FDA Consumer Magazine -- November 1993
Table of Contents

Dietary Supplements: Making Sure Hype Doesn't Overwhelm Science
Most vitamin and mineral supplements pose no safety concerns. But the risks of many other dietary supplements, such as herbs, animal gland extracts, and amino acids, are a mystery - which FDA is trying to solve.

MedWatch on Lookout for Medical Product Problems
FDA replaced five forms with one, simplifying reporting about adverse reactions and other problems with products it regulates. Products causing problems will come off the market faster under MedWatch - and that means increased safety for consumers.

Radiation Continuing Concern with Fluoroscopy
The technology that was used to x-ray children's feet in shoe stores until its potential harm became known has made a comeback in modern medicine. FDA and professional organizations are working to minimize its risks.

Choosing a Treatment for Uterine Fibroids
Twenty percent of American women under 50 have noncancerous growths in their wombs, commonly known as fibroids. They are the reason for about one-third of all hysterectomies in this country. But now doctors - and women - are examining other treatments.

Surprising Sources of New Foods
New foods are coming from some surprising sources, such as cottonseed, and a plant whose oil was once used to lubricate steam engines. To harvest these products, pioneering researchers have had to tackle some tough problems.

On the Teen Scene: Cosmetics and Reality
Ads promise romance! Popularity! Beauty! If you use their blushers, lipsticks, creams, shampoos, and other cosmetics. What do these products really deliver?

(Hypertext updated by clb March 16, 1998)