ODS Digest: News & Insights - October 7, 2026

ODS Digest

October 7, 2026

CONTENTS

ODS Activities

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a time to recognize those affected by breast cancer and to stand alongside the broader effort to advance science, education, and informed health decisions. Nutrition is one part of that picture, as a healthy eating pattern can provide many essential nutrients, and dietary supplements can help when food alone does not meet a person’s needs. 

Those needs shift across a woman’s life––through pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, and older adulthood––which is why ODS remains committed to giving consumers and health professionals reliable information about supplement ingredients, safety, and possible interactions.

This month, we are launching our Menopause and Dietary Supplements webinar series, exploring what the science does and doesn’t yet tell us about supplement use during this life stage. We also released a new survey to hear from users of our CARDS database, which catalogs federally funded dietary supplement research, so we can continue improving it.

Happy Fall!

Drew Bremer
Acting Director, ODS

Recently Published ODS Research

Science Spotlight

The Scoop on Supplement Science

ODS Events

Funding

The Vitamin Verdict

Supplements In the News

Supplement Corner

ODS has launched a survey to assess user experience with the Computer Access to Research on Dietary Supplements (CARDS) database. CARDS contains information on federally funded research related to dietary supplements. 

The survey will evaluate the usability, functionality, and perceived usefulness of key database features, including search, filtering, and data visualization tools. ODS will use the findings from the survey to monitor performance over time, identify areas for improvement, and enhance the utility of the CARDS database for research and programmatic decision-making.

Access the CARDS user survey here. The estimated completion time for the survey is less than 10 minutes. 

Canino MC, Pasiakos SM, Knapik JJ, Caldwell JA, Beckner ME, Farina EK, Thompson LA, Owens BA, Karl JP, Margolis LM, Trone DW, Steelman RA, McClung JP, Lieberman HR. Incoming U.S. Army Basic Combat Trainees Report Lower Dietary Supplement Use Than Active Duty Soldiers. Curr Dev Nutr. 2026 Sept 10;109529.

In this study, researchers found that incoming male U.S. Army trainees were less likely than active-duty male infantry soldiers to use dietary supplements (59% versus 81%). However, the prevalence of supplement use among trainees was still relatively high compared with the civilian population, underscoring the need for longitudinal monitoring from military service entry through the course of a service member’s career. Further research is needed to establish a causal relationship between military service and dietary supplement use.

Won NY, Ansai N, Wambogo EA, Ahluwalia N. Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among Adults: United States, August 2021–August 2023. NCHS data brief, no 570. National Center for Health Statistics. September 2026. 

Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2021 to 2023, researchers examined fruit and vegetable consumption among U.S. adults. They found that about 70% consumed fruit and 93% consumed vegetables on a given day, with women more likely than men to consume fruit. Fruit and vegetable consumption increased with family income, highlighting persistent socioeconomic differences in diet quality.

Won NY, Ansai N, Wambogo EA, Ahluwalia N. Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among Children and Adolescents: United States, August 2021–August 2023. National Center for Health Statistics. September 2026.

In this study, researchers used the 2021 to 2023 NHANES dataset to examine fruit and vegetable consumption among U.S. children and adolescents age 2 to 19. Their analysis showed that fruit consumption declined steadily with age, with only about 66% of adolescents age 12 to 19 consuming fruit on a given day compared with about 92% of children age 2 to 5. In contrast, overall vegetable consumption remained high across all age groups (about 91%), although consumption of dark green vegetables increased with age.

Visit the ODS website to view more publications by ODS staff.

October is breast cancer awareness month—a time to reflect and show support for the 2.4 million people and their friends or family whose lives have been impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis. This campaign also serves as a reminder of the importance of breast cancer prevention and screening. While many risk factors are not modifiable (i.e., female sex, advanced age, and family history of breast cancers), several lifestyle behaviors can be adopted to reduce risk. These include reducing alcohol consumption, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy body weight [1].

Although micronutrient intakes and dietary modifications do not appear to directly affect breast cancer risk [1], fruits and vegetables are core components of dietary patterns that promote weight loss and healthy weight maintenance [2]. Their high nutrient density means that they contribute substantially to recommended intakes for important nutrients, without leading to consumption of excess calories. Fruits and vegetables are also excellent sources of dietary fiber, which supports weight management by promoting satiety and metabolic health [3]. 

Historically, Americans have struggled to maintain a healthy weight [2] and to meet recommended intakes for fruits and vegetables [4]. A recent report generated by scientists at ODS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that as many as 3 in 10 adults and 2 in 10 children aren’t eating any fruit, and 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 10 children aren’t eating any vegetables on a given day. Closing the gap between actual and recommended intakes doesn’t require an all-or-nothing overhaul. Small, sustainable changes, like adding a serving of microwave-steamed vegetables to dinner or choosing fruit as a snack, can meaningfully shift dietary patterns over time to support healthy weight management. By pairing these dietary shifts with regular physical activity and limited alcohol intake, studies suggest that individuals can reduce their risk of breast cancer, as well as other chronic diseases [3, 4].

References

1.    National Cancer Institute. Breast Cancer Prevention (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version. Updated April 9, 2025. Accessed September 24, 2026.

2.    Jensen MD, Ryan DH, Apovian CM, Ard JD, Comuzzie AG, Donato KA, Hu FB, Hubbard VS, Jakicic JM, Kushner RF, Loria CM, Millen BE, Nonas CA, Pi-Sunyer FX, Stevens J, Stevens VJ, Wadden TA, Wolfe BM, Yanovski SZ. 2013 AHA/ACC/TOS Guideline for the Management of Overweight and Obesity in Adults. Circulation. 2013 Nov 12;129(25 Suppl 2):S102-S138.

3.    U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030. 10th ed. 2026.

4.    U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025. 9th ed. 2020.

The Scoop on Supplement Science

What is a placebo in dietary supplement research and why are they important?

Placebos in dietary supplement science are inactive substances in pill, powder, tablet, liquid, or other forms that resemble the dietary supplement being studied. Placebos are important because they allow us to distinguish the true effects of taking a supplement from natural variance or effects that come from expectation alone. Have you ever heard of the placebo effect? A well-designed supplement trial will closely match the smell, flavor, and appearance of the placebo to the dietary supplement. In addition, the researchers will “blind” and randomly assign participants to take either the placebo or the dietary supplement, meaning that the participants don’t know which one they are getting. Although placebo-controlled trials are considered the gold standard for dietary supplement research, they are not always feasible because they can be expensive to conduct and difficult to blind, particularly when a supplement has distinctive characteristics, such as the strong taste of fish oil.

ODS Events

ODS Seminar Series
The ODS 2026–2027 Seminar Series features virtual presentations on dietary supplement research and related topics. The seminars are open to anyone who is interested in dietary supplement research.

Contact ODS to be added to the ODS Seminar Series email list.

Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 11 a.m. ET—Dietary Supplements for Body Composition, Healthy Weight, and Physical Performance

Chad Kerksick, PhD, FACSM, FNSCA, FISSN, CISSN, CSCS*D, NSCA-CPT*D—Professor, Exercise Science; Assistant Dean, Research and Innovation; College of Science, Technology, and Health; Director, Exercise and Performance Nutrition Laboratory; Lindenwood University

Jose Antonio, PhD, FNSCA, FISSN, FACSM, FESPM—Professor of Exercise & Sports Science; Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University

Register and view the Seminar Series flyer to learn more.

Menopause Webinar Series
ODS is launching a limited series of webinars to explore the role of dietary supplements during the menopause transition. Featuring leading experts, the series will examine the current state of the science and opportunities to strengthen the evidence base. 

Researchers, clinicians, policymakers, industry, public health professionals, and others interested in this topic are invited to attend. The inaugural webinar will be held:

Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 12 - 1:30 p.m. ET
Dietary Supplements and the Menopause Transition: Why This Topic Matters

Connie Weaver, PhD—Distinguished Research Professor, San Diego State University

Denise Millstine, MD—Associate Fellowship Director; Associate Professor of Medicine, Family & Community Medicine; University of Arizona

Marian L. Neuhouser, PhD, RD—Professor and Program Head, Cancer Prevention, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Register or learn more.  

Funding

CARBON Program Announces 2026 Award

ODS Research Scholars Program 
Through the ODS Research Scholars Program, ODS supports emerging NIH intramural scientists to conduct research on the role of dietary supplements and/or their ingredients in health promotion and disease prevention. Emerging intramural scientists include early career or junior research scholars, scientists, clinicians, and fellows who have at least 1 year of postdoctoral research experience and have completed their terminal degree within the past 10 years. 

This year’s ODS Research Scholar’s Program submission deadline is October 16, 2026.

ODS Co-Funding Program
ODS provides funding support to the NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs) through the ODS co-funding program. Co-funding allows ODS to promote dietary supplement-related science by supporting NIH extramural dietary supplement-related research project grants, training and career development grants, and scientific conferences with primary ICOs. See the list of active ODS co-funding opportunities.

The Round 1 submission deadline for co-funding requests is October 30, 2026. These requests can only be submitted by NIH ICO Program Officers. Extramural researchers interested in ODS co-funding should work with an ICO Program Officer to discuss submitting a request to ODS.

Busting Common Misconceptions About Supplements

Misconception: If I have anemia, I must need an iron supplement.

Fact: Anemia and iron deficiency are not the same thing. Anemia is defined as a lack of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen throughout the body. It can be caused by an iron, folate, or vitamin B12 deficiency; blood loss; genetic conditions; or infection. Regardless of the cause, anemia can leave you feeling tired, weak, short of breath, dizzy, and intolerant to the cold. If you have anemia, your health care provider can determine whether an iron supplement or another treatment is appropriate for you. 

To learn more, see the ODS fact sheet on iron.

Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program Publishes New Laboratory Guidance Document Assessing Analytical Methods to Authenticate Elder Berries and Berry Extracts | American Botanical Council

FDA Seeks Public Input to Advance Development of Botanical Drug Products | FDA

Millions take calcium and vitamin D for bone health. A major review finds little benefit | ScienceDaily

Nearly a decade of research strengthens case for vitamin D in pregnancy | EurekAlert!

Phase 2 trial suggests vitamin C may benefit people with pre-cancer blood disorders | EurekAlert!

Fall is here! Pumpkins, sweet potatoes, carrots, and other orange vegetables are great sources of beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A. Vitamin A helps your eyes, heart, lungs, and other organs work properly.

And did you know that roasted pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium? Other seeds, including chia seeds and hemp seeds, along with legumes, nuts, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables, are also rich sources of magnesium. Your body needs magnesium to regulate muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. Magnesium also helps make protein, bone, and DNA.

Learn about additional food sources of these and other essential nutrients in the ODS vitamin and mineral supplement fact sheets. Consumer fact sheets are available in both English and Spanish, along with more detailed versions designed for researchers and health professionals.

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The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the nation s medical research agency—supporting scientific studies that turn discovery into health.

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