during my time in the industry, FDA’s release of good manufacturing practices (GMPs) for dietary supplements stood out for me—not only because of the importance to the industry but because it also marks the birthday of my first and only child, 15 years ago today, June 22, 2007. 

The old way of supplying and marketing—where companies keep their information close to the vest and “tell stories” hoping it is enough to convince consumers to buy from them—is dying. Consumers are demanding more.