They are a common sight at most grocery stores; long lines of supplement containers, making promises to “support your immune system,” “boost your energy,” or even “prevent cognitive decline”. Supplements have become a common part of people’s health and wellness to address deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin B or iron.
However, a lack of rigorous regulation and loose marketing practices leads patients to consume products that, at best, offer no health benefits and, at worst, cause health issues. People have even suffered from long-term harm through ingesting supplements containing contaminants.
It is now essential for patients to understand the regulations around supplements, what the advertising for supplements actually means, and where to find reliable information about supplements.
Supplements and Their Regulations
The FDA classifies supplements as a special category of food with less stringent requirements than drugs or conventional foods. The FDA does not review or approve supplements for safety and effectiveness. In fact, most products are sold without informing the FDA. The responsibility lies with the companies to ensure a safe and effective product.
According to FDA guidelines, supplement companies cannot claim their products can treat, cure, or prevent diseases. Additionally, any health claims, such as the product “supports immune health,” must be substantiated and authorized by the FDA.
The FDA can take action against unsafe, adulterated, or misbranded products after they reach consumers. Unfortunately, some people have suffered from health issues from the consumption of adulterated and tainted products containing unapproved pharmaceutical ingredients and contaminants, including heavy metals and bacteria.
Patients should consult with their physicians about which supplements are safe to consume and understand how to spot high-quality and trustworthy supplement brands.
Searching for Supplements – What to Look For
Because of the lack of regulation, private companies and nonprofits have stepped up to provide the information that consumers need to identify quality product. For example, one indication is the seal of the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, a nonprofit organization of scientists that sets high-quality standards for medicine, food ingredients, and dietary supplements. The USP facilitates a voluntary program where supplement companies can test their products and facilities.
Companies that meet these standards include the official “USP Verified” seal on their labels. Additionally, the organization maintains a list of brands that meet their standards and the stores where they can be purchased. This list includes brands such as Nature Made, Kirkland Signature, and TruNature.
Similarly, NSF International is a nonprofit organization that certifies supplements such as fish oil and multivitamins. It also contains a “Certified for Sport” program that certifies supplements, including protein powders, amino acids, and creatine.
The seal’s presence indicates the product is unadulterated and contains the ingredients listed on the label.
Other laboratories, including ConsumerLab and LabDoor, routinely test a range of supplements and publish reports on their findings, although they do charge for access to their reports.
Caveats to Consider
While these non-profit organizations and labs provide invaluable information, consumers still need to exercise caution when purchasing products. For example, some supplement companies print the letters “USP” on their labels in place of the official seal, claiming to produce their products in accordance with USP standards. However, the organization has not vetted these products.
Consumers looking to purchase supplements should also avoid products with marketing targeted toward weight loss, energy, immunity support, or brain health, since they have weak or mixed evidence and are not approved by the FDA.
Before purchasing a supplement, consumers should also check for fillers or “proprietary blends,” ingredients without specified amounts. They should also purchase products available at retailers such as pharmacies. Most importantly, they should also consult their physician before starting supplements, since certain supplements can interact adversely with certain medications and affect lab test results.
Final Thoughts
Supplements can be helpful for many patients in maintaining their health. They can correct deficiencies such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron deficiency, bolster bone and heart health, and support fetal development during pregnancy. However, consumers must exercise caution when purchasing supplements, selecting ones with sufficient evidence supporting their benefits and avoiding ones that make grand promises with only weak and mixed evidence to support their claims.
If you are interested in supplements, consult with a practitioner at Rockwell Physicians to get the supplements that will actually give you the health benefits that they claim.