In a recent article in the New York Times about fraud in the dietary supplement industry, Rina Raphael recognized ACSH's work in the field by quoting Josh Bloom, the director of chemical and pharmaceutical science. We all thank Ms. Raphael for using ACSH as a resource.
For years I've written extensively about the fraud perpetrated against the American people by the dietary supplement industry, and here are three pieces, for example: This Dietary Supplement Is A Miscarriage Of Justice, The Supplements Industry Hits A New Low - The Lung Cleanse, and DSHEA Allowed 23 Yrs Of Disgraceful Cancer Claims By Supplement Makers.
In 2015 I was also quoted by New York State Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman in a press release "AG Schneiderman Announces Agreement with GNC to Implement Landmark Reforms for Herbal Supplements."
So it was especially rewarding to see that Rina Raphael, whose article "How Fake Science Sells Wellness" appeared in the New York Times on July 26, 2023, wrote this:
“[Supplement makers are] implying the product works, and then on the same label, much less visible, is the fact that there’s no evidence that it works,” said Josh Bloom, the director of chemical and pharmaceutical science at the American Council on Science and Health. Still, he said, people see a word like “supports” and might assume the product will treat their symptoms."
All of us at ACSH appreciate the recognition by Ms. Raphael and the Times. It is quite gratifying to see that the newspaper used us – an organization dedicated to sound science – as a resource in such an important article, especially since the promotion of supplements has been largely driven by hoaxes and chicanery. We hope our group's expertise will be useful to Ms. Raphael and the Times in the future.
