Sunday, February 24, 2019

FDA warns harmful use of dietary supplements

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration in the US sent warning letters to several providers of supplements. It seems concerned about the potential risk of using supplements.

Washington Post: FDA launches tougher oversight of supplements

One of the backgrounds of this action by the FDA is the growing market of supplements. Originally, the US citizens are fond of using supplements, partially due to poor access to medical doctors. Therefore, the US is now the biggest fertile market for supplements. On the other hand, supplements are not regulated strictly compared to medical drugs. Indeed, there are several reports of adverse effects of supplements found after many users were intoxicated.

I have no idea how strictly the FDA will address this issue. Generally speaking, regulation by the government or other authorities will inhibit free competition and make the market itself shrunk. And many Americans will be against any external regulation. On the other hand, it is no doubt that the government is responsible for protecting citizens' health. The FDA has to make a balanced decision making.

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