It has been recommended that the DSHEA be modified so that dietary supplements are subject to regulations similar to those for over-the-counter medications. This change would ensure the collection and submission of efficacy and safety data by manufacturers of these products prior to FDA approval. Product registration would be required so that the FDA could [...]

The dearth of scientific data concerning the majority of CAM therapies and dietary supplements is unrivaled in medicine. Scientific evidence exists for some of these treatments, but for most, important questions regarding safety and efficacy remain because answers can be obtained only through well-designed clinical trials. Experts state that the popularity of CAM and dietary [...]

Some dietary supplements are intrinsically toxic and therefore cause predictable adverse effects in exposed persons. These products have inherent properties that can affect physiological functions, such as blood coagulation, glucose home-ostasis, and immune response. Fortunately, laboratory testing can rapidly identify herbal toxins and limit public exposure to harmful dietary supplement therapies. However, because of the [...]