The prestigious IOM will report to the FDA on six supplements later this year.

The supplements chosen for the first safety evaluations cover a variety of types and uses, the institute noted. The selected supplements and the reason they were chosen, are:

• Chaparral, because of concerns about liver toxicity. Used in an herbal tea.
• Chromium picolinate, because of reports of kidney toxicity and effects on insulin regulation in diabetics. Promoted to reduce body fat.
• Glucosamine, because of concerns about its use by diabetics. Sold as an arthritis treatment.
• Melatonin, because of reports of complications. Used to treat sleep disorders and jet lag.
• Saw palmetto, because of reports of heart problems. Sold as a prostate treatment.
• Shark cartilage, because of a report of hepatitis following ingestion. Promoted as a treatment for cancer and other health conditions.

These evaluations are overdue. We make it more difficult to release a medication with known benefits than these pseudomedicines. I look forward to the reports - Institute of Medicine to evaluate supplements