title: The regulation of dietary supplements in the United States: advocating for a reasonable approach, protecting patient safety, and the role of nursing.
abstract: Many Americans report using dietary supplements (DS) and there is evidence that the use of such products is increasing. Under the current regulatory system DS are not tested for safety or effectiveness, as with over the counter and prescription drugs, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has limited authority to protect Americans from potential harm. DS in the United States have become a major public health and patient safety issue with injuries, illnesses, and deaths attributed to their use. Efforts in congress to legislate safer regulations have been met with limited success, in part because of the lobbying efforts of the DS industry. Although there is near consensus in the literature and among stakeholder government agencies that a modified FDA role is needed, resolving the issue requires a multifaceted approach. Along with political and legislative action, effort must be made to increase the American public's knowledge of DS.
authors.affiliation: Community hospital, Norway, ME, USA. thomasv@alumni.unh.edu
authors.forename: Thomas J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Vatistas
authors.forename: Joanne G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Samuels
mesh_terms: D003254:Consumer Advocacy; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007881:Legislation, Food; D008297:Male; D024802:Nurse's Role; D061214:Patient Safety; D011634:Public Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*