Supreme Court Rejected Challenge to New York Supplement Law
The court declined to block a state law that restricts the sale of specific supplements to minors.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Nutrition
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The U.S. Supreme Court has denied a petition from the Council for Responsible Nutrition seeking to block a New York state law. This legislation limits the sale of weight-loss and muscle-building supplements to individuals under the age of 18.
Why it matters
The law aims to curb potential risks associated with supplement use in adolescents, which officials believe may exacerbate eating disorders. Opponents argue that the legislation lacks sufficient scientific backing to justify these sales restrictions.
New York enforces an 18-year age restriction on purchasing products that contain ingredients like creatine. A 2023 review in the journal Nutrients found no causative link between dietary supplements and the development of eating disorders.
The players
Council for Responsible Nutrition
This trade association represents the dietary supplement and functional food industry.
Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders
This is a research initiative based at Harvard University that focuses on preventing eating disorders.
Bryn Austin
A researcher who has studied the potential health risks associated with certain supplement ingredients.
Susan Hewlings
A researcher who published a review examining the relationship between dietary supplements and disorders.
The details
The state law targets supplements marketed for weight loss and muscle building, citing research from the Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders. The Council for Responsible Nutrition had sought a preliminary injunction to stop enforcement, but the Supreme Court declined to review a lower court decision that denied their request.
Timeline
2022: Bryn Austin communicated on risks of supplement ingredients.
2023: Susan Hewlings published a review on supplements and disorders.
October 7, 2026: The U.S. Supreme Court denied the CRN petition.
Health Landscape
This development solidifies the enforcement of New York's law restricting the sale of weight-loss and muscle-building supplements to minors. The ruling highlights an ongoing tension between state-level health interventions and industry arguments regarding the scientific consensus on supplement safety.
Residents in New York under the age of 18 will continue to face limitations when attempting to purchase muscle-building or weight-loss supplements. This maintains current store-level compliance requirements for retailers operating within the state.
The takeaway
The Supreme Court decision allows New York to proceed with its regulatory approach to supplement access for minors. Consumers should remain aware of state-specific health laws that may differ from broader national retail practices.
Further reading
For more information on state regulatory standards, visit the Nutrition section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Supplysidesj.
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