Toxicologist Georg Aichinger has issued a warning about the consumption of dietary supplements in Switzerland, noting that one in three people take them without any prior controls. Unlike medications, these products do not require authorization or scientific evidence to support their safety or efficacy before reaching the market. Aichinger highlights that many supplements have unknown effects and that their benefits do not always outweigh the potential risks.
The Regulatory Gap in the Wellness Industry ⚠️
The lack of clinical trial requirements for supplements contrasts with the strict protocols for drugs. Aichinger mentions the case of 5-HTP, a compound used to improve mood that acts on the nervous system. Without medical supervision, this supplement can cause psychological side effects and interactions with other medications, effectively functioning as a psychiatric drug. The production technology, often simple, does not guarantee purity or proper dosage, adding uncertainty for the user.
Happiness Pills Without a Prescription or Permission 😅
It is curious that you need a prescription to buy cough syrup, but a single click is enough to ingest a mood enhancer that alters your nervous system. 5-HTP promises happiness in capsules, but without a doctor involved, the risk is that the only surprise is a trip to the psychiatrist. At least, if the placebo works, you save yourself the consultation.