Despite its research arguing proponents of age restrictions don’t have robust data as support, the CRN along with the rest of the supplement industry face a formidable foe when state lawmakers consider the bills.

“The data is not there. But yet, there is an emotional appeal. This is what we saw in some of these state hearings,” Mister said.

He testified before the Maryland legislature on its age-restriction bill earlier in 2023. Teenagers invited by STRIPED also testified, and impressed legislators there.

“They're very sympathetic witnesses. They certainly don't know the science. They don't know the medical nature of their disorders. But they're more than happy to get in front of a committee at a hearing and say, ‘I have these horrible eating disorders, here's how it's ruined my life years, I had all of these health issues. And I and I started taking dietary supplements at some point in this process, and I think they're the cause of the problem’,” Mister said.

“All the evidence in the world does not counter a very sympathetic emotional teenager that is in your state, your constituent, and you want to help this kid.”

Supplement Industry Slams New York’s Reasons To Age-Restrict Sales, Expects Other States To Follow

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