Are dietary supplements a hoax?

New government report finds 20% of dietary supplements are illegally labeled or don't live up to their claims.

Wed, Oct 03 2012 at 11:30 AM

A pill bottle with dietary supplement pills

Do you take any dietary supplements to complement or replace food in your diet? If you do, a new government report may have you thinking twice about the pills in your cabinet. According to a report released today (Oct. 3) by the Department of Health and Human Services' Inspector General, 20 percent of dietary supplements on store shelves are illegally labeled or do not live up to the claims they're making.

For the study, the Inspector General's office analyzed 127 weight loss and immune-boosting supplements that investigators purchased online or in retail stores across the country. Of these, they found that 20 percent made illegal claims on their labels stating that they could be used to cure or treat certain diseases. Dozens also lacked the recommended scientific evidence to back up the claims made on the labels.

Of course the fear is not only that consumers are wasting their money but that they are putting their health in jeopardy if they choose a dietary supplement in place of another medical option to treat a disease.

"Consumers rely on a supplement's claims to determine whether the product will provide a desired effect, such as weight loss or immune support," the report said. "Supplements that make disease claims could mislead consumers into using them as replacements for prescription drugs or other treatments for medical conditions, with potentially dangerous results."

The report did not name the individual brands or products that were surveyed, but it did raise a red flag about the dietary supplements currently available on store shelves and the lack of oversight by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in reviewing supplement claims and labeling.

For a different angle on this story: 7 supplements that every woman over 40 should take

via Newser

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Comments: 4

IFTI QURAESHI Feb 28 2013 at 2:43 AM

I am 68 years old. About three months ago I started taking the following DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS every morning before breakfast: One slice brown bread toasted, heavy spread of raw Honey, thick layer of freshly ground Flax Seed, sprinkle of half teaspoon of cinnamon powder and then in one corner just 6 drops of Black Seed Oil. This has reduced my blood sugar to less that 80 amd cholesterol to around 140 - and my cardiac doctor has asked me to stop my daily dose of ZOCOR 20 mg and GLUCOPHAGE 500 which

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I had been taking for over 5 years. I now intend to produce these products in economical rates and export to USA - any suggestions would be welcome.

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mariettanixon23 Oct 05 2012 at 10:32 AM

I agree, I have heard a bunch of internet chatter on this subject. I really hate having to spend the time reading the labels to try and figure out the 'real' from the 'fakes' I have been getting my health supplements from one place. They to have the best prices and the most variety of supplements. Thanks for posting this article, I am sure its not the last time we are going to hear about this subject.

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Starbuck Oct 04 2012 at 3:38 AM

Big Pharma has been absolutely relentless on this issue. At least once a month it seems, I'm asked to write another email or letter or sign another petition to push back against this. No doubt there are less than reputable companies in this industry - particularly in the area of weight loss. I worked for about a year in the local franchise of a company that sells mainly bodybuilding type supplements, but also weight loss and other such supplements. There are some products out there that are indeed

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downright dangerous. It is not at all safe for a seriously overweight person to add something to their diet that puts more strain on the heart - essentially "herbal speed." At least one of the products out there at the time has since been outlawed. But use common sense, do some research on the company whose products you are considering purchasing. There are reputable companies producing vitamin, mineral, protein, and herbal supplements. There are also a few honest companies offering both products and latest research for people suffering from illnesses that the AMA has a very hard time getting real about. These companies aren't making any claims for cures. They are offering formulations to support one's health in general, they contribute a portion of profits to research, and for some of us they provide a lifeline. I have fibromyalgia. I see a neurologist every few months. We discuss both my prescribed medications and the supplements I am using or considering using at the beginning of each appointment. If I could not supplement my nutrition in this way, I would not be able to get out of bed - ever. That's just how it is. The medications that are advertised on TV for things like this can, in fact, kill you quicker than a hammer. They are antidepressants and anti-seizure medications. Some of these meds, as well as many others, have their place and sometimes cannot be avoided. But none of them are without side effects and while the deadly side effects are rare, they do exist. They are listed in the product literature because some people have suffered them. The more common side effects are hard to put up with. It's another battle in a whole slew of battles. The least we should be able to do is to be able to purchase and use the supplements that support our health without making life even more difficult. This issue feels like a constant threat on the horizon of my life. Big Pharma makes enough money as it is. I wish to God they would give this up.