During the Isyu Karon monthly media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, FDA Mindanao East Cluster OIC-Director Eba Marie Antonette W. Inis urged the public to exercise caution when using food supplements, even those advertised as having health benefits.
“With our food supplements, we have to practice caution,” Inis said.
She explained that food supplements are not allowed to claim that they can cure diseases such as glaucoma and cancer, as products making such claims must be classified and regulated as drugs or medicines.
“When you say a product can cure an illness, it should be classified as a drug or medicine,” she said.
Inis emphasized that the classification of health products depends on their ingredients, established uses, and scientific evidence supporting their claimed benefits.
She noted that developing a drug and obtaining regulatory approval can take at least 10 years, as it must pass through several stages of clinical trials to establish its effectiveness and safety.
“Not everything that is effective is good. Not everything that is effective is safe,” she emphasized.
The FDA official cited Lagundi, Sambong, and Oregano as examples of herbal products with recognized medicinal uses and identified active compounds. Lagundi is used to help relieve cough and asthma symptoms, while Sambong is associated with kidney stone management. Oregano, meanwhile, is traditionally used for cough-related symptoms.
According to Inis, these products differ from ordinary food supplements because their medicinal properties and applications have undergone scientific evaluation.
She also urged consumers to be vigilant about possible side effects and adverse reactions and encouraged them to report unwanted reactions to the FDA.
Inis expressed concern over consumers who rely more on recommendations from friends, neighbors, and acquaintances than on professional medical advice.
“Sometimes, people believe their neighbors more than their doctors,” she said.
She pointed out that personal experiences and word-of-mouth recommendations often influence people to purchase and take supplements, sometimes leading them to believe that certain products can cure illnesses without proper medical assessment.
Financial constraints also contribute to the problem, she added, as some individuals choose to spend money on recommended supplements rather than seek medical consultation.
Inis likewise reminded community pharmacies to exercise responsibility in assisting customers and avoid taking the place of doctors in diagnosing illnesses and recommending treatments.
Despite these concerns, she acknowledged improvements in government health services, particularly in rural health centers, where access to medicines and medical professionals has become more available.
She encouraged consumers to maximize these services and consult qualified health professionals before taking products to treat health conditions.
“Instead of taking products recommended by friends, make an effort to visit your health center,” she advised.
The FDA reiterated the importance of checking product claims, understanding the distinction between food supplements and medicines, and seeking proper medical guidance to prevent the misuse and overconsumption of health products.
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