A proposed House bill would give consumers more direct access to scientific research information on the health benefits of dietary supplements and natural foods.

The Free Speech about Science Act (H.R. 4913) asserts that federal regulators should allow dietary supplement makers to cite research information on labels and marketing pieces about their products’ potential health benefits. The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on Mar. 23.

FDA regulations currently prohibit food producers or manufactures of a dietary supplement to reference any scientific study relating to the health benefits of their products. Violation of this law can result in the FDA declaring a dietary supplement or natural food to be unapproved, or illegal.

Legislators who introduced the bill say the current law is akin to censorship and that the slew of drug commercials the American public sees everyday suggest drugs as the only way to treat or cure health conditions. They argue that many conditions can be treated and possibly cured through lifestyle changes, proper nutrition, and informed use of dietary supplements. Making the research information available will help promote self-responsibility, increase consumer empowerment to make informed choices and significantly lower healthcare costs, according to the bill.

A website has been set up for consumers to contact their Congressman and voice their support of the Free Speech about Science Act. For a full text version of the bill, click here.

The gas and stomach pain some experience after eating dairy products may have nothing to do with lactose intolerance, according to a Spanish study.*

Researchers from the Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron in Barcelona gave a lactose solution equal to a quart of milk to approximately 350 patients who thought they were lactose intolerant. The results were more than half digested the lactose and sugar solution with little to no symptoms.

The study results suggest that gas and stomach cramping aren’t always caused by lactose malabsorption, which occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough lactase enzymes to completely break down lactose sugars. The researchers said that irritable bowel syndrome or overindulgence can also cause symptoms.

Helping the body digest lactose

Regardless of the cause, a broad-spectrum digestive enzyme supplement is a viable solution to helping the body completely break down any type of food component, including lactose, protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It aids in reducing gas-producing biochemical reactions that occur during digestion.

If lactose intolerance is the culprit, you can take an enzyme supplement specially formulated to focus on lactose while providing an enzyme blend to help digest other food components.

* Source: Reuters