Without the White Coat
Dietary supplements… who's to regulate?
In previous articles, we have brought issues on dietary supplements and herbal preparations due to the fact that there are increasing cases of herbal nephropathy that are seen by our medical colleagues in Nephrology (specialist on kidneys). Ours was the creation of awareness on the effects of these preparations. Thus, it may not be immediate but the effects are like that of any industrial and occupational hazards. It is always the exposure to it and the length of time of being exposed or the period of intake that defines the effect. Right now, we may not see the effects but with the accumulations in our body it will bring about detrimental diseases especially in the kidneys since it is the organ that is involved in the filtration of any unwanted products of the body. Thus, they will be the primary organs that will be affected.
The radio, as part of the tri-media, has been so effective in reaching the lower class of the society and the general population. With testimonies and a little drama on the side, it has conveyed its message to the listening public that these herbal preparations will cure all the ailments of the world including cancer. Wow! So, what's the use of going to medical school and earning a medical degree if we can make any claim on some herbal medications that can cure all the ailments of the world? It is imperative to have a disclaimer at the end of paid commercials reiterating that these products have no therapeutic importance or value. Unfortunately, instead of the disclaimer what is given prominence is the statement which says the herbal product is BFAD (Bureau of Food and Drug Administration) approved and it is imported from the US of A. So, what is the point? Remember that BFAD approved these "preparations" as dietary supplements without therapeutic value. Is it not simple enough for the common "tao" to understand that it is "not" a cure or treatment of some sort for any ailments or some disease entity?
The vitamins that we all take after breakfast are dietary supplements. Since the body does not produce it, we need to take these "elementals" to support our diet thus called a "dietary supplement". The message that we hear on the airwaves, a very successful tool in product advertisement and promotions, will always stick in our minds like an old man gaining a strength of 100 "carabaos" after taking little a "drop" of these preparations in a sachet. They tell us that these will do all the wonders without any medical explanations or support (evidence based- medical practice). With the affordability of these preparations to the common "tao", we can see that business is brisk, thriving and progressive. On the other hand, we also have to look on the other side of the coin the effects of this so-called herbal preparation.
Our national agencies that regulate these products conduct screenings to determine the quality of preparation of such medicine. They then label these products as dietary supplements with no therapeutic importance. So, on whose ball field falls the responsibility of the effects of these preparations? What is the role of the practicing physician or doctor? Will they be on the receiving end waiting for the effects of this preparations? What is the duty of the physician in safeguarding the health of their patients? We can never block the airwaves. It is a matter of presenting the correct information and foregoing any testimonial or promise of some sorts.
Conscience will always dictate the doctor and physician to protect the well-being of their patients as set by the "Hippocratic Oath". We may take sides in the promotion of these herbal preparations or concoctions but the truth is that no one will never call on or educate our patients on the further effects of this food supplements. At this point, the doctor is always the "expert" when it comes to the effects of some drugs on the body. Whatever comes out from his mouth and his vocal cavity is taken by the patient hook line and sinker. (It is the belief that the doctor is always viewed by the patient as a "demi-god" standing on a pedestal, a step higher than the ordinary human being).
It is high time that the medical societies and colleges take a stand on these issues. Further education and information dissemination regarding the effects of some herbal preparations will help prevent some end-stage renal disease or complications like herbal nephropathy.