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or inaccurate, so one has to find reliable manufacturers. —Eric Madis, Seattle SHOULDN’T CR BE trumpeting the obvious, that of the $46 billion spent annually on supplements, most either don’t work as claimed or are unnecessary? And as clearly shown by Mr. Felton’s article, can cause harm. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 allows these companies almost free rein in manufacturing and marketing. When and if this law is changed, then maybe the FDA and other regulatory agencies can have some real power in protecting the public. —Albert Karam, MD, Dallas
DECADES AGO when the FDA attempted to set up regulations similar to over-thecounter drugs for supplements, Congress received more letters against regulations for supplements. Now we have what we have: I can grind up pine cones and claim they help your prostate and I
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can sell them anywhere, any way I choose! —Gloria Gonzalez, Pensacola, FL THERE IS A huge difference between someone taking vitamin C and zinc when one feels a cold coming on, and extreme cases, such as the Colorado woman your article
Consumer Reports is seeking dynamic, dedicated candidates with a desire to advance our mission and improve the lives of consumers by serving on our Board of Directors. Ideal candidates will bring
mentions whose husband injected her with cesium chloride for breast cancer. I am in excellent health and have used dietary supplements for decades (vitamins, Omega-3, etc.). But not all supplement manufacturers are equal. As CR points out, dosage sizes can be missing
creativity, diversity of background and thought, experience in leadership, and a passion for empowering consumers and working to create a fair and just marketplace for all. Applications should be submitted online at
MIGHT Y MICE
IT WAS GOOD to see trackballs included in “Hands-on Help” (September 2020). In addition to the marble-sized for-yourthumb models, trackballs also come in billiard-ball-sized models, like the Kensington
CR.org/boardapplication by Nov. 30, 2020. A committee of the Board will review applications, conduct interviews, and recommend a slate to stand for election to a three-year term of board service beginning
in October 2021. Board members are required to attend three meetings per year and participate in Board business by phone and email on an ongoing basis. No compensation is provided, but travel expenses are covered.
ICONS: ELIAS STEIN
Our September special investigation, “A Tattered Safety Net,” revealed that the Food and Drug Administration’s oversight of the dietary supplement industry is dangerously weak. Readers share their insights and concerns. To add your voice, go to CR.org/supplements1120.
EDITOR’S NOTE CR agrees that many supplements have not been proved safe or effective. We believe that supplements should be required to undergo safety testing and submitted for FDA approval before being sold to the public.
CR.ORG NOVEMBER 2020
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