Is the outside-in approach to health finally on the way out?
For the first time since 1994, according to a study by Information Resources Inc., Americans are now buying fewer vitamins, herbs and other health supplements. Questions about safety and effectiveness are contributing to the slowing sales nationwide.
Through the late 1990s, consumers purchased loads of dietary supplements reported to improve all sorts of conditions. Several factors, including doubts about their safety and effectiveness may have effected their growth in 2000.
Even though drug prices are still sky-high and managed care just basically sucks, consumers are taking less “self-care” remedies, according to some reports.
Showing up in the newsfeeds more frequently, are increased stories regarding risks of injury, the effectiveness of dietary supplements, and overall quality control concerns. We’re just beginning to see news in the U.S. regarding “mad cow” disease and the questioned use of bovine derived products (animal parts) in US vaccines and supplements. According to some news reports, supplement makers may use bovine derived products that aren’t covered by regulations protecting Americans from infected beef.
Besides the adverse-event reports that the FDA is receiving, one may wonder whether the “scientifically proven” youth generating formula advertised on the label is actually in the bottle. Check out www.consumerlab.com and take a look at some of the reports they have done on various dietary supplements.
For example, a recent study of SAMe products, (used primarily as an anti-depressant) found that half the products did not have proper levels and labeling and a study of Ginseng products found some were contaminated with pesticides. In a study of Ginkgo Biloba products, only three quarters of the supplements contained the proper ingredients. The list goes on.
If they don’t work, cost a bunch of money, and may increase your risk of ill health, why take them? Are dietary supplements really any different from the pills, lotions and other potions being mass marketed to consumers? Take this root, take this pill, take this elixir, etc…
I’m not saying yes you should, or no you should not take supplements, that’s a decision for you to make. Maybe you have heard the story about the greatest drug store on earth. (ask your chiropractor to tell you about it) The last time I checked, this store also carried all sorts of supplements, and all in the right dosages.
Maybe Americans are moving away from Outside-In approaches to health, recognizing that health comes from above-down and inside-out. What do you think?
planetc1.com-news @ 6:19 am | Article ID: 982073988
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