Noorbhai MH and Gabriels G
Background: Nutritional supplements have been formulated and distributed to the market with the aim and claim of enhancing the health and well-being of the general population and optimizing the performance of athletes. Most nutritional supplements can’t provide the same nutrients as certain foods, which are paramount in order to achieve a performance or health goal. More than 30 years before the supplement industry started, athletes and the apparently healthy followed a correct diet and exercise routine without the use of nutritional supplements. Findings: Aside from a lack of education from both athlete and professional, one of the constraints in affecting these challenges in utilizing nutritional supplements is the continued marketing from companies. There are certainly fundamentals behind business and monetary goals associated with the nutritional supplement industry. One could dispute that not all supplement brands commit to nutritional supplement “best practice” manufacture policies. Therefore, manufacturers should be held responsible for their business decision practices that cause adverse or unintended consequences to the consumer when discovered. Conclusion: Drafting nutritionalsupplement policies, amended legislation or new formulated legislations with education would protect the consumer and safeguard the manufacturer and distributor.
