AMA Journal of Ethics

Consider the origins of America’s cosmetic and supplement industry and the advertising practices that sustain it.

Consumption of over-the-counter vitamins, minerals, and herbals is widespread, but clinicians lack critical information about their use.

Weaknesses in regulatory approaches to negligent misrepresentation claims about dietary can have clinical and public health consequences.

Increase in dietary supplement use in the United States suggests a great need for clinicians to be aware of the range of their quality parameters.

Statutory limitations prevent the FDA from effectively regulating dietary supplements and have generated numerous calls for reform.

Government-supported review and safety monitoring is needed for dietary supplements’ use in the care of patients with mental illness.

Helping patients mitigate their risk of chronic disease is key, but dietary supplements are risky.

Some allopathic clinicians’ biases influence the information they draw upon to make decisions and offer recommendations.

Dietary supplements can have side effects; interact with medications, food, or other supplements; or be unsafe.

Illegal, fraudulent, adulterated, or improperly labeled products should be regarded as sources of possible clinical and ethical harm to patients.