Bades: Why don’t you trust advertising
Section 1: What is dietary supplements and how they are regulated
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Definition of dietary supplements (biologically active additives): Bades are concentrates of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances intended for direct intake with food or introduction into food products in order to enrich the diet with individual food or biologically active substances and their complexes. They are not drugs. The main goal is the addition of the diet, not the treatment of diseases.
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The composition of the dietary supplement: The composition of dietary supplements can vary widely. It includes vitamins, minerals, amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, probiotics, prebiotics, plant extracts, beekeeping products, animal components and other substances. It is important to note that the concentration of these substances can differ significantly from concentration in ordinary foods.
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Differences of dietary supplements and medicines: The key difference is their purpose and regulation. Medicines undergo strict clinical trials to prove effectiveness and safety in the treatment of specific diseases. The dietary supplements do not pass such tests. They are recorded as food products, and the manufacturer is responsible for their safety. Medicines are aimed at treatment, relief symptoms or preventing diseases, while dietary supplements are designed to maintain health and replenish the deficiency of nutrients.
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Regulation of dietary supplements in Russia and the world: In Russia, the regulation of dietary supplements is carried out by Rospotrebnadzor. The procedure includes state registration, during which compliance with the safety requirements of food products is checked. Manufacturers are required to provide documentation confirming the composition, the origin of the ingredients and production technology. However, the effectiveness is not tested. In different countries, the regulation of dietary supplements is significantly different. In the United States, for example, dietary supplements are regulated as food products, but FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has the right to take measures in case of danger to consumer health. In Europe, regulation also varies, but in general, safety requirements are quite high.
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Bad registration procedure: For state registration of Bada, the manufacturer provides a package of documents in Rospotrebnadzor, including:
- Application for state registration.
- Technical documentation (technical conditions, technological instructions).
- Recipe (composition of the product).
- Information about the consumer properties of the product (description, scope).
- The results of laboratory tests (sanitary-chemical, microbiological, toxicological indicators).
- Label or label layout.
- Documents confirming the safety and quality of raw materials.
- Conclusion of an expert organization.
After considering documents and the examination, Rospotrebnadzor decides on state registration of dietary supplements or refusal to register.
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Manufacturer’s responsibility: The manufacturer of Bada is responsible for the safety and quality of the product. He is obliged to ensure the compliance of products with the requirements of technical regulations and sanitary standards. In case of violations, such as the inconsistency of the composition of the declared, the presence of hazardous substances or inaccurate information on the label, the manufacturer can be brought to administrative responsibility.
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The role of Rospotrebnadzor: Rospotrebnadzor is carried out by state sanitary and epidemiological supervision of the production and turnover of dietary supplements. He conducts inspections of enterprises, selects products for laboratory research and takes measures to suppress violations. It is important to understand that Rospotrebnadzor controls safety, but not the effectiveness of dietary supplements.
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Possible risks associated with poor -quality dietary supplements: Poorive dietary supplements can pose a serious threat to health. They may contain:
- Toxic substances: Heavy metals, pesticides, radionuclides.
- Not declared ingredients: Medicines, hormones, stimulants.
- Microorganisms: Bacteria, fungi, viruses.
- Allergens: Substances that cause allergic reactions.
- Incorrect dosage: Too high or too low dose of active substances.
The use of poor -quality dietary supplements can lead to poisoning, allergic reactions, impaired work of internal organs and other serious consequences.
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Lack of strict clinical trials: Unlike drugs, dietary supplements do not pass strict clinical trials necessary to prove their effectiveness and safety. This means that applications for the effectiveness of dietary supplements are often based on insufficient scientific data or marketing tricks. The lack of clinical trials also complicates the assessment of possible side effects and interactions with drugs.
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Legal framework governing dietary supplements: Basic regulatory legal acts governing the production and turnover of dietary supplements in Russia:
- Federal Law of 30.03.1999 N 52-ФЗ “On the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population.”
- Technical Regulation of the Customs Union TR TS 021/2011 “On food safety”.
- Technical regulations of the Customs Union TR TS 022/2011 “Food products regarding its marking.”
- Unified sanitary-epidemiological and hygienic requirements for goods subject to sanitary and epidemiological surveillance (control).
These documents establish safety requirements, quality, labeling and other aspects of the production and turnover of dietary supplements.
Section 2: Analysis of advertising statements about dietary supplements
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Typical examples of advertising statements: Advertising of dietary supplements often uses high -profile statements that promise quick and miraculous cure for various diseases, increase immunity, weight loss, rejuvenation and improvement of the general state of health. Examples include:
- “Bad to strengthen immunity, protect against viruses and bacteria.”
- “Diet for losing weight, will help lose excess weight without diets and exercises.”
- “Diet for rejuvenation, will return youth and beauty.”
- “Bad for the treatment of joints, relieve pain and restore mobility.”
- “Diet to improve memory and concentration.”
These statements are often exaggerated and do not have sufficient scientific grounds.
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Marketing tricks used in dietary supplements: Advertising of dietary supplements often uses various marketing tricks to attract consumer attention and convince them of the effectiveness of the product. These include:
- Appeal to authority: The use of the opinion of “experts” (often hired by the manufacturer) or celebrities for promoting the product.
- Using pseudo -scientific terms: The use of complex, incomprehensible terms to create the impression of the scientific and effectiveness of the product.
- Emotional impact: The appeal to the fears, hopes and desires of consumers (for example, fear of getting sick, the desire to lose weight, the desire for youth).
- Creating a deficit: The statement that the product is available only to limited time or in a limited quantity to stimulate an immediate purchase.
- Guarantees of the refund: The proposal to return the money if the product does not have the promised effect (often with difficult conditions).
- Positive reviews: Publishing positive reviews from “satisfied” consumers (often fake).
- Using images of nature: The emphasis of naturalness and environmental purity of the product.
- Comparison with competitors: Criticism of competitors and exaggeration of the advantages of their own product.
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Lack of scientific confirmation of effectiveness: Most advertising statements about dietary supplements are not supported by sufficient scientific evidence. Many studies conducted in relation to dietary supplements have shortcomings in the methodology, small sample size or financed by manufacturing companies, which can affect the results. It is important to critically evaluate the information presented in advertising and refer to independent sources to obtain an objective assessment of the effectiveness of Bad.
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Exaggeration of useful properties: Advertising of dietary supplements often exaggerates their beneficial properties, claiming that they are able to cure various diseases, increase immunity, improve memory and concentration, slow down aging, etc. However, most dietary supplements do not have proven therapeutic efficiency and cannot replace full treatment.
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Locking possible side effects: Advertising of dietary supplements rarely mentions possible side effects and contraindications. Meanwhile, some dietary supplements can cause allergic reactions, digestive disorders, violations of the internal organs and other undesirable consequences. Particularly careful people should be people with chronic diseases, pregnant and lactating women, as well as children.
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Using the opinion of “experts” and celebrities: Advertising of dietary supplements often uses the opinion of “experts” (doctors, scientists, nutritionists) and celebrities to increase confidence in the product. However, it should be remembered that these “experts” and celebrities often receive fees from manufacturing companies and are not independent sources of information. It is important to check the qualifications and reputation of “experts”, as well as to take into account that the opinion of a celebrity is not a scientific evidence of the effectiveness of the product.
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Appeal to “naturalness” and “traditional medicine”: Advertising of dietary supplements often focuses on the “naturalness” of the product and its connection with “traditional medicine.” However, “natural” does not always mean “safe” or “effective”. Many plant extracts and other natural components can cause side effects and interact with drugs. In addition, “traditional medicine” is not always based on scientific data and may contain obsolete and ineffective treatment methods.
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Creating a false impression on the need for dietary supplements: Advertising of dietary supplements often creates a false impression that dietary supplements are necessary to maintain health and well -being. However, most people receive all the necessary nutrients from a balanced diet. The intake of dietary supplements can be justified only in cases of confirmed deficiency of nutrients identified by a doctor on the basis of the results of the tests.
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Unscrupulous competition: Advertising of some dietary supplements contains inaccurate information about competitors aimed at discrediting competitors and attracting attention to their own product. Such advertising is unscrupulous and violates advertising legislation.
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How to recognize inaccurate ads of dietary supplements: To recognize inaccurate ads of dietary supplements, you should pay attention to the following signs:
- Loud statements about cure for diseases.
- Lack of scientific evidence of the effectiveness of the product.
- Exaggeration of useful properties.
- Locking possible side effects.
- The use of the opinion of “experts” and celebrities without indicating their qualifications and reputation.
- Appeal to “naturalness” and “traditional medicine” without scientific justifications.
- Creating a false impression on the need for dietary supplements.
- Unscrupulous competition.
Section 3: Scientific research and evidence base of dietary supplements
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Problems with clinical research of dietary supplements: Conducting high -quality clinical research of dietary supplements is associated with a number of problems:
- Lack of standardized protocols: There are no single standards for conducting clinical research of dietary supplements, which complicates a comparison of the results of various studies.
- The difficulty of monitoring the composition: The composition of dietary supplements can vary depending on the manufacturer, batch and even season, which complicates the standardization of the product under study.
- Placebo effect: Many dietary supplements have a placebo effect, which makes it difficult to determine the true effectiveness of the product.
- Small sizes of sample: Many dietary supplements are conducted in small samples of patients, which reduces the reliability of the results.
- Financing research by manufacturing companies: Many studies of dietary supplements are financed by manufacturing companies, which can lead to biased results.
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Review of the results of clinical research of the most popular dietary supplements:
- Vitamin C: Studies show that vitamin C can slightly reduce the duration and severity of a cold, but does not prevent it.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D is important for the health of bones and the immune system. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to various diseases. However, taking vitamin D in high doses without a doctor’s prescription can be dangerous.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are useful for the health of the heart and blood vessels. They can reduce the level of triglycerides in the blood and improve the function of the endothelium.
- Probiotics: Probiotics can be useful to maintain intestinal health and strengthen the immune system. However, the effectiveness of probiotics depends on the strain of bacteria and the individual characteristics of the body.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin: Glucosamine and chondroitin are often used to treat osteoarthritis. However, the results of studies of their effectiveness are contradictory. Some studies show that they can slightly reduce pain and improve the function of the joints, while other studies have not revealed any effect.
- SOUTINATEA: Echinacea is often used for the prevention and treatment of colds. However, the results of studies of its effectiveness are contradictory. Some studies show that it can slightly reduce the duration of a cold, while other studies have not revealed any effect.
- Ginseng: Ginseng is often used to increase energy and improve mental activity. However, the results of studies of its effectiveness are contradictory. Some studies show that it can slightly improve cognitive functions and reduce fatigue, while other studies have not revealed any effect.
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Meta-analyzes and systematic reviews: Met-analyzes and systematic reviews combine the results of several studies to obtain a more accurate assessment of the effectiveness of Bad. However, the quality of meta-analyzes and systematic reviews can also vary. It is important to pay attention to the methodology of the review, the criteria for selection of research and the presence of a conflict of interest among the authors.
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Criteria for assessing the quality of scientific research: To assess the quality of scientific research, the following criteria must be taken into account:
- Research design: Randomized controlled studies (RCTs) are the most reliable type of research.
- Sample size: The larger the sample size, the higher the reliability of the results.
- Control group: The presence of a control group receiving placebo or standard treatment allows you to assess the true effectiveness of the drug under study.
- Blindness: Blinding (when neither participants nor researchers know who receives the active substance and who placebo) reduces the risk of bias.
- Statistical analysis: The correct statistical analysis of the data allows us to identify statistically significant differences between groups.
- Conflict of interest: The presence of a conflict of interests among authors of the study can affect the results.
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Reliable sources of information about dietary supplements: To obtain reliable information about dietary supplements, it is recommended to refer to the following sources:
- Authoritative medical organizations: National Health Institutions (NIH), World Health Organization (WHO).
- Scientific magazines: Publications in reviewed scientific journals.
- Systematic reviews and meta analyzes: Kokranov Library (Cochrane Library).
- Independent organizations on the quality assessment of medicines: ConsumerLab.com.
- Doctors and other medical specialists: Consultation with a doctor will help to determine if you need dietary supplements and which ones are safe and effective.
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Examples of dietary supplements with proven effectiveness (in certain cases):
- Folic acid: Reception of folic acid is recommended for pregnant women to prevent defects in the nervous tube in the fetus.
- Iron: Iron is recommended for people with iron deficiency anemia.
- Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is recommended for people with vitamin B12 deficiency, for example, vegetarians and older people.
- Calcium: Calcium is recommended for people with osteoporosis.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D intake is recommended for people with vitamin D.
It is important to remember that even these dietary supplements should be taken only as prescribed by the doctor and in the recommended doses.
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Examples of dietary supplements with insufficient evidence base:
- Dietary diets for weight loss: Most dietary supplements for weight loss do not have proven effectiveness and can be hazardous to health.
- Bades to increase immunity: Most dietary supplements to increase immunity do not have proven effectiveness. Strengthening immunity is achieved by a balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle and timely vaccination.
- Bad for rejuvenation: Bades for rejuvenation do not have proven effectiveness and cannot stop the aging process.
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The role of a placebo effect in the effectiveness of dietary supplements: A placebo effect is a positive effect that occurs when taking an inactive substance or conducting an inactive procedure. It is due to psychological factors, such as belief in the effectiveness of treatment, expectation of improvement and a positive attitude towards a doctor or medicine. A placebo effect can play a significant role in the effectiveness of dietary supplements, especially in cases where they do not have proven pharmacological activity.
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The importance of an individual approach: The effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements can vary depending on the individual characteristics of the body, such as age, gender, state of health, genetic predisposition and drugs taken. Therefore, before taking dietary supplements, you need to consult a doctor.
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Development of scientific research of dietary supplements in the future: In the future, the development of scientific research of dietary supplements using more stringent methodologies, large samples and advanced technologies, such as genomics and proteomy, is expected. This will allow you to get a more accurate assessment of the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements and develop more effective and personalized approaches to their use.
Section 4: risks and side effects of dietary supplements
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Possible side effects and interactions with drugs: Bades, although they are not drugs, can cause side effects and interact with drugs. This is due to the fact that they contain biologically active substances that can affect the body. It is important to consider that interactions between dietary supplements and medicines can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous.
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Risk for certain population groups (pregnant women, children, elderly people, people with chronic diseases): Certain groups of the population are especially at risk of developing side effects of dietary supplements.
- Pregnant and lactating women: Reception of dietary supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding requires special caution, since some substances can negatively affect the development of the fetus or health of the child.
- Children: The children’s organism is more sensitive to the action of biologically active substances, so the intake of dietary supplements should be carried out only as prescribed by the doctor.
- Elderly people: Older people often have concomitant diseases and they take several drugs at the same time, which increases the risk of interaction between dietary supplements with medicines.
- People with chronic diseases: People with chronic diseases such as liver, kidney, heart, and diabetes mellitus should be especially careful when taking dietary supplements, since some substances can aggravate their condition.
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Problems with quality control and composition of dietary supplements: As already mentioned, quality control and composition of dietary supplements is not as strict as that of medicines. This can lead to the fact that dietary supplements contain:
- Not declared ingredients: Medicines, hormones, stimulants.
- Toxic substances: Heavy metals, pesticides, radionuclides.
- Incorrect dosage: Too high or too low dose of active substances.
This may pose a serious threat to health.
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Cases of poisoning and other negative consequences associated with dietary supplements: There are numerous messages about cases of poisoning and other negative consequences associated with the use of dietary supplements. These cases are often associated with poor -quality products containing unexpected ingredients or toxic substances.
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Allergic reactions to dietary supplements: Bades can cause allergic reactions, especially in people prone to allergies. Allergic reactions can appear in the form of a skin rash, itching, urticaria, Quincke’s edema or anaphylactic shock.
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The influence of dietary supplements on the work of internal organs (liver, kidneys, heart): Some dietary supplements can have a negative impact on the work of internal organs, such as liver, kidneys and heart. For example, some plant extracts can be hepatotoxic (damage the liver), while others can have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system.
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The risk of an overdose of vitamins and minerals: Reception of dietary supplements containing vitamins and minerals can lead to an overdose, especially if a person simultaneously accepts several dietary supplements or uses products enriched with vitamins and minerals. An overdose of vitamins and minerals can cause various side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain and other symptoms. In some cases, an overdose can lead to serious health consequences, such as damage to the liver, kidneys and nervous system.
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Masks of symptoms of serious diseases: The use of dietary supplements can mask the symptoms of serious diseases, which complicates the timely diagnosis and treatment. For example, a person taking a dietary supplement to relieve joint pain may not see a doctor and miss the beginning of the development of a serious disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
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The effect of dietary supplements on the effectiveness of drugs: Bades can affect the effectiveness of drugs, both increasing and weakening their effect. For example, some plant extracts can enhance the effects of anticoagulants (drugs that thin blood), which increases the risk of bleeding. Other dietary supplements can reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics or contraceptives.
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How to minimize risks when taking dietary supplements: To minimize the risks when taking dietary supplements, it is necessary:
- Consult a doctor before starting dietary supplements.
- Purchase dietary supplements only in proven places (pharmacies, specialized stores).
- Carefully read the label and follow the instructions for use.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose.
- To inform the doctor about all the dietary supplements, especially if you take medications.
- Stop taking dietary supplements when any side effects appear.
- Do not believe loud advertising promises.
- Remember that dietary supplements are not drugs and cannot replace full treatment.
Section 5: Alternative ways of maintaining health
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Balanced nutrition as a basis for health: Balanced nutrition is the basis for health and well -being. It provides the body with all the necessary nutrients, such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and trace elements. A balanced diet should include a variety of foods from all food groups: vegetables, fruits, cereals, legumes, nuts, seeds, meat, fish, dairy products.
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The role of physical activity: Physical activity plays an important role in maintaining health. Regular physical exercises help strengthen the cardiovascular system, improve metabolism, reduce weight, increase immunity and improve mood. It is recommended to devote physical activity at least 150 minutes a week.
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The importance of a healthy sleep: Healthy sleep is necessary to restore the body and maintain the normal functioning of all organs and systems. During sleep, cell recovery, hormone synthesis and strengthening the immune system. It is recommended to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
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Stress management: Stress can negatively affect health. Chronic stress can lead to various diseases such as heart disease, gastrointestinal tract, nervous system and immune system. It is important to learn how to manage stress using various methods such as meditation, yoga, relaxation, nature walks and communication with friends and relatives.
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Refusal of bad habits (smoking, alcohol): Smoking and alcohol abuse have a negative effect on health. Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases and other diseases. Alcohol abuse can lead to diseases of the liver, heart, brain and other organs.
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Regular medical examinations: Regular medical examinations help identify diseases in the early stages and start treatment in a timely manner. It is recommended to undergo a medical examination at least once a year.
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Vaccination: Vaccination is an effective way to protect against infectious diseases. Vaccines help strengthen the immune system and prevent the development of dangerous diseases, such as measles, rubella, mumps, poliomyelitis, influenza and others.
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Hygiene: Compliance with personal hygiene rules helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases. It is important to regularly wash your hands, brush your teeth, take a shower and monitor the cleanliness of the environment.
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Stay in the fresh air: Staying in the fresh air is good for health. Fresh air improves metabolism, strengthens the immune system and improves mood. It is recommended to spend at least 30 minutes a day in the fresh air.
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Support for social ties: Support for social ties is important for mental health. Communication with friends and relatives helps to cope with stress, improve mood and increase self -esteem.
Section 6: Legal aspects of dietary supplements
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Advertising legislation: Advertising of dietary supplements is regulated by the Federal Law “On Advertising”. This law establishes general requirements for advertising, as well as special requirements for advertising of certain types of goods and services, including dietary supplements.
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Requirements for dietary supplements: Advertising of dietary supplements must meet the following requirements:
- Reliability: Advertising should contain only reliable information about the properties and characteristics of dietary supplements.
- Lack of false or misleading information: Advertising should not contain false or misleading information about dietary supplements.
- Inadmissibility of comparison with drugs: Advertising should not compare dietary supplements with drugs.
- The mandatory indication that dietary supplement is not a drug: Advertising should contain a warning that dietary supplements are not a drug.
- Information restrictions: Advertising should not contain statements that dietary supplements are able to cure diseases, improve memory, increase immunity, etc., if these statements are not confirmed by scientific data.
- A ban on the use of images of medical workers: Advertising should not use the images of medical workers, with the exception of cases when these medical workers give recommendations on the use of dietary supplements as part of their professional activities.
- Advertising restrictions: Advertising of dietary supplements should not be placed in children’s and educational programs.
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Responsibility for violation of advertising legislation: For violation of advertising legislation, administrative liability in the form of fines is provided. The size of the fine depends on the nature of the violation and can be from several thousand to several hundred thousand rubles.
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The role of the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS): The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) monitors compliance with advertising legislation. The FAS considers complaints about unfair advertising and takes measures to suppress violations.
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Consumer rights: Consumers are entitled to receive reliable information about goods and services, including dietary supplements. If the consumer has discovered that Bada advertising contains false information, he has the right to contact the FAS with a complaint.
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Judicial practice in cases of unscrupulous advertising of dietary supplements: Judicial practice in cases of unscrupulous advertising of dietary supplements shows that the courts often recognize advertising of dietary supplements unfair if it contains false or misleading information about the properties and characteristics of dietary supplements, or if it compares dietary supplements with drugs.
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International Bad Advertising standards and standards: In different countries, there are different norms and standards of dietary supplements. In some countries, advertising of dietary supplements is regulated more strictly than in others. It is important to take into account that the information presented in the advertising of Bada may be inaccurate or not meet the requirements of the law in your country.
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Self -regulation of the advertising industry: Self -regulation of the advertising industry can play an important role in ensuring conscientious dietary supplements. Self -regulatory organizations develop advertising ethics codes and monitor their compliance.
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Improving media literacy of the population: An increase in the media literacy of the population is an important factor in the fight against unfair ads of dietary supplements. Media -graphic consumers are able to critically evaluate the information presented in advertising, and do not give in to manipulation.
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Recommendations for protection against unfair dietary supplements: To protect yourself from unscrupulous dietary supplements, it is recommended:
- Critically evaluate the information presented in advertising.
- Do not believe loud advertising promises.
- Check information about dietary supplements in independent sources.
- Consult a doctor before starting a dietary supplement.
- Report on cases of unscrupulous advertising in the FAS.
Section 7: Practical advice to consumers
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How to distinguish a reliable manufacturer of dietary supplements from unreliable: It can be difficult to distinguish a reliable manufacturer of dietary supplements from unreliable, but there are several factors that should pay attention to:
- Reputation manufacturer: Look for information about the manufacturer on the Internet, read the reviews of other consumers.
- Availability of quality certificates: Reliable manufacturers have quality certificates for their products.
- Information on the label: The label should contain complete and reliable information about the composition, manufacturer,