'Green shoots of progress' suggest integration of supplements into policy – new IADSA Chair

06-Jul-2022 - Last updated on 05-Jul-2022 at 10:17 GMT

The new chair of the IADSA board has welcomed the move by some governments to investigate ways of integrating supplements into health policy.

Gerhard Gans, who was elected at the body’s AGM last month (June),has expressed his commitment to take this even further while at the helm.

He says: “Moving forward, we will cultivate these green shoots of progress and show the leadership the supplement sector needs to demonstrate further the role and value of supplementation globally.”

Significant steps

IADSA Treasurer since 2018, Gans has 40 years of experience in the supplement business. He currently holds the position of VP Regulatory Affairs & Quality Management at DSM Nutritional Products.

Gans explains: “Switzerland’s government has issued guidance advising older consumers to take a daily vitamin D supplement. The UK, meanwhile, has launched a review of vitamin D intake that will look at the role of supplements in reducing health disparities.

“These developments represent small but significant steps for the sector and are timely in the sense that the world is facing significant challenges that have the potential to impact on food security.”

People moves

Gans takes over from Michelle Stout, who completed two terms as Chair and is now IADSA Chair Emeritus. She succeeds Ric Hobby, current Chair Emeritus, who has been recognised for his hard work and achievements in the supplements sector with the presentation of IADSA’s Leadership Award.

Meanwhile, Carl Gibson, Chief Executive Officer of Complementary Medicines Australia, has been named the Association’s new Vice-Chair. He takes over from outgoing Vice-Chair Steve Mister while Tod Gimbel, Senior Vice President Global Corporate Affairs at Herbalife Nutrition, succeeds Gerhard Gans as Treasurer.

Simon Pettman, IADSA Executive Director, says: “We congratulate Gerhard Gans on his election as IADSA Chair. We also offer our sincere thanks to Michelle Stout and Steve Mister for their engagement as Chair and Vice-Chair over the past four years.

“Congratulations also go to Carl Gibson and Tod Gimbel for their appointments. We look forward to working with the new IADSA board as we navigate the opportunities and challenges of the future.”

London-based IADSA is the international association of the food supplement sector, which elects its board members every other year. With an aim to guide the industry’s policy and regulation globally, it has members across six continents.