WASHINGTON—Memorial contributions are pouring into the Natural Products Foundation (NPF) from industry members wanting to honor the late John R. Carlson, who co-founded J.R. Carlson Laboratories with his wife Susan in 1965 and was one of the natural health industry’s leaders.
“NPF is honored that John’s family has chosen our organization to commemorate their father’s pioneering work in the field," said Derek Hall, chairman of NPF, who reported more than $15,000 has been donated from companies and individuals across the industry since John’s death on Oct. 1, 2011. "All memorial contributions support programs to improve the integrity of natural products, as John did himself throughout his lifetime."
Carlson was an advocate for natural products for nearly five decades and was an active member of many industry organizations, including the Natural Products Association (NPA). In fact, he won NPA's Crusader Award in 2001 and the Nutrition Business Journal Summit Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing him as a pioneer that helped build the natural products industry. Other industry-related organizations benefiting from Carlson's participation included The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, The National Institute of Nutritional Education and The Mid American Health Organization; he also was a founding member of the health activist group “Citizens for Health."
Carlson was also remembered for his personal character. “John Carlson helped to shape and improve the natural supplement industry throughout his lifetime,” said NPF President John Gay, executive director and CEO of NPA. “The Carlson family’s dedication to natural health and education is legendary. Dietary supplement quality, safety, consumer use and awareness would not be where they are today without the efforts of companies like Carlson Laboratories, and the Carlson family.”
To contribute to the John R. Carlson Memorial, please visit NPF online at naturalproductsfoundation.org/CarlsonMemorial or send donations to: Natural Products Foundation, 1773 T St. NW, Washington, DC 20009.
