09.04.13
In a statement from the Washington D.C.-based Natural Products Association (NPA), John Shaw, CEO of NPA responded to the October Consumer Reports story on the “do’s and don’ts” of vitamins and supplements.
Mr. Shaw stated, “It’s highly unfortunate that a publication dedicated to serving consumers’ best interests would run a story that gets the facts wrong on dietary supplements. This article from Consumer Reports is peppered with factual inaccuracies and misleading blanket statements that could scare consumers out of taking products that can benefit their health.”
He added that the inclusion of “false, sweeping declarations” was negligent; specifically taking issue with the report linking vitamin E to an increased risk of prostate cancer. He explained, “There are numerous studies on vitamin E that show significant health benefits. It is irresponsible to pick one study and mislead your readers to believe that vitamin E is harmful. Consumers deserve to be fully informed so they can make good decisions about their health.”
Mr. Shaw further argued that the report’s suggestion that dietary supplements are not safe or accurately labeled is false. “In actuality, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act does require supplements to be safe and label claims to be accurate, otherwise the product is considered adulterated. Additionally, dietary supplement manufacturers are required to follow Good Manufacturing Practices and are regularly inspected by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adherence to these regulations that require testing of ingredients and finished products,” he explained.
Mr. Shaw concluded that “Supplements can play a valuable role in the health and well-being of those who are not getting enough nutrients in their diets, and the Natural Products Association strongly encourages consumers to discuss their dietary supplement regimen with their health care professionals.” Though NPA has issued a request for corrections to the article, the organization “welcomes the opportunity to serve as a resource for Consumer Reports as it works to set the record straight.”
Mr. Shaw stated, “It’s highly unfortunate that a publication dedicated to serving consumers’ best interests would run a story that gets the facts wrong on dietary supplements. This article from Consumer Reports is peppered with factual inaccuracies and misleading blanket statements that could scare consumers out of taking products that can benefit their health.”
He added that the inclusion of “false, sweeping declarations” was negligent; specifically taking issue with the report linking vitamin E to an increased risk of prostate cancer. He explained, “There are numerous studies on vitamin E that show significant health benefits. It is irresponsible to pick one study and mislead your readers to believe that vitamin E is harmful. Consumers deserve to be fully informed so they can make good decisions about their health.”
Mr. Shaw further argued that the report’s suggestion that dietary supplements are not safe or accurately labeled is false. “In actuality, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act does require supplements to be safe and label claims to be accurate, otherwise the product is considered adulterated. Additionally, dietary supplement manufacturers are required to follow Good Manufacturing Practices and are regularly inspected by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adherence to these regulations that require testing of ingredients and finished products,” he explained.
Mr. Shaw concluded that “Supplements can play a valuable role in the health and well-being of those who are not getting enough nutrients in their diets, and the Natural Products Association strongly encourages consumers to discuss their dietary supplement regimen with their health care professionals.” Though NPA has issued a request for corrections to the article, the organization “welcomes the opportunity to serve as a resource for Consumer Reports as it works to set the record straight.”