Understanding the Scientific Evidence and Regulatory State of the U.S. Dietary Supplement Industry: Considerations for Health and Fitness Practitioners

Abstract

ABSTRACT As dietary supplement use and the supplement industry continue to grow, practitioners in the health and fitness field are often asked by patients and clients for advice on dietary supplement use. Finding scientifically sound and unbiased information to disseminate can prove challenging because dietary supplement utilization and supplement claims are not regulated in the same manner as medications. This narrative review briefly summarizes the dietary supplement industry's state, including the applicable regulation and government oversight, and provides official position statements on dietary supplement utilization. Current supplement utilization patterns are explored, and available resources to investigate dietary supplements and individual manufacturers are provided for practitioners' future use.