They are on store shelves, advertised on television, and in the medicine cabinets of more than 50 percent of Americans. Some make dubious health claims and are largely unregulated by the FDA - tens of thousands of herbal and dietary supplements - from everyday vitamins and herbs to body-building and weight loss pills. A new study indicates that some of these supplements are linked to liver disease, liver failure and even an increased risk of death. They are not approved for safety and effectiveness by the FDA, and in fact, are only removed from the market after there has been a death or other evidence of injury from a product. It's been called the 'Wild West' and some people want that to change. We'll talk about what these supplements are, their potential health consequences and what you need to know to properly evaluate them - with a lead researcher of the study and a representative from the FDA.
Guests
Dr. Herbert Bonkovsky - Director of the Liver, Digestive and Metabolic Disorders Laboratory at Carolinas HealthCare System’s Carolinas Medical Center and one of the lead researchers of the study
Daniel Fabricant - Director, Division of Dietary Supplement Programs, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, FDA