The science, safety, and policy of dietary supplements: A comprehensive review and future roadmap

Abstract

This review offers a new perspective by connecting conversations around dietary supplements with developments in functional food science, highlighting key opportunities to improve clinical validation, regulatory oversight, and public health approaches. By bringing together evidence from both fields, the article proposes an integrated framework aimed at strengthening the credibility, safety, and effectiveness of over-the-counter health products. 

Over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplements are among the fastest-growing areas in the global health and wellness market. Yet, despite their popularity, questions remain about how well these products are regulated, the quality of the supporting scientific evidence, and the consistency of quality assurance practices. These concerns vary widely across countries and regions. This mini review takes a critical look at the major challenges in the OTC supplement space. It focuses on the reliability of the underlying science, ongoing regulatory gaps, safety risks tied to contamination and adulteration, and the widespread use of misleading marketing claims. It also pays close attention to how effective the most common supplements are in clinical settings, patterns of reported side effects, and how well-informed consumers are when choosing these products.

Additionally, the article explores how dietary supplements intersect with functional food science and suggests a combined framework to guide future research and policy development. By drawing on evidence-based analysis, the review stresses the need for more globally consistent regulations, increased transparency from manufacturers, and improved public education to support safe and informed supplement use.

Novelty: This review introduces an interdisciplinary lens that connects the fields of dietary supplements and functional food science. It identifies gaps in translating research into practice, areas where regulations might align, and offers a framework to bring the scientific rigor of functional foods into how dietary supplements are developed, assessed, and regulated.

Keywords: Dietary Supplements; Regulatory Frameworks; Clinical Efficacy; Adverse Events; Functional Food Science; Consumer Health Literacy; Adulteration and Contamination; Evidence-Based Nutrition