Abstract

AIDS: A July 1999 FDA hearing on dietary supplements revealed vehement opposition to the free rein regulations that are given to the dietary supplements industry. Unless abuses in the industry are somehow curbed, congressional action may occur. Industry representatives at an earlier FDA meeting criticized the agency for not cracking down on fraudulent or improper health-food products. It was suggested that the National Institutes of Health research the safety and efficacy of these products, with possible fees assessed from industry. The FDA has requested public feedback on how it should regulate the dietary supplement industry. Such regulation may make some supplements unavailable at any price in the United States, which could potentially harm people with serious illness. The key issue is how to halt unethical marketing while maintaining public access.