Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Issues Approval Certificates for 11,000 Food Supplements

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Issues Approval Certificates for 11,000 Dietary Supplements The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has issued approximately 11,000 approval certificates for dietary supplements since 2014. During the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, requests from sector companies for certificates covering plant-based dietary supplements increased. According to information obtained by AA from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the procedures and principles regarding the production, import, export and inspection of dietary supplements are determined by the Ministry. All domestic and imported dietary supplements have been subject to Ministry approval before market introduction since 2014. The Ministry established the Dietary Supplement Commission to conduct evaluations related to dietary supplements. Assessments concerning the components to be used in dietary supplements are conducted by this commission. The commission, comprised of 6 scientists with expertise selected to represent both the Ministry and the Health Ministry, along with 15 members experienced in dietary supplements, has held 110 meetings since 2013. In 2014, when the Ministry began issuing approval certificates for dietary supplements, a total of 79 certificates were issued; this figure rose to 1,457 in 2019 and to 2,631 in 2020. In the January-September period of this year, 1,709 certificates were issued. To date, the Ministry has approved 10,949 dietary supplements in total, comprising 8,209 domestic and 2,740 imported products. While approval certificates are issued predominantly for vitamin and mineral-containing products, the sector has shown increased demand in recent times for certificates covering plant-based dietary supplements compared to previous years. Dietitian Senanur Çevik told the AA that dietary supplement use has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen immune systems and achieve better health. Noting that surveys show dietary supplement usage rose from 13 percent to 28 percent, Çevik stated, "Dietary supplements should be used only after medical consultation. When using supplements, recommended dosages must not be exceeded." Çevik noted that vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc and omega-3 were the most commonly used supplements during the COVID-19 period, while stating that significant increases were also recorded in the use of B12, beta glucan, selenium and propolis. Emphasizing that imported supplements were used before the pandemic, Çevik said: "During the pandemic period, following the advice of doctors and pharmacists, domestic supplements began to be preferred more widely. Dietary supplements also play a very important role in dietary programs. We recommend that our clients undergo medical examination before beginning a nutrition program. After necessary examinations, we make dietary supplement recommendations to the individual. Each vitamin and mineral has a separate function in our body. Deficiencies can cause serious health problems. For this reason, detecting deficiencies and subsequently supplementing with dietary supplements is very important." she said.