Going Viral

Asa Waldstein, Principal of Supplement Advisory Group, shares valuable information on regulatory issues on LinkedIn, and a recent post went viral. In case you missed it, he shared: “I am a heavy LinkedIn user, and I never know what will ‘pop.’ I've written posts that are SO INTERESTING (to me) that have gotten a few hundred impressions, and then there was this goliath…The viral post sparked many interesting discussions worldwide and skyrocketed my follower count to 10k+.” Waldstein pinned the viral post on his LinkedIn profile so you can join the conversation. The topic: Differences between Canadian and U.S. labels and compliance. He posted: 

U.S.:

• Supplements may include substantiated “structure/function claims” (e.g., “supports immune function”), with a disclaimer that these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
• No disease risk-reduction claims unless specifically approved by the FDA.

Canada: 

• All products must be registered and approved by Health Canada, but this structure allows more opportunity for truthful product claims that would be forbidden in the U.S.
• Labels must include the NPN recommended use (dose, duration, etc.) and any cautionary statements.
• Any health claims must be substantiated and approved by Health Canada through the licensing process.

Hot Topic! 

"On TikTok alone the hashtag #GutTok has amassed more than one billion views,” reported WholeFoods Magazine’s Richard Ortega in the January/February issue. “This type of engagement has led consumers to seek out more information on the topic and hit their local retailers for support."

On LinkedIn, Taylor Davis of COMET, recalled when probiotics were niche. “Now, it’s common to see biotics woven into everyday routines through supplements, snacks, and even skincare. Social spaces like #GutTok amplify this shift, offering real testimonials and practical tips from everyday people. These authentic stories make gut health accessible, inspiring consumers to take action and try new products. This is the power of social media: fostering connections, educating, and empowering consumers to evolve alongside innovative brands. I can't WAIT to see what's next in gut health.”  

Peaceful Pause

Reminding us to slow down and prioritize self care, Dr. Jeffrey Burke, Director of Education, Kokora, posted on LinkedIn: “Maybe we should listen to Mother Nature more often. Obviously the animal world does, and they seem to know the importance of taking time to smell the flowers. We should follow this mentality!”

Spreading Goodness

In a LinkedIn post that got his followers (including the WholeFoods Magazine team) buzzing, Kamal Bell, owner of Sankofa Farms (a regenerative farm working to address the impacts of food deserts on urban and rural communities) and a presenter at Naturally Informed, announced that his children's book, Akeem Keeps Bees!, has been published. Kamal co-authored the book with Akeem Bell. Told from Akeem's perspective, Akeem Keeps Bees! follows Akeem and his Dad throughout the year as they inspect the hive, find the queen, deal with a swarm, harvest honey, and prepare for winter. Kamal is a leading voice among Black farmers, and strives to educate and inspire Black youth about farming and beekeeping. 

“This story is all about curiosity, hard work, and the magic of beekeeping,” Kamal shared. “I wrote it to inspire kids to explore nature, learn about pollinators, and see the value in taking care of our environment.” As Kamal encourages: “Grab a copy and help spread the buzz!”