Are dietary supplements safe as currently regulated? The great debate.

At its 2002 annual meeting, the American College of Toxicology hosted in its series of issue sessions a symposium entitled "The Great Debate: Are Dietary Supplements Adequately Regulated to Enhance the Safety of Consumers." There were five participants in the debate, of whom three (the moderator and one advocate from either side) contributed papers. This article, reflecting the author's talk as the moderator, presents the applicable regulations, an overview, and history of the marketplaces and the range of perceived consumer safety problems.