NOURISH
Posted July 13, 2018
If you have ever stood in a retail aisle wondering whether a supplement you might purchase is safe and effective, there is wisdom in what you're doing.
Many Americans assume that dietary supplements—which include herbs, vitamins, diet formulas, hormones and even some energy drinks—are tightly monitored. But that is not always the case. While manufacturers in the $30 billion dietary supplement industry must register their facilities with the Food and Drug Administration, they do not need FDA approval to produce or sell their supplements.
It is mostly up to supplement manufacturers and distributors to ensure that the claims and labeling on their products are truthful and not misleading.
Just this year, the New York State Attorney General's office accused mainstream retailers GNC, Target, Walgreens and Walmart of selling fraudulent and potentially dangerous herbal supplements.
And the reality is that the incident in New York is not isolated. So what are we as consumers to do?
My recommendation is get informed:
Here are some resources that can help you do your research:
So, if you find yourself standing in the supplements aisle and you can't determine if a product is safe or effective, it's best to hold off on making a purchase. Do some research, talk to a registered dietitian, a licensed nutritionist or a pharmacist, and wait until you can feel good about what you're buying.
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