The marketing of dietary supplements in North America: the emperor is (almost) naked

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine : Research on Paradigm, Practice, and Policy
Norman J Temple

Abstract

Many different dietary supplements are being sold in North America. The quality of the evidence supporting their efficacy covers a wide spectrum: Some are based on solid science (such as vitamin D and fish oil), whereas with most supplements there is little or no supporting evidence. Types of supplements commonly sold include exotic fruit juices (such as goji juice) and single herbs or mixture of herbs. Common claims made in support of particular supplements are that they are rich in antioxidants, induce detoxification, stimulate the immune system, and cause weight loss. Supplements are commonly sold through health food stores and by multilevel marketing. Sales may be promoted using bulk mail ("junk mail"), spam e-mails, and Web sites. A large part of marketing is based on claims that are blatantly dishonest. Whereas supplements for which good supporting evidence exists generally cost around $3-$4 per month, those that are heavily promoted for which there is little supporting evidence cost about $20-$60 per month. The major cause of this problem in the United States is weakness of the law. There is an urgent need for stricter regulation and for giving better advice to the general public.

References

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Citations

Dec 2, 2010·The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine : Research on Paradigm, Practice, and Policy·Ray Cooper
Mar 25, 2011·The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine : Research on Paradigm, Practice, and Policy·Jennifer Jo Thompson, Mark Nichter
Oct 10, 2012·The Consultant Pharmacist : the Journal of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists·Melanie L MartinezSunny A Linnebur
Dec 3, 2013·The American Journal of Medicine·Christopher OwensDerek Puckett
Feb 19, 2013·American Journal of Kidney Diseases : the Official Journal of the National Kidney Foundation·Vanessa GrubbsUNKNOWN Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CKD Surveillance Team
Jun 7, 2016·American Journal of Law & Medicine·Diane Hoffmann, Jack Schwartz

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Software Mentioned

Vitamin Gene
ImmuGo
DSHEA

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