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Dietary Supplements Classified

Dietary Supplements Classified
Dietary Supplements Classified

The Food and Drug Administration has been monitoring demand and consumption of dietary supplements over the past five years to promote healthy lifestyles, said Amir Hussein Jamshidi, director of Monitoring and Evaluation of Natural Products and Supplements at the FDA.

“All the available dietary supplements, whether approved or seeking approval, have been classified in 50 types based on their ingredients and use,” he was quoted as saying by IRNA.

The results of a two-year study on the levels of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids among Iranians in various age groups, have been compiled as a reference table for recommending the required amount of supplements necessary for different age groups. Many countries are developing similar consumption guidelines, he said.

The office of dietary supplements at the American National institute of Health publishes a fact sheet, providing health professionals and consumers with detailed information about supplements. The US FDA uses daily value (DV) to help consumers decide on the required amount of nutrition. The European Union Dietary Supplements Directive also publishes a list of approved supplements specifying the intake “dose” for each person.

Jamshidi pointed out that the FDA guidelines also indicate whether the supplement is imported or produced domestically, and said,” We hope to institutionalize prudent consumption of supplements.”

 The US FDA considers dietary supplements as “food” rather than drugs; so basically they are not tested before labeling and distribution, though FDA has control over the market and can take action against harmful supplements. In contrast, European Union regulations require proved safety of dietary supplements to be sold over the counter.

Financialtribune.com