Ocular researcher calls for supplement regulation

PORTLAND, Ore. — Herbal and nutritional supplements should be studied and regulated the same way as prescription medicines, said Frederick W. Fraunfelder, MD, in a recent editorial.

He calls for ophthalmologists and medical professionals to get detailed information from their patients about what dietary supplements or herbal remedies are being taken along with any prescribed medication. While marketers of these supplements are prevented from making specific claims about treatment, prevention, diagnosis or cure of specific diseases, many still make misleading claims, according to a press release from Oregon Health & Science University Casey Eye Institute, where Dr. Fraunfelder is an assistant professor of ophthalmology.

He wrote in his editorial in the American Journal of Ophthalmology that the purity of some supplements is questionable because manufacturing standardization and processes are lacking. He cited one study in which 50% of the products labeled as containing ginseng did not have the herb in it.

Some herbal and nutritional supplements may have promising ocular disease treatments; these include flax seed oil, primrose oil, fish oil and antioxidant vitamins.

“Steering the dietary supplement industry toward proving safety and efficacy will protect patients and the added knowledge will benefit clinicians and the public,” Dr. Fraunfelder said.