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What are health supplements?
Health supplements (or known as dietary supplements) are commonly used to complement a diet in order to improve or maintain health, and their components are generally acknowledged to be safe for ingestion. They generally consist of vitamins, minerals, compounds from plants or animals, or artificial replicas of natural elements.
Health supplements are typically available in various forms like tablets, capsules, or liquids with precise, small amounts. Unlike medications, their purpose is not to prevent, treat, cure, or relieve symptoms of medical ailments or diseases. A few instances of dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and supplements for joint health like glucosamine.
What do I need to know about health supplements marketed in Singapore?
Health supplements, containing ingredients with established safe usage and not intended for medicinal purposes, do not require Health Sciences Authority (HSA) approval or evaluation before local sale.
The regulatory approach is akin to that of the US, European Union, and Japan. Although not subject to HSA assessment, there are protective measures in effect:
- Prohibited substances: HSA bars medicinal components like steroids and sets strict limits for toxic heavy metals. Dealers (manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers) must ensure their supplements meet HSA safety and quality standards.
- False claims: Dealers must ensure labels and ads don’t make false or misleading product claims or assert treatment or prevention of diseases.
- Post-market surveillance: HSA monitors supplement safety and initiates recalls, using product sampling and adverse reaction monitoring through a network of healthcare professionals and global regulatory partners.
- Local database: Starting August 2022, HSA introduced a voluntary notification program for health supplement companies. This allows voluntary declarations confirming adherence to guidelines. Inclusion doesn’t imply HSA endorsement. The list of notified health supplements can be found here, with plans to add more meeting safety and quality criteria over time.
What can go wrong?
Despite these protective measures, it’s essential to exercise personal caution. Here’s why:
Although the majority of dealers are ethical, responsible, and honest, there could be a minority solely focused on boosting their product sales without considering consumer health and safety. Such unscrupulous dealers may shirk responsibility for the safety and quality of their health supplements.
Notably, HSA approval is not required for the publication of health supplement advertisements. The onus to ensure that promotional materials and advertising information are accurate, transparent, and truthful lies with dealers and advertisers themselves.
The presence of natural ingredients does not eliminate risks. Overconsumption, combining supplements, or taking them concurrently with specific medications can pose hazards. Generally, individuals scheduled for surgery should inform their healthcare provider about their supplement usage, and they may need to discontinue them prior to the procedure.
The benefits derived from health supplement consumption are gradual and not immediate, often not visibly evident. Any health supplement that promises rapid results should be met with caution.
It’s important to note that health supplements might not interact well with certain medications. Despite their commonly well-established constituents such as vitamins, minerals, or naturally sourced compounds, this doesn’t guarantee they are devoid of risks. Excessive consumption, supplement interactions, or concurrent use with specific medications can potentially lead to harm.
Case 1: Slimming product claimed to be “natural” and “safe” led to anxiety, dizziness and lethargy
In June 2018, a woman in her twenties encountered swift heart palpitations, feelings of unease, lightheadedness, and fatigue subsequent to using ‘Nutriline Bluvelle’. This product had been procured from an online store located in Malaysia. Subsequent testing by HSA revealed the presence of a prohibited component, sibutramine, within the product. Singapore had ceased the usage of sibutramine since October 2010 due to heightened risks of heart attacks and strokes.
Case 2: Two health products led to severe gastric pain and facial swelling
A male individual in his sixties consumed ‘LONGRED Oyster-x’ to mitigate prostate issues and ‘LifeSparks 100% Natural PAIN RELIEF SUPPLEMENT’ for leg pain and gout prevention. He experienced quick pain relief within a day, but after a week, he encountered intense gastric pain and facial swelling. HSA conducted tests on the two products and discovered that ‘LONGRED Oyster-x’ contained a compound akin to an erectile dysfunction drug, while ‘LifeSparks 100% Natural PAIN RELIEF SUPPLEMENT’ contained a potent steroid.
Misleading claims
Unscrupulous advertisers exploit the aspirations, concerns, and unease of customers. To persuade consumers to purchase their items, they might assert statements lacking substantial evidence or scientific research. They could also provide individual anecdotes, case analyses, or data that are challenging to validate.
Any health supplement asserting swift efficacy should be approached carefully, as it might include undisclosed powerful medicinal components to amplify its impact.
Examples of exaggerated or misleading claims includes:
- “HSA-approved” – False; HSA does not mandate approval. A database for notified supplements complying with safety standards is not an endorsement.
- “100% safe” – Misleading; no product, even natural ones, can guarantee absolute safety.
- “Efficacy or effectiveness guaranteed or clinically proven” – Misleading; real efficacy demands rigorous clinical studies. Health supplements and trials aren’t assessed by HSA.
- “… strengthens your immune system against recurring infections and diseases” – Misleading; supplements may support health, but can’t prevent infections or diseases.
- “… burns fat fast and helps you to slim down quickly” – Often an exaggeration; might contain risky ingredients.
- “… reduces cholesterol effectively and prevents heart diseases” – Usually lacks strong clinical backing.
- “Detoxify your body” – Some cause water loss or bowel stimulation, potentially harmful.
- “Contains stem cells”, “A stem cell therapy” – Unsupported by science; live cells wouldn’t survive digestion.
Be a smart consumer when purchasing health supplements
Access information about health supplements voluntarily notified to HSA from this link: https://www.hsa.gov.sg/vns-list
Purchase from trustworthy sources like established retail stores or pharmacies. If buying online, choose websites with a presence in Singapore.
Exercise caution when buying health products online or from unfamiliar sources, even if recommended by friends. Their contents and origin might be uncertain, potentially containing harmful substances.
Avoid health supplements with exaggerated claims, especially those promising rapid health improvements.
Seek guidance from your doctor or pharmacist if uncertain about suitable products.
Remember, health supplements shouldn’t replace prescribed treatments or medication, nor treat medical conditions.
If you suspect a health supplement you’ve consumed caused adverse effects, consult a healthcare professional immediately.
Link to the original announcement (HSA Website):
https://www.hsa.gov.sg/consumer-safety/articles/health-supplement-regulations
