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Many
natural products can cause
dangerous side effects, and
over-the-counter supplements
can interfere with prescription
medications or aggravate existing
health conditions. Because
the FDA does not strictly
regulate the supplement industry,
there can be serious problems
with the products you purchase:
- Purity:
Supplements often contain
contaminants. Many minerals,
for example, often contain
high amounts of lead.
- Potency
and consistency: Because
the products are not regulated,
they frequently do not contain
the dosage described on
the package. This appears
to be a frequent problem,
with inaccuracies ranging
from no product at all,
to dangerously high potencies.
- Claims
are misleading. While the
law states that no manufacturer
can make unproven claims,
many companies play on words
to sell their products.
For example, it may be illegal
to say "This product
promotes weight loss."
so they say "This product
is believed to promote weight
loss" Many manufacturers
will still use unproven
statements to sell products,
until they are forced to
stop. Ads often quote supporting
statements from unknown,
yet official sounding, research
labs such as "XXX Scientific
Laboratories".
- Most
people who take weight loss
supplements are also conscious
of what they are eating,
and may be increasing their
activity. When they lose
weight, they assume it was
the supplement and not the
diet and exercise.
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