Are Supplements Safe?

Plant-based remedies are often thought of as “safer” alternatives to modern medicine based on their vast use by our ancestors and, most notably, in Chinese medicine. While research on many herbs shows promise in alleviating pain or improving specific health aspects, these are rarely taken in their natural form today. Most often these herbs are taken in supplement form, manufactured in labs by companies not necessarily regulated by any agency.

So how do you know what is actually in these pills? Despite the perceived safety of these supplements, consumers may not realize there is no guarantee they are actually ingesting what is on the label – either in the amount or the form.

Although herbal and dietary supplements fall under the responsibility of the Food and Drug Administration, they are under separate regulations from conventional drugs or food. Unlike drugs, which require strict trials and testing before being released to consumers, the FDA is only responsible for the safety and efficacy of supplements after they are on the market. This means companies largely operate on an “honor system” when reporting their own testing. Unfortunately, action is only taken after reports by consumers or third party investigators are made indicating negative reactions or false labeling.

In 2015, the New York Attorney General’s Office performed their own investigation and reported the widespread practice of falsely labeled ingredients in the products of four major retailers. Testing revealed that not only were the ingredients listed often not actually present, but also various hidden ingredients and unlisted fillers were found, many of which are major allergens (think: legumes, gluten). These results came as a shock to most and highlight the need for large improvements in our regulatory systems for these products and companies.

For now, consumers can protect themselves by using careful scrutiny when selecting herbal or dietary supplements. The best advice is to look for seals of approval on products to ensure they have been tested by a third party and actually contain the ingredients listed and are without contaminants. Reputable third party seals include: USP, NSF, and ConsumerLab. However, still use caution, as this testing does not mean the product is safe or effective for the specific health claims listed.

Bottom line: What is the safest rule? Real food! Remember, supplements made in a lab are not in their natural state, so you are always better off adding fresh or dried herbs to your diet and getting nutrients from real food.

Source 1, Source 2, Source 3

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