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Astral Codex Ten did an interesting write up on this a couple of years ago. There probably needs to be some regulation on supplements but I don't trust the FDA to do the job.

https://www.astralcodexten.com/p/how-trustworthy-are-supplements?r=6wn6d&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

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founding
Apr 1·edited Apr 1

This is a great summary of this topic and very beneficial to consumers, but the statement that "This industry is wholly unregulated" is an exaggeration, which is especially unfortunate when it's presented in a large font in the intro to a piece. From fda.gov: "Dietary supplements are regulated by the FDA, but much of our role begins after products enter the marketplace." So the regulation is miles away from what it should be, but there *is* (some) regulation.

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author

For sure, I note all of that in the piece. The distinction there is to emphasize the cognitive dissonance around people who refuse regulated medications but endorse untested and unproven supplements. To be clear though: while there are “regulations”, they are minimal at best, and often unenforceable. Which I note in the article and provide some examples.

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founding
Apr 1·edited Apr 1

Yes, I understand that the piece goes into the details, but the statement is nonetheless incorrect, which is reason enough to *not* make it. And a statement appearing in a *large* font in the *intro* to a piece makes a big impression --- in this case, an incorrect impression.

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author

I appreciate your feedback ! However I would argue that functionally they are wholly unregulated - and sometimes we have to look to the tactics the wellness industry uses when we put out evidence-based info too.

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Love this and I also written about, what I call the "CAM Industrial Complex", an all encompassing "wellness" that include devices and treatments. as well as supplements. While I do have issues with "Big Pharma", seems that people have forgotten "Big CAM".

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