Dietary supplements may not always deliver what they promise.
The New York State Attorney General’s office conducted an investigation of store-brand supplements sold in the national chains GNC, Target, Walgreens and Walmart. Four out of every five products tested failed the examination. The Attorney General has called for the removal of the questionable products from New York stores.
The products subjected to DNA analysis were supposed to contain valerian root, St. John’s wort, gingko biloba, ginseng, Echinacea or garlic. Most contained DNA from a different plant, or DNA that was indecipherable. Five contained wheat that was not noted on the label, although some people are allergic to it and must avoid it.
Consequence of DSHEA
These results might be attributed to the “wild west mentality” pervasive in the dietary supplement marketplace ever since 1994. That was the year that Congress passed DSHEA, the Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act. It essentially limited FDA’s jurisdiction over supplements to situations in which the public health is threatened.
Compared to countries like Germany, France, Australia or New Zealand, the U.S. has much less regulation and oversight of botanical medicines.
Dissenting Voices
Not everyone believes the results from the New York Attorney General’s office. Dr. Pieter Cohen of Harvard Medical School is skeptical and wonders whether the manufacturing process destroyed the herbs’ DNA. That would render the analysis inaccurate.
Dr. Danica Harbaugh Reynaud, an industry geneticist and botanical taxonomist, stated that the form of DNA analysis that was used is inappropriate for botanical extracts.
We consulted one of the country’s most knowledgeable experts on analyzing vitamins, herbs and other dietary supplements. Dr. Tod Cooperman of ConsumerLab.com says that extracts of herbs don’t necessarily contain DNA. As a result, the tests that were conducted may have been inappropriate. Here is a link to the statement from ConsumerLab.com.
Our Bottom Line
Until these results are replicated with the appropriate techniques we are not ready to come to a firm conclusion about these supplements. Perhaps it is time for the FDA to take a more active role in monitoring the quality of dietary supplements, from vitamins and minerals to spices and herbs.
