Government Regulation of Vitamin Supplements

Although it is widely believed that the supplement industry is unregulated, this idea is completely false. Standards for vitamin supplements and manufacturing practices are set by the government, specifically by the FDA. In an act passed in 1994, called the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), the FDA was given the authority to establish certain standards for manufacturers of vitamin supplements. These standards of operation are called “good manufacturing practices,” GMP for short. However, another organization also sets standards for manufacturing practices: The Natural Products Association.

Supplement manufacturers and their products are subject to external audits to ensure a variety of factors defined by GMP. Not only is the manufacturer required to use certain processes when producing products, but the raw materials are tested for purity and potency. Plus, products' certificates of analysis and labels are examined for accuracy and precision. When a supplement manufacturer meets all criteria established by the FDA, then they are known as GMP certified, or GMP compliant. Oftentimes, there is a “c” before GMP. This “c” stands for “current,” and it means that GMP regulations continually change to adapt to the industry.

For more information on government regulation of supplements and supplement manufacturing, call or e-mail Vitarich Laboratories today.