PDR Lists Benefits, Risks of Dietary Supplements

A new book released by the publishers of the "Physicians' Desk Reference" contains nutritional and scientific information on "hundreds" of nutritional supplements, the Oakland Tribune reports. The "PDR for Nutritional Supplements" includes the "latest scientific understanding" of the benefits or risks of products such as soy protein, green tea, chromium and folic acid. The book aims to "fill a wide void in the often confusing and contentious field of over-the-counter nutritional supplements." Dr. Sheldon Hendler, author of the book, said that although about 50% of Americans "regularly" use supplements, many feel that their doctors "know little" about the products or "discourage" their use. Hendler said that the book aims to "put physicians in the loop with their patients." The book will be available at bookstores and online.

A study published in the March 26 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine found that many Americans are not aware that the FDA does not regulate supplements in the same way that it regulates over-the-counter drugs. The study found that one-third of supplement users believed that supplements were regulated in a manner similar to OTC medication, while about 50% were "aware of the limited governmental oversight" that currently exists. "Most" study participants said they were in favor of "stronger federal oversight" of the supplement industry (Bohan, Oakland Tribune, 4/9).