Increased scrutiny and regulation in the nutraceutical and supplement market should be welcomed according to BioPharm CEO, Rafael Olartecoechea, producer of Vimulti® (www.vimulti.com).

“As a market participant for more than 14 years, I have seen the best and worst of this industry, and the worst would make the average consumer cringe,” said Rafael Olartecoechea, CEO of BioPharm. “Many of the products consumers purchase from health food stores like GNC and the Vitamin Shoppe are assumed safe because they are on a store shelf, however, the reality is that the FDA does not routinely regulate the supplements industry, providing a dangerous mix for consumers.”

Over the last three years, alternative medicines and supplements have experienced an unexpected surge in popularity for a variety of reasons, the economy being a main driver. People on average are experiencing increased stress levels due to the competition for jobs and the fear of losing income. Studies have shown that increased stress is linked to the gross majority of illnesses, which makes consumers turn to supplements and alternative medicines.

Maggie Fox, at Reuters, reports, “Many popular dietary supplements contain ingredients that may cause cancer, heart problems, liver or kidney damage, but U.S. stores sell them anyway and Americans spend millions on them, according to Consumer Reports.” http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6721F520100803

“The combination of increased demand and lack of regulation has and will continue to prove dangerous for consumers, ironically at the time they are turning to these supplements for increased health benefits,” added Olartecoechea. “I commend Reuters for their recent report on the dangers of supplements and I hope it spells an increased spotlighting of less than desirable practices in the industry. Increased regulation will, logically, result in higher safety standards, more effective products, and ultimately higher consumer confidence. I say that if companies cannot afford to offer their products safely, their products should not be offered.”