FACTS ABOUT VITAMINS AND OTHER DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

What are dietary supplements?

They are products people use in addition to the foods we eat. Examples include vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids and other substances.

Are dietary supplements regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?

FDA cannot by law review or evaluate the safety or the effectiveness of the supplement ingredients in the products before they are sold in stores or catalogs.

How can I find out if a dietary supplement does what the label or advertisement says it does?

Some dietary supplements may be good for you, but others may harm you. Dietary supplements cannot make claims that they can prevent, treat or cure a specific disease. For example, a product cannot claim that it can "cure cancer" or "treat arthritis."

Where can I get information about a specific dietary supplement?

The company that makes the product may provide information. You can ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse, or visit the public library.

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Web page created by clb 2002-JAN-04.