The supplement industry is built on promises of health and wellness, but behind the scenes, complex ethical challenges often go unaddressed. The first of 2025, NBJ's Return of the Dark Issue takes a critical look at the less-discussed aspects of the nutrition industry, highlighting issues that impact both consumers and businesses. By exploring these difficult topics, we aim to foster a more informed and responsible approach to supplement production.

From the persistent challenge of enforcing child labor laws in global ingredient supply chains to the deceptive claims made by both sketchy and well-established supplement brands, this issue confronts the industry's most pressing ethical concerns. We also explore the rising popularity of microdosing psilocybin—examining both its potential benefits and serious safety considerations.

These topics may not be easy to discuss, but they are essential to understanding the broader responsibilities within the supplement industry. By shedding light on these issues, the Return of the Dark Issue provides valuable insights for those committed to ethical and transparent business practices.