Why is there wide variation in the concentration of active ingredients in commercial prickly pear supplements?
Answer
Manufacturers are not required to prove safety or efficacy before marketing
The inconsistency in commercial prickly pear products stems from the regulatory environment governing dietary supplements in the United States. Unlike conventional drugs, manufacturers of dietary supplements are not obligated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to demonstrate that their products are safe or efficacious before they are introduced to the market. This lack of pre-market standardization results in a significant range in the quality and concentration of the active components from one brand or batch to another, making outcomes unpredictable for users, especially those managing chronic conditions.
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