Informed Opinions on Today’s Topics : Regulation of Vitamins by FDA Debated

In 1990, Congress enacted the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act, requiring all health claims on foods and dietary supplements to be supported by “significant scientific agreement.” A temporary ban on claim investigations will expire Wednesday, giving the Food and Drug Administration authority to draft regulations restricting future claims by vitamin makers. Critics say that regulations may limit the public’s access to over-the-counter vitamins and supplements. Competing bills by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Rep. Bill Richardson (D-N. M.) would create less rigid restrictions, however.

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Should the Food and Drug Administration regulate claims made by vitamin and dietary supplement manufacturers?

Henry A. Waxman, Democratic congressman from Los Angeles and author of the 1990 act:

“I don’t expect the FDA to move very quickly on this. What we have to do is find a balance between getting information to consumers who purchase these products and making sure that those who manufacture these products don’t make claims that serve their economic interests and aren’t valid.”

Shane McCamey, manager of Sherman Oaks-based Capitol Drugs:

“We see so many people through here who are looking to get better and conventional medicine isn’t helping. (Vitamins, homeopathic medicine and herbal medicines) work. It’s not terribly expensive. . . . There’s not enough open-minded dialogue (at the FDA).”

Elton Gallegly, Republican congressman from Simi Valley:

“The FDA does not prevent people from eating conventional food products that are high in calories, cholesterol, saturated fat, sodium and caffeine, so it should not attempt to impose unreasonable and unnecessary regulations on dietary supplements that many consumers want and many health professionals recommend. . . . The FDA has no business regulating dietary supplements and there is no need for it.”

Bonnie Hope, manager of the Whole Wheatery, a Lancaster-based health food restaurant and retail store:

“The main thing is the right of people to choose. People do not die from vitamins and herbs. People do die from aspirin. . . . (Congress) is taking a very strong stance over a few people who have said ‘herbs have hurt me.’ Most herbs are very safe. . . . Our customers are all very worried. Henry Waxman and Ted Kennedy are very powerful men. They hold us in their hands.”

Gene Arnold, 10-year vitamin merchant and proprietor of West Hills-based Vitamin Barn:

“Absolutely. We don’t want false claims. We want everything on the up-and-up. . . . When anything happens (in the industry), good, bad or indifferent, it stimulates sales. People want to know what’s going on, so they come in.”

John A. Thomson, biochemist and owner of North Hollywood-based Vitamin Institute:

“The implicit purpose of the FDA is to make vitamins and supplements not legal to sell any other way except by a physician’s prescription. . . . People that live longer are the people who are found by surveys to take supplements. . . . “