Unexplainable Vitamin X
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Jul 13, 2022 Catherine Price, a science journalist and author of "Vitamania," sheds light on the murky world of dietary supplements. She explores shocking cases of harmful ingredients lurking in everyday products. With a historical lens, Catherine reveals how supplement regulation evolved — or the lack thereof — leaving consumers vulnerable. The conversation dives into the complexities of vitamins versus herbal products and discusses urgent calls for reform to ensure safety and efficacy for all.
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The Truck Driver's Case
- Dr. Peter Cohen's patient, a truck driver, tested positive for amphetamines after taking weight-loss pills from Brazil.
- Further investigation revealed other patients experiencing adverse effects from similar pills, prompting FDA involvement.
Supplements: A Regulatory Gray Area
- Dietary supplements occupy a broad gray area between food and drugs, encompassing vitamins, minerals, amino acids, botanicals, and even live bacteria.
- This makes regulation complex, as they're not strictly food or drugs.
Hidden Dangers in Supplements
- Dr. Cohen found adulterated supplements with unlisted ingredients and unexpected side effects.
- The CDC estimates 20,000+ emergency room visits and thousands of hospitalizations annually due to supplements.
