From NIH to Pennington: Dr. Stefan Pasiakos on Supplement Science

In this episode of Supplement Source, Jeff Ventura sits down with Dr. Stefan Pasiakos, a leading researcher now at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center and former NIH scientist, for a candid conversation about the science—and realities—behind dietary supplements.

Drawing on his experience inside government research and now in the academic space, Dr. Pasiakos offers a balanced perspective on the supplement industry: where the science is strong, where gaps remain, and how researchers and industry can better align. He discusses the challenges of translating research into real-world health outcomes, the importance of context when evaluating evidence, and why—even without “perfect” science—the field continues to play a meaningful role in improving public health.

The conversation also touches on his time working with CRN and other stakeholders, highlighting the productive (and sometimes complex) relationship between researchers and industry.

It’s an honest, nuanced look at supplement science from someone who’s worked on both sides of the research ecosystem—and a reminder that progress in health rarely comes in absolutes.

About the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) 
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973, is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing 180 dietary supplement and functional food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and companies providing services to those manufacturers and suppliers. In addition to complying with a host of federal and state regulations governing dietary supplements and food in the areas of manufacturing, marketing, quality control and safety, our manufacturer and supplier members also agree to adhere to additional voluntary guidelines as well as to CRN’s Code of Ethics. Follow us on Twitter @CRN_Supplements and LinkedIn.