I know this thread is about prescribing but I have to add a little
information that will add an extra twist to our thoughts.  The FDA is
allowing GE(genetically engineered) products to be considered equivalent to
the original product.  That means that the FDA considers a soybean that is
genetically engineered to be the equivalent of the one that is not
genetically manipulated.  Therefore the consumer and more than likely anyone
who "prescribes" may not know whether or not it is GE.  The organic label
should mean that it is not genetically  engineered.

So what does this have to do with supplements?  Genetic engineering is being
done to many food oils and yeasts.  If one takes a look at say Vitamin A and
sees that it is derived from fish oil but also soybean oil.  Is that soybean
oil GE or not?  Is that the same product you bought 2 years ago?  It sure
looks like the same product--label says the same things but its not.  I guess
that's questionable since obviously the FDA thinks they are the same and
maybe most Americans think they are equivalent.  No testing on our new ge
additions are made because they are considered equivalent.  That's how we had
the tragedy with the tryptophan supplements(the problem was with the
tryptophan that was genetically engineered)--39 deaths, 1500 disabled.  The
oils for infant formula are ge and these oils are considered equivalent(DHA
and ARA). Do parents and health professionals actually know what they are
prescribing or encouraging?  No.  At least we can call breast milk GE-FREE.

The new bio-tech industry have lessened our ability to know what it is that
we are "prescribing"/"encouraging"(drugs are also being genetically
engineered).  One may trust that the bio-tech industry knows what it is doing
and that we have the great watchdogs(the FDA).  But  I am not so sure that an
industry in its infancy with little regulation knows exactly what its doing.
Does that answer the question of prescribing herbs and supplements?  No, but
it does add an interesting twist to the discussion.  Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC

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