Dietary supplements and protein powders fall under a ‘wild west’ of products that necessitate caveats and caution

Dietary supplements and protein powders fall under a ‘wild west’ of products that necessitate caveats and caution.

The Wild West

Dietary supplements are a big business, generating almost US$39 billion in revenue in 2022. However, the lack of regulation and oversight in this industry is a cause for concern. The marketing of dietary supplements has been effective, with 77% of Americans reporting that they trust the supplement industry.

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Notably, a 2024 study found that approximately 1 in 10 adolescents have used nonprescribed weight loss and weight control products, including dietary supplements. The use of these products is particularly concerning, as they can have serious and long-lasting effects on physical and mental health.

The Unregulated Market

Dietary supplements are classified as food, not drugs, under a 1994 law. This means that manufacturers do not need to prove the efficacy of their products or disclose their ingredients. Regulators do not take action on a product until it is shown to cause harm.

However, the FDA’s website states that many dietary supplements contain ingredients that have strong biological effects, which may conflict with a medicine you are taking or a medical condition you may have. Products containing hidden drugs are also sometimes falsely marketed as dietary supplements, putting consumers at greater risk.

Misbranding and false advertising are rampant with dietary supplements, including claims of curing cancer, improving immune health, improving cognitive functioning, improving fertility, improving cardiovascular health, and promoting weight loss and weight control.

The FDA is Cracking Down

In August 2021, the FDA cracked down on some weight loss products due to the presence of undeclared drugs. For example, the drug sibutramine, sold as Meridia, was found in 68 of the 72 products recalled.

While the FDA may take further action beyond the recalls, the agency acknowledged that it is not able to test every weight loss supplement for contamination with drugs. These crackdowns demonstrate some progress, though several issues remain, including warning label placement, ingredients, and beliefs based on misleading or false advertising.

Eating Disorders

Mental health concerns and eating disorders are on the rise, with people who have eating disorders often suffering related health issues such as bone loss, osteoporosis, and vitamin deficiencies.

The concern is with supplements that promote weight loss, muscle building, or both. People with eating disorders may be attracted to dietary supplements that claim quick and painless weight loss or muscle gain. Additionally, dietary supplement users may struggle with an increase in compulsive exercise or other unhealthy weight control behaviors.

Protein Powders and Fitness Supplements

Protein powders and other fitness supplements also have wide appeal. Research shows that girls are more at risk than boys for using weight loss supplements. However, a growing problem in boys is the use of fitness supplements such as protein powder and creatine products, a compound that supplies energy to the muscles.

Use of fitness supplements sometimes signifies a preoccupation with body shape and size. For example, a 2022 study found that protein powder consumption in adolescence was associated with future use of steroids in emerging adulthood.

Protein itself is not harmful at recommended doses. However, protein powders may contain unknown ingredients, such as certain toxins or extra and excessive sugar. They can also be dangerous when used in excess and to replace other foods that possess vital nutrients.

Conclusion

Dietary supplements and protein powders fall under a ‘wild west’ of products that necessitate caveats and caution. The lack of regulation and oversight in this industry is a cause for concern, and the marketing of these products has been effective. However, the FDA is taking steps to crack down on these products, and several issues remain, including warning label placement, ingredients, and beliefs based on misleading or false advertising.

FAQs

Q: What is the market size of the dietary supplement industry?
A: The dietary supplement industry generated almost US$39 billion in revenue in 2022.

Q: Why is the regulation of dietary supplements a concern?
A: The lack of regulation and oversight in this industry is a cause for concern, as manufacturers do not need to prove the efficacy of their products or disclose their ingredients.

Q: What are the concerns surrounding protein powders and fitness supplements?
A: Protein powders and fitness supplements may contain unknown ingredients, and they can be dangerous when used in excess and to replace other foods that possess vital nutrients. They may also signify a preoccupation with body shape and size.

Q: What steps is the FDA taking to regulate dietary supplements?
A: The FDA is cracking down on dietary supplements that contain undeclared drugs, and it is working to regulate the labeling and marketing of these products.

Q: What are the concerns surrounding the use of dietary supplements in adolescents?
A: The use of dietary supplements in adolescents is concerning, as they may be more susceptible to the risks associated with these products, including addiction, liver damage, and kidney failure.