Thorne Vitamin Company is a health supplement and vitamin manufacturer based in South Carolina. The company was founded in 1984 by Albert C. Thorne and has grown into one of the largest vitamin and supplement providers in the United States.
Company History
Thorne Research was founded in 1984 by Albert C. Thorne, a naturopathic doctor who wanted to provide his patients with high-quality nutritional supplements. Dr. Thorne believed that many supplements on the market contained unnecessary fillers and additives that could be harmful to health. He decided to start his own company that would manufacture “hypoallergenic” supplements made with pure raw materials.
The company started out modestly, selling just 25 nutritional supplements to health practitioners. However, word spread quickly about the quality and effectiveness of Thorne’s products. By 1990, they had grown to offer over 100 supplement formulas and were generating around $5 million in annual revenue.
Through the 1990s and 2000s, Thorne experienced rapid growth by expanding their product lines, investing in scientific research and clinical trials, and focusing on physician education. They pioneered several innovative practices like testing every raw material for more than 200 potential contaminants and developing condition-specific supplement protocols.
Today, Thorne manufactures over 400 nutritional supplements, medical foods, and diagnostic testing services. The company has revenues exceeding $250 million annually and sells globally in over 30 countries. While no longer overseen by Dr. Thorne himself, Thorne Research maintains his original commitment to creating the “world’s finest nutritional supplements.”
Thorne Research Leadership
Thorne Research is currently owned and operated by Thorne HealthTech Inc., which was formed in 2017 to consolidate Thorne Research with several other health brands. The following individuals comprise the executive leadership team at Thorne HealthTech:
- Paul Jacobson – CEO
- Andy Giancamilli – President
- Decker Weiss – Chief Financial Officer
- John Eanes – Chief Commercial Officer
- Samantha Ford – Chief Legal Officer
While day-to-day operations are handled by Thorne HealthTech leadership, the company continues to maintain a Medical Advisory Board of physicians and scientists who offer guidance on product development and clinical research initiatives.
Acquisition by One Equity Partners
In December 2021, Thorne HealthTech announced that it had been acquired by One Equity Partners (OEP), a middle-market private equity firm. OEP purchased both Thorne HealthTech and Persona Nutrition, another health supplement company, for a reported $600 million.
This acquisition brought together three major health brands – Thorne, Persona, and Procede – under the Thorne HealthTech umbrella. According to the announcement, Thorne HealthTech is now one of the largest science-based nutritional supplement companies, with over $500 million in annual revenues.
The CEO of Thorne HealthTech, Paul Jacobson, stated that the deal with OEP will provide additional resources and expertise to accelerate growth and product innovation. However, he stressed that Thorne will maintain its commitment to quality, testing, and research-backed supplement formulations.
Manufacturing and Headquarters
Thorne Research manufactures the majority of its nutritional supplements in-house at a large production facility in Summerville, South Carolina. This 165,000 sq. ft facility contains state-of-the-art machinery and utilizes stringent quality control practices.
In addition to the Summerville HQ and manufacturing plant, Thorne has office locations in the following U.S. cities:
- New York, NY
- Reno, NV
- Seattle, WA
- Washington, D.C.
They also have a presence internationally with offices in Canada, Australia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
Product Lines and Specialization
Thorne Research produces dietary supplements across four core categories:
- Essential Nutrition: Multivitamins, minerals, omegas, probiotics
- Targeted Solutions: Joint support, sleep, stress, women’s health
- Foundational Support: Amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins
- Advanced Testing: At-home blood tests, cholesterol tests, food sensitivity testing
Within these categories, some of Thorne’s most popular branded product lines include:
Product Line | Description |
---|---|
Meriva | Curcumin phytosome for joint, brain, and heart health |
Bacillus Coagulans | Probiotic for digestive and immune support |
Double Defense | Immune boosting elderberry complex |
Mental Focus and Clarity | Nootropic supplement for concentration |
Thorne places a strong emphasis on personalized nutrition and health testing services. They offer at-home blood test kits that provide personalized supplement recommendations based on biomarkers. This focus on precision health and nutrition sets Thorne apart from many competing supplement companies.
Scientific Research
As one of the few supplement companies that conducts its own primary research, Thorne has a strong commitment to advancing scientific knowledge around nutritional supplements:
- Thorne has funded over 26 clinical trials on their branded ingredients and supplement formulations.
- They have published over 50 articles in peer-reviewed medical journals.
- Thorne researchers collaborate with prestigious institutions like Mayo Clinic, Stanford, and Columbia University.
- A dedicated medical research team oversees new product development and ongoing research initiatives.
Thorne’s extensive investment in R&D allows them to bring novel, science-backed supplements to the market. It also builds trust and credibility among health practitioners who recommend Thorne products to patients. Their focus on research is a key factor that differentiates Thorne from most supplement retailers.
Quality Control and Certifications
Thorne adheres to stringent quality control practices in manufacturing their supplements:
- Every raw material is tested for 200+ environmental contaminants, heavy metals, allergens, and microbes.
- Finished products are subject to stability testing, dissolution testing, label verification, and microbial analysis.
- Thorne’s facility is NSF Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified.
- Many Thorne supplements carry NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Choice designations.
Thorne’s obsessive focus on quality and purity sets them apart in an industry not always known for consistency and safety. Their rigorous approach ensures healthcare practitioners and consumers can fully trust Thorne’s products.
Company Culture and Values
Thorne promotes a values-driven culture centered around the acronym RIPPLE:
- Responsibility – Contribute value responsibly
- Innovation – Question everything
- Passion – Love what you do
- Partnership – Grow together
- Leadership – Inspire greatness
- Excellence – Achieve outstanding results
Employees praise Thorne HealthTech’s collaborative and stimulating work environment that challenges them to innovate and make a difference. Thorne provides opportunities for professional development along with generous wellness benefits like in-house yoga classes. Their clearly defined mission and values help unify employees across diverse roles and departments.
Conclusion
In summary, Thorne Vitamin Company has established itself as a leader in the health supplement industry due to:
- A commitment to hypoallergenic, research-backed formulations
- Large investments in clinical research and quality control
- Focus on precision health through diagnostic testing
- In-house manufacturing at a state-of-the-art facility
- Culture centered on innovation, excellence, and passion
While Thorne has experienced changes in ownership over the years, they remain dedicated to the vision of founder Dr. Albert Thorne. Under leadership from Thorne HealthTech and One Equity Partners, the company is well-positioned for continued growth and industry leadership.