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NEW YORK, Apr 02, 2004 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Dietary supplement companies should report evidence of any serious health problems tied to use of their products, a federal advisory panel says.
In a report from the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council, a committee of experts found current regulations on dietary supplements have "constraints" that "make it difficult for the health of the American public to be adequately protected," the Wall Street Journal said.
Unlike drugs, dietary supplements don't have to be approved by the FDA before they are marketed. The FDA can pull supplements off the market but bears the burden of proof in showing a "significant or unreasonable risk."
The FDA recently banned supplements containing the weight-loss product ephedra, the first time the agency has taken such an action.
Copyright 2004 by United Press International.
