Final answer:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for enforcing guidelines for dietary supplements in the U.S., ensuring products meet specified manufacturing standards and accurately label any health benefit claims.
Step-by-step explanation:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforces guidelines for dietary supplements in the United States. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the FDA has the authority to oversee the quality of substances sold as food and to monitor the claims made in the labeling about both the composition and health benefits.
Since the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, manufacturers are responsible for the safety of dietary supplements, and the products do not need approval from the FDA before distribution, although they must meet Good Manufacturing Standards set by the FDA. Supplement claims must include a disclaimer if they make structural and functional claims not approved by the FDA, stating that the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."