Final answer:
The terms "standardized," "certified," and "verified" on supplement labels do not necessarily guarantee quality or FDA approval. Supplements are regulated differently than pharmaceuticals, with less stringent requirements for pre-market testing. These terms also do not assure the absence of harmful substances such as lead.
Step-by-step explanation:
The words "standardized," "certified," and "verified" on an herbal supplement label do not guarantee that the product has been approved by the FDA, nor do they guarantee that the product meets any specific safety or quality standards. The FDA regulates supplements similarly to foods and not pharmaceuticals, meaning they are not subjected to the rigorous pre-market testing that medicines undergo. While some companies voluntarily follow higher standards, such as those of the U.S. Pharmacopeia (U.S.P.), the presence of such terms on labels does not have a legally recognized definition and thus cannot guarantee product quality or the absence of harmful substances such as lead.
Given the lack of stringent regulation compared to pharmaceuticals, supplements can make certain claims regarding the potential benefits on body systems, but they must include a disclaimer indicating that the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease." Moreover, controversies surrounding the supplement industry, such as mislabeling and the presence of unlisted ingredients including heavy metals and steroids, highlight the importance of consumer vigilance when selecting dietary supplements.