Most Americans have used some sort of natural nutritional supplements at least one point or another in their life. Millions of people believe that dietary supplements help maintain proper a health balance. For years people have searched for the best natural healing system available. Supplements have been well documented over history and have showed to have a lot proven benefits. Food supplements play an important part in people maintaining proper health. Scientific research continues to prove that minerals and vitamins can help in preventing certain types of diseases, plus help people live a healthier life. Some people have a misconception about natural substances. Dietary supplements are considered food supplements, not drugs. The Food and Drug Administration regulates or has the power to ensure that products being sold are safe and properly labeled. In 1994 the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) was passed. This law was a big step in the right direction for natural supplements. The government should not be involved with regulating food supplements. The FDA already regulates the prescription drug market and thousands of people die yearly from adverse effects from medication they consume, which is considered safe (O'Meara 3).
             The legislation acts like they are concerned about people's safety. But in fact they are upset because of the loss of control over nutritional supplements. The 1994 DSHEA law keeps the FDA from being able to ban nutritional supplements. Natural supplements are not drugs and should not have to follow the same expensive regulation guidelines as prescription medications. When Prescription Pharmaceutical drugs enter the market, they are considered "safe for consumers." Maybe this should state partially safe, or safe enough to make a large profit off. If the "safe for consumer's" statement is true, then why do 240,000 deaths occur each year by using these drugs co...