I hope everyone is having a nice weekend! Last night Nick and I went bowling with some of my friends, and their husbands, from my dietetic internship. It was pretty fun, despite the fact that we all stunk at bowling. Tonight we are going to dinner with his family, which is always a good time.
I wanted to clear something up before I get into the topic of today's post. On Tuesday when I posted about supplements, Karen reminded to explain to my readers that supplements are not evaluated by the FDA prior to going on the market. I failed to mention that, but it's an important piece of information to point out. Supplements are treated life foods, rather than drugs. It's actually up to the manufacturer to make sure supplements are safe and efficacious. But you know manufacturer's are only out to make money, so can they be trusted? Some can, others can't, that's the risk you take. If you remember anything, remember this; NATURAL IS NOT SYNONYMOUS WITH SAFE! You also never know about the quality of a supplement, or whether what is reported on the label is actually what you are consuming, as this is not evaluated by the FDA either. However, there are third party companies that will come in and analyze the quality of supplements. The manufacturer pays extra for this service.
I wanted to clear something up before I get into the topic of today's post. On Tuesday when I posted about supplements, Karen reminded to explain to my readers that supplements are not evaluated by the FDA prior to going on the market. I failed to mention that, but it's an important piece of information to point out. Supplements are treated life foods, rather than drugs. It's actually up to the manufacturer to make sure supplements are safe and efficacious. But you know manufacturer's are only out to make money, so can they be trusted? Some can, others can't, that's the risk you take. If you remember anything, remember this; NATURAL IS NOT SYNONYMOUS WITH SAFE! You also never know about the quality of a supplement, or whether what is reported on the label is actually what you are consuming, as this is not evaluated by the FDA either. However, there are third party companies that will come in and analyze the quality of supplements. The manufacturer pays extra for this service.
Remember to look for these symbols, which will indicate that a supplement has been tested for quality, contamination, and proper strength:
Nutrition Tidbit
Label Claims
There are three different types of label claims, two of which I will discuss here.
#1) Health Claims
Definition: Health claims link a nutrient in a food or supplement with the decreased risk of a certain disease or condition.
Regulation: The FDA is responsible for making sure foods and supplements make health claims that are not false and misleading. Normally the FDA will review a health claim prior to the product being put on the market. There are many qualified health claims, which you can view here. Does the FDA actually test the food or supplement to make sure it actually contains what the health claim says? Nope. That would just take too long, even though it would be nice.
If a product's health claim is ever brought into question, the FDA will re-analyze the claim. A good example would be Cheerios, which in May of 2009 was brought to the attention of the FDA because their claim to help reduce cholesterol and thus reduce heart disease wasn't really stated clearly, or in an appropriate manor.
Regulation: The FDA is responsible for making sure foods and supplements make health claims that are not false and misleading. Normally the FDA will review a health claim prior to the product being put on the market. There are many qualified health claims, which you can view here. Does the FDA actually test the food or supplement to make sure it actually contains what the health claim says? Nope. That would just take too long, even though it would be nice.
If a product's health claim is ever brought into question, the FDA will re-analyze the claim. A good example would be Cheerios, which in May of 2009 was brought to the attention of the FDA because their claim to help reduce cholesterol and thus reduce heart disease wasn't really stated clearly, or in an appropriate manor.
Some Examples of Health Claims
- " This food is an excellent source of calcium, which has been shown to decrease risk for osteoporosis."
- "This product is low in sodium. Low sodium diets may help prevent high blood pressure."
- "The fiber in this product has been shown to decrease risk for some types of cancer."
# 2) Structure/Function Claims
Definition: Structure/Function claims link a certain nutrient in a product or supplement with a certain function in the body.
Regulation: How many time have you read a food or supplement label and thought to yourself, "Who regulates these? How can this company make this claim?!". The FDA doesn't regulate these claims until after they have been on the market, and after someone suggests to the FDA that the claim should be reviewed (similar to the Cheerios example, with the claim to "help reduce cholesterol", which was written in a way that made it sound like Cheerios was a drug that could be used as a cholesterol lowering agent).
Regulation: How many time have you read a food or supplement label and thought to yourself, "Who regulates these? How can this company make this claim?!". The FDA doesn't regulate these claims until after they have been on the market, and after someone suggests to the FDA that the claim should be reviewed (similar to the Cheerios example, with the claim to "help reduce cholesterol", which was written in a way that made it sound like Cheerios was a drug that could be used as a cholesterol lowering agent).
Some Examples of Structure/Function Claims
- Calcium can build strong bones
- Fiber can keep you regular
- Fiber can keep you regular
Supplements are required to have the FDA disclaimer for all structure/function claims.
"This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease"
Question: Would you like to add anything to my label claim discussion?
Question: Any fun plans for tonight??
Question: Any fun plans for tonight??
Coming Up
On Monday I will be posting my comparison of two new Greek yogurts! I also have some great quotes to share with you from my favorite book, "Slowing Down to the Speed of Life".
Have a great weekend everyone, and thanks for reading.
Hmm I never knew that about supplements not being FDA approved. I don't take anything besides a multivitamin because I feel like as long as I'm eating healthy I don't need it. I never try anything my doctor doesn't recommend. You know know these days...
ReplyDeleteI'd love for you to do a post on the differences in health benefits in some foods. Like agave nectar vs. honey. Or dark chocolate chips vs. carob chips. Plain yogurt vs. cottage cheese :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read your Greek yogurt review! Definitely have to be careful with Supplements. Thanks for the great info! :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't know this -thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to hear your thoughts on the new Greek yogurt.
ReplyDeleteThis is something that I've actually gotten very confused about in the past, so thanks for posting!!
ReplyDeleteHave fun with Nick's family! How lucky to have them so close!
oh!! this reminds me of the question i wanted to ask you about emergen-c! i usually drink a lite emergen-c every morning..you know the one with the msm or whatever the joint recovery thing is. but i read somewhere that emergen-c is a crock waste of money. true or false? eeeek i slightly i hope false haha
ReplyDeleteI wish supplements were reviewed by the FDA before going on the market. While they're not quite drugs, they shouldn't be labeled/treated as food either. Look forward to your Greek yogurt reviews. I think I've found my favorite brand, but of course I haven't been able to try all the different ones out there.
ReplyDeleteI'm attending a work function that has a fun theme! It is a Great Gatsby themed party!
ReplyDeleteThanks again as always for very informative posts! I also appreciated your comment on my own blog post reviewing raw crunch bars. You are totally right that they are expensive and could probably be made at home. But hey, I'm not one to turn down an offer to try them for free! Also, many people buy them for the convenience aspect in addition to wanting to support people who advocate a lifestyle similar to their own.
ReplyDeleteAnd I am taking some breaks this weekend :-). I went to a craft night held by my university on Friday night with a friend. Enjoy your weekend too!
great post! i know a LOT of people who assume that natural = safe, and this is a huge mistake especially if they have certain health conditions or are taking medications. important stuff!
ReplyDeleteYes, natural does not equal safe. As I remind my students all the time, the last I checked both lead and arsenic were all natural too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for giving everyong this great info. Because I teach in an alternative setting many of my students are very much into supplements and sometimes I do have issues with getting the information across. I never want to criticize someone's personal choice, but often my concern is that when a student shares something that is false or not what is taught in the text, it may lead to someone getting something wrong on an exam. I personally think there is a time and a place for a supplement and if you really are deficient and therefore do need one, the best way to go about it is get a prescription from your doctor since you are guaranteed to get what it says on the bottle. Certain groups benefit from supplementation, so I am not saying never, but it seriously needs to be evaluated and the diet needs to be reviewed by a nutrition professional to ensure they do not wind up with signs/symptoms of toxicity.
What a great, informative post! I am completely guilty of falling for the claims on the labels and most likely take too many supplements.
ReplyDeleteGina this is a great post. Supplements and Vitamins are all the new rage. Currently I take what the doctor gives me.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a wealth of knowledge and love to read everyday. Can't wait to see you yogurt post.
Thanks Gina, awesome post!
ReplyDeleteSomthing I just learned, and a policy update! Did you know FDA doesn't actually have authority to make a food company recall their product, even if they have proven the product misguided or unsafe? They can only press criminal charges or ask for a voluntary recall.
BUT- the new Dietary Supplement Safety Act of 2010 (proposed by Sen McCain) will change things and give the FDA this recall authority. cool!
http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressOffice.Speeches&ContentRecord_id=952dda07-b71c-4034-4f34-c38974978f7d
also, the Council for Responsible Nutrition is another supplement safety resource. What do you think of them? They are a coalition of supplement companies, so their information is biased-however they are trying to self regulate!
ReplyDeletewww.crnusa.org
another great piece of information for our healthy nuts consumers! ;)
ReplyDeleteanother great piece of information for our healthy nuts consumers! ;)
ReplyDeleteanother great piece of information for our healthy nuts consumers! ;)
ReplyDeleteWhat is your take on protein powders as a protein supplement? I usually add two small scoops to my morning oatmeal in addition to a 1/2 banana, ground flax seeds, and a mixture of other seeds.
ReplyDeleteI read the ingredients and they sound like crap, but I worry that my diet does not have enough protein besides small amounts I get from dairy or chicken. Are there any brands you recommend that don't contain lots of garbage? Or is it better to just get protein from real foods (I know that is the answer, yet I don't feel I get enough from my diet of real food).
Interested in your thoughts.
Bowling is always fun, no matter if your good at it or not. Sounds like a great night! Bowling is too expensive here in NYC (like $25 a game) so I totally miss a fun night at the bowling alley.
ReplyDeleteI really want to check out this book you mentioned.
Great reminders! Thank you! I think it is especially important for consumers to recognize that natural does not mean safe. So important to read te fine print and to know what the fine print means!
ReplyDeletegood educational post
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post because until now I've always assumed the FDA regulated things like supplements. I had no idea they didn't!
ReplyDeleteJust curious how you made pizza dough with oat bran? I am gluten-free as well so I'm always looking for substitutes and I don't really want to pay $6 for a Whole Foods gluten-free pizza crust!!
can i be your 3rd roomate?! bahaah i would LEARN SO MUCH from you! you are soooo smart! full of good info!
ReplyDeletei REALLY appreciated your comment-i have no idea how i feel about it but what you said make a lot of sense. thank you for sharing!
Thanks for all the great info Gina!! I love bowling, even though I suck too!
ReplyDeleteWe are supposed to get more snow, which I am not looking forward too - have fun at dinner!
I think it's so important to get the message of "all-natural is not synonymous with healthy!" Yes! So important!
ReplyDeleteI have a question for you :) Have you heard anything about these HCG drops for weight loss? I'm researching some, but I thought I'd ask :)
Great review! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI was sick all weekend so it was pretty uneventful!
I have been dying to go bowling lately! I am so jealous.
ReplyDeleteI hung out with my ex last night...this has been the month of the ex's for me lol
I am excited to hear about your comparisons about the Greek yogurt!
ReplyDeleteI think it's really kind of scary that no one really regulates what goes into supplements. The labels thing is concerning too, for the good of everyone, but I don't worry about it too much myself because I know not to fully listen to something on the label. Not everyone does though...
ReplyDeleteGreat summary of label claims. It's amazing how the food and supplement industries have learned to manipulate wording in order to imply a quality which is not all it seems! I used to fall for it, too. I think especially in this day and age, with so much focus on youth and health and using food as medicine, these labels are really attractive to many people. Thanks for this great reminder!
ReplyDeleteooo, thank you for the info on supplements! I really didn't know all of that, especially that supplements aren't reviewed by the FDA. Interesting...
ReplyDeleteIt's good that you have brought up this issue about label claims. anything that says 'may.. do this or may.. do that', I am weary of. I don't buy any food with a label anymore anyway, so I haven't come across the issue in a while.
ReplyDeleteTonight, i'm going to pilates!
I know you have talked about multivitamins before which one would you buy? You are so informative!
ReplyDeleteThank you for pointing out these very important issues with supplements and food claims! Such a confusing process... Thank you for making it clearer!
ReplyDeleteIt's very informative for good health,Gina.there is lot of new information is here to learn. Thanks for giving me the comment in my blog.
ReplyDeleteGreat information. I dint know that whole food supplements are not approved by the FDA. By the looks of it you have to be really very careful when you are buying you food supplements. We are al grateful that you share this information with all of us.
ReplyDelete