Expo Information for Attendees

Americans spend over $50 billion annually on dietary supplements, yet products often lack clinical proof of efficacy or safety. This briefing examines the regulatory issues created by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), the potential public health implications of unvalidated supplements, and how independent clinical validation offers a solution.

Using Ritual's commitment to clinical research as a model, attendees will learn how to evaluate supplements based on rigorous evidence standards and advocate for industry-wide change.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the public health and economic consequences of unvalidated dietary supplements for consumers and the healthcare system.
• Identify key criteria that distinguish credible dietary supplements from questionable products, including their formulation, clinically studied dosages, study design quality, and third-party testing.
• Demonstrate the use of evidence-based evaluation criteria when assessing the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements, with emphasis on clinical substantiation and manufacturing quality standards.

Speakers

• Mastaneh Sharafi, PhD, RD
• Adeline Grier-Welch, RD, MS, MPH

Sponsored by FNCE^® Expo Briefing Sponsor: Ritual

Preclinical and clinical research has shown the ability of targeted collagen peptides to increase the endogenous release of GLP-1 and GIP, lower postprandial glucose spikes, and improve the insulin response. Functional food, beverages, and supplements featuring bioactive collagen peptides arise as an option for consumers seeking metabolic optimization and improved post-meal glucose regulation.

A wide segment of healthy consumers are increasingly looking to tap into the "GLP-1 trend" without relying on synthetic pharmaceuticals that come with potential side-effects and high cost.

Learning Objectives

• Describe a library of collagen peptide compositions based on their ability to augment GLP-1 release from enteroendocrine cells.
• Explain the link between incretin hormones GLP-1 and GIP, the glucose rollercoaster, and their impact on glucose control, satiety, and weight management.
• Identify the beneficial metabolic effects observed in research studies after supplementation with targeted bioactive collagen peptides.

Speaker

• Dr. Andrew Ross, DO

Sponsored by FNCE^® Expo Briefing Sponsor: Rousselot

This session will empower RDNs to gain increased knowledge to have the needed conversations with caregivers who choose to use infant formula on its safety, science, and nutrition. It will discuss the current landscape of US formulas and abroad, in order to overcome the misinformation that caregivers are exposed to on social media.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the global landscape and governing framework for infant formula.
• Examine the complexity of infant formula development and manufacturing.
• Evaluate and address misinformation circulating on social media with caregivers.

Speaker

• Alayne Gatto, PhD, MBA, RDN, CSP, LDN, CLC, FAND, MSL-BC

Moderator

• Jessica Thornton, MS, RDN, CSP, CNSC, CLC

Sponsored by FNCE^® Signature Sponsor: Mead Johnson Nutrition

Hydration is foundational to health, yet plain water alone often isn't enough to keep clients reaching for their glass. This demo explores how flavor, fizz, and a few simple tricks can turn everyday hydration into a habit clients actually look forward to—giving dietitians practical, low-effort strategies to help people drink more, cut back on sugar-sweetened beverages, and reimagine the mocktail. Attendees will leave with easy, crowd-pleasing ideas they can put to work with clients and patients right away.

Learning Objectives

• Explain how flavor, carbonation, and presentation influence daily fluid intake and hydration habits.
• Identify practical strategies to help clients replace sugar-sweetened beverages and alcoholic drinks with lower-calorie, flavorful alternatives.
• Describe at least three simple, client-friendly techniques for making everyday hydration more appealing and sustainable.

Speaker

• Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN

Sponsored by FNCE^® Culinary Sponsor: LaCroix Beverages, Inc.