This book documents the long, still ongoing battle between the US Food and Drug Administration and the dietary supplement industry. It presents the complex, often subtle, and sometimes overlooked series of events that had a major impact on how dietary supplements are manufactured, marketed, sold, and used today. While the first few chapters focus on some background topics, the remaining chapters walk the reader through timeline of events, legislative actions, FDA proposed and final rules, and judicial decisions that led to our current dietary supplement regulatory framework. Interwoven in narrative are examples of the roles of science, social and public policy, politics, and popular media.

The growing consumer interest in health and fitness has expanded the market for a wide range of products, from yoga mats to the multiple dietary supplements now on the market. Supplements are popular, but are they safe? Many dietary supplements are probably safe when used as recommended. However, since 1994 when Congress decided that they should be regulated as if they were foods, they are assumed to be safe unless the Food and Drug Administration can demonstrate that they pose a significant risk to the consumer. But there are many types of products that qualify as dietary supplements, and the distinctions can become muddled and vague. Manufacturers are not legally required to provide specific information about safety before marketing their products. And the sales of supplements have been steadily increasingâ€"all together, the various types now bring in almost $16 billion per year. Given these confounding factors, what kind of information can the Food and Drug Administration use to effectively regulate dietary supplements? This book provides a framework for evaluating dietary supplement safety and protecting the health of consumers.

The User's Guide to Nutritional Supplements focuses on the most popular nutritional supplements, those that consistently attract the most attention - and are the ones most likely to benefit the majority of people. In describing the most popular nutritional supplements, this book explains: * Vitamin E can reduce the risk of heart disease - and the best types to take. * Selenium can slash the chances of developing some types of cancer. * Ginkgo can improve memory and recall. * Chromium can help oromote weigth loss and lower the risk of diabetes. * Glucosamine and chondroitin can prevent osteoarthritis. * Calcium and magnesium work together to build strong bones. * Coenzyme Q10 can boost your energy levels and strengthenyour heart. * Ginseng and other supplements boost your exercise stamina.