Business Insight presented by Arlington Dermatology Supplements and Regulations There are many products found in a pharmacy or a local grocery store's 'medicinal' shelf that are not prescription-based. Some are over the counter medicines, like Advil or Tylenol. Some others, like vitamins or minerals, are called supplements. The Federal Drug Administration does not screen or approve supplements during their development process. As a matter of fact, we often know very little about their development. Manufacturers and companies that market and sell supplements are the only parties responsible for 'approvals. There are many reputable companies developing supplemental diet products, working in clean and transparent business practice, and delivering supplements consistent with their label. Some of those companies are professional enough to publish their own studies. Some are very much providing great organic products that may very well supplement our diets. But, on the other hand, there are many quick start manufacturers who get into the business of supplements because it is trendy and very profitable. You can occasionally see commercials promising to grow your hair, make you strong and healthy, or to lose weight in a rapid manner while still eating fast food daily. As a society, we love popping pills, and we expect great outcomes fast and with no effort otherwise. The problem is that most true supplements do not work that way. Further, many of them do not provide consistent levels of vitamins or other ingredients at all. FDA does not need to approve them, so their way to the market is simple and their sales and profits depend on marketing alone. FDA only seldom visits and monitors manufacturers or shops producing and selling those products. Often, they visit only when there are negative market outcomes or somebody gets hurt. That is pretty late and too late for those who got sick. Several years ago, there was a market study that verified the true content of some vitamins in 20 various products available through the pharmacies. It turned out about 50% of them did not have the % of the label-marketed ingredients. Manufacturers may get a bad name or reputation then, but there is no real process penalizing them for lies. As long as no person filed a report of adverse event or illness, or death, there is practically nothing that can be done. The company may go out of business because of no sales but may return to the selling floor fast and with similar products. Additionally, there is almost unlimited opportunity to create a marketing profile for the company and the products on-line. Using fake actors responding with positive feedback is not uncommon. Colorful webpages, attractive videos, and pleasant people in the commercials can do the job of temptation. We must remember that supplements are not harmless. Many of them can be contraindicated with some prescription medicines and many may not be what we think they are. It is crucial to verify with your doctor before you start any supplements, and it is crucial to make sure the product comes from a proven and professional manufacturer. Only then can you be sure you are safe and will benefit from any supplement. Otherwise, spend your money on organic fruit and vegetables and enjoy the season for them now. Local farmers market will be your great entertainment. Michael Bukhalo, MD Arlington Dermatology 5301 Keystone Court Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 Tel. 847 392 5440 | www.arlingtondermatology.net Business Insight presented by Arlington Dermatology Supplements and Regulations There are many products found in a pharmacy or a local grocery store's ' medicinal ' shelf that are not prescription - based . Some are over the counter medicines , like Advil or Tylenol . Some others , like vitamins or minerals , are called supplements . The Federal Drug Administration does not screen or approve supplements during their development process . As a matter of fact , we often know very little about their development . Manufacturers and companies that market and sell supplements are the only parties responsible for ' approvals . There are many reputable companies developing supplemental diet products , working in clean and transparent business practice , and delivering supplements consistent with their label . Some of those companies are professional enough to publish their own studies . Some are very much providing great organic products that may very well supplement our diets . But , on the other hand , there are many quick start manufacturers who get into the business of supplements because it is trendy and very profitable . You can occasionally see commercials promising to grow your hair , make you strong and healthy , or to lose weight in a rapid manner while still eating fast food daily . As a society , we love popping pills , and we expect great outcomes fast and with no effort otherwise . The problem is that most true supplements do not work that way . Further , many of them do not provide consistent levels of vitamins or other ingredients at all . FDA does not need to approve them , so their way to the market is simple and their sales and profits depend on marketing alone . FDA only seldom visits and monitors manufacturers or shops producing and selling those products . Often , they visit only when there are negative market outcomes or somebody gets hurt . That is pretty late and too late for those who got sick . Several years ago , there was a market study that verified the true content of some vitamins in 20 various products available through the pharmacies . It turned out about 50 % of them did not have the % of the label - marketed ingredients . Manufacturers may get a bad name or reputation then , but there is no real process penalizing them for lies . As long as no person filed a report of adverse event or illness , or death , there is practically nothing that can be done . The company may go out of business because of no sales but may return to the selling floor fast and with similar products . Additionally , there is almost unlimited opportunity to create a marketing profile for the company and the products on - line . Using fake actors responding with positive feedback is not uncommon . Colorful webpages , attractive videos , and pleasant people in the commercials can do the job of temptation . We must remember that supplements are not harmless . Many of them can be contraindicated with some prescription medicines and many may not be what we think they are . It is crucial to verify with your doctor before you start any supplements , and it is crucial to make sure the product comes from a proven and professional manufacturer . Only then can you be sure you are safe and will benefit from any supplement . Otherwise , spend your money on organic fruit and vegetables and enjoy the season for them now . Local farmers market will be your great entertainment . Michael Bukhalo , MD Arlington Dermatology 5301 Keystone Court Rolling Meadows , IL 60008 Tel . 847 392 5440 | www.arlingtondermatology.net