Health supplements are products that are taken orally and usually contain one or more dietary ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and enzymes. These supplements are intended to add to or supplement the diet and are different from conventional foods. In general, if a product is intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent diseases, it is considered a drug, even if it is labeled as a dietary supplement. Supplements come in many forms, such as tablets, capsules, softgels, powders, sticks, gummies, and liquids.
The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 defined the “dietary supplement” and established the authority of the FDA with respect to such products. Dietary supplements can help you improve or maintain your overall health and meet your daily needs for essential nutrients. However, it's important to talk to a health professional to help you decide if a supplement is right for you. If you experience an adverse effect or side effect, the FDA recommends that you and your health professional report the adverse event to the FDA. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program available to certain elderly and disabled people that is administered by the Social Security Administration through the Social Security office.
For the requirements of the stability study of health supplements, reference will be made to the ASEAN Guidelines on the study of the stability and shelf life of health supplements.
