Supreme Court Upheld New York Supplement Law
The law prohibits the sale of certain muscle-building and weight-loss supplements to minors in New York.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Nutrition
Live Poll
Do you support state laws that restrict the sale of dietary supplements to minors?
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear a challenge against a New York state law that restricts the sale of specific muscle-building and weight-loss supplements to consumers under the age of 18. This decision leaves in place current state regulations that govern access to products containing ingredients like creatine for younger populations.
Why it matters
The law aims to curb risks associated with supplement use in minors, based on research that suggests these products may exacerbate eating disorders. It remains a point of contention, as industry advocates argue the legislation lacks sufficient scientific backing.
A 2023 review published in Nutrients examined the link between dietary supplements and eating disorders. The review concluded that these supplements do not play a causative role in the development of eating disorders, a finding that stands in contrast to the rationale supporting New York's law.
The players
U.S. Supreme Court
The highest federal court in the United States, which recently declined to hear a challenge to the New York law.
Council for Responsible Nutrition
A trade association representing the dietary supplement industry that sought a preliminary injunction against the New York law.
Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders
A research initiative based at Harvard University that provided data supporting the regulation of supplements.
Susan Hewlings
A researcher who published a 2023 review exploring the scientific consensus regarding supplements and eating disorders.
Bryn Austin
A researcher who has communicated on the potential health risks associated with certain supplement ingredients.
The details
New York law restricts the retail sale of supplements marketed for muscle building or weight loss to those under 18, including products containing ingredients such as creatine. The regulation relies on research from the Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders at Harvard University, which explores how supplement use may influence body image and disordered eating patterns. Conversely, the Council for Responsible Nutrition contends that the legislation is not supported by sufficient quality scientific evidence.
Timeline
2022: Researchers began communicating findings on the risks of certain supplement ingredients.
2023: A review on the relationship between supplements and eating disorders was published.
October 7, 2026: The U.S. Supreme Court denied the petition from the Council for Responsible Nutrition.
Health Landscape
This decision maintains the current New York law restricting supplement sales as a unique regulatory approach to managing health risks in minors. The policy reflects a growing divergence between state legislative action and industry-led perspectives on the role of supplement regulation.
Residents in New York under 18 years of age will continue to face restrictions when purchasing certain muscle-building or weight-loss supplements. If you have questions about the safety or necessity of these products, it is worth discussing with your doctor to understand the risks.
The takeaway
The court's decision ensures that New York's current restrictions on supplement sales to minors remain in effect. Families concerned about the impact of supplements on body image or eating habits should consult with a physician to guide their nutritional decisions.
Further reading
For broader context on dietary health, visit Nutrition.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Supplysidesj.
Live Poll
Do you support state laws that restrict the sale of dietary supplements to minors?
