Are dietary supplements safe?

A government crackdown on the sale of dietary supplements that are tainted with toxins or make false claims as to their benefits has led to renewed warnings to consumers to be wary about such products.

Recent U.S. Justice Department indictments targeted a group of workout and weight-loss supplements that allegedly caused dozens of liver injuries and several deaths.

“No supplements are prescreened for efficacy and safety by the government,” said Bryn Austin, professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, in a November 18, 2015 CBS News article. “The FDA is reactive. Because of the way Congress ties their hands, they have to wait until there’s serious harm—deaths, injury, liver damage, transplants. Most consumers don’t realize their lives are on the line before the government steps in.”

Read the CBS News article: How safe are your dietary supplements?

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Students, faculty take action on unsafe dietary supplements (Harvard Chan School feature)