Determining the Quality of Dietary Supplements
An integral part of a pharmacist’s role is counseling patients on the proper use of OTCs and dietary supplements (DS). While OTCs are developed under the OTC Monograph or the New Drug Application processes, DS are regulated under the less rigorous Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. The DHSEA requires that DS are manufactured free of contaminants or adulterants. Read more.

How Do Pharmacists Choose Complementary and Alternative Medicines?
It is estimated that about one-third to nearly one-half of Americans routinely use some form of complementary and alternative medicine, which includes dietary supplements (DS). Counseling patients on these products is a major role of pharmacists. However, not much is known about pharmacists’ use of DS, their perception of DS safety and efficacy, or their recommendation patterns to patients, family members, or friends. Read more.

Examining the Safety of Brain-Health Enhancers
Cognitive decline with aging is a very frequent concern associated with growing older. Brain health and cognitive performance enhancers are a booming business, with promises of increased power, concentration, or energy, but are these agents safe and effective for their intended use? Pharmacists are in a key position to educate patients to recognize red flags when purchasing DS and to help identify high-quality cognitive-health products. Read more.