Question 237 of 433
How are supplements regulated?
The short answer
Loosely. In the United States, the FDA generally does not approve supplements for safety and effectiveness before sale. Manufacturers still have legal responsibilities for labeling, safety, and manufacturing standards, but that is different from premarket drug approval.
Independent testing regularly finds products with too little, too much, or none of the listed ingredient, and sometimes with contaminants or hidden drugs. Protect yourself by buying products that carry a third-party seal such as USP, NSF, or Informed Choice. And tell every doctor what you take. Supplements interact with blood thinners, heart medicines, and anesthesia.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
REGULATORY / PRODUCT TESTING — US supplements: premarket efficacy approval is generally not required; contamination and interactions vary.Evidence grade (draft mapping)RRegulatory statusPart 17, Q237 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.