Then you're not alone. Nearly half of all Americans take some type of nonprescription vitamin or dietary supplement. The growth of the dietary supplement industry spurred the researchers to try and find out more about those who take dietary supplements and what they think about government regulation, effectiveness and the safety of such supplements. Because people take dietary supplements to improve their health, the researchers wanted to understand the role doctors play in the decision to use supplements.
Commercial advertising is the main source.
This act allows manufacturers to make general health claims about their products, but they can't claim their products prevent or cure specific diseases or conditions. In addition, proof of safety shifted from the manufacturers showing that their product is safe to the FDA proving that it is dangerous. The researchers conclude that Americans like and want to continue taking supplements. They recommend that doctors and nurses become more familiar with supplements and discuss them with their patients, particularly with regard to safety. They also recommend that the FDA become more involved in testing of dietary supplements for health care claims and safety.