The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act
The DSHEA was signed by President Clinton on October 15, 1994. For the first time dietary supplements were given their own set of rules by which to abide. The DSHEA included definitions of dietary supplementand new dietary ingredientand provided for the creation of a commission to advise on the regulation of these substances.
Early Regulation of Dietary Supplements
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, concerns about the safety and purity of the American food supply were mounting. Farmers, millers, trade associations, and drug producers agreed that a government intervention was warranted, but each group was unwilling to compromise its own agenda in the interest of an agreement. In addition to concern about [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]