Natural Insight

Medications and Supplements

By Sabeen Faquir

In the traditional medical community, alternatives are known to be only possibly effective. With most alternative solutions, the medical community reports that there is insufficient evidence supporting its benefits. Although the mechanisms of medications are ALWAYS derived from those of naturally occurring plants, vitamins, and minerals, “alternative” solutions are, at times, derided.

Here’s the low-down: basically, what a naturally occurring alternative will do is chemically replicated in the lab and tested in vitro (outside a living organism), in animals, and then humans. The FDA outlines 5 steps in the Drug Development Process: Discovery and Development, Preclinical Research, Clinical Research, FDA Review, and FDA Post-Market Safety Monitoring. Side effects of the resultant drug may be similar to those of the alternative, or entirely different.

On every alternative container, you will find a disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. In fact, you find a similar disclaimer at the end of my articles. This is because the FDA regulates supplements differently than food or prescription drugs. Basically, this message is telling you the supplement did not go through the 5 steps of drug development. Thus, it cannot claim to heal you.

But, this does not mean it is not safe to consume supplements. The FDA still regulates dietary supplements and their ingredients. Just like with pharmaceutical drugs, supplement production adheres to Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs). CGMPs ensure safety in manufacturing processes and facilities, for the consumer. The FDA inspects facilities worldwide to confirm compliance. There are requirements that must be met for personnel, the plant and grounds, utensils and equipment, batch production, laboratory operations, holding and distributing and more.

Are there supplements that are used as treatments in traditional medicine? Yes! Here are a couple to chew on: Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Vitamin K, Vitamin B3 and fish oil. As prescription medications, you will find them in higher dosages and at times, administered intravenously.  

So, it is up to you, and your healthcare provider, to research and decide which traditional and alternative solutions could enhance your medical treatment. It is my hope that Natural Insight does so much as introduce you to different possibilities.  

Disclaimer: The content of this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure disease.