HISTORY155 - Dietary Supplements

Once again, Pat suggested this topic for a blog.  Recently she pointed out to me the many Costco aisles and shelves that were packed with vitamins and other dietary supplements, and we wondered how that happened, i.e., how did they come to be, and what could they all be for. 

So, this blog will be about the development history of dietary supplements.  After an introduction, I will identify the different types (categories) of dietary supplements, and then discuss the development history and marketed benefits of the supplements in each category.  I will finish with a discussion of how dietary supplements are regulated, and the future of dietary supplements.

As usual, I will list my primary sources at the end.

After completing this article, I realize that it’s much too detailed for the casual reader.   So, I suggest some readers might want to use parts of the article as a source of information - now or later as the need or interest arises.

 

Introduction

A dietary supplement is a manufactured product intended to supplement a person's diet in the form of a tablet capsule, soft gel, gel cap, powder, bar, gummy, or liquid.  A supplement can provide nutrients that are either extracted from food sources or are synthesized (to increase the quantity of their consumption).  Major types of supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbals, and others (see below).

Note: Sometimes dietary supplements are added to food before being sold (food fortification) - such as adding vitamins to flour, bread, and milk - to eliminate public health scourges like pellagra, rickets, and scurvy.

There are more than 95,000 dietary supplement products marketed in the United States today, and about 60% of the American adult population consumes dietary supplements, 74% among Americans over the age of 60.  Multivitamins are the most commonly used product among types of dietary supplements. 

The United States National Institutes of Health states that some supplements may help provide essential nutrients or support overall health and performance for those with limited dietary variety.

Marketed benefits of dietary supplements.

 

Dietary supplements do not need to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they are sold.  The FDA regulates supplements under the umbrella of foods, rather than drugs.  Because of this, supplement companies can legally launch and market products without proving to the FDA that they are safe or effective beforehand.

However, in the United States, it is against federal regulations for supplement manufacturers to claim that their products prevent or treat any disease, because only a medication can legally make such a claim.  After a supplement is initially sold, the FDA enforces these regulations as well as prohibiting the sale of supplements and supplement ingredients that have proven dangerous, or supplements not made according to standardized good manufacturing practices.

Qualification:  Dietary supplements generally do not provide proven health benefits or prevent chronic disease for healthy adults who eat a balanced diet, according to the Harvard Health Publishing and the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.  Supplements are primarily effective at filling specific nutritional gaps or managing documented medical deficiencies.

Before buying or taking a dietary supplement, people are advised to talk with a health care professional - such as your doctor, nurse, registered dietician, or pharmacist - about the benefits and risks.

Many supplements contain ingredients that can have strong effects in the body. Additionally, some supplements can interact with medications, interfere with lab tests, or have dangerous effects during surgery.  When taking dietary supplements, one should be alert to the possibility of a bad reaction or side effect.

 

Types of Dietary Supplements

The major types of dietary supplements are identified and discussed below:

 

Vitamins

Vitamins are essential nutrients required for numerous bodily functions, such as immune defense, energy production, and cellular repair.  Common supplement examples include Vitamin C for immunity, Vitamin D for bone health, and B vitamins for energy metabolism.

Minerals

Minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron are crucial for maintaining strong bones, muscle function, and overall body balance.  Mineral supplements are often recommended to fill deficiencies caused by poor dietary intake.

Amino Acids

Amino acids, the building blocks of protein, are critical for muscle repair, immune function, and neurotransmitter production.  Popular supplement examples include leucine, isoleucine, valine, and glutamine, commonly used by athletes.

Herbal Supplements

Derived from plants, herbal supplements like turmeric, echinacea, and ginseng are widely used for their anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and energy-enhancing properties. They are often favored for their natural origins.

Probiotics and Specialized Plant Fibers

Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts) and fiber derivatives that support gut health and digestion.  They help maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria in the digestive system, which is essential for immunity and overall wellness.  Specialized plant fibers like psyllium absorb water in the digestive tract to form a thick gel, which softens and bulks hard stools to promote regular bowel movements.

Fatty Acids

Omega-3, fish oil supplements, and algae-based supplements, can benefit heart health, brain function, and reduce inflammation in the body.

Specialty Supplements

These include unique blends of supplements targeting specific health goals, such as joint support (glucosamine and chondroitin), beauty (collagen), or weight management (green tea extract).

 

Development of Vitamin Supplements

Vitamins were discovered between the late 18^th century and the mid-20^th century through medical observations and biochemical experiments.  Early milestones included:

·        1747: Scottish surgeon James Lind proved that citrus fruits cure scurvy, marking the first experimental identification of a deficiency disease remedy.

·        1897: Dutch physician Christiaan Eijkman discovered that beriberi was cured by substituting unmilled rice for polished rice.

·        1906: English biochemist Sir Frederick Gowland Hopkins proposed that foods contain "accessory factors" necessary for health, beyond proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and minerals.

·        1912: Polish biochemist Casimir Funk coined the term "vitamine" (later changed to vitamin) after isolating a substance from rice polishings that cured beriberi.

Casimir Funk, pioneering biochemist and father of vitamin science.  He isolated vitamin B1, revealing vitamins’ vital role in preventing diseases like beriberi, rickets and scurvy.

In the 1910s - 1948, researchers isolated and identified 13 vitamins linked to deficiency diseases and/or with significant health benefits:

·        Vitamin A (Retinol): Deficiency causes night blindness, dry eyes, and total blindness in severe cases.  Supports low-light and color vision, immune function, and cellular/tissue growth and repair.

·        Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Deficiency causes beriberi, which affects the heart and nervous system.  Facilitates cellular energy production and nervous system function.

·        Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin):  Aids energy metabolism, red blood cell production, and maintenance of healthy skin and vision.

·        Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Deficiency causes pellagra, characterized by the "four Ds:" diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia, and death.  Supports digestive health, skin maintenance, and cellular energy metabolism.

·        Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Essential for synthesizing a chemical to metabolize fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

·        Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Regulates amino acid metabolism, red blood cell creation, and neurotransmitter synthesis.

·        Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Regulates fatty acid and glucose metabolism.

·        Vitamin B9 (Folate): Deficiency stops the body from making healthy DNA and normal red blood cells, which causes anemia.  Critical for DNA synthesis, cell division, and proper fetal development.

·        Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): Deficiency leads to anemia, causing severe fatigue and nerve damage. Maintains healthy nerve tissues, supports brain function, and enables red blood cell formation.

·        Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Deficiency causes scurvy, marked by bleeding gums, loose teeth, and poor wound healing.  Functions as an antioxidant and is crucial for tissue repair, immune defense, and collagen synthesis. 

·        Vitamin D (Calciferol): Deficiency causes rickets in children (soft, weak bones) and osteomalacia in adults.  Promotes calcium and phosphorus absorption to build and maintain strong bones and teeth.

·        Vitamin E (Tocopherol): Protects cell membranes, boosts the immune system, and keeps the skin smooth and eyes seeing clearly.

·        Vitamin K (Phylloquinone / Menaquinone): Deficiency leads to bleeding disorders or failure of blood to clot properly.

In the 1930’s, industrial synthesis made mass production of vitamin supplements possible.

·        1940s Onward: Governments introduced food fortification - such as adding vitamins to flour, bread, and milk - to eliminate public health scourges like pellagra, rickets, and scurvy.

·        Post WWII Era: The 1950s ushered in widespread marketing of over-the-counter multivitamins for general consumer use.

 

Development of Mineral Supplements

Mineral dietary supplements are inorganic elements used in pill or powder form to help the body grow, develop, and stay healthy.  Mineral supplements trace their history from ancient natural remedies and mineral-rich spring waters to modern, mass-produced essential nutrient tablets.

Ancient Civilizations: Ancient civilizations used powdered minerals, native metals, and earthy salts as therapeutic tonics and dietary aids long before modern nutritional science isolated essential elements.

·        Ancient Egypt: Recorded in scrolls, healers used copper carbonate, alum, and sodium chloride in tonics and treatments for abdominal and skin ailments.  Copper was also placed in vessels to purify drinking water.

·        Traditional Chinese Medicine: Compendiums compiled from the 3^rd century BC onward categorized dozens of mineral medicines.  Healers utilized iron-rich compounds to enrich "blood essence" (treating fatigue and paleness), and used mineral substances like arsenic sulfide and mercuric sulfide) for targeted internal or external remedies, despite their high toxicity.

·        Ancient India: Traditional texts incorporated natural metals and gems - such as processed gold, silver, and diamond - into elixirs meant to promote longevity, vitality, and mental clarity.

·        Greco-Roman Antiquity: Physicians like Hippocrates and Galen prescribed mineral earths, iron, and copper preparations.  Iron rust dissolved in wine was famously given to treat weakness and fatigue (an early intuition of iron's role in treating anemia and supporting blood oxygenation).

Scientific Recognition of Minerals: From the 18^th to late 20^th centuries, in a steady wave, chemists identified the essential dietary minerals necessary for good health:

·        Calcium: Builds strong bones and teeth, and helps muscles and nerves work.

·        Magnesium: Supports energy production, muscle and nerve function, and bone strength.

·        Potassium: Controls blood pressure, fluid balance, and muscle contractions.

·        Sodium: Regulates body fluid balance and nerve signal flow.

·        Phosphorus: Works with calcium to form strong bones and teeth, and helps make cells make energy.

·        Iron: Carries oxygen through the blood via red blood cells.

·        Zinc: Supports immune defense, wound healing, and DNA creation.

·        Iodine: Makes thyroid hormones that control your metabolism.

·        Copper: Helps form red blood cells and keeps nerve cells and the immune system healthy.

·        Selenium: Protects cells from harm and supports the thyroid.

·        Chromium: Helps blood sugar stay normal by improving insulin action.

·        Manganese: Aids in bone development and nutrient metabolism.

·        Chlorine: Regulates fluid balance and blood pressure.  Essential component of stomach acid digestion.

·        Molybdenum:  Necessary for enzymes to work; processes amino acids and breaks down waste and toxins.

·        Cobalt: Aids in red blood cell formation and nervous system health.

Major Milestones in Development of Minerals as Dietary Supplement:  Mineral dietary supplements evolved from treating severe localized deficiencies to providing broad daily health optimization.

·         1830s - 1890s: Scientists began identifying the precise biological roles of major minerals like calcium (for bone structure) and iron (for blood health).

·         1924: The introduction of iodized salt in the United States marked the first highly successful public health intervention using mineral fortification. It was specifically deployed to eradicate widespread goiter (thyroid swelling) caused by regional iodine deficiencies.

·         1934: The first mass-market commercial multivitamin/multimineral supplement was developed by American chemist, nutritionist, and entrepreneur Carl Rehnborg.  This established the template for delivering a comprehensive spectrum of micronutrients in a single daily dose.

 

Carl Rehnborg is widely regarded as the most important pioneer in the commercial development of modern multivitamin and multi-mineral supplements.

·         1941: Driven by poor troop nutrition metrics during World War II, the United States convened the National Nutrition Conference for Defense.  This led to the creation of the first official government Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs), defining exactly how much iron, calcium, and other nutrients citizens required daily.

·         1943: Capitalizing on the standardized RDAs, the first popular, mass-distributed "One-A-Day" styles of supplements hit the commercial market.

 

Development of Amino Acid Supplements

Amino acids are organic compounds that act as the fundamental building blocks of proteins in the human body.  Amino acid and protein dietary supplements evolved from early 19^th-century chemical discoveries into multi-billion-dollar fitness and medical industries.

Discovery of Amino Acids (1806 -1935):

·        First Discovery (1806): French chemists Louis-Nicolas Vauquelin and Jean Robiquet isolated asparagine from asparagus, marking the first discovery of an amino acid.

·        Isolating Muscle Building Blocks (1820): Chemists extracted leucine and glycine from muscle tissue, linking amino acids directly to muscle composition.

·        Mapping the Set (1935): All 20 common amino acids were officially discovered and categorized, allowing American biochemist William Cumming Rose to determine human daily requirements.

William Cumming Rose was the most important scientific figure in the foundational development of amino acid science.

 

Early Protein Supplements (Late 1800s - 1940s):

·        Liebig’s Extract (1860s): German chemist Justus von Liebig created the first mass-produced meat extract to fight widespread protein deficiencies, though it later proved to lack actual protein and served mostly as a bouillon base.

·        Plasmone (Early 1900s): Dried milk powder products emerged, preserving milk amino acids to create early protein-infused biscuits and supplements for athletes and the military.

·        World War Era: Soy proteins, liver tablets, and nut-based pastes gained popularity for physical culture and military rations.

Commercialization and the Fitness Boom (1950s - 1980s):

·        Mass Marketing (1950s): Food processing advances made soy, milk, and egg powders viable, leading pioneers to market commercial protein powders.

·        Medical Amino Acids (1956): Crystalline amino acids entered pharmaceutical use for parenteral (intravenous) and enteral (tube feeding) medical nutrition.

·        The Whey Revolution (1970s - 1980s): Whey - a leftover byproduct of cheese-making - was isolated and popularized during the golden era of bodybuilding by figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Modern Expansion (1990s - Present):

·        Taste and Variety (1990s - 2000s): Manufacturing improvements improved mixability and flavor, while casein (see below) and plant proteins (pea, hemp, rice) entered the mainstream.

·        Current Market: Supplements are widely used by athletes and older adults to prevent muscle loss, enhance recovery, and meet daily nutrient goals.

Major dietary protein and amino acid supplements provide targeted structural and performance benefits, though whole foods usually supply adequate daily requirements.  Listed below are the major protein and amino acid supplements, and their benefits:

Major Protein Supplements:

·        Whey: A fast-digesting dairy protein containing all essential amino acids; it optimizes muscle protein synthesis and accelerates post-exercise recovery.

·        Casein: A slow-digesting dairy protein that provides a sustained release of amino acids over several hours, making it ideal for overnight muscle preservation.

·        Soy and Plant Proteins: Complete or blended plant-based powders (from soy, pea, or hemp) that increase daily protein intake for vegetarians, vegans, and those with dairy sensitivities.

·        Other Specialized Proteins: Egg white protein for tissue health, and collagen peptides derived from animal connective tissue to support joint, skin, and connective tissue health.

Major Amino Acid Supplements:

·        Key Amino Acids: Leucine, isoleucine, and valine; they help reduce muscle soreness and stimulate muscle repair during intense exercise.

·        Essential Amino Acids: A blend of all nine amino acids the body cannot make; they support tissue healing, muscle preservation in a caloric deficit, and counter age-related anabolic resistance, the reduced ability of skeletal muscles to build and maintain protein.

·        Beta-Alanine: A non-essential amino acid that combines with the essential amino acid histidine to form carnosine, which buffers muscle acid to reduce fatigue during high-intensity training.

·        L-Arginine: An amino acid normally made by the body that serves as a precursor to nitric oxide, which widens blood vessels to improve blood flow and aids wound healing.

·        L-Glutamine: Supports intestinal lining health and accelerates recovery during periods of extreme physical stress or heavy training.

 

Development of Herbal Supplements

Herbs have served as the foundation of human medicine and nutrition for tens of thousands of years, evolving from ancient survival practices into modern, regulated dietary supplements.

Ancient Origins and Traditional Use:

·        Prehistoric Roots: Evidence from Neanderthal tooth plaque dating back to 60,000 BC shows the consumption of healing plants like yarrow and chamomile.

·        Early Written Records: Ancient civilizations documented plant remedies on Sumerian clay slabs, China’s Pen Ts'ao by Shen Nung (c. 2800 BC), and Egypt’s Ebers Papyrus (c. 1500 BC) detailing hundreds of herbal formulas.

·        Classical Traditions: Greek and Roman physicians like Hippocrates and Dioscorides standardized herbal medicine, introducing concepts like "let food be thy medicine.”

Decline and the Rise of Pharmaceuticals:

·        Shift to Synthetic Chemistry: With the birth of modern pharmacology in the 19^th and 20^th centuries, scientists isolated active compounds (like alkaloids and glycosides) to create standardized pharmaceutical drugs.

·        Fading Popularity: In Western nations like the United States, traditional herbal remedies largely fell out of favor during the mid-20^th century as synthetic antibiotics and manufactured medicines dominated healthcare.

The Modern Resurgence:  In the 1980’s, consumer interest in holistic and natural health sparked a major resurgence in herbal usage.

Herbalist Michael Moore was a seminal figure in the revival and renewal of American herbalism in the latter half of the 20^th Century.

Herbal Supplements Today:

·        Massive Market Scale: Global and U.S. sales for herbal supplements continue to break records, surpassing tens of billions of dollars annually as a primary form of complementary and alternative medicine.

·        Scientific Integration: Modern research increasingly evaluates multi-compound botanical extracts for chronic disease management, blending ancient wisdom with clinical science.

Major herbal dietary supplements are plant-based products used to support wellness, ease specific symptoms, or provide antioxidant benefits.

·        Ashwagandha: A natural substance that helps the body adapt to stress), anxiety, and fatigue, and to supports better sleep and brain function.

·        Turmeric: Contains powerful properties used to help manage joint pain, inflammation, and general recovery.

·        Echinacea: Helps prevent or shorten the duration of common colds and respiratory infections.

·        Elderberry: Supports immune function and reduces the severity of cold and flu symptoms.

·        Ginkgo Biloba: Support cognitive function, memory, and blood circulation.

·        Ginger: A traditional root used to soothe digestive issues, nausea, and morning sickness, while providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

·        Panax Ginseng: Boosts energy, stamina, immune function, and mental focus.

·        St. John’s Wort: Helps enhance mood and manage mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression.

 

Development of Probiotic Supplements

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that provide health benefits for the digestive system and overall body function when consumed in adequate amounts.  They add helpful "good" bacteria to the gut to crowd out harmful microbes.  They help break down food, absorb nutrients, and maintain bowel regularity.  They strengthen immunity since a large portion of the immune system interacts directly with the gut environment.  They also help replenish friendly bacteria levels after disruptions such as illness or poor diet.  Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and tempeh naturally contain active cultures.

Ancient Beginnings and Fermentation:

·        10,000 Years ago: Humans consumed fermented foods like cheese, bread, wine, and kefir.

·        Roman era: Pliny the Elder recommended fermented milk to treat gut problems.

The Scientific Foundation:

·        1907: Russian scientist Elie Metchnikoff linked Bulgarian peasants' longevity to eating yogurt containing lactic acid bacteria.  He proposed replacing harmful gut microbes with beneficial ones.

Russian scientist Elie Metchnikoff is widely regarded as the most important foundational figure and "father of probiotics" for originating the scientific concept that beneficial bacteria can improve human health and longevity.

 

·        1906 - 1919: Early commercial fermented milk products appeared in Europe, like Metchnikoff-inspired sour milk and Danone (changed to Dannon in 1942) yogurt.

·        1953 - 1954: German scientist Werner Kollath coined the word "probiotic," followed by Ferdinand Vergin in 1954 describing them opposite to antibiotics.

Rise of Dietary Supplements:

·        1980s - 1990s: Rising antibiotic resistance renewed interest in live microbial supplements, expanding beyond yogurt into capsules and powders.

·        2001: The World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations established the modern definition of probiotics: live microorganisms that confer a health benefit when given in adequate amounts.

Today’s Common Probiotic Strains and Their Benefits:

·        Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG: Found in supplements like Culturelle Daily Digestive, it helps prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea, reduces gut discomfort like bloating and gas, and supports immune health.

·        Saccharomyces boulardii: A beneficial, transient yeast found in products like Florastor, it helps prevent and treat traveler's and antibiotic-associated diarrhea and crowds out harmful pathogens in the digestive tract.

·        Bifidobacterium animalis lactis: Featured in formulas like Ritual Synbiotic+ and Nature Made Digestive Health, it aids regularity, eases occasional constipation, and supports a healthy immune response.

·        Bifidobacterium longum: Commonly used to support the gut's immunological barrier, inhibit harmful bacteria, and assist with overall metabolic and intestinal balance.   “Align” is a popular supplement with this probiotic strain.

·        Bacillus coagulans: A spore-forming bacteria that survives stomach acid easily, making it effective for general digestive health and relieving irritable bowel symptoms.

 

Development of Fatty Acid Supplements

Fatty acids transitioned from being viewed solely as caloric energy sources to recognized essential dietary supplements through landmark 20^th-century biochemical discoveries.

Early Views and the 1929 Discovery:

·        Pre-1929 Consensus: Fats were valued for energy and fat-soluble vitamins, but scientists believed the body could synthesize all necessary fatty acids from carbohydrates.

·         George and Mildred Burr (1929): This husband-and-wife research team disproved the old model by feeding rats a strict fat-free diet, which caused severe deficiency symptoms like scaly skin and kidney damage.

·        Linoleic Acid Identification: The Burrs proved that adding linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) cured the deficiency, establishing the category of "essential fatty acids."  They later identified alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) as similarly essential.

The 1970s Omega-3 Breakthrough:

·        Greenland Inuit studies: In the 1970s, Danish researchers Jørn Dyerberg and H.O. Bang studied the traditional marine-rich diets of Greenland Inuit populations and linked them to low rates of heart disease.  They identified eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - key omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil - and showed how they help reduce blood clotting and inflammation.

·        Commercial supplement boom: This research transformed fish oil and marine lipids (structurally diverse group of biomolecules found in ocean organisms) from traditional remedies into mainstream preventative dietary supplements for cardiovascular and neural health.

Jørn Dyerberg is widely considered the most important figure in transforming fish oil from an old-fashioned folk remedy into the modern multi-billion-dollar omega-3 fatty acid supplement industry.

 

Common fatty acid dietary supplements and their studied health benefits include:

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids:

·        Eicosapentaenoic Acid: Found primarily in fish oil and algae supplements; helps lower high triglycerides, supports cardiovascular health, and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties helpful for joint comfort.

·        Docosahexaenoic Acid: Sourced from marine fish or algae; a crucial structural component of the brain and retina, supporting neurological function, visual development in infants, and cognitive maintenance in adults.

·        Alpha-Linolenic Acid: An essential plant-based omega-3 found in flaxseed, chia, and walnut oils; supports overall cardiovascular wellness and exhibits baseline anti-inflammatory activity.

Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids:

·        Linoleic Acid: An essential omega-6 fatty acid found in vegetable and seed oils; prevents vital moisture from escaping through the outermost layer of skin while blocking out harmful irritants, toxins, and germs.  Also supports skin hydration. 

·        Gamma-Linolenic Acid: Found in evening primrose and borage oils; helps manage symptoms of skin irritation, nerve discomfort, and inflammatory joint issues.

Other Specialized Fatty Acids:

·        Butyric Acid (as Butyrate salts): Often supplemented as calcium, magnesium, or sodium butyrate; it nourishes colon lining cells, supports a healthy gut barrier, and optimizes digestive function.

·        Decanoic Acid (Capric Acid): A saturated fatty acid derived from coconut and palm oils, utilized in specialized nutritional contexts (such as a high-fat, very low-carbohydrate eating plan designed to shift the body's main energy source from glucose to fat) to provide rapid alternative cellular energy and support neurological stability.

·        Lauric Acid: Abundant in coconut oil, converted in the body to monolaurin, which possesses studied antimicrobial and immune-supportive properties.

·        Oleic Acid (Omega-9): A monounsaturated fatty acid found in olive and avocado oils, included in blended supplements to support normal blood lipid balance (cholesterol and triglyceride levels) and insulin sensitivity.

 

Development of Hormone Supplements

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by the endocrine glands that travel through the bloodstream to control vital bodily functions.  Certain hormones (such as melatonin and dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA) are legally and commercially grouped under the category of dietary supplements in the United States under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (see below).

Hormones transitioned from experimental glandular extracts in the late 19^th century to regulated medical therapies, and, later, popular over-the-counter and alternative dietary supplements.

Early Discoveries and Glandular Extracts (Late 1800s - 1920s):

·        Animal tissue injections: Scientists began injecting animal ovarian and testicular extracts in the 1880s and 1890s to restore vitality or treat menopausal symptoms.

·        Thyroid use: Doctors used thyroid extract starting in the 1890s for low metabolism and weight loss, sometimes prescribing high, unsafe doses.

·        Coining the word: The term "hormone" was coined in 1905, and researchers soon isolated specific compounds.

Rise of Hormone Replacement Therapy (1930s - 1990s):

·         Synthetic Progesterone: In 1938 - 1940, American chemist Russell Marker achieved the first practical synthesis of the pregnancy hormone, progesterone.

In 1938 - 1940, American chemist Russell Marker achieved the first practical synthesis of the pregnancy hormone, progesterone.

 

·        Premarin approval: In 1942, the FDA approved Premarin, an estrogen made from pregnant mare urine, to treat menopausal hot flashes.

·        Feminine Forever: Robert Wilson's 1966 book popularized long-term estrogen use to keep women youthful, leading to widespread prescriptions.

·        Adding progestin: Doctors added synthetic progestins in the 1950s and 1980s after discovering that estrogen alone raised the risk of uterine cancer.

Safety Crises and the Shift to Supplements (2000s - Present):

·        Women’s Health Initiative (2002): A major federal clinical trial linked combined hormone therapy to higher risks of breast cancer, stroke, and heart attacks, causing prescriptions to drop sharply.

·        Current status: While FDA-approved hormone therapy remains available for short-term menopausal symptom relief under strict medical guidance, over-the-counter and alternative hormone-like supplements continue to face scrutiny regarding safety and unproven claims.

Many products marketed as "hormone balance" supplements are actually vitamins, minerals, or herbs - such as vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc - that support hormone production rather than being hormones themselves.

Common Hormone Supplements and Their Benefits:

·        DHEA: A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that acts as a precursor to male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.  May improve skin appearance in older adults, support bone density, and help manage low adrenal function or mood decline.

·        Melatonin: A hormone naturally made by the pineal gland that controls the sleep-wake cycle.  Helps reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, improves overall sleep quality, and eases jet lag or shift-work sleep disruptions.

·        Pregnenolone: A natural hormone produced in the brain and adrenal glands from cholesterol, serving as a master precursor to almost all other steroid hormones.  Boosts memory, enhances mental alertness, and reduces joint or muscle stiffness from everyday stress.

Important Safety Considerations:

·        Medical supervision: True hormone supplements change your chemical levels directly.  You should test your blood levels and talk to a doctor before taking them.

·        Side effects: Misuse of hormones like DHEA or melatonin can cause unwanted side effects, disrupt natural hormone production, or interact with prescription drugs.

 

Regulation of Dietary Supplements

In the United States, dietary supplements are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission as a special category of food rather than as prescription drugs.  The FDA does NOT have the authority to preapprove dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness, or to approve their labeling, before the supplements are sold to the public.

 

 

The Regulatory Framework:

·         The Core Law: Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) in 1994 to set rules for how supplements are made and labeled.

·         Manufacturing Inspections: The FDA periodically (after introduction) inspects dietary supplement manufacturing facilities to verify companies are meeting applicable manufacturing requirements.

·         Dietary Supplement Labels:  Required to have nutrition information in the form of a Supplement Facts label that includes the serving size, the number of servings per container, a listing of all dietary ingredients in the product, and the amount per serving of those ingredients.  They also must have a statement on the front of the product identifying it as a “dietary supplement” or similar descriptive term, e.g., “herbal supplement” or “calcium supplement,” and show a phone number or address to report bad side effects.

·         Label Reviews and Adverse Event Reports: The FDA reviews product labels and other labeling information, including websites (after the supplement is released) to ensure products are appropriately labeled and that they do not include claims that may render the products drugs, e.g., claims to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent diseases.  The FDA monitors adverse event reports submitted by dietary supplement companies, health care professionals, and consumers as well as other product complaints for valuable information about the safety of products once they are on the market.  If a product is found to be unsafe or doesn’t otherwise comply with the law, the FDA can: work with the company to bring the product into compliance, ask the company to voluntarily recall the product, or take action to remove a dangerous product from the market.

Manufacturer Responsibilities:

·         Safety and Truth: Companies must test their products and make sure labels are honest and not misleading.  It is the responsibility of dietary supplement companies to ensure their products meet the safety standards for dietary supplements and are not otherwise in violation of the law.

·         New Ingredients: If a company uses a new dietary ingredient that was not sold before October 1994, they must give safety data to the government 75 days before selling it.  If a company proceeds to sell the supplement despite an FDA objection, the product is legally considered "adulterated," and the FDA can immediately seize the products or take legal action.

·         Manufacturing Rules: Facilities must follow Current Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure product purity and avoid contamination.

 

Future of Dietary Supplements

The U.S. dietary supplement market is growing rapidly and is expected to reach nearly $131.1 billion by 2033, driven by shifts toward preventive health and new technology.

 

Key Future Trends:

·        Personalized Nutrition: Artificial intelligence (AI) and DNA testing are helping create custom vitamin packs tailored to individual genetic profiles and lifestyle needs.

·        Clean Labels and Sourcing: Consumers demand complete transparency in ingredient sourcing, organic components, and environmentally sustainable manufacturing.

·        Back-to-Basics Minerals: Buyers are moving away from quick fixes and focusing on core foundational minerals like magnesium and essential vitamins as part of long-term wellness.

·        Cellular Energy and Longevity: Products targeting healthy aging are replacing simple, short-term caffeine or sugar-based energy boosts.

·        Alternative Formats: Traditional pills are losing ground to gummies, functional foods, and infused beverages.

 

Unbelievable variety of dietary supplements!

 Sources

My principal sources include: “Dietary supplement,” Wikipedia.com; “FDA 101: Dietary Supplements,” fda.gov; plus, numerous other online sources, including answers to many queries using Google in AI-Mode.