Running head: VITAMIN AND HERBAL DRUGS Vitamins and herbal drugs should be regulated by the FDA Abigail Nyarko George Mason University Cons Vitamins and herbal drugs should be regulated just as other medications and drugs are. Although it is stated that vitamins have no side effects, it is also said that taking too much of some vitamins may create safety concerns. This is an important issue that many consumers may not know about. According to Everyday Health, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, may cause nerve damage, stomach bleeding, uneven heart rate and many other health related problems when taken in large doses. This is dangerous because vitamins are available to consumers in unrestricted amount and they can take it any time. More information consumers might not know is that they should consume extra vitamins if they miss a dose. So, it is in the interest of consumers that they know more about the vitamins and herbal drugs they consume. The easiest way to do that is to allow the FDA to regulate. …show more content…
It is better to address the safeness of dietary supplements than waiting for harms to occur. Consumers see dietary supplements as prescription drugs. However, consumers are not aware of the safety issues or concerns because they may have no idea that vitamins and herbal drugs are not inspected by the FDA. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the consumers for Congress to add an amendment requiring FDA inspection. Without it, consumer knowledge of vitamins and herbal drugs may stay ignorant or limited. Safety should be a priority instead of waiting to make a plan of what can be done once there is serious health issue: prevention is far better than a cure. The FDA should start doing something to protect consumers from vitamins and herbal