FAQs about complementary medicines
What is a complementary health product?
Complementary health products cover therapeutic (complementary medicines including vitamin, minerals, herbal and nutritional supplements and homoeopathic products) and non-therapeutic products (including special purpose foods and natural cosmetics). In Australia, complementary medicines are regulated as medicines by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
How many people use complementary medicines?
Research undertaken in 2004 indicated that 74% of the population had taken one or more vitamin, mineral, herbal or nutritional supplement in the previous 12 months.
What vitamins and minerals are most commonly taken?
In 2004, the most commonly taken minerals were Calcium (19%), Iron (18%), Zinc (15%) and Magnesium (10%). Vitamins were, Vitamin C (41%), multivitamins (39%) and Vitamin B or B complex (25%). The most commonly taken nutritional supplements were Fish Oil (18%), and Glucosamine (10%).
What herbal supplements are most commonly taken?
In 2004 the three most popular herbal supplements were Garlic (17%), Echinacea (16%) and Horseradish (9%).
How can I be sure that a product is safe and effective?
Australia has a two-tiered regulatory system for therapeutic goods, based on risk. The TGA is responsible for the oversight of all therapeutic goods in Australia including complementary medicines. According to their website http://www.tga.gov.au/cm/cmreg-aust.htm :
“The safety of complementary medicine substances for use in Listed medicines is established through an evaluation process that aims to ensure that any substance approved for use in Listed products is low risk. However, where risks or potential risks are identified in association with the use or uses of a particular substance (for example, in its use by particular population subgroups, such as children or pregnant women, or in its interactions with other medicines), certain restrictions and/or controls may be imposed (such as the use of label advisory information etc) to manage the risk, but the substance may still be eligible, with restrictions, for use in Listed medicines.”
“Consistent with low risk, Listed complementary medicines may only carry indications and claims for the symptomatic relief of conditions (other than serious disease, disorders, or conditions), health maintenance, health enhancement and risk reduction. The indications / claims on Listed medicines are not subject to pre-market evaluation at the time of Listing. However, the Act requires that, at the time of Listing, sponsors certify that they hold the evidence to support indications and claims made in relation to Listable goods. The evidence held by sponsors must be sufficient to substantiate that the indications and claims are true, valid and not misleading.” http://www.tga.gov.au/cm/cmreg-aust.htm