Final answer:
Making claims about dietary supplements is related to marketing. The FDA regulates dietary supplements less strictly than drugs, and issues such as mislabeling and contamination are prevalent in the industry. Consumers need to be vigilant about the claims and safety of these products.
Step-by-step explanation:
Making claims about dietary supplements or the health benefits of certain unproven ingredients is an issue related to marketing. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates supplements with less strict standards compared to pharmaceuticals. They must meet Good Manufacturing Standards, but not the extensive approval process drugs do. However, manufacturers can make claims about their products influencing body systems as long as a disclaimer is included. Due to the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their products, with the FDA stepping in only if a product is shown to be hazardous after it enters the market.
The issue is compounded by instances of mislabeling and contamination. Protein powders, for example, were found to have unsafe levels of heavy metals and other contaminants. Adulteration with substances like steroids or fillers like amino acids not listed on the label is a significant concern. Incidents have occurred when supplements have led to health problems, including liver damage and other serious side effects. Due to such controversies, claims made by supplement manufacturers, especially in the fitness supplement industry, must be scrutinized by consumers for their validity and safety.