1A RFK Jr., The FDA, And Supplement Regulations
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Oct 23, 2025 Dr. Melinda Ring, an integrative medicine physician, discusses the clinical use and safety of supplements, while emphasizing the importance of reputable information. Peter Lurie, a former FDA commissioner, advocates for stricter regulations and critiques existing enforcement gaps. Daniel Fabricant, representing the natural products industry, defends current practices. They explore the reasons behind the growing popularity of supplements, highlight safety concerns, and debate the efficacy of alternatives versus pharmaceuticals.
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Supplements Are Mainstream Yet Pre-Market Unchecked
- About 75% of Americans take dietary supplements, so they are mainstream rather than niche.
- Many supplements reach shelves without FDA pre-approval under current rules, creating regulatory gaps.
FDA Authority Exists But Faces Limits
- The FDA has some regulatory authority but it's limited and often under-resourced according to critics.
- Companies can market many supplements without prior FDA notification, creating enforcement challenges.
GRAS Lets Industry Self-Certify Safety
- GRAS (generally recognized as safe) allows industry panels to self-determine safety for many food ingredients.
- That pathway predates current supplement laws and creates a contentious regulatory loophole.