Vitamins and supplements are a huge industry, with manufacturers raking in billions of dollars annually. However, most are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat health problems. In addition, there’s often very little oversight when it comes to analyzing these products for potential contamination or even determining whether they actually contain the ingredients listed on their labels.
According to NBC News, a study found that nearly 70 percent of supplements had some degree of substation, meaning the products didn’t contain exactly what was on their labels, and one-third of supplements contained contaminants or fillers.
A quick glance at the FDA’s recall section of its website shows many vitamins and supplements alongside prescription and over-the-counter medications. Many of those vitamins and supplements are recalled for similar reasons as actual FDA-approved medications, including containing impurities, being non-sterile, or being mislabeled.
Another concern is the fact that supplements can interact with medications, making them react more strongly or decreasing their effectiveness. Some potentially harmful ingredients can be included alongside normal vitamins and minerals in multivitamins and other wellness formulas. A 2017 study even found that 20 percent of liver toxicity cases can be traced back to the usage of herbal and dietary supplements.
If you take vitamins and supplements, it’s important to be cautious about what you’re taking. In addition, always tell your doctor about all supplements you take, as they can cause problems with certain medications or during surgery.
If you or someone you love suffered an injury or illness after taking a supplement or medication, the drug injury lawyers at Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel want to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.