Regulation of Dietary Supplements in the United States of America

Abstract

AbstractThe importance of dietary supplements regulation in the United States of America becomes clear when the prevalence of this form of therapy is recognized. One of the most important pieces of legislature affecting dietary supplement manufacturing and distribution is the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994. The Act and its amendments have provided definitions and guidelines to dietary supplement industry and public. These laws address Labeling and Claims, Good Manufacturing Practices, Adverse Event Reporting mechanisms and a number of other areas. The legislation is still undergoing changes. It is believed that strict implementation of the regulations and educating of health care professionals and patients will help dietary supplement field become safer and better understood.