A drug manufacturer is required to prove to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) both the safety and efficacy of their product using rigorous clinical trials. In contrast, it’s the FDA or DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) that must prove a dietary supplement is unsafe, contains a prescription product or controlled substance, or that the product’s label is inaccurate, in order to remove it from the market. What this means is that manufacturers of supplements have no obligation under the law to test their products for contaminants such as lead, arsenic, mercury or pesticides. So it should be no surprise that a 2010 U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found trace amounts of at least one of these contaminants in 93% of the dietary supplements it tested.
The Good News:
There is research to show that the careful use of dietary supplements can offset the decline in nutrient content of our food and prevent or treat disease. A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine suggests that 90% of type 2 diabetes is preventable. It has been proven that adequate intake of folic acid prevents birth defects. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation can protect against bone loss. There is convincing evidence that the omega fatty acids in fish oils lower cholesterol and may protect against cardiovascular disease. There are safe and effective supplements out there if you know where to look, and the latest research shows that you can positively influence your health through quality nutritional supplements.
The Rules of the Road:
Ask questions! Choice of supplement products often makes the difference between a positive nutritional effect and an intolerable side effect. Make an informed decision about the product based on scientific evidence showing the product is pure, potent, safe and effective. Not many companies spend the money to ensure the purity and potency of their product, let alone the efficacy. When you find a reputable company that has evidence to support their products, stick with them. This is often the hardest part of the decision process.
Read the label. Be aware that many supplements come from natural sources, but natural doesn’t mean pure or safe. Since there are no high level regulations governing supplements, the terms “certified” or “verified” don’t have a universal definition and no one investigates these claims. The term proprietary blend implies multiple herbal ingredients have been combined in that product. Each ingredient should be identified on the label.
Discuss your supplements with your healthcare team. This allows for complete, integrated healthcare and can help identify potential drug-supplement interactions or duplications of treatments. It may also help prevent unwanted side effects or complications with other medical procedures and tests.
While some health issues require extensive treatment plans and the use of technology, many of today’s health concerns stem from poor nutritional choices associated with our “standard American diet” and a lack of exercise. Supplementation can be a very beneficial health option and offer tremendous results when chosen wisely.
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