Quality control of dietary supplements: why should you be careful?

Quality control of dietary supplements: why should you be careful?

I. Definition and classification of biologically active additives (dietary supplements)

1. What is dietary supplement?

   • The distinction between dietary supplements and drugs. Bad is a concentrate of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances, designed for direct intake with food or introduction into food products. They are not medicines and are not intended for the treatment of diseases. Their goal is to maintain health, prevention of diseases and optimization of body functions. Medicines undergo strict clinical trials and are designed for the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of diseases.
   • The composition of dietary supplements: vitamins, minerals, amino acids, dietary fiber, probiotics, prebiotics, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PNS), plant extracts and other biologically active substances. It is important to note that the composition can be both synthesized and obtained from natural sources.
   • Bad output forms: tablets, capsules, powders, solutions, syrups, teas, bars and other forms intended for ease of use.

2. Classification of dietary supplements in composition and purpose:

   • Vitamin-mineral complexes: contain various vitamins and minerals designed to compensate for the deficiency of these substances in the body. Examples: polyvitamins, vitamin D, vitamin C, complexes with calcium, magnesium, zinc.
   • Amino acid complexes: contain individual amino acids or their mixtures necessary for the construction of proteins and maintaining various functions of the body. Examples: BCAA, L-carnitine, glutamine.
   • Probiotics and prebiotics: They contain living microorganisms (probiotics) or substances that stimulate their growth (prebiotics) to maintain a healthy intestinal microflora. Examples: lactobacteria, bifidobacteria, inulin, fruitoligosaccharides.
   • Plant dietary supplement: Contain extracts, powders or other forms of plant materials with various biological properties. Examples: echinacea, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, milk thistle.
   • Bad based on PNSK: contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, important for the health of the heart, brain and other organs. Examples: fish oil, linseed oil.
   • Bad for athletes: contain substances designed to increase endurance, strength, muscle mass and improve recovery after training. Examples: Creatine, Protein, Heiner.
   • Diet for weight loss: contain substances that contribute to weight loss, such as caffeine, L-carnitine, chrome, plant extracts.
   • Diet to maintain joint health: contain glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen and other substances necessary for the health of cartilage.
   • Other specialized dietary supplements: To improve vision, memory, sleep, immunity and other body functions.

3. Regulatory regulation of dietary supplements in Russia and other countries:

   • Russia: Technical regulations of the Customs Union TR TS 021/2011 “On the safety of food products” and TR TS 022/2011 “Food products regarding its marking”. State registration of dietary supplements in Rospotrebnadzor. Requirements for the production, storage, transportation and sale of dietary supplements.
   • USA: Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) 1994. Office for sanitary supervision of the quality of food and medicines (FDA) regulates dietary supplements, but not as strictly as drugs. Manufacturers are not obliged to receive FDA approval before producing dietary supplements on the market.
   • European Union: Directive 2002/46/EC about food additives. Requirements for composition, labeling and safety dietary supplements. Different EU countries can have their own additional requirements.
   • Other countries: Each country has its own regulatory acts that regulate the production and turnover of dietary supplements. It is important to consider these differences in export and import of dietary supplements.

II. Quality control problems

1. Insufficient rigor of regulation:

   • Unlike drugs, dietary supplements do not go through mandatory clinical trials to confirm efficiency and safety. This means that manufacturers can declare the beneficial properties of dietary supplements without sufficient scientific evidence.
   • The lack of compulsory control of each batch of dietary supplements before the market. Rospotrebnadzor conducts selective checks, but cannot cover all the dietary supplements.
   • The weak responsibility of manufacturers for inaccurate information about the composition and properties of dietary supplements.

2. Falsification and fake dietary supplement:

   • Adding prohibited substances, such as hormones, stimulants and drugs, without indicating the label. This can lead to serious side effects and interactions with other drugs.
   • Replacing the declared ingredients with cheaper or ineffective.
   • The inconsistency of the number of active substances indicated on the label, the real content in dietary supplements.
   • Sale of fake dietary supplements under the guise of famous brands.

3. The inconsistency of the composition declared on the label:

   • Inaccuracies in indicating the number of active substances.
   • The presence of impurities and pollutants, such as heavy metals, pesticides and microorganisms.
   • The absence of some ingredients declared on the label.
   • Incorrect identification of plant materials.

4. Lack of efficiency guarantee:

   • Most of the statements about the effectiveness of dietary supplements are based on marketing tricks, and not on scientific research.
   • Individual susceptibility to dietary supplements can vary greatly.
   • The effectiveness of dietary supplements can depend on many factors, such as nutrition, lifestyle and health status.

5. Marking problems:

   • Incomplete or inaccurate information about the composition, contraindications and side effects.
   • The use of misleading advertising and statements about the healing properties of dietary supplements.
   • Lack of information about the interaction of dietary supplements with drugs.
   • Small font and complex language that make it difficult to understand the information on the label.

III. Risks associated with the use of poor -quality dietary supplements

1. Side effects and toxicity:

   • Allergic reactions to dietary supplements.
   • Digestive disorders such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.
   • Increasing blood pressure, heart rate and other cardiovascular problems.
   • Violation of the liver and kidneys.
   • Nervous disorders, such as anxiety, insomnia and irritability.
   • Interaction with drugs, leading to strengthening or weakening of their action.
   • An overdose of vitamins and minerals, causing toxic effects.

2. Lack of expected effect:

   • Reception of ineffective dietary supplements leads to a loss of money and time.
   • Lack of improvement of health or preventive effect.
   • Disappointment and distrust of dietary supplements as a whole.

3. Interaction with drugs:

   • Bad can affect the metabolism of drugs, changing their concentration in the blood and increasing or weakening their effect.
   • Some dietary supplements can enhance the side effects of drugs.
   • It is important to inform the doctor about all the dietary supplements in order to avoid undesirable interactions.

4. Masks of symptoms of serious diseases:

   • Reception of dietary supplements to alleviate the symptoms of the disease can delay the doctor and lead to the progression of the disease.
   • Bad cannot replace full treatment and should not be used instead of drugs prescribed by a doctor.

5. Risk for certain population groups:

   • Pregnant and lactating women: Some dietary supplements can be dangerous for the fetus or child.
   • Children: The dosage and safety of dietary supplements for children has not always been studied.
   • Elderly people: More susceptible to side effects of dietary supplements and interactions with medicines.
   • People with chronic diseases: Bad can worsen the course of the disease or interact with the drugs taken.

IV. How to protect yourself when buying and using dietary supplements

1. The choice of trusted manufacturers:

   • Study the reputation of the manufacturer. Look for reviews on the Internet, check for quality certificates and licenses.
   • Give preference to manufacturers who conduct their own research and publish results in scientific journals.
   • Avoid the purchase of dietary supplements, such as online stores with a dubious reputation and private individuals.

2. A careful study of the label:

   • Check the composition of dietary supplements. Make sure that there are no prohibited substances, allergens or ingredients that do not suit you.
   • Pay attention to the amount of active substances. Compare it with recommended doses.
   • Study contraindications and side effects.
   • Make sure that the label has information about the manufacturer, expiration date and method of use.

3. Consultation with a doctor or specialist in nutrition:

   • Before starting to take dietary supplements, consult a doctor or nutrition specialist. They will help you determine if you need dietary supplements and which ones.
   • Tell the doctor about all the drugs and dietary supplements to avoid undesirable interactions.
   • Follow the doctor’s recommendations for dosage and duration of dietary supplements.

4. Buying dietary supplements in pharmacies and specialized stores:

   • In pharmacies and specialized stores, as a rule, dietary supplements are sold from trusted manufacturers who have passed quality control.
   • Pharmacists and consultants in specialized stores can provide you with useful information about dietary supplements and help with the choice.

5. Paying attention to the availability of quality certificates:

   • Quality certificates confirm that dietary supplements meet safety and quality requirements.
   • In Russia, dietary supplements must have a certificate of state registration (SGR) issued by Rospotrebnadzor.
   • The presence of certificates does not guarantee complete safety, but increases the likelihood that the dietary supplement is high -quality.

6. Assessment of your own sensations when receiving dietary supplements:

   • Carefully follow your condition when taking dietary supplements. If you notice any side effects, stop taking and consult a doctor.
   • Do not exceed the recommended dose.
   • Remember that dietary supplement is not a medicine or replacement for good nutrition.

V. International Quality Control Systems

1. GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice):

   • The system of norms, rules and instructions regarding the production of medicines, dietary supplements, food products and other products that require special quality control.
   • GMP covers all aspects of production, including raw materials, personnel, equipment, production processes, packaging and quality control.
   • GMP certification is voluntary, but the presence of a certificate is a sign of a high level of product quality.

2. HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points):

   • The system of analysis of dangers and critical control points, which allows you to identify and control potential dangers at all stages of food production, including dietary supplements.
   • HACCP helps prevent products pollution, ensure its safety and compliance with quality requirements.
   • The introduction of the HACCP system is mandatory for food manufacturers in many countries.

3. ISO (International Organization for Standardization):

   • International standardization organization developing standards in various fields, including food production and dietary supplements.
   • ISO standards help manufacturers introduce quality management systems, improve production processes and increase competitiveness.
   • ISO certification is voluntary, but the presence of a certificate is a sign of a high level of production organization and quality management.

4. USP (United States Pharmacopeia):

   • American pharmacopeia that sets quality standards for medicines, food ingredients and dietary supplements.
   • USP conducts an independent audit of dietary supplements and issues certificates of conformity.
   • The presence of a USP sign on a dietary supplement package means that the product has passed the check and meets the quality standards.

5. NSF International:

   • An independent organization engaged in certification of products and the development of standards in the field of food safety, water and consumer goods.
   • NSF International conducts an audit of manufacturing enterprises and checks the products for compliance with security and quality standards.
   • The presence of the NSF sign on the package of dietary supplements means that the product has passed the check and meets safety and quality standards.

VI. The role of state bodies in quality control

1. Rospotrebnadzor (Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Blessing):

   • Carries out state registration of dietary supplements.
   • Conducts selective checks of manufacturers and suppliers of dietary supplements.
   • It issues instructions on eliminating violations and suspenses the sale of poor -quality products.
   • Considers consumer complaints about the quality of dietary supplements.
   • Participates in the development of regulatory acts regulating the production and turnover of dietary supplements.

2. The Ministry of Health (Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation):

   • Develops a state policy in the field of healthcare, including the regulation of the BAD market.
   • Participates in the development of regulatory acts regulating the production and turnover of dietary supplements.
   • It monitors the safety of dietary supplements and reveals cases of side effects and interactions with drugs.

3. Federal Customs Service:

   • Runes control over the import and the export of dietary supplements to the territory of the Russian Federation.
   • The illegal import and circulation of poor -quality and falsified dietary supplements stops.

4. Roszdravnadzor (Federal Service for Healthcare Supervision):

   • It exercises control over compliance with licensing requirements in the production and sale of dietary supplements by pharmacy institutions.

VII. Alternative approaches to maintaining health

1. Balanced nutrition:

   • The use of various products that provide the body with all the necessary nutrients.
   • The inclusion of vegetables, fruits, cereals, proteins and healthy fats in the diet.
   • Limiting sugar, salt and processed products.

2. Regular physical activity:

   • Sports or other types of physical activity is at least 150 minutes a week.
   • Exercises for strengthening muscles and bones.
   • Regular walks in the fresh air.

3. Healthy sleep:

   • Compliance with sleep and wakefulness.
   • Providing comfortable sleep conditions, such as silence, darkness and coolness.
   • Avoiding the use of caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.

4. Stress management:

   • The practice of relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga and breathing exercises.
   • Regular communication with friends and relatives.
   • Classes of your favorite hobby.

5. Regular medical examinations:

   • The passage of preventive medical examinations to detect diseases at an early stage.
   • Timely seeking a doctor when the symptoms of the disease appear.
   • Compliance with the doctor’s recommendations for the treatment and prevention of diseases.

VIII. Prospects for the development of quality control of dietary supplements

1. Tighten regulatory regulation:

   • Introduction of the mandatory certification of each batch of dietary supplements before the market.
   • Strengthening the responsibility of manufacturers for inaccurate information about the composition and properties of dietary supplements.
   • Expanding the powers of regulatory authorities.

2. Implementation of modern analysis methods:

   • The use of high -precision methods of analysis to determine the composition and quantity of active substances in dietary supplements.
   • Development of new methods for identifying falsified and poor -quality dietary supplements.
   • Creation of databases on the composition and properties of dietary supplements.

3. Increasing consumer awareness:

   • Conducting educational campaigns about risks associated with the use of poor -quality dietary supplements.
   • Development of information resources containing reliable information about dietary supplements.
   • Improving the literacy of consumers in nutrition and health matters.

4. Development of international cooperation:

   • Exchange of information and experience between countries in the field of quality control.
   • Development of unified quality standards for dietary supplements.
   • Joint efforts to combat falsification and smuggling of dietary supplements.

5. Development of voluntary certification:

   • Stimulating manufacturers to pass voluntary certification according to GMP, HACCP, ISO and others.
   • Creation of a system of rating manufacturers of dietary supplements based on the results of certification and inspections.
   • Increasing consumer confidence in certified products.