It’s an easy assumption to make – if something is good for you, then surely more must be better. But as with most things in health and life, when it comes to complementary medicines you really can have too much of a good thing.
From time to time, we hear reports of individuals having adverse reactions to vitamin or dietary supplement products. In some cases, these are serious reactions. And while they may be rare, they are understandably concerning when they do happen.
The question that often follows is – are these products safe?
In Australia, the answer lies in our regulatory framework. We are fortunate to have arguably the strictest regulations in the world for vitamins and dietary supplements. Unlike most countries which regulate these products as foods, in Australia these products are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as medicines (called ‘complementary medicines’).
Every complementary medicine sold in Australia must be registered with the TGA and display an AUST L or AUST L(A) number on the label. This shows that the product is listed on the TGA’s Register of Therapeutic Goods.
Before a product reaches consumers, it must meet strict standards for manufacturing quality, ingredient safety, labelling and therapeutic claims. And once it is on the market, the oversight continues.
Companies are required by law to monitor safety, investigate any adverse reactions and, where necessary, report them to the TGA. This ongoing pharmacovigilance monitoring ensures that products remain safe throughout their lifecycle.
So what happens if a consumer has a negative reaction?
If they report it to the company listed on the product label, that company is legally required to investigate the case and, depending on the severity and nature of the event, report it to the TGA. These reports help regulators monitor the real-world safety of products on the market.
In many reported cases of adverse reactions, the issue isn’t the product itself – but how it was used. Quite often, investigations discover that the consumer didn’t follow the directions for use. For example, where a product recommends one capsule a day, yet a consumer takes many more.
The recommended dose on the label is not a suggestion – it’s based on scientific evidence about use that is both effective and safe. This is a point that cannot be overstated. You wouldn’t take a whole packet of paracetamol because you thought it might get rid of your headache faster. Complementary medicines should be treated the same.
Even with natural products, there can be risks. Plenty of things found in nature are harmful in high quantities. Even drinking too much water in a short period can be dangerous, leading to a condition known as hyponatremia, which disrupts the body’s electrolyte balance and can, in extreme cases, be fatal.
People may not always realise that exceeding the dose of a vitamin or supplement can affect liver or kidney function, interfere with medications, or amplify the effect of other ingredients. This isn’t common – but it is possible. And while the human body is incredibly resilient, it is necessary to read the label of any medicine help to make informed choices.
What makes Australia’s regulatory system stand out globally is the fact that products are regulated not just for what they contain, but how they should be used. Labels are required to be clear and accurate. Products are made to the highest quality standards. Therapeutic claims must be evidence-based. And the safety net doesn’t stop at the shelf – pharmacovigilance is an ongoing responsibility for sponsors.
But consumers still play a vital role.
First, by choosing Australian-regulated products that carry the AUST L or AUST L(A) number on the label. This is your assurance that the product has been manufactured in accordance with Australian regulations, and strict safety and quality standards. Products purchased online or from overseas may not list all ingredients, may not contain what they claim, and often don’t provide reliable dosage guidance.
Second, by following the instructions on the label. They are there for a reason. If you’re unsure, ask a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Most Australians use supplements safely and appropriately – and the overwhelming majority of products do exactly what they’re meant to do: support wellbeing and nutritional health when used as intended. But as interest in self-directed wellness continues to grow, we need to keep reinforcing the importance of responsible use.
Vitamins and supplements are regulated as medicines and should be treated as such. They require the same care, respect and understanding that we apply to every other health decision we make.
Disclaimer: CMA makes no representation as to the suitability of the information in this article/publication for any purpose. It is provided ‘as is’ without implied or express warranty. This publication is provided for general information purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. When taking medicines, always read the label and follow the directions for use.
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