The Truth About Dietary Supplements | Edina Physical Therapy Clinic

In 1994, federal legislation removed “dietary supplements” from FDA control. Since that time, manufacturers can suggest almost anything on their packaging and advertising without any proof of safety or efficacy. With a robust economy and a fervent desire by the population for the latest panacea, it’s been a sellers market. Little will be done in the way of objective testing, for there is no need due to escalating sales. Though many supplements on the market are highly beneficial and come in standard doses, for the majority on the shelf the old adage applies; “a fool and his money will soon part”. The following is a list of currently available supplements that have been deemed non-beneficial by the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, 8-98.

CREATINE

Claim: Improve athletic performance
DATA: Short-term boost for muscle strength in high-level, young athletes. Of no benefit for the casual exerciser.

ECHINACEA

Claim: Cures colds
DATA: Inconsistent evidence, products on the market are unstandardized, little known in regard to toxicity.

DHEA

Claim: Slows aging
DATA: A human hormone that may either have positive or negative effects, the jury is still out.

EPHREDRA

Claim: Weight control
DATA: The active ingredient is ephedrine, which is used in decongestants and asthma drugs. Raises heart rate and blood pressure. The FDA has proposed restrictions on phen-fen.