Why is the supplement industry often considered a "buyer beware" market?

The supplement industry is often characterized as a "buyer beware" market primarily because FDA regulation is limited, which raises potential safety concerns for consumers. Unlike pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements are not subject to the same rigorous testing and approval process by the FDA before they hit the market. This means that supplements may not have undergone extensive scientific scrutiny to verify their efficacy and safety.

As a result, consumers may encounter products that are misbranded, contain inaccurate labeling, or include ingredients that have not been thoroughly evaluated for safety. This lack of stringent oversight means that consumers must take extra caution when choosing dietary supplements, as they are responsible for determining the potential risks and benefits of these products themselves.