Washington, D.C., August 19, 2019 – In response to a new research report, “Swallowing Problems and Dietary Supplements: Data From U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reports, 2006-2015,” published online August 19 in the Annals of Internal Medicine the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the leading trade association for the dietary supplement and functional food industry, issued the following statement:
Statement by Andrea Wong, Ph.D., vice president, scientific & regulatory affairs:
“At CRN, consumer safety is our top priority, and we appreciate any opportunity to remind consumers of ways to safely consume dietary supplements. Choking is preventable, and there are many reasonable solutions for consumers who may have difficulty swallowing dietary supplements, as indicated in this letter. For example, adult supplement users can talk with their pharmacist or other healthcare practitioner about modifying dosage form characteristics. Adult supplement users can also choose alternative, innovative delivery options, including liquids, gummies, melts or effervescent powders. With three quarters of Americans taking dietary supplements each year, it is important that the task of swallowing a supplement does not get in the way of consumers’ access to good nutrition. If swallowing anything – a dietary supplement, an over-the-counter or prescription drug, or food—is a struggle, we recommend consumers seek the attention of a medical professional.”
For consumer tips on swallowing supplements, watch this short video.
Note to Editor: The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973, is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing 150+ dietary supplement and functional food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and companies providing services to those manufacturers and suppliers. In addition to complying with a host of federal and state regulations governing dietary supplements and food in the areas of manufacturing, marketing, quality control and safety, our manufacturer and supplier members also agree to adhere to additional voluntary guidelines as well as to CRN’s Code of Ethics. Visit www.crnusa.org. Follow us on Twitter @CRN_Supplements, Facebook, andLinkedIn.