Wise Use of Dietary and Natural Supplements law in Virginia
FDA has taken the position that CBD cannot be sold in the United States because of provisions of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) relating to the use of food additives and ingredients of foods which were previously studied as ingredients of drugs. The FDA has taken the position that CBD cannot be sold in the United States because of provisions in the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) relating to the use of dietary supplements and foods which were previously studied as ingredients in drugs. The FDA does not regulate supplements in the same way that they do prescription drugs.
The FDA is required to pre-approve all health claims and requires them to be supported by scientific studies. The manufacturers of herbal products are not required to submit evidence of safety and effectiveness to the FDA prior to marketing. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 allows for the labeling of herbal products with statements explaining their claimed effects on human body structures or functions (e.g., relieving fatigue) or their role in contributing to overall wellbeing (e.g., improving mood or mental functioning). Analysis of some herbal products claimed effects has shown they are at times highly similar to claims about clinical effectiveness in a variety of diseases or conditions.
For example, product labels might say the supplement is highly potent or is a good source of a particular nutrient, such as a vitamin. If the supplement claims it can diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent diseases, such as curing cancer, or stopping the growth of a tumor, then the product is being sold unlawfully as a medication. Unlike drugs, supplement manufacturers cannot claim their products treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure diseases.
Supplements cannot duplicate all of the nutrients and benefits found in whole foods, like fruits and vegetables. You probably do not need supplements if you are a healthy adult eating a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, and fish. You should always consult with your health care provider before taking any products, as some supplements may cause side effects or interact with other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or supplements that you are already taking. Avoid supplements that claim to provide benefits without any side effects, or are based on secret ingredients or methods.
It is important to inform your health care provider in full of vitamins, minerals, herbs, or any other supplements that you are taking, particularly prior to an elective surgical procedure. If you are wondering if you should be taking vitamins and minerals supplements, talk with your doctor or nutritionist. While vitamin and mineral supplements are widely used and are usually considered safe for children, you might want to consult your doctor or pharmacist before giving these or any other food additives to your child.
If you plan to use a dietary supplement instead of medicine, or in combination with any medication, talk with your healthcare provider first. You, your health care provider, or anyone can contact FDA directly if you think this is related to your use of any dietary supplement product, either by calling FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088, faxing FDA at 1-800-FDA-0178, or reporting serious adverse events or illness online.
If you have a specific medical condition and are taking a lot of supplements, you could be placing yourself at risk. Supplements may have harmful effects when taken in certain combinations, with some prescription medications, or prior to surgery or other procedures. Taking a combination of supplements, or using these products with medications (whether prescribed or over-the-counter), may in certain circumstances produce harmful effects, some of which may be life-threatening.
The increase in consumer awareness about the health benefits of beta-carotene supplements and fortified foods has led to use of these products as preventive measures for a variety of health conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, obesity, cancer, macular degeneration, and skin damage, among others. Aethnica and organic food products enhance cardiovascular health, ameliorate arthritis, digestive problems, and other inflammatory conditions. Vitamins and minerals are being added to an increasing number of foods, including breakfast cereals and beverages.
Clearly, people who decide to supplement their diets with herbs, vitamins, minerals, or other substances want to learn more about the products they are choosing, so that they can make an educated decision about them. Even for people who are generally knowledgeable, reliable information on safe uses and potential risks of supplements can be difficult to come by.
A nutritional history assessing consumption of calcium-rich vegetables and dairy products may provide useful information for guidance on supplementation. All intakes of calcium, both dietary and supplement, need to be taken into account so as not to over-absorb. Until studies or further case reports are available that could confirm an interaction between ginseng and warfarin, it is wise to carefully monitor patients taking warfarin who start taking supplements that contain the herb. Despite a paucity of data regarding the interaction between foods and medications and St. Johns wort, patients using the herb who then start taking antidepressants or other serotonergic medications should be closely monitored for negative effects.
It is unknown how many of more than 100 ephedrine-containing kidney stones are associated with the use of ephedrine-containing herbal products. The risks of using ephedrine-containing supplements seem to outweigh the benefits. Dietary supplements made by national known food or pharmaceutical manufacturers are likely made using stricter quality controls, as these companies have a reputation to maintain.
According to the FDA, evidence of the CBD ingredients used in drug products meets these criteria before the CBD ingredients are used in foods or supplements. FDA clearly maintains the authority to regulate CBD usage in foods, beverages, food additives, and other products that are FDA-regulated.
Designating CBD products as legitimate foods, beverages, or dietary supplements would enable the Agency to establish a sensible regulatory framework for processing, manufacturing, and marketing CBD products that are not intended to be used as medicines. Examining the lawful pathway for the marketing of foods, beverages, and dietary supplements that contain CBD is consistent with FDAs robust public health goals. The Food Act allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations allowing an ingredient in foods and dietary supplements, even though the regulation is determined to first undergo the clinical investigation for drugs, as described above.