subject: Supplements For Unwanted Pounds [print this page] Many people take dietary supplements in an effort to lose weight and be healthy. Because there are so many supplements accessible and so many claims made about their success, as a consumer how can you determine what is safe and effective? Manufactures of dietary enhancements cannot lawfully say that they can diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease with these supplements, but they can say that it contributes to your health and well being.
In 1994, a law was passed by Congress called the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). According to DSHEA, supplements were defined as a product that is meant to supplement the diet, contains one or more nutritional ingredient, and is to be consumed by mouth, in forms such as a tablet, capsule, powder, soft gel, gel cap, or a liquid. Also it has to be labeled as being a dietary supplement.
There are several important facts to consider when choosing dietary enhancements. First it is critical to know that federal regulations for dietary supplements are very unlike those for prescription and over-the-counter medications. For instance, a manufacturer does not have to provide evidence that a product is safe and effective before it goes on the shelf to sell. Next, if you are considering dietary supplements, first gather information about it from dependable sources. Make note that dietary enhancements may interact with medications that you are currently taking and may have ingredients not listed on the information label. Lastly, be sure to tell your doctor about any complementary and unconventional practices you use, including taking dietary supplements. Let them know exactly what you do to manage your overall health, which will help to make sure that your practices are safe.
The Government controls dietary supplements through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Regulations for these supplements are not the same as prescription or over the counter drugs. As a general rule the regulations for these are less strict. Also, they are allowed to say that a dietary supplement helps a nutrient deficiency, supports health, or benefits a particular body function, such as the immune system, if there is research to support the claim. These claims must be followed by the words "This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."
Not that it always happens, but producers are expected to follow certain good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to make certain that dietary supplements are made consistently and meet quality principles. These guidelines for GMPs went into effect in 2008 for big manufacturers and are being slowly implemented for small manufacturers through 2010. When a dietary supplement hits the market, the FDA monitors the safety of the product over time. If they find a product to be unsafe, they can take a stand against the manufacturer and/or distributor. The FDA may send a warning or require that the product be removed from the market.
If you are planning to take or are currently taking supplements, be sure to read the label and instructions! If you have any concerning questions or need dosage recommendations, immediately talk to your health care provider. If you develop any unwanted side effects that alarm you, stop taking it, and make contact with your health care provider. To help others out, also report your experience to the FDA's MedWatch program. An important source of information for the FDA is consumer safety reports.
