Current US Regulations on Dietary Supplements
I decided to make a brief post on this specific topic because there is still a lot of information on the Internet that is based on 1994 regulations. The FDA made some ‘final rulings’ related to dietary supplements in July of 2007.
I don’t see any fundamental changes from the 1994 law. The additions include current good manufacturing practice requirements and a requirement for companies to report adverse effects. These changes should increase consumers confidence in dietary supplements. The FDA website has lots of valuable information and advice related to dietary supplements.
I have researched some new products online and found that the web marketing of supplements is sometimes very secretive about the ingredients. I am suspicious that some companies hide behind the screen of claiming a proprietary blend of ingredients. Many products are aimed at making money from some positive buzz that a botanical ingredient is receiving without actually going to the expense of adding an effective dose of the ingredient. I have even heard of products that use botanical ingredients that are similar to a truly beneficial ingredient but are not, in fact, the exact species and varietal that has proven health benefits. I don’t think the FDA can prevent this. Buyer Beware is still a good slogan to keep in mind.
If you want to try a supplement that is getting good press, I would advise you to find the original science. Even if you can’t understand most of what is written in a medical journal, just copy down the full scientific name of the ingredient that is being touted and be sure that is what is in any supplement that you consider buying. Also, be sure to discuss any and all dietary supplements that you are taking with your doctor. Some supplements interact adversely with prescription and OTC drugs.
