12.21.17
The dietary supplement industry is aware of growing concerns regarding significant negative health impacts associated with opioid addiction and abuse. The leading trade associations of the dietary supplement industry support the responsible marketing and use of health-promoting vitamins, minerals, herbs, sports nutrition, and other dietary supplements. However, these organizations said they are currently unaware of any published scientific research that supports the use of any dietary supplement to treat opioid use disorder or to mitigate opioid withdrawal symptoms. Furthermore, federal law does not allow dietary supplements to claim to treat or cure any diseases, including opioid addiction, and the industry trade associations have been consistent in taking strong positions against marketing dietary supplements for treatment or prevention of diseases—whether for anthrax, SARS, avian flu, swine flu, Ebola virus--or for treatment of opioid addiction.
The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the Natural Products Association (NPA), and the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) are therefore endorsing the following unified advisory for manufacturers, marketers and retailers, as well as for consumers, of dietary supplements:
The organizations supporting this advisory represent the majority of dietary supplement ingredient suppliers, manufacturers and product marketers. Each of the associations and its member companies remain committed to providing the American public with high-quality products for supporting personal health and wellness, and empowering self-care choices, when appropriate.
The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the Natural Products Association (NPA), and the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) are therefore endorsing the following unified advisory for manufacturers, marketers and retailers, as well as for consumers, of dietary supplements:
- Retailers of dietary supplements, including online retail portals, should refuse to stock or sell any dietary supplements that claim to treat or cure opioid use disorder or addiction or claim to reduce the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
- Manufacturers, marketers and retailers should refrain from promoting any dietary supplement as a cure or treatment for these conditions.
- Anyone in need of treatment for opioid abuse or addiction should contact a healthcare professional immediately. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has information on currently available effective medical treatments.
The organizations supporting this advisory represent the majority of dietary supplement ingredient suppliers, manufacturers and product marketers. Each of the associations and its member companies remain committed to providing the American public with high-quality products for supporting personal health and wellness, and empowering self-care choices, when appropriate.