Building a more transparent and accountable industry

January 12, 2021

The most recent broadcast wrongfully condemning dietary supplements, in this case, probiotics, aired Sunday June 28. The “60 Minutes” presentation titled “Do Probiotics Actually Do Anything?”  provided confusing and misleading information regarding the importance and efficacy of these products. The International Probiotic Association has provided a solid response to the program  in its press release – “IPA Responds to 60 Minutes”, but this vilification of an entire category of our industry really serves no one well.  It is fortunate though, that the category has an informed champion ready to step up and defend it. According to the IPA Press Release, several of the points to be refuted are:

  • There is evidence for the benefit of probiotics in antibiotic-associated diarrhea
  • There is evidence for reduction in allergies
  • IPA clarified aspects and details of the placebo effect
  • IPA challenged the controversial results with a commercial product
  • There is efficacy and safety data regarding probiotics in infant formula

This IPA action highlights the important role trade associations play when it comes to providing fair and balanced information regarding dietary supplements.

Trust Transparency Center “TTC” applauds and has a lengthy history of supporting this type of trade association knowing the valuable and important role to the dietary supplement industry they fulfill. Category-focused associations within our industry are able to effectively champion and steward by providing deep expertise, strong relationships and an agility and focus that often gets the job done well.  IPA and GOED (the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s) are great examples of what is possible, on a global level.

As many of you know, TTC itself is deeply involved in several category-focused groups:

  • Global Prebiotic Association
  • Global Curcumin Association
  • Coconut Coalition of the Americas
  • CoQ10 Association

In addition, Trust Transparency Center has initiated the Ingredient Transparency Center to support these ingredients:

  • Astaxanthin
  • Collagen
  • Glucosamine
  • Mushroom products
  • Vitamin K-2

The Ingredient Transparency Center is dedicated to the following principles supporting these ingredients:

  • Creating clarity out of confusion
  • Driving transparency in source and supply chain
  • Demanding attribution for good science
  • Supporting quality and sustainability
  • And in general, providing focus, limiting politics and committing to establishing a unified voice and smart engagement.

Trust Transparency Center has contributed to several initiatives on behalf of the ingredients it champions. Some of the successes include:

  • Creation of educational resources to inform consumers and industry of the benefits as well as challenges faced by the category
  • Conducted extensive product testing designed to trigger better vetting processes by Amazon and other online platforms selling dietary supplements
  • Actively mitigate confusion in the category
  • Provided assistance in regulatory and commerce matters such as tariff and trade challenges and emerging global regulatory hurdles
  • Initiated citizen’s petitions to support ingredient manufacturers desires to create level playing fields

Trust Transparency Center prides itself on being collaborative, non-duplicative, thoughtful, and fully committed to building a better industry and market.

For more information on how to get involved in Trust Transparency Center’s programs and to learn about our plans  to promote and protect the dietary supplement industry please visit: Ingredient Transparency Center.

Anthony Reyes
Author: Anthony Reyes

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Lori Diez

Lori Diez combines compassion and excellence to lead organizations to their next level. A small-town Texas childhood taught her the value of hard work and relationships, which she uses to foster teamwork that brings results that have transformed cultures and programs to their highest potential. Her successful career in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sales leadership and event hosting has prepared her to deliver results as the COO of TrustTransparency, where she uses her industry knowledge to ensure that the company’s operations run smoothly as they support nutraceutical companies in their mission to help others. Lori’s passion for charity reflects her belief that individuals working together can change the world, no matter how small their contribution to the effort. This year, she looks forward to continuing over a decade of service at the Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo, where she will be the Chairman of the Livestock Committee.

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Glynnda Steinford

Glynnda Steinford, Trust Transparency Consulting’s Director of Customer Relations, brings over four decades of healthcare experience to her vital role in client engagement and relationship building. Her diverse background spans from administering medical groups to impactful stints in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sales, all underlined by her degree in Healthcare Administration.

At the heart of Glynnda’s work is her talent for nurturing long-term connections, a skill she leverages to enhance client experiences and partnerships within the consultancy. Beyond her professional commitments, she enjoys life’s simple pleasures, whether it’s her love for cats and cooking or her ventures into golf, always prioritizing cherished moments with family and friends. Her personal interests echo the dedication and warmth she extends in her professional network, making her an invaluable asset to the team.

Caiti Dowden

Caiti Dowden stands as a crucial pillar at Trust Transparency Consulting, bringing invaluable insight and expertise to her role as Senior Executive Assistant’ since her start in 2018. With an academic background from Sam Houston University and a career shift from education to the nutraceutical sphere in 2010, Caiti has cultivated a sharp acumen for dissecting industry trends and bolstering strategic decision-making.

Her transition from Data Analyst reflects her growth and deep understanding of the business landscape. Caiti’s commitment goes beyond professional excellence; she thrives on balance, drawing from her rich life outside of work to enhance her organizational contributions. Whether it’s family time, volunteering, or rooting for Houston’s sports teams, she believes in embracing experiences to fuel her professional creativity and insight.

In her current role, Caiti’s dedication to dynamic business analysis and operational support proves her to be an irreplaceable asset to our team, embodying the synergy of personal enrichment and professional success.

Pam Hilpert

Pam Hilpert, Chief of Staff at Trust Transparency Consulting, has been instrumental in the firm since its inception, leveraging her 17 years of accounting experience, including a significant tenure in the nutrition sector. Her collaboration with Scott Steinford spans various successful ventures, emphasizing her integral role in the company’s financial and strategic initiatives.

An alumnus of Sam Houston State University, Pam holds degrees in both Business Administration and Accounting, as well as an MBA, adding academic heft to her practical industry insights. Beyond her professional prowess, Pam is passionate about family, enjoys live music, delves into quilting, and volunteers at her church, reflecting her well-rounded life.

Her multifaceted expertise and longstanding dedication make Pam a cornerstone of Trust Transparency Consulting’s operational strength and team unity.

Scott Steinford

Scott Steinford, a trailblazer in strategic leadership, boasts a certified M&A background, having navigated companies from their genesis to industry prominence. His brainchild, Trust Transparency Consulting, born in 2007, stands as a testament to his dedication to ethical business practices and strategic foresight, offering industry stakeholders invaluable guidance.

Beyond founding and steering companies, Scott has enriched the business landscape with his insightful keynotes and prolific written contributions, emphasizing his commitment to elevating industry standards. His executive tenure shines in roles as CEO or President of for-profits like ZMC-USA and Doctor’s Best, extending to significant contributions in non-profit sectors.

Notably, Scott’s influence is a driving force in the CoQ10 market, where his leadership has significantly bolstered the ingredient’s global presence. His roles in various capacities, including as a New Hope Ambassador, keep the community informed, providing in-depth industry reports and insights.

An active advocate within professional associations and an Editorial Advisor for leading industry publications, Scott’s expertise is both recognized and sought after. With academic roots in Pre-Law and a Master’s in Law, his journey transcends textbooks, embodying real-world business acumen and transformative leadership.

Scott Steinford merges visionary entrepreneurship with principled leadership, creating a legacy of innovation, growth, and unwavering commitment to industry excellence.