Last year, we witnessed growing interest in consumer health and wellness products that were trending on social media. The rise of third-party online shopping platforms – think TikTok Shop, Amazon and sponsored content on Meta-owned platforms – has fostered a culture where consumers are comfortable trusting influencer recommendations, often purchasing items without critical examination of a product and its claims. For some products – like dietary supplements – an impulse buy can be dangerous.
Millions of Americans take dietary supplements, including vitamins, each day. Recommendations on what to take can be found everywhere from commercials to social media influencers. However, without careful consideration, dietary supplements can put patients at risk for serious adverse events.
Men are more likely than women to smoke and drink alcohol, put off regular medical checkups, and make less than healthy choice. Some men use dietary supplements to help them achieve their health goals, with many good results. However, some scientists are becoming increasingly cautious about these supplements because of the way they can impact the liver. One way to avoid adulterated supplements is to seek out the USP Verified Mark on the labels.
USP breaks down its process for helping to ensure dietary supplement quality in this infographic.
Stakeholders representing major gummy manufacturers, ingredient manufacturers, contract laboratories, and trade associations recently participated in a USP roundtable discussion on gummy dietary supplements. They shared their views on technical and quality challenges in manufacturing as well as scientific and public health considerations related to the future development of USP quality standards for gummy dietary supplements.
The USP Verified Mark and the Good Housekeeping Seal help consumers find quality products in the marketplace. But did you know these two seals enjoy a shared history? Each is the legacy of the work of pioneering consumer activist and “Father of the Pure Food and Drug Act”—Harvey W. Wiley, M.D.
Tainted “lifestyle supplements" may outnumber products free from drugs and their unapproved synthetic analogs. Learn how proposed new screening methods in USP General Chapter <2251> Adulteration of Dietary Supplements with Drugs and Drug Analogs can help detect these adulterants and protect public health.
Manufacturers often rely on trusted suppliers to provide quality ingredients. But is trust enough? Not anymore. In today’s world of increasingly complex global supply chains, it’s okay to trust, so long as you verify.
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