"House Bill HR 3156 ~
Gutting Supplement Law."
~ Dan

"Unravel, gutting ~
What's left, what's next?

Think hard.
Think clear.
Think both of the future
And of our history."
~ Arrowroot

"Dan? I understand you are looking, too,
For Leonardo, yes?"
~ Folly

A reply from Rep Susan Davis about HR 3156

Rep Davis wants to ban DHEA because some people in the govenrment don't
want people taking DHEA.  No science, no real reasons, just control
issues. Rep Davis wants to put more controls on all supplements other
than vitamins and minerals.  In her letter she does not explain any
scientific reasons why DHEA or any other supplement should be banned.
HR 3156 unravels the sprit of the current supplement bill and replaces
science with emotion.

---------------------------------------------
 I noticed the statement in your blog that HR 3156 would impact
vitamins and minerals.  HR 3156 actually excludes vitamins and minerals
from the provisions of the bill.  Below is the text from the bill:

`SEC. 416. DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS; PRODUCT LISTING; REPORTING, POSTMARKET
SURVEILLANCE, AND OTHER PROVISIONS REGARDING SAFETY.

`(a) Limitation on Applicability- Notwithstanding the other subsections
of this section, this section does not apply to any dietary supplement
that meets the conditions described in paragraphs (1) and (2), as
follows:

`(1) The supplement bears or contains one or more of the following
dietary ingredients:

`(A) A vitamin.

`(B) A mineral.

`(C) A concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract, or combination of
any vitamin or mineral.

`(2) The supplement does not bear or contain--

`(A) an herb or other botanical, an amino acid, or a dietary substance
for use by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary
intake; or

`(B) a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract, or combination of
any ingredient specified in subparagraph (A).
------------------------------------------------
August 2, 2005

Dan Gilliland
2121 1/2 Spray St
San Diego, CA 92107

Dear Dan,

Thank you for expressing your opposition to increased federal
regulation of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).  I appreciate hearing from
you and welcome the opportunity to respond to your comments.

As you may know, DHEA is made from cholesterol by the adrenal glands,
which sit on top of each kidney.  Production of this substance peaks in
the mid-20s and gradually declines with age in most people.  What this
drop means, or how it affects the aging process, is unclear.  In fact,
scientists are somewhat mystified by DHEA and have not fully sorted out
what it does in the body.  However, researchers do know the body
converts DHEA into two hormones that are known to affect us in many
ways - estrogen and testosterone.

Currently, DHEA supplements can be bought without a prescription and
are sold as "anti-aging remedies."  Some proponents of these
products claim DHEA supplements improve energy, strength, and immunity.
DHEA is also said to increase muscle and decrease fat.  Consequently,
DHEA is popular.  According to the Nutrition Business Journal, about
$47 million worth of DHEA was sold in the United States in 2003.

However, the National Institute on Aging cautions consumers about
taking DHEA without first consulting your physician.  Since DHEA is
regulated as a dietary supplement, a firm does not need FDA approval
and does not need to prove its products are safe or effective before
marketing.  Also, there is no specific guarantee the substance in the
container is authentic or that the indicated dosage is accurate.
Because of these differing standards, hormone-like substances sold as
dietary supplements may not be thoroughly studied, and, therefore, the
potential consequences of their use are not well understood or defined.
In addition, these over-the-counter products may interfere with other
medications.

Throughout my career, I have been a vocal advocate for quality care and
greater information exchange.  Many find dietary supplements like
vitamin C and folic acid beneficial to their health.  However, I am
concerned that the current regulatory framework is porous.

Let me assure you I am not interested in restricting all dietary
supplements from the marketplace.  However, I am interested in seeing
the FDA take reasonable steps to ensure the public health and protect
our loved ones.

Again, thank you for taking the time to share your perspective on this
important matter.  I hope you will continue to contact me about the
federal issues that concern you.  As your representative, I both need
and value your thoughts and ideas.

With warm regards,

Susan A. Davis
Member of Congress

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