In this interview, Starkie Sowers, director of education at Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods Market, reflects on how the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) gave independent retailers a foundation to grow. By establishing a clear framework, DSHEA allowed retailers to confidently share the science behind supplements, discuss structure-function claims and use third-party research in educational materials. 

Starkie emphasizes the importance of education in strengthening DSHEA and the industry as a whole. He urges independent retailers to recognize their vital role, stay informed through resources like conventions and Newhope.com and remain passionate about their work. Watch the interview to learn how DSHEA continues to shape the supplement industry and why independent retailers are essential to its future. 

Watch the full documentary: The DSHEA Effect. 

Hear from the team behind The DSHEA Effect in this episode of The Natural List. 

Presented by New Hope Network and Nutrition Business Journal.   
Underwritten by Ingredion, Country Life, Alkemist Labs, Now Foods and Specialty Nutrition Consulting.