Contents
Navigating the Murky Waters of Supplement Safety
Published: Nov 24, 2023
With so many supplements on the market, how do you choose what's safe? Here's a guide to understanding regulations and making informed decisions.
The Role of Regulations
In the U.S., the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) outlines regulations for supplements. These products must be proven safe before marketing, but efficacy does not need to be established. The FDA monitors safety through reports and regulates labeling claims.
Understanding Labels
Supplement labels must list all ingredients and manufacturer information. Claims made must be truthful and not misleading. However, discrepancies between labels and actual contents are common, highlighting the importance of consumer vigilance.
The Importance of Reporting
Consumers and healthcare providers play a role in supplement safety by reporting adverse events. This helps regulatory bodies identify harmful products and issue warnings. It is crucial to report any supplement-related health issues to the FDA.
Frequently Asked Questions
DSHEA regulates the safety and labeling of dietary supplements.
Not always, discrepancies between labels and contents can occur.
By reporting adverse events to the FDA.
No, supplements only need to prove safety, not efficacy.
The Bottom Line
Are you confident in your supplement choices?
References
- Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, Public Law 103-417.
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Dietary Supplements.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?