At Supplements Over 50 we believe informed decisions start with understanding how supplements are regulated in the United States. Here are the key official resources every adult over 50 should know about.
FDA Dietary Supplement Regulation The US Food and Drug Administration oversees dietary supplements under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. Unlike prescription drugs, supplements do not require FDA approval before being sold, which makes it important to understand what the FDA does and does not verify. Read more at fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements The National Institutes of Health provides evidence-based fact sheets on vitamins, minerals and supplements including recommended dosages, safety information and research summaries. Visit ods.od.nih.gov
FTC Consumer Information on Health Products The Federal Trade Commission monitors advertising claims made by supplement companies and takes action against false or misleading marketing. The FTC lawsuit against Prevagen is one well-known example. Visit consumer.ftc.gov/health
How to Verify Third-Party Testing Look for these certifications when choosing a supplement in the US:
- NSF Certified for Sport — nsf.org/consumer-resources/articles/supplement-certification
- Informed Sport — sport.wetestyoutrust.com
- USP Verified — usp.org/verification-services/verified-mark
This page is provided for informational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
