How are dietary supplements regulated?

Companies that make supplements must make sure they're safe. They also must make sure that their products are free of harmful substances and that they have correct labels.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't need to approve dietary supplements. But if the FDA learns that a supplement is unsafe, the FDA can issue warnings or ask that it be taken off the market.

The FDA also can take action against companies that use false claims or claims with no proof to sell their supplements.