The World Health Organization (WHO) does not have a separate regulatory framework dedicated exclusively to biological or other dietary supplements. Batyr Berdyklychev, the head of the WHO office in Russia, stated this in an interview with TASS.
“Together with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, we are working on the development and adherence to international standards known as the Codex Alimentarius. This codex covers standards for all major food products, including mineral and vitamin supplements,” the expert said.
“WHO does not have general recommendations for the widespread use of dietary supplements for the entire population. We view food supplements as a tool for targeted intervention in cases where specific deficiencies of micronutrients are identified in certain vulnerable population groups,” said Berdyklychev, noting that, for example, pregnant women are recommended to take folic acid and iron.
«Для всех остальных важно получать необходимые питательные вещества из здорового и сбалансированного питания с достаточным количеством овощей, фруктов, цельнозерновых и других натуральных продуктов», — подчеркнул представитель ВОЗ. Он также призвал не заблуждаться относительно маркетинговых обещаний, что добавки могут вылечить или защитить от каких-либо заболеваний «без научных доказательств того».
“For everyone else, it is important to obtain the necessary nutrients from a healthy and balanced diet with sufficient vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and other natural products,” emphasized the WHO representative. He cautioned the public against being misled by marketing claims that dietary supplements can cure or prevent diseases, which often lack scientific substantiation.