The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently introduced its plan to create the Dietary Supplement Ingredient Advisory List, which will warn consumers about “supplements” that, in reality, are made of unapproved and potentially dangerous ingredients.

As dietary supplements become more popular, the number of products on the market that have not been approved by the FDA has increased. In response to this phenomenon, the list was developed as a warning tool for customers. It is an effort by the FDA to keep the public more informed about products that are under scrutiny. The list is still being built, and will continue to develop as more information about supplement ingredients is uncovered. As of now, the actual list includes andarine, 1.4 dimethylamylamine (DMAA), higenamine, and hordenine, with several other in-question ingredients appearing on the same webpage.

Critics of the list question the tool’s actual effect on the presence of unlawful ingredients in the dietary supplement market, and the level of information that is being provided to consumers. Some feel that although the list offers some insight, the ingredients that have been identified are not being pulled from shelves, or regulated in any way. The FDA is also facing criticism on the lack of detail that is included about the listed ingredients.

Despite the criticisms, the FDA is adamant that the advisory list will not replace their typical action against unlawful supplement ingredients, and is intended to let consumers in on their processes. Recently, the FDA took further action against phony supplement companies by issuing warnings to the producers of products that contain Dimethylhexylamine (DMHA) and phenibut. DMHA is a stimulant that is included in some workout supplements. It is classified as a “new dietary ingredient,” and therefore, is subject to certain regulations. Phenibut, used to treat stress, anxiety, sleep issues, and other problems, is not considered a dietary ingredient by the FDA. The agency hopes the Dietary Supplement Ingredient Advisory List will support its more conventional regulatory measures.

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