ABSTRACT
CONTENTS 29.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................521 29.2 Prescription Drugs ............................................................................................................521 29.3 Over-the-Counter Drugs ..................................................................................................523 29.4 Vitamins, Minerals, and Other Nutritional Supplements ..........................................524 29.5 “Nutritional Support” Statements ................................................................................525 29.6 Herbal Problems ..............................................................................................................526 29.7 Homeopathic Products ....................................................................................................528 29.8 Recommended Reforms ..................................................................................................530 29.9 Recommended Information Sources ............................................................................531 References ....................................................................................................................................531
For purposes of discussion, drug and dietary supplement products can be divided into six categories: (1) prescription drugs, (2) standard over-the-counter (OTC) products, (3) vitamins and minerals, (4) other nutritional supplements, (5) herbs, and (6) homeopathic products. Prescription and standard OTC drugs are closely regulated and, almost always, live up to their advertised claims. Supplements and herbs are considerably less regulated, and many involve unsubstantiated claims, insufficiently tested ingredients, and poor quality control. Homeopathic products are minimally regulated. They are presumed safe, but there is no logical reason to use them. Table 29.1 compares the five product categories.
