The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the federal agency responsible for overseeing the regulation of dietary supplements in the United States. The FDA regulates dietary supplements as foods, not as drugs, and has established regulations to ensure the safety and labeling of these products. It is important to note that many dietary supplements contain ingredients that can interact with medications or medical conditions, so it is essential to consult with a health professional before using any dietary supplement. In addition to complying with federal and state regulations, dietary supplement manufacturers must also adhere to a strict code of ethics and dosing recommendations.The FDA first established regulations in 1941 to regulate the labeling of vitamins, setting a minimum daily requirement for each vitamin.
However, the agency did not restrict the amount of vitamin allowed in supplements at that time. In 1962, the FDA attempted to revise the 1941 regulations to adopt the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) and limit the amount of each vitamin in any product to 150% of the RDA. Congress responded by passing the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) in 1994, which created a regulatory framework that addressed the safety and labeling of dietary supplements.The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also regulates the advertising of dietary supplements as it does with all consumer products. Advertisements must be truthful, not misleading and backed by scientific evidence, especially when health claims are used.
Manufacturers must also comply with a number of federal and state regulations governing dietary supplements and foods in the areas of manufacturing, quality control, labeling, safety and marketing.When purchasing dietary supplements, vitamins, sports supplements or other nutritional products, it is important for consumers to be informed about how these products are regulated and what benefits certification can provide. It is also important to understand how to read a supplement label and know what ingredients are included in each product. Furthermore, consulting with a health professional before using any dietary supplement is highly recommended.
