Final answer:
Dietary supplements in the United States are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but they are not subject to the same level of scrutiny as drugs. The FDA ensures that supplements meet the Good Manufacturing Standards, but does not test or approve them for safety or effectiveness. Supplements should not be seen as replacements for a healthy diet, as nutrients derived from food are more beneficial.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dietary supplements in the United States are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, supplements are treated like food rather than pharmaceuticals, which means they are not subjected to the same level of scrutiny as drugs. The FDA ensures that supplements meet the Good Manufacturing Standards, but it does not test or approve supplements for safety or effectiveness before they are sold. Although manufacturers are allowed to make certain claims about the benefits of supplements, these claims are not verified or approved by the FDA.
It is important to note that supplements should not be considered as replacements for a healthy diet. Food should always be the primary source of nutrients, and supplements should only be viewed as extras. Nutrients derived from food are more beneficial and cannot be fully replicated by supplements.