Dietary Supplements versus Medications ( Drugs)

Having worked for FDA( New Drugs Development and Approval) for over 12 years before my retirement in 2002, the subject of Food and Drugs still interests me. This article today is all about dietary supplements regulated by FDA as Food not Drugs. 

The website below is a complete reference of all you want to know about dietary supplements that perhaps you may be afraid to ask.  I hope you find this article informative and learned something new. 

Dietary Supplements are not considered medicines. They do not give a cure to any illness or disease. They are just taken to supplement or reinforce the need for nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Supplements are good for the body since it can help boost the nutrients needed by the body. 

Dietary supplements are regulated by the FDA as food, not as drugs. However, many dietary supplements contain ingredients that have strong biological effects which may conflict with a medicine you are taking or a medical condition you may have.

So dietary supplements have not been proven safe and effective before they are marketed but must comply with how food is regulated by FDA.  Here's a better description of the difference between drugs and dietary supplements.

Drugs are tested by the FDA. They’re defined as substances intended to diagnose, treat or prevent disease. Medications must pass clinical trials before being released to the public and the tests need to prove each drug is safe, performing just as the manufacturer claims. After these trials, your doctor can prescribe the drug to you.

Supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA. Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), the FDA treats supplements like food and the DSHEA defines supplements as “products taken orally for supplementing the diet.” Supplements can include minerals, vitamins or other natural biological substances and they’re available in a variety of shapes and sizes, including concentrates, extracts, capsules, tablets, liquids and powders.

 Here's a complete discussions of the differences of drugs vs supplements.

https://www.usada.org/spirit-of-sport/education/medications-vs-supplements/

For complete details on dietary supplements read:

https://www.fda.gov/food/information-consumers-using-dietary-supplements/supplement-your-knowledge?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=DS22 

Meanwhile, here's something for you to think about!

Lastly, yesterday, Dinah and I had Dim Sum at East Ocean Seafood Restaurant ( Ignacio Valley Rd) after my pedicure at the next door Nail's Salon. Here are photos of our Dim Sum Dinner.

I highly recommend East Ocean Seafood Restaurant for your Chinese Food Desires and Cravings.  The pork ribs in black bean sauce was outstanding as well as all of the regular Dim Sum Offerings. For Details and Reviews read:   

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g33235-d25218270-Reviews-East_Ocean_Seafood_Restaurant-Walnut_Creek_California.html