FDA warns about supplements claims

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday warned 12 sellers of dietary supplements to stop claiming their products can cure diseases ranging from Alzheimer’s to cancer to diabetes. At the same time, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the agency’s commissioner, suggested that Congress strengthen the FDA’s authority over an estimated $40 billion industry, which sells as many as 80,000 kinds of powders and pills with little federal scrutiny. These products range from benign substances such as vitamin C or fish oil, to more risky mineral, herbal and botanical concoctions. The companies included TEK Naturals, Pure Nootropics and Sovereign Laboratories.