When browsing the aisles of health stores, it’s hard not to notice the vast array of supplements and the bold claims on every label. However, beyond the flashy branding lies a critical issue: significant variation in quality amongst the numerous products on the shelf.

Most consumers don’t realize that there’s no regulatory authority consistently evaluating supplement label claims, purity, quality or effectiveness. Unlike pharmaceuticals, which undergo rigorous testing and approval, supplements are allowed on the market with far less scrutiny. The origin and integrity of ingredients matter deeply, and without lab testing, there’s no scientific assurance that a product is what it claims to be. So, who protects consumers in this multi-billion (or even trillion!) dollar global industry and the side from the consumption of these lesser regulated products?

It’s no surprise pharma companies are entering the supplement space and want a slice of this pie as they look to diversify their product portfolios.  With high demand and low barriers to entry, it’s an attractive path to increased profits and diversification. And sure, it’s easy to say it’s all “in the name of patient specific healthcare” but are we looking at two fundamentally conflicting strategies?

Pharma has focused on developing medications that treat specific diseases. As science evolves, so does pharma, moving from simple molecules to complex biologics and monoclonal antibodies.  Additionally, pharma has focused on lifestyle diseases which have created blockbuster products e.g. Viagra®, Ozempic®, etc. Now, some may argue, ‘we understand the body and its function better and thus, can develop targeted solutions to address the condition yet others may say ‘it is an opportunity to package a quick sale’.  Drug innovations come with immense investment and equally significant regulatory oversight. Every step, from sourcing raw materials to packaging, is governed by strict protocols, not to mention extensive clinical trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy. Let’s face it, it is not always an easy path to develop a drug product from discovery to commercialization. However, greater the investment, greater the profits.

Supplements, however, don’t face the same regulatory rigor even though they’re overseen by the same health authorities. Testing for identity, purity, quality, safety and effectiveness is often minimal unless a specific issue is raised. It’s a reactive system, not a preventative one.

As pharma diversifies into supplements and these two sectors converge, there is a real opportunity for pharma companies to take the lead and demand that there are basic requirements on product quality. Believe me I understand that development of these products is on opposite ends, but doesn’t pharma have an ethical responsibility to raise the quality of supplements irrespective of what the regulatory authorities are requesting?

If regulatory authorities don’t have the resources to keep up with the demands, will pharma who have the resources, expertise, and infrastructure to raise the bar in this space? The key question is will pharma lead by example?  If the mission is truly to deliver quality products that have targeted therapies to improve health outcomes, then shouldn’t that commitment apply across all health-related products irrespective of what authorities are mandating, simply because it is the right thing to do?

Pharma has the opportunity to set new benchmarks in supplement quality. I am not suggesting that supplements should be tested to the same extent as drug products, however pharma can make an impactful difference to not only test for effectiveness but in their quest of raising the bar differentiate themselves from others who simply cannot meet the basic thresholds. Will pharma choose to go above the minimum, e.g. testing for purity, stability, degradation, and even efficacy, or will they settle for the low-hanging fruit, capitalizing on minimal oversight for maximum return?

Again, I believe there is a real opportunity here: to outshine competitors, to shift consumer expectations and behaviour, and to elevate an entire industry. They can plug the gap in the absence of regulatory requirements because it is the right thing do. But will conscience win over convenience? Well, let me not drift to never, never, land and ground myself to this profit driven world of ours. In pursuit of holding an ethical compass, there is an opportunity to take out the smaller players that do not have the understanding, depth and/or know how to ensure that they are developing safe, quality products on to the market. I mean wouldn’t you want to purchase those products that have been subjected to comprehensive testing?

Until such change takes root, we, as consumers, must stay informed. Not all supplements are created equal, and neither are the companies behind them. Look for brands committed to transparency and science-backed quality. Supplements won’t cure conditions, well neither do most drugs but with the right standards, they can help support better health outcomes. Seek out distributors that make it their mission to test their products over and above of what is expected.