Introduction
Dietary supplement makers say capsules containing oils from flax seed, evening primrose and other plants are beneficial. About half of American adults regularly use supplements, including vitamins, minerals, energy boosters and diet aids. Some 85,000 dietary supplements are sold without prescriptions across the country. (Getty Images/Keith Getter)
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Dietary supplements, which are sold without prescriptions and include vitamins, energy boosters, herbal preparations and weight-loss aids, have mushroomed into a $37 billion industry, with as many as half of American adults using them. But critics argue that many supplements are ineffective or dangerous and that federal oversight of the industry is too lax. Supplements cause more than 20,000 emergency room visits annually, and since 2007 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has identified more than 600 supplements tainted with substances such as steroids that are illegal or available only by prescription. The New York State Attorney General's Office this year found that many herbal supplements sold by major retailers contained none of the ingredients listed on their labels. The industry, aided by powerful lawmakers in Congress, says supplements provide valuable health benefits and that only a few unscrupulous companies market tainted products. But many consumer advocates and health experts argue that problems with supplements are so widespread that regulations should be tightened to protect public health.
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Jul. 07, 2017 |
Hunger in America |
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Oct. 30, 2015 |
Dietary Supplements |
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Aug. 08, 2014 |
Global Hunger |
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Oct. 01, 2010 |
Preventing Obesity |
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Apr. 07, 2006 |
Rising Health Costs |
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Feb. 10, 2006 |
Eating Disorders  |
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Sep. 03, 2004 |
Dietary Supplements |
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Jan. 31, 2003 |
Obesity Epidemic |
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Feb. 23, 2001 |
Diet and Health |
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Jan. 15, 1999 |
Obesity and Health |
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Sep. 26, 1997 |
Youth Fitness |
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Apr. 14, 1995 |
Dieting and Health |
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Jul. 08, 1994 |
Dietary Supplements |
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Dec. 18, 1992 |
Eating Disorders |
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Nov. 06, 1992 |
Physical Fitness |
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Jul. 31, 1992 |
Infant Mortality |
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Oct. 25, 1991 |
World Hunger |
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Mar. 16, 1990 |
Public-Health Campaigns: Do They Go Too Far? |
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Apr. 29, 1988 |
How America Eats |
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Sep. 06, 1985 |
Anorexia and Other Eating Disorders |
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May 18, 1984 |
Dining in America |
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Aug. 26, 1983 |
Staying Healthy |
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Nov. 19, 1982 |
Weight Control: A National Obsession |
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Oct. 17, 1980 |
Caffeine Controversy |
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Apr. 14, 1978 |
Physical Fitness Boom |
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Jun. 17, 1977 |
Obesity and Health |
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Feb. 22, 1974 |
Heart Research |
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Aug. 01, 1973 |
Nutrition in America |
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Dec. 02, 1970 |
Infant Health |
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Nov. 15, 1967 |
Overweight and Health |
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Aug. 10, 1966 |
Dental Health |
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Jul. 13, 1966 |
Prolongation of Life |
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May 09, 1962 |
Outdoor Recreation |
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Nov. 26, 1958 |
Dieting and Health |
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Jul. 13, 1949 |
Recreation for Millions |
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May 13, 1941 |
Nutrition and National Health |
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