FDA and FTC slap the hands of fraudulent COVID supplement manufacturers

jamiepopeauthor
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Recently, the FDA and the FTC issued warning letters to seven companies for selling fraudulent COVID-19 products - primarily dietary supplement formulations. It is no surprise that consumers are seeking ways and products in hopes of bolstering their health and immunity amid the very real perils of COVID-19.  I’ve also gotten questions about dietary supplements and what might help support immunity.  Truly, eating a varied, balanced, and adequate primarily plant-based diet is your best strategy to promote health and maintain immunity.  But if your diet is lacking variety or you are undereating you might benefit from a multivitamin mineral supplement.   And while supplementation is an individual consideration, making sure intake is adequate for nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc is important.   Most all essential nutrients play some role in supporting your immune system as well as your overall health – so again, variety and adequate intake of all groups of foods to meet your nutrient and energy needs are your best overall strategy.  I found this media article helpful and of interest: 

https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/sns-nyt-supplements-coronavirus-may-harm-20200326-re2uuag...

Link to USDA FDA site:
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/health-fraud-scams/fraudulent-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-produc...

 

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About the Author
Jamie Pope, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Adjunct Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University, has worked in the areas of obesity research, health promotion, heart disease prevention, and since 2000 teaching introductory nutrition. Beyond the classroom, she adapted portions of her nutrition courses to produce a Massive Open Online Course attracting more than 175,000 participants from around the world. This experience earned Jamie an Innovation in Teaching award from the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She is the co-author of the textbook entitled Nutrition for a Changing World. Now in its second edition, the text is in use in over 140 universities across the U.S. and the recipient of a 2020 Textbook Excellence Award. Most recently she developed and produced an audio course for Learn25.com (Nutrition 101: Understanding the Science and Practice of Eating Well) that is also featured on platforms like Apple Books and Audible. Jamie holds a Master’s of Science degree in Nutrition and post graduate work in Health Psychology. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Jamie is an active member and serves on the board of the Textbook and Academic Authors Association. She has authored or contributed to numerous scientific and popular press publications. Jamie also held several corporate positions, serving as nutrition consultant and media representative.