Will Juice, Vitamins, or a Massage Soon Require a Prescription?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is attempting to regulate all forms of alternative medicine, including vitamins, supplements, devices, and treatments. It seems as though Docket #2006D-0480 was submitted in the middle of the night with hope that no one would notice. People are beginning to learn about the act and find themselves with only days to voice their opinions.

The reason for this proposal, claims the FDA, is the rising number of Americans opting for "complementary and alternative medicine." The field has become so popular that the federal government created the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) in 1998 under the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH states that more patients visit alternative medicine providers than their family medical doctor over the course of a year.

As in any industry, there are unscrupulous companies, and people, who take advantage of the public. This measure seems to have a little more behind it than just consumer protection, though. Is this politically motivated, or is money the real reason for the change? Some wonder if the FDA is the best choice to oversee this area, considering the number of drugs recalled. Is there a better option?

The prime suspect is the pharmaceutical industry. Since healthy people take less prescription drugs, manufacturers lose profits. Is it possible that the vitamin industry will be taken over by drug makers to boost their bottom lines?

Codex Alimentarius Commission, a creation of the United Nations, is also named as a "behind-the-scenes" force. Codex is pushing for a global standard of food quality and safety, including products designated for "special dietary uses." It appears that they would encourage an action like this. Add the United Nations to the suspect list, too.

What about other groups, such as the American Medical Association, or lobbyists, or any of the other people who stand to profit from such a measure? Add them all to the list. We still come back to the root - money. Alternative health care brings in billions of dollars each year.

The public wants truth in advertising. However, does the American consumer believe they need a prescription for Gatorade or water? Here is one excerpt from the FDA's draft regarding freshly squeezed juice: "If the juice therapy is intended for use as part of a disease treatment regimen instead of for the general wellness, the vegetable juice would also be subject to regulation as a drug under the Act." Does this mean that those who suffer kidney problems will be buying contraband if they purchase cranberry juice without a prescription? Likewise for the heart patient who drinks grape juice. What about Ovaltine? Will children in the United States no longer be able to say, "More Ovaltine, please?" Does anyone think this is absurd? Or, has the alternative health care industry pushed the limit?

This proposal does not only cover vitamins, herbs, and juices. It also seeks to regulate devices, such as gym equipment, and even massage oils. The latest trends in yogurt may also fall prey to the new regulations. All of this is mentioned in the FDA's draft, which the American public is urged to read - quickly. The deadline for your voice to be heard is April 30, 2007.