Green shoots of progress indicate a shift towards integrating supplements into policy, says new IADSA Chair

Published: 23-Jun-2022

Gerhard Gans, the new Chair of IADSA’s board, has welcomed a decision by some governments to explore integrating supplementation into health policy – and has pledged to find ways to build on this progress during the course of his tenure

Gans (pictured), who was elected Chair at IADSA’s AGM on 22 June 2022, said: “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.”

He continued: “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.”

Gans, who has held the position of IADSA Treasurer since 2018, has 40 years of experience working in the supplement sector and is currently VP Regulatory Affairs & Quality Management at DSM Nutritional Products.

He succeeds Michelle Stout, who becomes IADSA Chair Emeritus following two terms as Chair. Stout replaces outgoing Chair Emeritus Ric Hobby, who has been given IADSA’s Leadership Award in recognition of his contribution to the supplement sector over the course of a long and distinguished career.

Carl Gibson has been confirmed as IADSA’s new Vice-Chair. Gibson, who is Chief Executive Officer of Complementary Medicines Australia, replaces outgoing Vice-Chair Steve Mister. Succeeding Gerhard Gans as Treasurer, meanwhile, is Tod Gimbel, who is Senior Vice President Global Corporate Affairs at Herbalife Nutrition.

Simon Pettman, IADSA Executive Director, commented: “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 during the past 4 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.”

Members elect the IADSA board every two years. This year’s AGM was once again hosted by video conference.

Based in London, IADSA is the international association of the food supplement sector, with members from six continents. IADSA is the global platform to guide the evolution of policy and regulation in the sector.

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