FDA Publishes Guidance on the Substantiation Needed for Supplement Claims

In December 2008, the FDA published its guidance regarding structure/function claims for dietary supplements in the form of non-binding recommendations to supplement industry manufacturers. Contrary to the oft-repeated notion that dietary supplements are unregulated, under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, the “FDA has exclusive jurisdiction over the safety, and primary jurisdiction… Continue reading FDA Publishes Guidance on the Substantiation Needed for Supplement Claims

What Effects Will the Pending FDA Regulation Changes Have on Stevia and Other Substances?

The FDA is currently receiving comment about Section 912 of its Amendments Act (FDAAA), which deals with the regulation of foods containing substances that have undergone clinical trials; they have now extended that comment period until November 25. The Section 912 regulations could create a major shift in the divide between foods and drugs.

Adverse Event Report Labeling for Supplements — the Controversy Continues

In 2006, AAHF took a stand against the proposed Dietary Supplement and Non-Prescription Drug Consumer Protection legislation, now law, because we felt the bill was not in the public’s best interest. The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act had already been amended to require reporting of serious adverse events for both over-the-counter and dietary supplements to… Continue reading Adverse Event Report Labeling for Supplements — the Controversy Continues

The FDA and Vitamin B-6

In recent issues, we have told you about Medicure Pharma’s so-called Citizens Petition to the FDA to ban any dietary supplements containing the natural and active form of vitamin B-6 called pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (P5P).  A reader has asked: what is the difference between pyridoxine, the most common form of B-6, and P5P? Most supplements contain… Continue reading The FDA and Vitamin B-6

Natural Substance Knock Offs in the FDA Pipeline Could be Dangerous

Some of the natural substances taken through the FDA approval process don’t appear to be dangerous. For example, Omacor, the FDA approved fish oil, is only a problem because it is so expensive compared to regular fish oil. All of us who pay Medicare taxes are bearing this cost since Medicare won’t reimburse any other… Continue reading Natural Substance Knock Offs in the FDA Pipeline Could be Dangerous