History of Nutrilite Company

Carl Rehnborg came up with the idea for nutritional supplements while working in China from 1915-27, for a series of U.S. companies: Standard Oil, Carnation and Colgate.

While living in China, Carl Rehnborg noticed, amid unforgettable malnutrition and disease, an important connection between the foods people ate and their overall health.

In 1935 Carl F. Rehnborg sets up a lab in Montebello, California, and pursues his dream full-time. Carl names one of his first products Vita-6 for the six vitamins it contains. In 1937, he changes the name to Vitasol.

Carl notes the term “Nutrilites” in a 1928 Science magazine and seeks permission to use it as the official name for his new company. In 1939, Nutrilite Products, Inc. (NPI) is officially incorporated. The cost to incorporate is $69.56.

Carl began selling his new supplement person to person, friend to friend, through word-of-mouth referrals. When some of these early customers began referring new customers to Carl, he suggested they sell the product themselves, rewarding them with discounts on their purchases.

The first Nutrilite factory was opened in central Los Angeles. The 1940s saw a great expansion as Rehnborg bought 1.4 acres of farmland and devised the organic “Nutrilite Farming Practices” that are still used today to maintain the integrity of Nutrilite products.

In 1956, in cooperation with the University of Hawaii, Nutrilite Products, Inc. conducts research on the acerola cherry and introduces an all-natural vitamin C supplement.

Amway distributors began to clamor for a line of supplements, and the Amway co-founders felt Nutrilite was the best product in the industry. In 1972, Nutrilite was acquired by Amway and they took over complete ownership.

In 1998, Nutrilite acquires controlling interest in North America’s largest organic herbal farm – Trout Lake Farm, L.L.C., located in the state of Washington. Nutrilite purchases farmland in Tiangu, Ceara, Brazil.
History of Nutrilite Company