Federal law currently allows supplements to make truthful claims that they maintain the healthful "structure or function" of the body- but they may not state they can be used to treat diseases or make any therapeutic claims. The FDA recently eased some restrictions on dietary supplements-now permitting products to legally claim to treat a variety of symptoms that are part of the normal life process (eg, conditions such as morning sickness, menopause, and memory loss.). Direct linkages to diseases and serious symptoms are still off-limits for supplements and will remain so unless such claims can be supported with clinical research data. 

What's On the Label?

Information that is required includes: 

• The words "dietary supplement" must appear on the label
• Statement of identity (eg, "ginseng); 
• Net quantity of contents (eg "60 capsules")
• If there is a structure-function claim , the following statement must appear :"This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."
• Directions for use (eg, "Take one capsule daily")
• Supplement Facts panel (lists serving size, amount, and active ingredient); in many cases contents and potency are not accurately listed on the label.
• Other ingredients in descending order of predominance and by common name or proprietary blend
• Name and place of business of manufacturer, packer or distributor. This is the address to write to for more product information.

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