Dietary supplements are dosed quantities of vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals or other substances destined to supplement these substances within a usual nutrition. They are enjoying a steadily growing demand, served for with a crossfire of products by different producers.
They are showing, however, uncertain effects on health: thus evidence for benefit is lacking as well as assuredness that they are not causing any risks. Though often based on natural ingredients, high concentration of the supplements causes concern regarding the tolerability.
Dietary supplements are not classified as drugs up to now, and are therefore not subject to any registration requirements. In Germany the regional analytical authority is responsible for the evaluation of risks concerning food safety, giving a warning if necessary. So far the topic of risks of dietary supplements attracts only low public interest.