(updated 5 May 2004)
Dietary supplements include herbal preparations, vitamin and mineral supplements, amino acids, protein powders, and various animal products. If you are interested in taking one of these products, do the research before you buy. Obtain information from a variety of reliable sources. Don't rely solely on information provided by the manufacturer or the booklets available at the health food stores. Avoid products that do not contain the "USP" notation on the label. USP indicates that the product meets specific standards of quality, purity, and potency established by the U.S. Pharmacopeia. Also ensure that there is a lot number or expiration date on the label. Always read and adhere to dosage recommendations and all warnings on the supplement labels.
Be advised that many dietary supplements touted as performance enhancing or weight loss aids provide little if any benefit beyond that attainable with a safe, effective physical training program and a healthy diet. Although dietary supplements are legal for sale in the United States, this does not imply that they are effective as claimed or that they are without negative side effects. Just because something is "natural" doesn't mean it is "safe". Many natural substances can cause harm. Approach these products with a healthy skepticism and avoid the use of non-proven supplements. Current law does not require supplement manufacturers to provide proof regarding claims made about supplements, nor does it require them to provide proof of safety.
Always tell your health care provider about dietary supplements (to include herbal preparations) and other products you are taking. Dietary supplements may cause side effects when taken with certain medications. Of considerable concern are dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids such as ephedra and ma huang.
It is important to know that the "FDA regulates dietary supplements under a different set of regulations than those covering "conventional" foods and drug products (prescription and Over-the-Counter). Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), the dietary supplement manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that a dietary supplement is safe before it is marketed. FDA is responsible for taking action against any unsafe dietary supplement product after it reaches the market. Generally, manufacturers do not need to register with FDA nor get FDA approval before producing or selling dietary supplements. Manufacturers must make sure that product label information is truthful and not misleading." (From the FDA Web Site at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/supplmnt.html)
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