Most surprising findings in brief. How we got into this mess. A quality control nightmare. Herbal folk myths are exposed. Dangerous botanical products.
Hormones top the list of risks.
Inside the FDA's enforcement program. Once limited mainly to vitamins and minerals, the supplements industry has experienced explosive growth. Among the hottest items have been herbal remedies and botanical products such as gingko biloba, touted for failing memory, Echinacea, claimed to improve immune system response, ginseng, sold for centuries to improve male sexual performance, in part because its root resembles the male sex organ. Not only has the array of products expanded, so have the claims that these products will fight disease or improve health. In a visit to a large Washington area store I located products touted to combat cancer, depression, anxiety, the common cold, impotence, obesity, menopause, fatigue, digestive problems, high blood pressure, prostate problems and heart disease.