Vitamin Makers Can Swallow New Rules : Federal requirement of scientific proof of benefits will help validate the industry

Let’s keep something straight about the new regulations on vitamins issued by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA is not saying, “Do not take vitamins.” The agency is not saying, “Do not sell vitamins.” It is only requiring that vitamin and dietary supplement makers provide us with accurate information.

They must, for example, substantiate with scientific evidence any health claims they make in selling their products. That’s the same FDA standard that is applied to processed foods.

The new rules are a long-overdue move in the public interest and will help protect the integrity of the $4-billion dietary supplement industry, though many manufacturers are objecting to the added cost of compliance.

Objections notwithstanding, consumers need some measure of protection against many of the unsubstantiated and even fraudulent health claims found on some vitamins, mineral and other supplements. So beginning July 1, vitamin and dietary supplement makers must provide scientific evidence to back up any health claims. Beginning in mid-1995, manufacturers also will have to list nutrients, such as sugars and fats, on the labels of supplements.

The new FDA requirements, which apply only to what manufacturers can say on the product label or in sales materials, should not restrict the availability of legitimate products or research data on benefits not yet validated by the FDA.

Nevertheless, Congress may move to water down the requirements when it reconvenes. Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) and Rep. Bill Richardson (D-N.M.) have introduced bills to limit the FDA’s authority over dietary supplements. Bad idea. The larger consumer interest should prevail over narrow industry interests.

For those who already take vitamins and other supplements, the new FDA requirements should enhance and validate information about these products. For the uninitiated, the requirements should help them through the bewildering number of products and weed out unsubstantiated claims, like garlic inhibiting the growth of viruses, yucca helping fight arthritis and gout, or hawthorn helping to lower blood pressure.

Providing accurate nutritional and health information to consumers should be a high priority for the dietary supplement industry. Until now, the industry was barely subject to regulation. The FDA requirements should enhance confidence among health-conscious Americans, the very consumers of vitamins and minerals. Remember, the customer always comes first.