What Is Food Supplement Definition

Supplements can be made from intact sources or extracts of plants, animals, algae, fungi or lichens, including examples such as ginkgo biloba, curcumin, cranberry, St. John`s wort, ginseng, resveratrol, glucosamine and collagen. [51] [52] [53] Products with health claims are sold over the counter in pharmacies, supermarkets, specialty stores, military commissars, buying clubs, direct selling organizations and on the Internet. [52] Although most of these products have a long history of use in herbalism and various forms of traditional medicine, there are concerns about their efficacy, safety and consistent quality. [54] [55] [56] Canada has published a guide for producers and consumers describing the quality, licences, standards, identities and common contaminants of natural products. [57] The USDA provides information on a variety of topics related to food and nutrition. For example, calcium and vitamin D can help build strong bones, and fiber can help maintain bowel regularity. While the benefits of some supplements are well established, other supplements require more study. Also, keep in mind that supplements should not replace the variety of foods that are important for a healthy diet.

In 2019, sales of herbal supplements amounted to $9.6 billion in the U.S. alone, with the market growing at about 8.6% annually,[58] with cannabidiol and mushroom products being the highest. [59] Italy, Germany, and Eastern European countries were the top consumers of herbal supplements in 2016, with the European Union market estimated to grow at $8.7 billion by 2020. [60] Partly because of our modern lifestyle, not everyone is able to eat healthy. In Europe, dietary surveys have shown that micronutrient intake is suboptimal.2,8 The EU-funded EURRECA project found inadequate intakes of vitamin C, vitamin D, folic acid, calcium, selenium and iodine.9 A recent comparison of national surveys showed widespread concern about vitamin D intake, while certain age groups tend to have low mineral intake.2 For example, in Denmark, France, Poland, Germany and the United Kingdom are concerned about adequate iron intake in adolescent girls.2 Low iron levels in young women also increase the risk of infants being born with low birth weight. iron deficiency and delayed brain development.10 Folate status is also crucial for women who may become pregnant. It is recommended to take folic acid before conception and continue for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Adequate folate status may reduce the risk of having a baby with neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Recent research suggests that 50-70% of Europeans have a low vitamin D status.2,11,12 Since vitamin D status depends not only on dietary intake, but also on exposure to UV rays, there may be a stronger argument for recommending vitamin D supplements in northern European countries. In some countries (including the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and Sweden), it is already recommended that some populations take a vitamin D supplement, although there are calls for more research. Although the Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the European Union subsequently stated that the EU plan to tighten the rules on the sale of vitamins and food supplements[124] should be abandoned[124], it was ultimately rejected by the European Court of Justice, which ruled that the measures in question were necessary and proportionate to protect public health. However, ANH interpreted the prohibition to mean that it applies only to synthetic supplements and not to vitamins and minerals normally present in the diet or consumed as part of the diet.

[125] Nevertheless, the European judges acknowledged the concerns of the Advocate General and stated that there must be clear procedures for substances to be included in the list of authorised substances on the basis of scientific evidence. They also said that any refusal to add the product to the list can be challenged in court. [126] Other than the manufacturer`s responsibility to comply with the safety standards and labelling requirements of dietary supplements and to comply with applicable regulations for proper manufacturing, there are no laws or regulations limiting the portion sizes of a dietary supplement or the amount of a food ingredient that may be present in a serving of a dietary supplement. This decision is made by the manufacturer and does not require FDA approval. Some populations are advised to take certain dietary supplements. The general message is: eat a healthy, balanced diet, read supplement and fortified food labels carefully, and avoid taking multiple doses that exceed the recommended daily amounts (RDA). When in doubt, seek advice from a nutritionist or doctor before choosing a dietary supplement. The same protein ingredients marketed as supplements may be incorporated into meal replacements and medical food products, but these are regulated and labeled differently than dietary supplements.

In the United States, “meal replacement” products are foods and are labeled as such. These usually contain proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. There may be ingredients such as “good protein source”, “low fat” or “lactose free”. [34] Medical foods, including nutritional foods, are designed for use while a person is under the care of a physician or other licensed health professional. [35] [10] Liquid medical foods – e.g. Ensure – are available in regular, protein-rich versions. The European Commission, on its own initiative or on the basis of information provided by Member States and following an evaluation by EFSA, may decide to include a particular substance in a list of substances whose use in food is prohibited, restricted or reviewed. This may be the case when the addition of a substance to a food increases its exposure to concentrations well above normal consumption and/or poses a potential risk to consumers.

This procedure is set out in Art. 8 of Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 and substances whose use in food is prohibited, restricted or tested are listed in Annex III. Iron supplementation may reduce the risk of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women. [81] In 2020, the World Health Organization updated recommendations for adequate calcium levels during pregnancy to prevent hypertensive disorders. [82] [83] Directive 2002/46/EC lays down specific labelling requirements for food supplements. These include: A 2017 academic review showed an increasing incidence of liver damage due to the use of herbal supplements and dietary supplements, especially those containing steroids, green tea extract, or multiple ingredients. [107] Companies wishing to market a nutrient source not included in the list of authorised substances must submit an application to the European Commission. In accordance with Directive 2002/46/EC, EFSA then prepares a scientific opinion to support the European Commission`s assessment of the application. Based on EFSA`s work, the European Commission reviews and updates the list of vitamins or minerals that can be used in food supplements.

Examples of ongoing government research organizations aimed at better understanding the potential health and safety properties of dietary supplements include the European Food Safety Authority[3], the Office of Dietary Supplements of the U.S. National Institutes of Health[7][131], the Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate of Canada[132] and the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration. [133] In collaboration with public and private research groups, these organizations compile databases on supplement properties, conduct research on the quality, safety, and demographic trends in dietary supplement use, and evaluate the potential clinical effectiveness of dietary supplements in maintaining health or reducing disease risk. [131] The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulates the advertising, including infomercials, of dietary supplements. The FDA and FTC share responsibility for oversight of dietary supplements and related advertising, with the FDA generally responsible for safety, quality, and labeling, and the FTC generally responsible for advertising. The FDA and FTC have the power to take enforcement action against dietary supplements and companies if they find violations. In addition, the FDA considers advertising when evaluating the intended use of a product labeled as a dietary supplement. For more information about the FTC`s role in regulating dietary supplement advertising, visit the FTC website. Advertising and other promotional materials sent by mail are also regulated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. A “novel dietary ingredient” is an ingredient that meets the definition of a “dietary ingredient” and was not marketed in the United States prior to October 15, 1994. The FDA issues rules and regulations and oversees the labeling, marketing, and safety of dietary supplements.

Recall notices are also posted on the FDA website, or you can subscribe to recall notices, market withdrawals, and FDA safety warnings.