#367 - The Insider's Guide to Supplements: What Every Founder Needs to Know About Compliance, Claims, and Scale

In this episode of DTC POD, Blaine Bolus interviews Graham Rigby, President and CEO of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), about the herbal supplement industry. Rigby discusses the industry's growth, regulatory landscape, and the shift in consumer demographics. He explains the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), emphasizing the importance of compliance for brands. The conversation covers claim structures, the role of clinical trials, and the differences between supplements and pharmaceuticals. Rigby also touches on distribution channels beyond DTC, including Amazon, TikTok Shop, brick-and-mortar retailers, and practitioner offices. The episode concludes with a discussion on the impact of AI, wearable devices, and blood tests on the supplement industry, as well as future trends and opportunities for new brands.