Critical 'food supplement' warning: 'Türkiye has turned into a supplement dump'

While discussions on the uncontrolled sale of food supplements continue, All Pharmacist Employers' Union (TEİS) called for the reorganization of the licensing, inspection and sales processes of these products.

TEİS Chairman Nurten Saydan pointed out that supplements offered in drug form such as tablets, capsules, syrups and drops may pose a health risk, and said that these products should be delivered to the consumer under the control of a pharmacist.

THE STATEMENT “IT IS NOT A MEDICINE” IS NOT ENOUGH

Stating that placing the phrase "not a medicine" on the boxes of food supplements does not make the products risk-free for health, Saydan drew attention to the importance of ingredients and doses.

Reminding the saying, "What distinguishes medicine from poison is the dose," Saydan said, "If a product is offered to citizens in pharmaceutical form such as tablets, capsules, syrups, drops, it should be considered as a medicine."

Arguing that products that may cause side effects should be offered under the control of a pharmacist, Saydan emphasized that the storage conditions and follow-up of drugs in pharmacies are guaranteed by the legislation.

“THERE ARE 28 THOUSAND FOOD SUPPLEMENTS”

Saydan stated that according to the data of the Food Association, there are approximately 28 thousand food supplements in Turkey and reminded that these products are approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

On the other hand, Saydan said that the number of drugs licensed by the Ministry of Health and with a QR code is 23 thousand 139, and argued that food supplements should also be evaluated within the framework of pharmaceutical legislation.

DRAW ATTENTION TO ONLINE SALES

Reminding that the sale of prescription or non-prescription drugs over the internet is prohibited in Turkey, Saydan pointed out that, on the other hand, food supplements are widely sold over the internet.

Saydan pointed out that some websites sell products using the name "pharmacy" and called on citizens to be cautious about such products.

Stating that the content of the products sold on the internet and the conditions under which they are stored are unknown, Saydan said that this may pose serious health risks.

“DRUG ACTIVE INGREDIENTS ARE FOUND”

Stating that pharmaceutical active ingredients were found in some food supplements in the inspection lists of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Saydan drew attention to the products sold especially for weight loss and sexual performance.

Saydan reminded that active ingredients such as sibutramine and sildenafil were detected in some supplements, and that sibutramine was banned in Turkey due to its health risks.

He said that such products may interact with other drugs and cause side effects, poisoning or decreased effects of the drugs used.

QR CODE AND DRUG TRACKING SYSTEM CALL

Saydan suggested that instead of stating "not a medicine" on food supplements, the products should be integrated into the Pharmaceutical Tracking System and monitored with a QR code.

Arguing that vitamins, minerals, Omega 3 and other supplements with physiological effects should be offered from pharmacies, Saydan stated that the licensing and inspection authority should belong to the Ministry of Health.

EYES ON THE REGULATIONS COMING TO THE GNAT

Stating that a new regulation covering food supplements is expected to come to the agenda of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Saydan said that the cost of uncontrolled use on the health system should also be taken into consideration.

Saydan said, "Delivery of these products to the patient safely is possible by preventing internet sales and offering them from pharmacies."