Are Herbal Supplements Hurting You?

New Book Says It's A Buyers-Beware Market For Herbal Remedies

(CBS)  In her New Jersey kitchen, Sharon Hubbs-Kreft crafts everything from brain tonics to teas to treat pinkeye, CBS News correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi reports.

"This is actually a family recipe I ship all around the world," Hubbs-Kreft says.

Hubbs-Kreft is a certified herbalist who learned about "natural healing" from her grandmother.

"I believe fully in the healing properties of herbs," she says.

And hundreds of customers believe in her home-grown supplements.

"Business is very good for me. It makes me happy that people are willing to try a natural alternative," Hubbs-Keft adds.

This year, Americans will spend about $20 billion on supplements they believe will keep them healthy.

"There's no good evidence these products are safe and effective and there's plenty of evidence that many of these products are unsafe, ineffective or both," says science and medical writer Dan Hurley.

Hurley investigated the supplement industry for his book "Natural Causes." He examined hundreds of studies and found there is little proof that supplements work. Federal studies found no proof that St. John's Wort fights depression and no proof that echinacea fights the common cold.

And, Hurley cites other studies that suggest there is no proof that a healthy child or adult benefits from a vitamin or mineral supplement.

Nevertheless, some people swear by it, and say they take Vitamin C and don't get a cold. "I say, I can go all winter long and not get a cold and I don't take those things," Hurley counters.

"There are people that passionately believe in them. It's like a faith for them. I'm not here to challenge their faith. I'm a reporter. I looked at what evidence I could find," Hurley says.

And, Hurley says some of what he found was alarming.

"People have found prescription medications in these products. People have found pesticides," Hurley says. "The manufacturing process is not regulated. The safety and effectiveness has not been proved. It's a buyer's beware market."

Sue Gilliatt thought herbal remedies were safe. Then, her nose was burned off by one.

"I've had seven surgeries," Gilliatt says.

Gilliatt used an herbal paste called "bloodroot" to treat a pink area on her nose, which she thought might be cancer, until she could get to a doctor.

"After a few days the edges of the tissue started to lift off and I lost my entire nose cartilage. The nostrils were gone," Gilliatt says.

Her case is extreme, but Hurley says his analysis of data from the U.S. Poison Control Centers show a million and a half people have suffered adverse reactions to vitamins and herbal supplements since 1983.

Not everyone agrees. "These products are tested by their manufacturers, but there's a long history of not only safety of the products, but the fact that they do have proven benefits," says Steve Mister, who works for the supplement industry.

Mister says Hurley's book isn't credible because of its "lack of science, historical inaccuracies and emphasis on anecdotal evidence and opinion."

"I think it's premature for an author like Mr. Hurley to just dismiss an industry based on a few extreme examples," Mister adds.

Tuesday, CBS News will look at what the government has to say about supplements — about their safety and effectiveness — and why they still don't need FDA approval.

[jasper54321]

Our Goverment is trying to implement CODEX!!! this takes away our freedom to use safe and natural supplements. The big pharma companies want you to use there poison to TREAT illness. Adverse reactions from Pharma posions cause hundreds of thousand of deaths a year, and CBS managed to find one case of someone who "had there nose burned off" give me a break! Tomorrow night they will try and get you on the regulation wagon. DONT BUY THERE ***

[oldmaninfl]

I watched with great interest your story on herbal supplements this evening by Sharyn Alfonsi. As a long time user (15 years) of herbal supplements I disagree with most of what was presented. I can personally vouch for the good results obtained with herbs such as St. John's Wort, prostate supplements, and others. I must wonder how much of the negative comments were given by an author with drug industry ties. I challenge you to compare the supposed 1.5 million bad reactions since 1983 to the same statistics for the drug industry. I also challenge you to air comments from noted physicians who are proponents of herbal supplements. I know that the drug industry does an huge amount of advertising on the TV networks. But you are supposed to be news "reporters" and not passing along the biased opinion of your advertisers. As a disclaimer, I own no stocks, companies, nor have a financial interest in any herbal supplement company. I just know that they work. As with anything else, there may be some unethical companies invoved in the business...but the bulk of the industry is ethical and provides a much needed service. I really think that a thorough, factual, unbiased report on the facts of "drugs" vs. herbal supplements would be an eye opener for the american public. I dare you to produce one.

[watcher111-2009]

So your runner friend Was taking WHICH supplements????? The truth is the vast majority of herbal supplements ARE safe, Perfectly safe. The studies they sighted in the news cast WERE BOGUS because they did not use proper dosing. They purposly produced an OUTCOME that would cast KNOWN safe and effective supplements in a negative light shame on you Katie for this sham CODEX plug.

[watcher111-2009]

So your runner friend Was taking WHICH supplements????? The truth is the vast majority of herbal supplements ARE safe, Perfectly safe. The studies they sighted in the news cast WERE BOGUS because they did not use proper dosing. They purposly produced an OUTCOME that would cast KNOWN safe and effective supplements in a negative light shame on you Katie for this sham CODEX plug.

[zackdu76]

George2221

I take vitamins and herbs on a daily basis and have never had any problems at all. I think that they do help out and a lot of the studies that have been conducted have been on seriously ill people like with major depression, previous heart attack - strokes , and cancer. I think the name of the game is prevention and if you have a serious medical condition already its probably too late to help. As for the guy's friend that died after taking herbs above , i wonder if the medical report said - died from a herb overdose? Marathon runners have cronically high levels of oxidation as they are doing aerobics which releases free radicals.I have heard of a lot of marathon runners having heart attacks and strokes.Bottom line is if i feel better it works for me!

[lisagtrz]

What- 1.5 million adverse reactions in 20 years? That is miniscule compared to what pharmacuetical companies are selling us trusting and neive Americans. The way drug reps wine and dine our MD's so they can write high dollar prescriptions that are causing a million adverse reactions a year is what CBS news should be "uncovering". Herbal supplemants are effective and should be treated so. Anyone who underestimates their effectiveness and doesn't respect the potency are probably the few bad experiences.

[jro430]

Dear Katie,
As someone who has experienced both the positive and the negative as a result of herbal supplements, I feel as though I can offer your viewers some good advice.
My aunt died at 50 from herbal supplements. She had just received a settlement from her lawsuit against the makers of Phen Phen when she died of heart complications resulting from her use of that product.
On the flip side, I have avoided surgery on my thyroid as a result of the benefits from taking a supplement daily for several years.
The key is, find a nutritionist or natural healing expert whom you trust, preferably one who is licensed and insured. Only buy from him/her at their suggesion and never, ever purchase anything over the internet.
Thanks for bringing attention to this important topic!
Jacque Rogers

[erbswrk]

After almost 30 years of doctors who had me on drugs that woke me up, put me to sleep, made me depressed, made me happy, made me almost addicted but did nothing for the pain of undiagnosed fibromyalgia and a broken neck which was diagnosed as 'whiplash', I flushed all the Big Pharma's big nothings down the growler one day and got on supplements which have helped a heap more! I'm betting you will get a lot more positive feedback concerning herbs and supplements than negative. Sign me...ERBSWRK...because they do!

[windracer24]

It doesnt take a genius to know that the body is a chemical engine. It needs vitamins and minerals to keep us alive. IT only makes sense that if your body is deficient in some vitamin or mineral, you should take a supplement to help your body. If your body doesn't need the vitamin or mineral, it will eliminate it in your waste. I do agree that too much of certain minerals or vitamins can cause side effects. You should educate yourself before you start taking them and talk to a doctor. However, I cured all my symptoms of onset diabetes by taking a chromium supplement. I also got off my thyroid medicine by taking selenium and manganese and iodine supplements. I also take a liquid multivitamin for maintenance. I feel better than I have in 10 years. I think Mr Hurley works for the big drug companies who WANT us to be sick so we buy their medicines.

[truthspeaks1]

OH MY GOD!!!!! FIRST ASPARTAME IS OK AND NOW HERBS AND VITAMINS ARE BAD????????

TELL ME, CBS...WHAT IS THE GOING RATE FOR A SOUL THESE DAYS?

[jro430]

Dear Katie,
As someone who has experienced both the positive and the negative as a result of herbal supplements, I feel as though I can offer your viewers some good advice.
My aunt died at 50 from herbal supplements. She had just received a settlement from her lawsuit against the makers of Phen Phen when she died of heart complications resulting from her use of that product.
On the flip side, I have avoided surgery on my thyroid as a result of the benefits from taking a supplement daily for several years.
The key is, find a nutritionist or natural healing expert whom you trust, preferably one who is licensed and insured. Only buy from him/her at their suggesion and never, ever purchase anything over the internet. As with anything, do the research and get educated.
Thanks for bringing attention to this important topic!
Jacque Rogers

[herbalist-va]

Tonight I turned on CBS News at 7:40pm and noted that in the 20 minutes I watched the program, the following advertisements aired: 1 for Singulair, 1 for Nexium, 2 for Coricidin HBP, and 1 for Spireva. At a conservatively estimated cost of $200,000 per 30-second ad, that translates into at least $1,000,000 in advertising revenues from drug companies in just 20 minutes.

Do you really think your report on herbal supplements is objective when $1,000,000 was at stake?

By the way, you stated that since 1983, 1.5 million adverse events were reported from herbal supplements. Compare that to an FDA report that states there is at least one death per day and 1.3 million people are injured each year due to medication errors. That's EACH YEAR.

Hmmm, 1.5 million in 24 years vs. 1.3 million in 1 year. I'll take my chances on herbs.

[billyzero]

The only thing I can say is that i don't know how ANY OF YOU sleep at night. please visit feeldc dot com and check out the video that was only allowed to air on Saturday Night Live one time. It's called Conspiracy Theory Rock (it's almost all the way at the bottom of the page) it basically outlines that all media companies like the one that owns CBS run everything.

So vitamins hurt 1.5 million people, but the Pharmaceutical industry is Just fine. i bet you take plenty of ad $$$ from them. and you won't run a story on how bad they are for you.

why no story on the benefits of Wheat Grass and a healthy diet?

why no stories on Darfur?

why no stories on Bush's Grand daddy and the fact that he gave money to Hitler.

You guys sleep well at night? if you do, evil runs through your veins.

[billyzero]

The only thing I can say is that i don't know how ANY OF YOU sleep at night. please visit feeldc dot com and check out the video that was only allowed to air on Saturday Night Live one time. It's called Conspiracy Theory Rock (it's almost all the way at the bottom of the page) it basically outlines that all media companies like the one that owns CBS run everything.

So vitamins hurt 1.5 million people, but the Pharmaceutical industry is Just fine. i bet you take plenty of ad $$$ from them. and you won't run a story on how bad they are for you.

why no story on the benefits of Wheat Grass and a healthy diet?

why no stories on Darfur?

why no stories on Bush's Grand daddy and the fact that he gave money to Hitler.

You guys sleep well at night? if you do, evil runs through your veins.

[billyzero]

by the way, your stories DIRECTLY will do harm to people. Sleep on that. Most likely people that see your story will NEVER think about a natural approach and will focus on a DRUG of choice that you advertise. and studies show that a few will die. and that's on YOU, Katie.. YOU.. have a good night sleep tonight as you dream about all your cash..
remember YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU.... enjoy telling and selling lies while you can.

[winstongood]

There is little doubt just who Mr. Dan Hurley works for! I would bet that less than 5oo copies will every be printed of this Drug Industry Propaganda. I would bet again that every copy will be given to Politicians in the pockets of the Drug Industry in there quest to destroy anything they do not have a patient on. IF you, Katie,wanted the truth? You would have a spokesperson from Prevention Magazine (older than CBS News) give you the truth!! Katie I am so shocked you would sell out so quickly!! Shame on You Katie Couric!!! You must know you can hurt millions with your lies.

[ejtjoe]

Good evening! After watching two news stories on supplements this evening, I have come to the conclusion that your reporters either are not very bright or just lazy reporters. I challange you to interview some of the creditable people in the supplement world, like: www.vitamindcounsil.com www.knowledgeofhealth.com www.vitamincfoundation.org.
All of these sites have real experts on these subjects. Yet I have NEVER EVER seen any of you interview these folks. I think medical reporting is onesided at best. Are you all afraid to talk to anyone but standard medical groups??

[windracer24]

If you need more proof that the Government and drug companies don't want whats best for us, only for their wallets, do some research on Stevia. Stevia is a natural plant sweetener that is 10 times sweeter than cane sugar but with only 1/4 the calories. It is the most widely used sweetener in Japan. The US Govt has banned Stevia as a sweetener to help the sugar farmers and importers, and someones wallet. Now millions of people are developing diabetes... Hmmmm. Maybe they will do that with all supplements so we all get sicker and sicker...makes more money for drug companies, politicians, and TV networks. Good old capitolism in action.

[melissapatton1]

After hearing some of the side effects from pharmaceutical drugs. ( Stroke, heart attack, headache, upset stomach,liver damage, DEATH) I welcome a herbal supplement or vitamin anyday.

[erbswrk]

So...what IS the lethal dose of apples, oranges, barley or wheat grass, I wonder? Or mother's milk? I have a daughter-in-law whose doctor told her "Do not use anything natural" after her back surgery from an accident...as "It will interfere with the chemicals I am going to give you...???
She took this so much to heart that she wouldn't even drink some fruit juice my grandaughter brought her in the hospital because the label said "all natural". So the steroids he put her on made her gain about 50 extra pounds, plus gave her diabetes. Just what she needed!

[zackdu76]

CBS new report on health supplements , brought to you by pfizer.

[obiwankanobi-2009]

What a shallow, irresponsible excuse for news your purported expose on herbal supplements is. Katie Couric, you of all people, who has lost a family member to a disease that was possibly the result of poisoning by a combination of the Pharmaceutical companies(Big Pharma), Chemical Companies, the Food Industry, the sickness industry(Medicine), and the US government through flouridation and chlorination of the American Water Supply and the "leadership" of politicians and the FDA have become a mouthpiece for the very people who were responsible for the death of your husband. What a piece of propaganda CBS News just broadcast to help further their aims to take herbal supplements off the market. Despite your questionable "statistics" millions of people are alive today because of their ability to properly use herbal supplements. Have you ever read the 2 bestselling books by Kevin Trudeau? For your own health and the health of your daughters you should. I also recommend "The Hundred Year Lie" by Randall Fitzgerald. Please educate yourself about this subject. You are in a powerful position with the ability to save millions of lives. Use it! Ask questions about CODEX. Looking forward to more informed reporting.
Thank you.

[northernair1]

Dear Katie,
Tonight's story is deserving of of a rebuttal. For one thing "supplement" is a very broad term. The first thing I tune in to is whether we are speaking of snake oil or something proven like Vitamin C or COQ10. I don't think the story made this abundantly clear. Many studies have been done with supplements, performed by medical professionals and have had medical journal coverage. Now we are supposed to listen to Mr. Hurley? I don't think so. Personally I get an education each and every time I hear prescription drug commercials followed by the long list of potential side effects and risks.

Dear Katie,

The Mayo Clinic along with a number of other research hospitals and universities offer clinical test results and information on many herbal supplements. While not completely comprehensive, the information is helpful and credible.

As for the FDA, I personally feel this is an organization that is struggling to provide the nation what it needs. I'm sure there are many good people that work there and I wish them all best in their endevors.

As for the pharmacutical companies, I would willingly purchase unregulated herbal supplements with some reasonable supporting clinical study. Certainly their is room for both in an effort to keep consumer costs down and provide good health options.

Despite what our FDA may choose to do, with a little research, a good Dr's advice, and some common sense, people should be able to get some valuable benefits from herbal supplements. On the last recommendation of "common sense", personally I would avoid the "Snake Oil Salemen" who makes their potion in their home, garage, basement or van.

Thanks for the attention to this topic. I enjoy hearing more on this topic from the reliable sources.

Best regards,

TC-Minneapolis, MN

[altnature]

I have taught about medicinal plants online for almost 10 years; here are some tips about herbs

Always check out herbal companies on the internet with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have a record of unsatisfied customers.

Herbs cause the most problems when not used according to label recommendations, or when mixed with prescription medications. Prescription medications kill many more people than herbs do, I second the motion to see the statistics on that!

As far as the "cancer cures" -- Cancer Centers of America use natural therapies so that is an option. Self medicating for deadly diseases is just plain stupid. Find an expert in the field, and check out their credentials.

As with any prescription, over the counter or herbal remedy; you should always test it on a small patch of skin and wash off immediately if you have any irritation.

Bloodroot is an beautiful endangered wildflower. It should never be harvested from the wild. I never use bloodroot or advise anyone else to. It is corrosive, even though some people swear by it for removing growths; to me its just not safe.

There are hundreds of medicinal plants that grow wild in the United States, so regulating their use would be impossible. There are probably 5 species of weeds in your yard that are sold in cute little bottles at the health food store. Imagine a black market for weeds?

[jro430]

Scroll to the top of this page and check out whose ad is on the right side. Ha!

[cybold]

It looks like the pharmaceutical industry, which supports CBS with billions of dollars in advertising each year, is calling in their chips.

I can't blame CBS for supporting their major benefactor, but the public should be aware that these reports are very biased.

By the FDA's own estimates, more than 100,000 people die each year from pharmaceutical products, while the FDA has not found more than a handful of deaths from herbs and supplements in three decades of harassment.

The only reason the pharamaceuticals don't like natural products is that it drives people away from taking their poorly-tested products that get through FDA review through bribes and the same kind of financial pressures that are causing CBS to do this hatchet job.

Just say no to drugs or you will end up being another one of those statistics. Nearly every drug introduced in recent years causes death and injury, and some of the death and injury become so bad that the FDA finally has to take the poisons off the market.

I wonder why CBS doesn't do a report on the corruption that leads to all these harmful drugs from being put on the market? Money talks.

[ljm204]

Wow. As a journalism student, I have to say it's disappointing to see such low-grade journalism. Looks like it was probably fueled by a single press release sent by the book author or his PR company. How about a little more (credible) balance: Instead of just talking to an herbal industry rep, why not talk to integrative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil? Why not give the accompanying figure for how many deaths or adverse reactions are caused by pharmaceuticals each year? Oh right, because they pay for your advertising. And scaremongering will get more people to tune in than balanced reporting will.

You could really do your readers a service by explaining the risks of some low-quality supplements but recommend that they check out consumerlab.com, an independent testing company that gives valuable information about which brands to trust. But instead of service journalism, yet again, a major broadcast news service serves the interest of major pharmaceutical corporations. Big surprise.

Dan Hurley is just trying to promote his book. He claims that vitamins and minerials do not support ones health, however why is it that the VA doctors that I go to prescribe me folic acid and thimine B vitamins for my health. Bull ***...Hurley and the Gov't just want to reap the benefits of Billions of dollars for them selves.

[unkamort]

I like Katie Kouric. She is an intelligent person. But I think she made a poor choice presiding over the demise of what was once a great news organization. Today's case in point: The broad condemnation of herbal medications in the guise of news, on a program sponsored by a drug monopoly who seem perfectly content to petal pills whose side effects are frequently worse than the symptoms they are administered for. I hear moaning from Murrows grave.

[unkamort]

I like Katie Kouric. She is an intelligent person. But I think she made a poor choice presiding over the demise of what was once a great news organization. Today's case in point: The broad condemnation of herbal medications in the guise of news, on a program sponsored by a drug monopoly who seem perfectly content to petal pills whose side effects are frequently worse than the symptoms they are administered for. I hear moaning from Murrows grave.

[unkamort]

I like Katie Kouric. She is an intelligent person. But I think she made a poor choice presiding over the demise of what was once a great news organization. Today's case in point: The broad condemnation of herbal medications in the guise of news, on a program sponsored by a drug monopoly who seem perfectly content to petal pills whose side effects are frequently worse than the symptoms they are administered for. I hear moaning from Murrows grave.

[wny14127]

The article is so biased and slanted it's impossible to refute it in any decent amount of time.

My wife's heartrate was very high and her blood pressure was high. So the doc gave her Toporol, a drug with a lot of issues attached. She researched the issues, found 2 natural items, C12 and a calcium/magnesium supplement in the correct ratio and now both are coming into line.

We have used many supplements thoughout the years and have far fewer medical issues than others in our age bracket.

But, as others have stated so well, GSK and Pfizer and Bayer and Mcneil and others have a stake in seeing that we don't upset their cash flow and money making scheme by knowing the truth behind their products.

Mr. Hurley's reporting is nothing more than a reiteration of the drug companies propaganda and lies. The FDA is an accomplice to the lies, they are not in existence to protect the American public, but rather to protect the drug companies and the contributions to the politicians.

[slapjack4]

When anybody asks my secret for good health, I tell them the first rule is don't put anything in your mouth that's advertised on the evening news. I'm not surprised your major advertisers would like to scare us from using food supplements, but I'm disappointed to see CBS News so careless of their credibility.

[randomid11]

Thank you so much for reporting this! It's so refreshing to see a news program that hasn't been paid by big Alt. Medicine to keep towing their party line and pretending like their products are safe and/or effective. (Clearly they are neither.) Keep up the good work! More stories like this please!

[klwicklander]

The first of two episodes of "Herbal Supplements" was very brief and not informative at all. It was merely a commercial for that authors book! Interview a Real naturopathic doctor that has published books etc. on clinical studies of supplements (ie Dr.'s Michael Murray MD or Dr. Seth Baum & many others!)Plus any number of reputable Doctors from Bastyr Institute Seattle WA or the Mayo Clinic! Yes there are many supplements that are useless and people just are not smart enough and are too lazy to take the time and energy to really learn and research what they put in their bodies. Everyone just wants to "Pop a pill". Your entire story is a waste of time and not at all credible. You are just all hype without any true helpful information. Your story is just like the advertisements for all those Supplements and their promises!! Shame on you!! You should be using your power to share and spread knowledge and help rather than go for a stupid story line. Don't be so lazy and not do your homework!! Research Research Research

Thank you
A very healthy person even though
Brain Tumor, Congential Heart surgery Procedure and Doctor screw up survivor.

[tarscampbell]

The medications I am taking to keep me alive in the short term are killing me in the long term. I take Lovastatin and other drugs which have adverse, sometimes deadly, affects that have shown up across the nation. Major drug companies have hidden the studies that show the problems for way to long... On the other hand I have not heard of Vitamin C killing anyone if used as directed. If I could use supplements instead of hard core criminally overly expensive medications I would do it. Meanwhile I am looking for ways to replace these drugs with less dangerious supplements. There are many responsable Medical Doctors on this track now. I respect them more than the hardcore pill pushers or the drug manufactures that wrote the Part D Rules for Medicare sole for their benefit.

[tarscampbell]

The medications I am taking to keep me alive in the short term are killing me in the long term. I take Lovastatin and other drugs which have adverse, sometimes deadly, affects that have shown up across the nation. Major drug companies have hidden the studies that show the problems for way to long... On the other hand I have not heard of Vitamin C killing anyone if used as directed. If I could use supplements instead of hard core overly expensive medications I would do it. Meanwhile I am looking for ways to replace these drugs with less dangerious supplements. There are many responsable Medical Doctors on this track now. I respect them more than the hardcore pill pushers or the drug manufactures that wrote the Part D Rules for Medicare.

[castaway22]

I am sorely disappointed in CBS and Katie Couric. Hurley's scientific evaluation of data from the U.S. Poison Control Centers doesn't mention the number of people suffering from adverse reactions to prescription medications during the same period. If you wanted to be the slightest bit fair and unbiased in your reporting I would think you would let the public know what that number is.

I am an individual who has never felt the need to post a comment on any news story and I am in no way involved in the health food supplement industry or the natural food industry but I am totally outraged at your lack of objectivity.

Shame on you

[cbsdsl]

In case you did not notice, most of the commercials during the CBS news tonight, as most nights, were for pharmaceutical drugs. So I understand who influenced the one sided report on Dietary Supplements. Even the title on this page "Are Herbal Supplements Hurting You?" is negative by it's self. But I really thought a major network would be more professional and fair and allow both sides of the story to be told.
BUT once again, big profit pharma out dollars the ability for fair and unbias information to be conveyed to the general public.

[jimmccurdy-2009]

Katie and Dan, I'm a reporter. I've taken a lot of vitamins. I've done research on supplements, worked for a vitamin manufacturer & attended the world's largest Natural Products Show.

Vitamins are extracts, minerals & combinations of God's natural resources. They're NATURAL. Prescriptions are NOT. Prescriptions have side-effects.

God wouldn't give us harmful resources. What doctors and the government want you to believe is wrong. A doctor once tell me he "didn't know what was wrong" when I PAID for a visit. He advised a prescription. Problems persisted. I was angered & let him know. I was spending money on things that didn't work & weren't safe. His "expertise" was a joke. It was at that point, his words to me, speaking for all doctors, were, "We're not God. We just give you something. If it doesn't work, we try something else."

Now that took a doctor's degree to say.

I lost a lot of respect for doctors.

It took an allergy test before a better analysis could be given. Doctors, more were involved at that point, didn't want to do that. They wanted to prescribe unsafe chemicals, get me to spend more money. Bottom line, they didn't work.

You failed to report money is the evil part of this. If the government and doctors can find a way to make money off people, they will.

That's wrong. Vitamins work. They're safe. You people should take some. Start with Ginkgo Biloba. It works on the brain.
Jim McCurdy

[jimmccurdy-2009]

Katie and Dan, I'm a reporter. I've taken a lot of vitamins. I've done research on supplements, worked for a vitamin manufacturer & attended the world's largest Natural Products Show.

Vitamins are extracts, minerals & combinations of God's natural resources. They're NATURAL. Prescriptions are NOT. Prescriptions have side-effects.

God wouldn't give us harmful resources. What doctors and the government want you to believe is wrong. A doctor once tell me he "didn't know what was wrong" when I PAID for a visit. He advised a prescription. Problems persisted. I was angered & let him know. I was spending money on things that didn't work & weren't safe. His "expertise" was a joke. It was at that point, his words to me, speaking for all doctors, were, "We're not God. We just give you something. If it doesn't work, we try something else."

Now that took a doctor's degree to say.

I lost a lot of respect for doctors.

It took an allergy test before a better analysis could be given. Doctors didn't want to do that. They wanted to prescribe unsafe chemicals, get me to spend more money. Bottom line, they didn't work.

You failed to report money is the evil part of this. If the government and doctors can find a way to make money off people, they will.

That's wrong. Vitamins work. They're safe. You people should take some. Start with Ginkgo Biloba. It works on the brain.

Jim McCurdy
610-437-1039

[jimmccurdy-2009]

Katie and Dan, I'm a reporter. I've taken a lot of vitamins. I've done research on supplements, worked for a vitamin manufacturer & attended the world's largest Natural Products Show.

Vitamins are extracts, minerals & combinations of God's natural resources. They're NATURAL. Prescriptions are NOT. Prescriptions have side-effects.

God wouldn't give us harmful resources. What doctors and the government want you to believe is wrong. A doctor once tell me he "didn't know what was wrong" when I PAID for a visit. He advised a prescription. Problems persisted. I was angered & let him know. I was spending money on things that didn't work & weren't safe. His "expertise" was a joke. It was at that point, his words to me, speaking for all doctors, were, "We're not God. We just give you something. If it doesn't work, we try something else."

Now that took a doctor's degree to say.

I lost a lot of respect for doctors.

It took an allergy test before a better analysis could be given. Doctors didn't want to do that. They wanted to prescribe unsafe chemicals, get me to spend more money. Bottom line, they didn't work.

You failed to report money is the evil part of this. If the government and doctors can find a way to make money off people, they will.

That's wrong. Vitamins work. They're safe. You people should take some. Start with Ginkgo Biloba. It works on the brain.

610-437-1039

[gigimama28]

In 1993 I had 4major back operations&nearly died on Mothers Day.For 3 1/2 following yrs I was treated by "Pain Management Specialist" (western meds).This doctors prescribed 6 diff meds for the 6-screws in my spine.During this time we asked & asked if I should feel the way I did & consistently told this is your life now. In 03/96 a client (yes,I continued my career as a woman building contractor) told me of his herbologist.As a 32yr old mother of 2 small children & wife I was scared to death my life as a survivor of child abuse could end like this?My client suggested his herbologist.I jumped at the opportunity.I knew very little of herbs& supplements but was desparate to live a full life.The group wondered how I survived the western med cocktail prescribed me all this time.Taking 22 vicodin/day being told I needed to manage my pain.The herbologists told me I was dying from the toxicity of the western med cocktail-they worked w/me saying we take a cautious path to wean me using herbs& supplements-I said yes!Over the next 8-10 weeks I began to gain the 30 lbs I lost, my hair stopped falling out, my finger&toe nails grew Thank goodness to the herbs & supplements I have taken these 10 1/2 years & my daily Flax&Salmon Oil,Primrose Oil,I am back to myself-I snowski,waterski,&building I am forever indebted to SUPPLEMENTS!In closing,I will be 46 tomorrow-women continually ask me what I use forsuch smooth,glowing skin and high energy-I tell them "FlaxOil Baby!"

[gigimama28]

THere is so much more I could tell you of the DANGERS!!! of some of the western meds prescribed. But...limited to 1500 characters!Sales people walking in and out of doctors offices with their rolling black cases soliciting drugs-some of which they know little about.
My husband whos family are doctors in France was not a big fan or believer of "herbs" until he saw me survive 3 1/2 years of living hell thanks to herbs & supplements.

Our photographs during this time are frightening!
PS-I never resorted to anti-depressants, or anxiety pills and DID NOT succumb to alchohol.
I had a shear will to live and found herbs & supplements.

Dan & Katie, this new story should tell
"both sides of the story!"
gigimama28 [e-mail]

[wellgevity]

How much does your station make from the pharmaceutical companies? How much do they contribute to corporate structures related to the mass media markets. How about insider trading on pharmaceuticals? Who gets the info on when a new drug is coming out? The investors who are big players in the market like Media executives at CBS. Suffice it to say the comments of one allopathic Doctor who never took any educational classes in nutrition seems to be another sign of your lack of bonafide guests who have credentials on the subject they are invited to comment on . Oh I forgot he must have cut you in on his book sales too. I suggest you get an integrative doctor from Tufts Medical or any number of scientists who have done studies on the efficacy, safety, and proven results using nutraceuticals. How do you explain the Ming Dynasty, The Native American Healers, and the European Doctors who have been using supplements with measurable results of success. I act as a consultant to the Wellness Industry and have had literally thousands of testimonials from people who have given up pharmaceuticals due to the devastating side effects and compounding ailments that they cause from misdiagnosis and mis prescribing by doctors. They have results with supplements and I challenge you to do a show about that as a follow up. Wait till Michael Moore unveils the corrupt Pharmaceutical / Doctor / AMA / ADA issues.

[neilelevin]

As a nutrition professional, I find that the author's wild claims are at odds with FDA statements that it has the power to regulate dietary supplement safety and quality. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act is NOT a deregulation bill. It took a food category and banned drug/disease claims, regulated Good Manufacturing Practices, controlled label claims, and made manufacturers responsible for adulterated products. The dietary supplement industry supported the Adverse Event Reporting Act requiring reporting of all (rare) serious adverse events. Industry associations require label registration and random testing for active ingredients.

American Association of Poison Control Centers%u2019 data over a 3-year period shows supplements are safer than most other products, with only 5 accidental deaths; versus aspirin: 67, pesticides: 48, cosmetics: 7, household cleaners: 66, acetaminophen: 171. JAMA reports 100,000 deaths a year from drugs used as directed.

Due to known shortages of essential nutrients, most Americans use dietary supplements. Greater than RDA levels are NOT toxic; safe upper levels are often far higher. Manufacturers have a strong commitment to product safety. Dietary supplements are backed by tens of thousands of published research papers showing safety and efficacy.

Perhaps Mr. Hurley just didn't pay enough attention in science class and is too focused on muckraking to notice his many errors. I give this book an "F".

[mlm070]

Harley supposed on CBS's news on Monday evening that the herbal supplement industry was a government conspiracy, however, can the news companies be any more controlled by the government and who they fund???? IF herbal supplements have adversely affected over 1.5 million people since 1983, how many people have unfairly accounted for by being adversely affected by the federally funded prescription drug companies (not alone killed since 1983)?? It's sad to think that people are still that narrow-minded to believe everything that the news stations display, and not think beyond towards the ultimate truth.

[mlm070]

Harley supposed on CBS's news on Monday evening that the herbal supplement industry was a government conspiracy, however, can the news companies be any more controlled by the government and who they fund???? IF herbal supplements have adversely affected over 1.5 million people since 1983, how many people have unfairly accounted for by being adversely affected by the federally funded prescription drug companies (not alone killed since 1983)?? It's sad to think that people are still that narrow-minded to believe everything that the news stations display, and not think beyond towards the ultimate truth.

[rascalthe3rd]

Why would one want to put their trust and savings in the hands of an industry that makes big bucks of of you being sick? Why put your trust in the Pharmaceutical Industry? This is the real issue with the CBS news story! The FDA controls so much and if more people turn to the Natural medicines including Herbal Supplementation as well as Vitamins and Minerals and Antioxidants...the Pharmaceutical Companies might just see a decline in their profits. WAKE UP AMERICA! America is over fed and the most under nurished in the world! If you want good nutrition I invite you to garyhundley dot com where you can find an excellent NUTRACEUTICAL that has been formlated by Medical Doctor Ben Baechler. This is actually listed #1 in the PDR - Physcians' Desk Reference.