Report Summary

Mandated by DSHEA, the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) has been carrying out its mission to support and disseminate research and educate the public for almost 20 years. Among its accomplishments are six NIH Botanical Research Centers; a long list of grant-funded research specifically on dietary supplement benefits and risks; a robust program for accumulating standard reference materials and developing and validating testing methods; and specialty initiatives for individual nutrients, including vitamins and minerals.

Editor's Take

The ODS has brought knowledge and legitimacy to natural products, building awareness to consumers, heath care practitioners and researchers; however, some supplement manufactures are frustrated with the direction of the ODS, especially its inclination to study natural ingredients using pharmaceutical standards.

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