Critics voice concerns over the lack of knowledge surrounding dietary supplements
Article:
Consumer advocates have expressed concern over the lack of risk awareness among individuals regarding dietary supplements. According to a study by the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv), many consumers opt for such products without much thought.
Dietary supplements, a multi-billion-dollar industry, are often perceived as safe and well-researched by consumers, an assumption that the study reveals to be misguided. In advertising, particularly on social media, these products are sometimes promoted with unapproved health claims, cautioned Jochen Geilenkirchen, head of the food team at the Federation of German Consumer Organisations. Consumers, he added, often overlook the risks associated with dietary supplements and overestimate their effectiveness.
The study found that about one-fifth of respondents consider dietary supplements to be part of a healthy diet. Almost half wrongly assume that these products are tested for health safety prior to sale. Furthermore, nearly four in ten respondents expect that there are legal maximum limits for the ingredients in dietary supplements, yet this is not the case.
Consumer advocates criticize that many consumers view dietary supplements as a form of natural medicine. However, these products are classified as food and do not undergo stringent approval tests. They called for stronger food monitoring to protect consumers from false advertising promises and urged the federal government to push for an EU-level approval procedure.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently overhauled its Dietary Supplement Compliance Program, aiming for more stringent inspections and compliance requirements for manufacturers. The FDA has updated its Ingredient Directory and issued guidance on New Dietary Ingredient Notifications to facilitate the evaluation of new dietary ingredients. These efforts reflect a broader push for stricter oversight and compliance within the dietary supplement industry, aligning with the goals of consumer advocates.
- The Federal government, following the example set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, could consider advocating for community policy changes that include stricter regulations and vocational training for dietary supplement manufacturers to ensure proper health safety, nutrition, and labeling.
- To address the overestimation of dietary supplement effectiveness and misunderstanding of health risks among consumers, health-and-wellness initiatives could incorporate educational programs about science, nutrition, and the limitations of supplements, thereby promoting a more informed vocational training approach in this industry.
