The dietary supplement industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. Everyday a new product is launched somewhere in the world that claims to be the best product of its kind. However, most of these products have gone through very little, if any, testing to see if they can actually do what the marketers are saying they can do. Although, in America, the FDA is responsible for keeping an eye out for products making false claims, it is an extremely difficult task. Making it even more difficult is the ability that the average consumer has in obtaining products from overseas online. With so many new products hitting the market every day and consumers being able to obtain products from overseas so easily, it can take the FDA years before it catches on to a product that is making false claims or using ingredients that are considered illegal by the FDA.
One major unethical practice that should be avoided when doing research for dietary supplements is trying to tweak the information to support claims that can potentially be false. When it comes to being physically fit or improving health most people will to tend to look for that “magic pill”. They prefer to find a product that claims to help burn fat, drop inches, or make them stronger rather than actually eat healthy and live a more active and healthier lifestyle. This vulnerability of the consumer and the desire of these supplement companies to capitalize on their vulnerability is the main reason why this unethical approach should be avoided. False claims can lead to someone taking something that could potentially harm them.
When unethical practices are used there are a number of people that can be affected. One would tend to think that the only parties involved would be the producer and the user. In all actuality, anyone associated with the issue can be affected. For example, if a company falsifies information