Nutritional supplements are big business.industry made Revenue of approximately USD 39 billion In 2022 little regulation or oversighta position that continues to grow.
Marketing of nutritional supplements is so effective that 77% of Americans report feeling like: The supplement industry can be trusted. The idea of taking your health into your own hands is appealing, and supplements are popular among athletes, parents, and people looking to quickly recover from a cold or flu.
A 2024 study found that approximately 1 in 10 adolescents Non-prescription weight loss and weight management productsincluding dietary supplements.
Of note, that systematic review found that the use of nonprescription diet pills for weight management was significantly higher than the use of nonprescription laxatives and diuretics. These unhealthy weight management behaviors Deterioration of both mental and physical health.
as Certified Clinical Social Worker She specializes in treating anxiety and eating disorders. Director of Biomedical Research, we have seen firsthand the harm these supplements do based on unsubstantiated beliefs. The unregulated market for dietary supplements means that consumers can be misled and seriously harmed by these products.
Wild West
of food and drug administration It specifies that supplements must contain “nutritional ingredients” such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, live microorganisms, concentrates, and extracts.
Unfortunately, manufacturers are unable to claim that their products are supplements even if they do not meet that standard, such as products containing the highly addictive drug tianeptine, which can mimic the biological effects of opioids. can. Although some of these products may be labeled as dietary supplements, they are not.
Products containing kratom, a substance with opioid-like effects, are sold over-the-counter at many gas stations. Claims to be an herbal supplement but is mislabeled.
under 1994 Act, Dietary supplements are classified as foods, not medicines. This means that, unlike medicines, dietary supplements do not have to prove their effectiveness.Regulatory authorities also take no action against the product until it turns out to be harmful.
but, The FDA website states: “Many dietary supplements contain ingredients that have strong biological effects that may be inconsistent with the medications you are taking or the medical conditions you may have. Hidden Drugs Products containing it are sometimes mistakenly marketed as dietary supplements, putting consumers at even greater risk.”
In other words, supplements are regulated as food rather than medicine, even though they can interact with medicines and may be contaminated with hidden drugs not listed on the label.
Manufacturer of Nutritional supplements can be claimed About their products, which fall into three categories: health claims, nutritional claims, and claims about product function, structure, or both. No need to provide supporting evidence.
Misbranding and false advertising Nutritional supplements are widespreadcontains false claims of cure cancer, improve immune health, Improved cognitive function, Improving fertility, improve cardiovascular health And of course, Promote weight loss and weight management.
FDA is cracking down
You can find supplements that claim to be effective for almost any health condition, concern, or goal, so it's no surprise that supplements are marketed for weight loss purposes.
In August 2021, FDA cracked down Some of these weight loss products are used because of the presence of undeclared drugs. For example, of the 72 products recalled; The drug sibutramine is sold as Meridia.found in 68 of them.
The FDA may take further action beyond a recall; admitted that it cannot be tested Any weight loss supplements against drug contamination.
Although these crackdowns have shown some progress, several problems remain.Warning label placement, ingredients, and beliefs based on misleading or false advertising still very problematic.
Some weight loss supplements may carry FDA warnings. Of those who do so, Disclaimers are rarely displayed Because it appears on the front of the product label, consumers are less likely to see it.
Ingredients in weight loss supplements can and do have negative effects.they people admitted to the emergency room for cardiovascular and swallowing problems, including in seemingly healthy young people.
eating disorder
Mental health concerns and eating disorders are on the rise. As a result, researchers are investigating unhealthy weight management behaviors, such as the use of nutritional supplements and how accessible they are to adolescents and children.
People with eating disorders often have related health problems, such as: bone loss, osteoporosis and vitamin deficiencies. Accordingly, your doctor may prescribe nutritional supplements such as: calcium, vitamin D and nutritional supplement shake. However, these are not dietary supplements of concern.
Of concern are supplements that promote weight loss, muscle gain, or both.
People with eating disorders may be attracted to dietary supplements that claim to cause quick and painless weight loss or muscle gain. Additionally, users of dietary supplements may experience an increase in symptoms such as: forced exercise or Other unhealthy weight management behaviors.
The use of diet drugs and supplements is also associated with an increased risk of: Eating disorders and development of eating disorderslow self-esteem, depression, substance use. Although nutritional supplements alone do not cause eating disorders or disordered eating, they are a contributing factor It may be addressed through preventive measures and regulations.
The appeal of protein powder and fitness supplements
Protein powders and other fitness supplements also have wide appeal. According to research, Girls are at higher risk than boys When using weight loss supplements. However, a growing problem among boys is Use of fitness supplements protein powder etc. creatine productsa compound that provides energy to muscles.
Use of fitness supplements sometimes means commitment in shape and size. For example, a 2022 study found that protein powder intake among adolescents Steroid use in future adulthood.
Protein powder claims to build lean muscle, and creatine claims to provide energy for short, intense workouts.
Protein itself is not Harmful at recommended doses. However, protein powders may contain unknown ingredients, such as: Certain toxins or excess sugar. Also, Dangerous if used in excess Other foods containing important nutrients should be substituted.
Creatine is generally safe for use by adults, but can be dangerous if used in excess. cause health problems and Not recommended for minors. Ultimately, the impact is Long-term use of these supplementshas not been studied specifically in adolescents.
possible solution
One of the proposed regulations is Harvard University researchers It contains burdensome nutritional supplements Its label touts weight loss benefits.
Another policy recommendation This includes banning the sale of dietary supplements and other weight loss products to protect minors from poorly regulated and potentially dangerous products.
In 2023, New York state successfully passed the bill We have prohibited the sale of these products to minors. one hand state Other states including Colorado, California and Massachusetts are considering or considering similar measures.
Ultimately, health professionals recommend that parents and caregivers encourage their children to: Get protein and vitamins from whole foods Instead of relying on supplements and powders. We also recommend encouraging teens to focus on balanced nutrition, sleep, recovery, and a variety of resistance, strength, and conditioning training.
