On Feb. 19, the SANS 2026 agenda brings together regulatory experts, researchers and brand leaders to address how manufacturers and suppliers can navigate policy uncertainty while responding to demographic shifts and changing consumer expectations.
Navigating the US regulatory landscape
After a kick-off 5K morning run or walk hosted by PLT Health Solutions, the day will open with a session on the U.Ss regulatory environment moderated by Stephen Daniells, global editor-in-chief at NutraIngredients.
Panelists include Rend Al-Mondhiry, partner at Amin Wasserman Gurnani, Amber Littlejohn, senior counsel at Holon Law Partners, Duffy MacKay, senior vice president of dietary supplements at the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), Robert Marriott, vice president of government and regulatory affairs at the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), and Robert Wildman, chief science officer at TYM Athletic Performance.
The discussion will examine how FDA evolution, state-level legislative activity and trade and tariff uncertainty may shape compliance, labeling and ingredient strategies heading into 2026.
Cellular energy and mitochondrial health
Mid-morning sessions will focus on cellular energy as a convergence point between healthy aging research and athletic performance.
Mark Tarnopolsky, chief executive officer at StayAbove Nutrition, will present on the use of multi-ingredient supplements alongside endurance and resistance training to support body composition, mitochondrial function and metabolic health in older adults and individuals with obesity.
This will be followed by a presentation from Maura MacDonald, medical education specialist at Thorne, who will discuss how athletes can make early health decisions that support long-term performance and longevity, with attention on mitochondrial, hormone and bone health.
NAD metabolism and sports nutrition applications
A panel discussion on NAD metabolism will explore how insights from aging research are being applied in sports and active nutrition.
Moderated by Stephen Daniells, the panel will feature David Foreman, president of Herbal Pharmacist Media, alongside Maura MacDonald, Mona Rosene, global director of scientific and medical affairs at Niagen Bioscience, and Mark Tarnopolsky.
The session will examine science substantiation, formulation considerations and communication challenges in a rapidly developing category.
Addressing sarcopenia and muscle loss
The afternoon agenda will turn to sarcopenia and age-related muscle decline, a growing concern as the U.S. population continues to age.
David Church, director of the UAMS Center for Translational Research in Aging and Longevity, will outline the biological mechanisms behind muscle loss and review nutritional interventions currently showing efficacy.
This will be followed by a presentation from Peter Michael Stone of Ashland Comprehensive Family Medicine, focusing on the intersection of menopause, GLP-1 use and muscle decline in women and the role of evidence-based nutritional strategies.
Later sessions include a presentation from Dr. Susan Kleiner, founder of High Performance Nutrition, examining how creatine supplementation can be positioned for women across different life stages.
Protein processing and anabolic potential
Research on protein processing will also feature Jean Nyakayiru, scientist in protein, muscle and mobility at FrieslandCampina Ingredients, presenting data on how microparticulated whey and caseinate proteins influence digestion, amino acid availability and anabolic responses in older adults.
The session will highlight how processing decisions can affect efficacy outcomes and support healthy aging claims.
Women’s health and innovation
The day will conclude with a women’s health track chaired by Danielle Masterson, editor, North America at NutraIngredients.
Sessions will include a presentation from Krissy Ladner, director of sports performance and nutrition education at Herbalife, followed by a talk from Martin Walter, category manager for healthy aging and sports nutrition at GELITA, on collagen peptides for active women.
A closing panel will explore research gaps, innovation and market trends in women’s sports nutrition, featuring speakers from Zarbee’s, Herbalife, GNC and Kerry.
Day Two will wrap up with networking and a summit social evening, ahead of the final day of the event.
Only a few spots are remaining to attend SANS 2026! For more information and to register, click HERE.
