The New York Times investigation into AI-generated "doctors" promoting dietary supplements (The Fake Influencers Selling Wellness on Your Feed) highlights a serious problem—but it's important to identify the real culprit.
Fraudulent marketing, fake health experts, and illegal disease claims are not features of the dietary supplement industry. They are clear violations of the law.
CRN has long argued that bad actors exploiting digital platforms erode consumer trust and undermine responsible companies that invest in quality, science, and compliance. AI didn't create this problem—it has simply made it easier and faster for unscrupulous marketers to deceive consumers.
The solution isn't to paint an entire industry with the same brush. It's to strengthen enforcement against illegal claims, remove deceptive sellers from online marketplaces, and increase transparency so consumers can identify legitimate products.
That's why CRN continues to advocate for commonsense reforms such as a mandatory product registry at FDA, stronger FDA and FTC enforcement with additional resources, and greater accountability across the digital marketplace. Responsible companies have nothing to fear from transparency—they benefit from it.
Consumers deserve truthful advertising. Responsible manufacturers deserve a level playing field. And those profiting from deception—whether through AI-generated influencers or otherwise—should face swift enforcement.
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973 and based in Washington, D.C., is the leading trade association representing the dietary supplement and functional food industry. Bringing together manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and service providers, CRN unites its member companies around a shared commitment to science, transparency, and responsible business practices—advancing a strong, credible marketplace that supports consumer health and industry growth.
In an increasingly complex regulatory and media environment, CRN serves as the industry’s front line—shaping science-based policy, defending market access, and countering misinformation. Through strategic advocacy, self-regulatory leadership, voluntary guidelines, and evidence-based communications, CRN ensures that responsible companies are recognized, protected, and positioned to innovate and compete. Learn more at crnusa.org and follow @CRN_Supplements on X and LinkedIn.