SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) — Dangerous and illegal claims have been made by some widely sold nutritional supplements. Findings by a new federal report Thursday say dozens of weight-loss and immune system supplements are illegally labeled and lack scientific evidence for their health claims.
It’s a scathing indictment of a booming $20 billion industry with 80% of Americans take supplements.
Dr. Richard Besser, the chief health and Medical editor for ABC News, says he doesn’t take supplements and only recommends them to people with certain deficiencies.
“My recommendation is, if you’re taking supplements, be open with your doctor. Bring them in and go over the labels together and see if it’s one from a manufacturer who’s reputable. Are the claims on there reasonable, and is this something that has the potential to help my health,” Besser says.
Besser adds that some supplements can actually interact with prescription drugs that you may be taking. He says if you don’t have an open communication with your doctor, that could lead to trouble.
