The Unregulated and Potentially Harmful World of Dietary Supplements
Dietary supplements have become a booming industry, raking in nearly $39 billion in revenue in 2022. With minimal regulation and oversight, this industry shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, 77% of Americans trust the supplement industry, believing that they are taking control of their own health by using these products. However, the truth is that the unregulated market of dietary supplements is putting consumers at risk of being misled and potentially harmed.
A recent study found that approximately 1 in 10 adolescents have used nonprescribed weight loss and weight control products, including dietary supplements. This alarming statistic highlights the prevalence of unhealthy weight control behaviors among young people. These behaviors not only have negative physical health outcomes but also worsen mental health.
Emily Hemendinger, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and Katie Suleta, a Ph.D. candidate in medicine and health at George Washington University, have witnessed firsthand the harm that these supplements can cause based on unfounded beliefs. They argue that the lack of regulation in the dietary supplement market is setting consumers up to be misled and potentially seriously harmed by these products.
The problem lies in the classification of dietary supplements as food rather than drugs. Under a 1994 law, dietary supplements are not required to prove efficacy like drugs are. This means that manufacturers can make claims about their products without providing supporting evidence. Misbranding and false advertising run rampant in the supplement industry, with products making false claims about curing cancer, improving immune health, enhancing cognitive functioning, and promoting weight loss.
Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only takes action on a product once it has been shown to cause harm. This reactive approach puts consumers at risk, as many dietary supplements contain ingredients that can interact with medications or may be laced with hidden drugs not listed on the label. For example, products containing the highly addictive drug tianeptine or the substance kratom, which has opioid-like effects, are mislabeled as herbal supplements.
While the FDA has made efforts to crack down on weight loss supplements containing undeclared drugs, such as sibutramine, the agency admits that it is unable to test every weight loss supplement for contamination. Warning labels are often poorly placed and disclaimers about potential adverse effects are rarely displayed prominently on product labels.
The use of dietary supplements is particularly concerning among individuals with eating disorders. People with eating disorders may be attracted to supplements that promise quick and pain-free weight loss or muscle gain. The use of diet pills and supplements has been associated with an increased risk of developing eating disorders, disordered eating, low self-esteem, depression, and substance use.
Protein powders and fitness supplements also pose risks, especially among adolescents. Girls are more at risk for using weight loss supplements, while boys are increasingly turning to fitness supplements like protein powder and creatine products. These supplements can signify a preoccupation with body shape and size. Protein powders may contain unknown ingredients or excessive sugar, while overuse of creatine can lead to health problems.
To address these issues, researchers at Harvard University propose taxing dietary supplements that claim weight loss benefits. Another policy recommendation is to ban the sale of dietary supplements and other weight loss products to minors. New York has already successfully passed legislation banning the sale of these products to minors, and other states like Colorado, California, and Massachusetts are considering similar action.
In the meantime, medical professionals recommend that parents and caregivers encourage their children to obtain protein and vitamins from whole foods rather than relying on supplements and powders. They also emphasize the importance of balanced nutrition, adequate sleep and recovery, and a variety of resistance, strength, and conditioning training for teenagers.
The unregulated world of dietary supplements is a cause for concern. While the industry continues to thrive, consumers must be cautious and informed about the potential risks associated with these products. It is crucial for regulatory measures to be put in place to protect consumers, especially vulnerable populations like adolescents and individuals with eating disorders.
