Supplements are not regulated by the FDA, does that matter?
Actually, supplements ARE regulated by the FDA, however, not in the same manner that drugs are regulated. Supplements are assumed to be safe, unless evidence to the contrary is found. Quality control of dietary supplements (herbs, vitamins etc.) is under the jurisdiction of the FDA. New rules to ensure a consistent quality standard were passed last year and will be implemented over the next several years. These standards are supposed to be implemented by 2010. The United States industry is not regulated to the same standard as Europe, where herbs in particular are treated like weak drugs, but fortunately, the higher quality companies already meet or exceed current US standards. Some products, manufactured in Europe, meet their drug type standard and are beginning to be sold in the US. Awareness of the potential variability in product quality was a major factor in selecting a small number of good quality products to be sold in the Reflections, our boutique for patients with cancer,[link
