Dietary Supplements

Americans spend at least $16 billion a year on nearly 30,000 kinds of dietary supplements, most of which seem safe. But critics contend that 10 years after Congress relaxed federal regulation of supplements manufacturing, little is really known about the long-term effects of many supplements, particularly herbals. Moreover, despite a federal ban against the once-popular weight-loss aid ephedra, critics say at least a dozen other supplements may also pose serious health risks. They want legislation to toughen safety rules and more money spent on enforcement. Questions also have emerged about the efficacy of supplements. Apart from vitamins and minerals, the health benefits of most supplements are minimal to non-existent, critics say. But supplement manufacturers counter that critics exaggerate the problems within the industry, ignore studies that suggest positive health effects of supplements and are hostile to alternative health care in general.