Archive for June, 2009
The Regulation of Dietary Supplements
One hundred years ago, the dietary supplement industry was very different from today. Production and processing were not standardized, sanitation was questionable (manufacturers had little understanding of bacterial/microbial control and refrigeration was primitive), and distribution was unregulated. The twentieth century brought many changes in how dietary supplements were handled and transported, and several laws sought [...]
Do Dietary Supplements Provide a Benefit?
While characteristics such as age and geographic location are related to dietary supplement use, the most striking characteristic about dietary supplement users is that they make health and nutrition a top priority. Therefore, it is important to consider whether people who take dietary supplements benefit from them and whether those people who might benefit from [...]
Consumer Knowledge of Dietary Supplements
Although most consumers believe they have adequate knowledge about dietary supplements, a significant number would like more information about health benefits and think additional information would help them avoid potentially harmful adverse reactions. Other knowledge gaps pertain to specific nutrients, relationships between dietary supplements and disease, and outcomes of taking dietary supplements. In one survey, [...]
Dietary Supplement Use for Treatment
The other group of dietary supplement users takes them to treat or manage a current disease. For instance, chondroitin sulfate is used to treat osteoarthritis; saw palmetto is used to treat an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy); and fish oil is used to treat high blood pressure. Despite extensive medical research, many conditions and diseases [...]
Dietary Supplement Use for Prevention
Many people who take dietary supplements are in good health. Sometimes characterized as “the worried well,” this population tends to consume healthful diets and dietary supplements and to lead healthy, active lives. While there is no evidence that people in this group rely on dietary supplements as a substitute for good dietary habits, they do [...]
Health-Related Beliefs
Whether they are in good health, trying to prevent family medical history from repeating itself, or managing a known illness, people want to feel in control of their health. According to the 2001 “Dietary Supplement Barometer Survey,” the top three reasons consumers take dietary supplements are to feel better, prevent sickness, and treat sickness. Dietary [...]