New! Sign up for our free email newsletter.
Science News
from research organizations

Nanoparticles In Dietary Supplements Cause Health Concerns, Regulatory Challenges

Date:
February 10, 2009
Source:
American Chemical Society
Summary:
An increase in the number of dietary supplements made with nanoparticles — so called "nanoceuticals" — is raising growing concerns about their potential for toxicity in the wake of little government oversight, according to an article in Chemical & Engineering News.
Share:
FULL STORY

An increase in the number of dietary supplements made with nanoparticles — so called "nanoceuticals" — is raising growing concerns about their potential for toxicity in the wake of little government oversight, according to an article scheduled for the Feb. 9 online issue of Chemical & Engineering News.

In the article, C&EN Associate Editor Britt Erickson notes that manufacturers of dietary supplements are increasingly using nano-sized particles (about 1/5000th the width of a single human hair) to boost nutrient absorption, enhance mental focus and creativity, and other health-promoting functions. One nonprofit organization that tracks nanotechnology estimates at least 44 "nanoceuticals" are currently on the market, quadruple the number that existed three years ago.

But consumers have no way of knowing whether a "nanoceutical" is safe or whether it does what it claims to do, the article notes. Unlike drugs, dietary supplements do not need to be reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration for safety and effectiveness before marketing. This lack of government oversight, coupled with growing concerns about the potential toxicity of nanoparticles, has led consumer groups to urge regulators to do more to ensure that nanoceuticals are safe and effective.

Notes one regulatory expert, "If FDA waits much longer, we are going to be faced with hundreds of products and hundreds of companies and a much more difficult situation."


Story Source:

Materials provided by American Chemical Society. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Cite This Page:

American Chemical Society. "Nanoparticles In Dietary Supplements Cause Health Concerns, Regulatory Challenges." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 10 February 2009. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090209075633.htm>.
American Chemical Society. (2009, February 10). Nanoparticles In Dietary Supplements Cause Health Concerns, Regulatory Challenges. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090209075633.htm
American Chemical Society. "Nanoparticles In Dietary Supplements Cause Health Concerns, Regulatory Challenges." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090209075633.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

Explore More

from ScienceDaily

RELATED STORIES