23 December 2010

FDA Targets Tainted Supplements

This is not about diabetes, but just a well be. Many people with Type 2 diabetes are looking for natural, homeopathic supplements that will help them manage their diabetes. They do not check with their doctors. They seek out these remedies to let them continue to live the good life.

What they don't understand and are often found wanting is not the cure they thought they were having, but the complications of diabetes. Last week I witnessed an acquaintance that had Type 2 diabetes succumb to the complications. He had diabetes for about 13 years, but chose the path of homeopathic supplements for the first 11 years. About 2 years ago, he lost his eyesight and about 3 months later his left foot and leg below the knee. About eight months ago, his kidneys failed and he had been on dialysis until he quit the treatments.

I am not sure what supplements or medications (if any) he was taking, but said he had gone the homeopathic route for treatment for diabetes. The articles of December 16 and 17 about the FDA announcement to target harmful products marketed as dietary supplements was welcome news. The FDA is currently targeting tainted products sold as dietary supplements for weight loss, sexual enhancement, or body building.

Five trade associations are supporting the FDA letter and are planning to share the information widely. The associations are: Council for Responsible Nutrition, Natural Products Association, United Natural Products Alliance, Consumer Healthcare Products Association, and the American Herbal Products Association.

I doubt that what the gentleman was taking (if anything) was not among what the FDA is after, but I would hope that eventually some of these supplements claiming a cure of diabetes will be exposed and stopped as well.

Read two of the articles here and here.

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