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Experts: Proceed With Caution When Consuming Unregulated Dietary Supplements

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- There was a warning Wednesday, for the millions of people who take dietary supplements -- buyer beware.

A new report may have you taking a closer look at what's in your medicine or kitchen cabinet.

As CBS2's Dr. Max Gomez explained, you can't always tell what you're getting in your supplements.

By some estimates, supplements are a $37-billion a year industry, and growing.

People take them for everything from losing weight to building muscle, boosting energy, staying mentally sharp, and even improving their sex lives, but supplements are almost completely unregulated.

Logan Stiner's family has been taking on the supplement industry since the healthy 18-year-old suddenly died from a powdered caffeine supplement.

"He had no idea what he was doing. None," Logan's mother Katie said.

A new Consumer Reports investigation found serious health risks from supplements including vitamins, probiotics, and weight loss pills.

Their report found that the FDA is prevented by congressional action from regulating supplements. They also identified 15 ingredients to 'always avoid' including kava, red yeast rice, and caffeine powder.

Unlike prescription or over the counter drugs, manufacturers don't have to prove safety and effectiveness for supplements.

"Before supplements arrive on store shelves the government is doing nothing to ensure that they are safe," Dr. Pieter Cohen, Harvard Medical School said.

A recent study found that more than 23,000 people end up in the ER each year because of supplements.

The council for responsible nutrition which represents the supplement industry maintains that overwhelmingly dietary supplements are safe and play a valuable role in helping Americans live healthy lifestyles.

Experts said patients should speak to their doctor before taking any supplement.

Consumer reports recommends consumers look for a United States Pharmaceutical or USP label if consumers must take supplements which means the product was tested for potency and purity.

 

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