Dear wise ones,
I've received some information from a local midwife which I believe is of
interest to lactation counselors. One website I've found which has some
details is <A HREF="http://www.citizens.org/">Citizens For Health,
http://www.citizens.org/</A> . (Including their "Natural Activist Newsletter"
for July/Aug. 1998.)
Apparently, the FDA has proposed some new regulations, concerning dietary
supplements, which may affect anyone taking or prescribing vitamins, minerals,
and herbs to their clients. This U.S. agency has proposed redefining
conditions such as menopause, aging, and pregnancy as diseases, and wants to
reclassify many natural health products as drugs. It could greatly restrict
access to dietary supplements, herbs, etc., based on how you intend to use
those products, and also restrict information presented about these products,
even when that information comes from respected scientific journals.
What this may mean, for instance, is that you couldn't tell a mom she could
take fenugreek to help increase her milk supply, if the FDA hasn't approved it
as a drug for that purpose.
I haven't been able to check this out thoroughly, so if anyone knows more
about this than I do, please advise!! The comment period on this proposal
ends Sept. 25, 1998.
TIA,
Lisa Mo
LLLL, Bowling Green, KY
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