This Is Not Approved by the FDA
“Clinically shown to support a healthy heart and anti inflammatory response; supports brain, eye and neurological health” is the tagline underneath the brand name of my favorite fish oil.
But then:
“These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”
Verbatim, this disclaimer appears on this one supplement I feel everyone can benefit from: a good quality, Omega 3-rich fish oil tablet.
OK, point taken. Note to self: if, for some strange reason, these fish oil tablets don’t elicit a positive result, I mustn’t blame the FDA.
What are the potential side effects of taking a couple of fish oil tablets, anyway? Well, if they weren’t a good quality, and not tested for mercury levels, that would be an issue. Certain brands seem to repeat on people, causing belching and an unpleasant taste, but really, that’s about the extent of it.
Let’s compare to something the FDA does stand behind as something which are, according to their findings, intended to treat/cure a disease: the commonly prescribed for high cholesterol drug, Lipitor.
On Lipitor’s own site, we learn that potential side effects include:
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Upper belly pain
- Muscle problems like weakness, tenderness, or pain that happen without a good reason, especially if you also have a fever or feel more tired than usual
- Muscle problems that do not go away even after your doctor has advised you to stop taking LIPITOR
- Allergic reactions including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat that may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing, which may require treatment right away
- Nausea and vomiting
- Passing brown or dark-colored urine
- Fatigue
- Skin and whites of your eyes get yellow
- Stomach pain
- Allergic skin reaction
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Muscle and joint pain
- Alterations in some laboratory tests
- Tiredness
- Tendon problems
- Memory loss
- Confusion
But again, don’t worry. It’s OK. The FDA says it’s safe.
Wow.
How about transcendental meditation? Is that OK? Or Yoga? Technically speaking, I don’t think it can be proven to be effective in clinical studies, so maybe we should proceed with caution.
Just another reminder that we all have to educate ourselves about what we’re putting in our bodies, rather that just do as our doctor says. If you have high cholesterol, and begin Lipitor per your doctor’s suggestion and don’t bother changing what you’re eating and how (or if) you’re moving, it’s no different from putting a box of band-aids on a bleeding, broken limb.
Fix the problem, not the symptom.
Paleo, anyone?
Better yet, take the bull by the horns and prevent illness in the first place.
Pass the salmon & broccoli, please!
