How can consumers inform themselves about safety and other issues related to dietary supplements?

It is important to be well informed about products before purchasing them. Because it is often difficult to know what information is reliable and what is questionable, consumers may first want to contact the manufacturer about the product they intend to purchase (see previous question "Where can I get information about a specific dietary supplement?"). In addition, to help consumers in their search to be better informed, FDA is providing Claims That Can Be Made for Conventional Foods and Dietary Supplements -- http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/hclaims.html, (provides information on what types of claims can be made for dietary supplements).