The Future of Health Supplements: New Stricter Regulations

Many companies have exploited a regulatory loophole by categorizing their products as health supplements instead of drugs.

The Health Master

November 16, 2024

Medicine Drugs Capsules Nutraceuticals — Picture: Pixabay

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Last Updated on November 16, 2024 by The Health Master

Health Supplements

In a significant move aimed at ensuring the safety and efficacy of dietary or health supplements in India, an inter-ministerial committee has proposed a major regulatory overhaul.

The committee, led by former health secretary Apurva Chandra, has recommended that health supplements claiming to cure or alleviate specific diseases should be reclassified as drugs.

This would shift their oversight from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to the Central Drug Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO).

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Why the Change?

The primary motivation behind this proposed shift is to address concerns about the lax regulation of health supplements.

Many companies have exploited a regulatory loophole by categorizing their products as health supplements instead of drugs.

This allows them to bypass stringent quality control standards and price regulations imposed on pharmaceutical drugs.

Impact on the Health Supplements Industry

If implemented, this regulatory change will have far-reaching implications for the health supplements industry in India:

Increased Scrutiny: Health supplements claiming therapeutic benefits will undergo rigorous scientific evaluation before being approved for market.
Stricter Advertising Regulations: Advertisements for these products will be subject to stricter monitoring to prevent misleading claims.
Potential Price Increases: As health supplements are reclassified as drugs, they may become subject to price controls, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers.

Key Takeaways:

The proposed regulatory change aims to protect public health by ensuring the quality and safety of health supplements.
It may lead to increased scrutiny, stricter advertising regulations, and potential price increases for certain products.
Consumers are advised to be cautious and consult with healthcare professionals before using any health supplement.

Also read following FAQs

1. What is the difference between a drug and a dietary or health supplement?

While both can be used to improve health, drugs are intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Dietary or health supplements, on the other hand, are intended to supplement the diet with nutrients that may not be adequately obtained through food.

2. Why are there concerns about the regulation of health supplements?

There are concerns that some health supplements may contain harmful ingredients or make unsubstantiated claims about their efficacy. Additionally, the lack of stringent regulation can lead to inconsistent quality and safety standards.

Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.