According to the Mayo Clinic
What are dietary supplements?
Dietary supplements are sold as health aids. They're taken by mouth. Common ingredients are vitamins, minerals, fiber, caffeine, herbs and other plants.
Some of the most popular supplements claim to improve nutrition, boost energy, build muscle or burn fat.
Dietary supplements are not medicines. They aren't meant to treat or cure disease.
How are dietary supplements regulated?
Companies that make supplements are responsible for the safety of their products. They must ensure that their products are free of contaminants and that they're accurately labeled.
Dietary supplements don't require approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But if a supplement is found to be unsafe, the FDA can issue warnings or ask that it be withdrawn from the market.
The FDA can also take action against companies that make false or unsupported claims to sell their supplements.
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