Safety Surveillance of Dietary Supplements: Importance, Challenges, and New Horizons

Abstract

Pharmacovigilance is defined as the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding, and prevention of adverse effects or any other possible drug-related problems.¹ While current models of pharmacovigilance, with their tools and methodologies, were developed for prescription drugs, safety surveillance is just as important for over-the-counter health products such as dietary supplements. The practice of pharmacovigilance is challenging in itself; however, there are unique challenges associated with dietary supplements.².