How Safe Are Your Dietary Supplements?

Dietary supplements are now a part of everyday life. Every pharmacy in the country stocks dietary supplements. Consumers are buying everything from Vitamin C and fish oils, which can cost billions of dollars each year. How are these products regulated? Who makes sure the claims on labels are true and who ensures that these products remain safe? You might be surprised at the answer.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), leaves it up to the manufacturer of supplements to ensure that the claims they make are true. This means that if a supplement claims that it contains the recommended daily allowance of a specific vitamin, it is up to the manufacturer to verify that claim and ensure that the product is safe. You can also check online for more information on supplement manufacturing industry.

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Below are direct quotes from the FDA regarding the regulation of dietary supplements.

The FDA regulates dietary supplements under a different set of regulations than those that cover "conventional" foods or drug products. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, (DSHEA) requires that dietary supplement manufacturers ensure that dietary supplements are safe before they are marketed. 

Manufacturers do not have to register their products with FDA or get FDA approval before selling dietary supplements. The manufacturer must ensure that the product label information is accurate and not misleading. "

Consult your pharmacist or doctor before you add any supplement to your medical regimen.

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