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Article: Ensuring the safety of dietary supplements.
- Article from:
- FDA Consumer
- Article date:
- July 1, 2004
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 U.S. Government Printing Office. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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When taken appropriately, some dietary supplements have clear benefits. Folic acid lowers the risk of some birth defects. Calcium supplements can strengthen bones and help prevent osteoporosis. But some dietary supplements pose health risks. They may be improperly manufactured or handled, or their ingredients may cause harmful effects on the body.
Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), dietary supplements are regulated like foods. Unlike new drugs, dietary supplements don't generally have to go through review by the Food and Drag Administration for safety and effectiveness or be "approved" before they can he marketed. But ...