Metagenics Response to Four Corners: ‘Swallowing It’
Once again the efficacy and safety of Australian complementary medicines has been questioned through the media. ABC’s Four Corners aired an episode on Monday night, ‘Swallowing it: How Australians are spending billions on unproven vitamins and supplements’. The Four Corners episode largely focused on a supposed lack of evidence and efficacy of natural medicines and apparent poor TGA compliance from manufacturers of natural medicines in an apparent attempt to question the safety and regulation of the industry. The episode was then followed up with an article on the ABC website on Tuesday morning (http://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2017-02-13/a-closer-look-at-australias-most-popular-supplements/8265840) that rehashes previous studies that questioned the efficacy of common ingredients. None of the cited research is new and at the time of publication were all refuted due to methodological issues, misinterpretation of the findings or recognised to be in contrast to the body of evidence.
For instance, the web article referred to a 2015 review that concluded fish oil supplementation was not effective to reduce CVD risk.1 These findings were based off low dose supplementation of less than 1g/day. However, the study found that in fact higher doses of 3-4 grams/day had benefit in a number of cardiovascular-related pathologies including the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia and hypertension.
At the time of publication, Metagenics had produced responses to the research mentioned in ABC’s web article which are still available from the Technical Support team. If you require any further information on these studies please do not hesitate to contact Technical Support.
The Four Corners episode also tried to question the supposed poor compliance to TGA requirements for manufacturing of supplements and how this may pose a safety risk to the consumer. In fact, Australia has some of the highest and most vigilantly monitored standards for supplements in the world. We are regulated as medicines, not dietary supplements. Adverse events are recorded and monitored by the TGA in the same way prescription medicines are and company manufacturing facilities are required to meet audit standards which are the same as pharmaceutical standards. Metagenics’ complementary medicines meet the required Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards: we have an enviable audit record and only use ingredients assessed at levels that are safe as authorised by the TGA. Recent media reports regarding product safety typically involve products or ingredients that are not approved by the TGA and are being imported directly by either retailers or consumers.
As you know, Metagenics products are only available through qualified Healthcare Practitioners. These are medicines and we firmly stand behind the need for your clients to be able to access appropriate healthcare advice in the context of supplement prescribing. We are committed to ensuring our products, education and support are in line with up-to-date science that is relevant, balanced and that will enable you to achieve the clinical outcomes you rely upon.
Unfortunately the Four Corners episode and corresponding web article chose to focus on a narrow, and selected range of research and information which resulted in a biased perspective of the industry. Metagenics are committed to providing supplements that are supported by science and manufactured with the upmost quality to enable individuals to live happier, healthier lives.
If you require any further assistance or clarification on this matter, please do not hesitate to call the Technical Support team on 1800 777 648 and they can provide you with any of the necessary information, discussion points or research article to help you support your clients.
Regards,
Metagenics Technical Support Team
- Nestel P, Clifton P, Colquhoun D, Noakes M, Mori TA, Sullivan D, Thomas B. Indications for Omega-3 Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid in the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease. Heart Lung Circ. 2015 Aug;24(8):769-79.