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FDA cracks down on supplement makers

Posted at 7:40 AM, Feb 12, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-12 09:40:08-05

PHOENIX — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent letters of warning or advisory to the makers of several dietary supplements which it says are illegally marketing "unproven claims" of preventing and treating various diseases and health conditions.

"These products may be ineffective, unsafe and could prevent a person from seeking an appropriate diagnosis and treatment," an FDA press release says.

According the agency, an increasing number of supplements are being marketed with "unproven claims that they can prevent, treat, delay, or even cure Alzheimer's disease."

Often sold online or through social media sites, the FDA says the products also claim to relieve a broad range of illnesses including diabetes, cancer, HIV and kidney disease.

"Consumers should steer clear of products that claim to cure or treat a broad range of unrelated diseases," the agency says.

The companies have until the end of February to respond to the letter with how they plan to change their marketing language or risk federal sanctions.

Read more about the supplements here.

See pictures of the products here.