MANILA, (PNA) — Several food and drug supplements (F/DS) are being advertised over the TV as having therapeutic claims although they actually did not, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The FDA noted that these F/DS were granted market authorization as food products only and not as drug products.
As food products, evidence-based or clinical studies on these F/DS need not be submitted to the FDA.
However, all food supplements are required to carry on their labels the phrase “No Approved Therapeutic Claims”.
This label meant that as food products they are not intended to treat, diagnose nor cure diseases; therapeutic claims can only be made for drug products authorized by the FDA.
There have also been endorsers peddling testimonials made by people who took the food supplement and these false claims were accompanied with the FDA logo and the Certificate of Product Registration (CPR).
According to the FDA, patients who buy food supplements from peddlers on TV instead of consulting their attending physician face serious health risks.
“Taking food supplements instead of the prescribed drugs may cause serious damage to major tissues and organs that may require long hospitalization or may result to permanent damage to vital organs,” the FDA stated.
“Relying on treatment based on hypes over medical science may lead to permanent physical or mental disability,” it added.
The FDA urged the public to be more discerning about their health and the health products that they buy.
“Patients should see their doctors in DOH-licensed health facilities or establishments to get proper treatment for their disease or to ask for advice on the benefits or risks of taking food supplements,” the FDA said.
“Some food supplements when taken by a pregnant woman or breastfeeding mother may adversely affect the fetus or baby,” it added.
Product advertisers, endorsers or owners were meanwhile requested by the FDA to seek its approval to ensure that consumers are given correct and factual information.