Stephen Lukawski selects people who are truly the Key Influencers and the Super Champions, and this week’s guest radio show host was Cran-Tastic!
Here is more information on Jarrow Rogovin:
Jarrow L. Rogovin’s chief career was as founder in 1977 when he was 26 of Jarrow Formulas, Inc., a dietary supplement company and Jarrow Industries, Inc., its manufacturing arm in 2000.
Over the years, Jarrow attended many dozens of scientific symposia on nutrition and biochemistry, using the knowledge he gained to formulate leading products. Jarrow Formulas set labeling standards for products such as glucosamine. Over the years Jarrow Formulas also contributed to and conducted many clinical trials, especially in the field of Coenzyme Q-10.
In 1999, Jarrow was the founder of the International Probiotic Association, which has become the globally recognized leading trade association for probiotics. There is now an annual award named after him by the IPA for the best student research paper on the subject of probiotics. The companies were sold in 2020.
Jarrow is in the process of forming two new companies: One in dairy as a functional food partnering with Alexandre Family Farms, and a second one that will specialize again in dietary supplements. His partner in these two ventures is Anthony Thomas, Ph.D., nutritional biochemistry.
Jarrow was very active for many years advocating for the dietary supplement industry involving FDA regulation and federal and state legislative issues. He was active in promoting the passage of DSHEA in 1994 and later the Serious Adverse Event Reporting Act, which was key to proving the essential safety of supplements. The original provision in DSHEA for the Presidential Commission on Dietary Supplements came out of a meeting he had with then-Congressman Bill Richardson, who led the House fight for DSHEA. Along with Jarrow Formulas’ two food and drug attorneys, Scott Polisky and Susan Brienza, Jarrow Formulas filed more FOIA’s (Freedom of Information Act Requests) than all other dietary supplement companies combined and more than most trade associations. Jarrow turned his company into a virtual trade association, working to protect freedom of access to dietary supplements and to further the truth about their benefits.
The first ever meeting between the FDA and the dietary supplement industry was organized by Jarrow in 1994 and was held in San Francisco. The only meeting the FDA ever had with a private company was with Jarrow Formulas and Jarrow Industries in 2017 at FDA headquarters in Bethesda, MD, where he also introduced the IPA to the agency.
Jarrow is a philanthropist and a strong supporter of Jewish and pro-Israel organizations and think tanks and has made a lifelong study of the issues affecting Israel. He has visited Israel some 30 times. His last two visits were in February 2024, as part of a fact-finding mission four months after the October 7 attacks and the start of Israel’s fight in the 7-front Ring of Fire War. The mission was organized by a leading Middle East-oriented think tank. The most recent was in May, 2025, where he met with retired Israeli generals who are the heads of think tanks.
Jarrow attended UCLA where he majored in English literature. Jarrow is an avid art collector and half owner of the West Hollywood art gallery, Jarrow & Goodman.
Jarrow also writes poetry when the muse inspires.
On this radio show, Stephen Lukawski invited Anthony Thomas and Executive Director of the International Probiotic Association, IPA, George Paraskevakos to be on the show as surprise guests.
This interview is with an amazing person who helped shape the lives of many, in their careers and their health and their lives.
Thanks to Stephen Lukawski for putting together an interview and introduction of a lifetime!
More about Jarrow Rogovin and his influence:
Jarrow Rogovin founded Jarrow Formulas in 1977 in Los Angeles, California. The company initially focused on delivering high-quality, science-based nutritional supplements, with Rogovin personally distributing products to local health food stores. Early formulations gained a reputation for innovation and efficacy, establishing Jarrow Formulas as a pioneer in the dietary supplement industry during a time when the health benefits of supplements were just gaining recognition.
Historical Focus and Achievements:
- Product Development: Jarrow Formulas grew from a small operation to offering hundreds of nutritional supplements, including vitamins, minerals, probiotics, herbal concentrates, amino acids, and enzymes. Many products were industry firsts, emphasizing superior science and quality ingredients.
- Advocacy and Innovation: Rogovin was a vocal advocate for the supplement industry, founding the International Probiotics Association in 2001 and engaging in regulatory efforts, such as challenging FDA guidelines on New Dietary Ingredients. The company’s commitment to research led to clinical trials and partnerships with global researchers.
- Manufacturing: In 2000, Jarrow Industries, Inc. was established as a GMP-certified manufacturing facility in Santa Fe Springs, California, ensuring high standards of quality control and organic certification compliance.
Current Status:
- Acquisition by New Mountain Capital: In September 2020, Jarrow Formulas was acquired by New Mountain Capital, a private equity firm, with Rogovin remaining as Chairman of the Board. The acquisition aimed to expand the brand globally, leveraging new resources for growth.
- Vytalogy Wellness: In 2022, Jarrow Formulas merged with Natrol under the corporate name Vytalogy Wellness, combining two leading supplement brands to focus on high-efficacy products. Both brands continue to market their products under their original names, emphasizing science-backed formulations for modern wellness.
- Product Range and Reach: Today, Jarrow Formulas offers over 350 products, including notable supplements like Bone-Up for bone health and Fem-Dophilus for women’s health, available in over 50 countries. The company maintains rigorous testing for purity and potency, adhering to standards like USDA organic and NSF Non-GMO certifications.
- Mission: Jarrow Formulas continues its mission to provide superior, research-backed dietary supplements to empower consumer health, with a focus on probiotics, energy, vitality, and overall wellness.
In summary, Jarrow Formulas, founded by Jarrow Rogovin, evolved from a small supplement distributor to a global leader in nutritional supplements, known for innovation and quality. Under Vytalogy Wellness, it continues to produce science-driven products, maintaining its legacy of excellence in the health and wellness industry.
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