[Fern]

the website containing the article is funded by the vitamin industry, so let's take it all with a grain of salt.

the bill is intended to protect consumers, who often blindly believe the claims made by various unscrupulous suppelement manufacturers, from dangerous side effects or results. Ephedra is a case in point. Ephedra may seem innocuous because it is a naturally occurring substance that comes from botanicals, Yet studies have shown it has little effectiveness, except for short-term weight loss, but that it raises blood pressure and stresses the heart. The increased risk of heart problems and strokes negates any benefits of weight loss.

no one is trying to take away our right to purchase vitamins, yet if the fda finds serious problems with certain ones, it would be helpful to know.