Chapter 10: Science versus Supplements: "A Gulf of Mutual Incomprehension"

I am hesitant to completely disparage any helpful effect provided by dietary supplements. While I, as a proponent of Western Biomedicine, do not believe that most herbs are helpful in treating Western diseases, I know that many folk remedies are extremely valuable to people who ascribe to other cultural beliefs. I think it is our responsibility as nutritionists to consider that biomedicine is not universal, and we must remain culturally competent in order to be able to help people across cultural borders. As much as the scientific world hates it, the placebo effect and nocebo effect exist, and play a big part in personal health.
There is one exception to my tolerance of folk medicine: I do not believe that any supplement which can be harmful at recommended doses should be allowed to be on the market. Consumers have some freedom to choose for themselves whether to spend money on remedies that might not have any effect, but the choice should be taken away from them when the substance threatens their health.
I do not at all agree with the rampant use of health claims in product advertisements. I believe in the precautionary principle when it comes to dealing with these claims, and peer-reviewed studies should be required to substantiate them. Also, the component of the food that "healthy" should be labeled and explained near the claim. For example, if all bran All Bran claimed to prevent colon cancer, the label should say: this product contains fiber, which helps prevent colon cancer, as does any product which contains substantial amounts of fiber.
The use of dietary supplements should be limited, because they provide an excuse to eat less nutrient-dense foods; an approach which unfailingly leads to lowered nutritional health.