Ephedra and the FDA

Abstract

The adverse events experienced after ingesting ephedra and other dietary supplements have demonstrated the need for FDA intervention. The FDA has an important role to play in safeguarding the health and safety of the American public. The FDA has been criticized as contravening the Congressional intent underlying DSHEA because of its attempts to regulate the dietary supplement industry, when in fact, the FDA has not overstepped its bounds. The agency has only taken the measures it felt necessary to protect the public and "implement a complex and ambiguous law." However, the FDA does need to focus on more effective procedures and systems for collecting adverse event reports and could take additional steps toward public awareness. In order for the FDA to address the overall problems with the regulating the dietary supplement industry efficiently and effectively, they will need additional funding.