["Other substances" in food supplements. Is there a risk for consumers?].
On 24 May 2004 the directive 2002/46/EC of 10 June 2002 about food supplements was brought into force in Germany. This regulation determines that food supplements can contain concentrated nutrients and/or "other substances with nutritional or physiological effects". Whereas specific rules for the nutrients (vitamins and minerals) were laid down in this Directive, no specific rules exist for "other substances" as yet. However, there is a great diversity of substances on the market, for which a special nutritional effect is not known or which have been used as drugs in the past. In contrast to drugs those food supplements do not have to be tested with respect to safety or efficacy. In general, several risks can arise for the consumer because of false presumptions and the marketing of "drugs hidden as dietary supplements". Because of the increasing consumption of food supplements it can be presumed that the critical messages postulated for years such as "food supplements are not necessary if a balanced and varied diet is consumed" did not have the intended effect on the consumers. On the other hand it cannot be excluded that consumers, having in mind dietary supplements that look like drugs and are sold in pharmacies, take those substances likely to prevent and treat diseases than for nutritional purposes.
Hembeck
A
A
Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung, Berlin. a.hembeck@bfr.bund.de
D003257:Consumer Product Safety / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000592:standards*; D005858:Germany; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors