NPA criticizes remarks tying dietary supplements to tainted products

WASHINGTON The Natural Products Association on Thursday released a statement criticizing the erroneous link between legitimate dietary supplements and tainted products. “Increased scrutiny by professional sports leagues on steroid usage, which the Natural Products Association commends, has unfortunately also led to increased and unsubstantiated allegations that a ‘tainted’ or mislabeled dietary supplement is to blame when an athlete tests positive for a banned substance,” said David Seckman, NPA executive director and CEO.

“As the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 mandates, all ingredients must be listed on product labels and product claims must be substantiated. If this is not the case, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration—along with the Federal Trade Commission—have the authority under DSHEA to act promptly,” he said.

Seckman also noted that not all substances banned by professional sports organizations as performance enhancers are either bad or illegal. “Performance enhancers [that] are not necessarily dangerous or illegal … include caffeine, commonly used over-the-counter cold remedies and prescription medications,” he said. “Athletes have the right and responsibility to avoid their use. However, the consuming public who benefits from legitimate medications or dietary supplements – as well as a trip to the local coffee house – should not be denied their use if an athlete is unwilling or unable to follow the rules established by their sport.”