popular belief, the FDA does not require supplement manufacturers to register with the government. In fact, products are assumed and presumed safe until it causes harm” says Dr. Cherukuri, adding “there is no FDA review before they come to market.”
Additionally, the FDA does not require oversight or registration of the ingredients used in products. The FDA only reviews a product after it has been on the market, been sold, caused harm to someone and has been reported.
In the new changes proposed by the FDA, they seek common sense regulation to better keep tabs on the growing industry. Regulations such as requiring the registration of companies with the FDA, which will allow for better accounting of all of the products and entities on the market. Also requiring that companies register their ingredients with the FDA, allowing for the creation of a database that can be used to compile drug interactions and other key pharmaceutical information.
Today the FDA has a list of over 800 banned products and substances that have been proven to cause harm to consumers, the vast majority coming from three major categories: weight loss, weight gain, and sexual performance.
Dr. Cherukuri encourages all consumers to be aware of products advertising these benefits, as there have been no clinical studies proving the efficacy of any non-prescription products in