MANDALAY BAY, LAS VEGAS—Representatives of trade associations, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and a former U.S. senator assembled Tuesday, Oct. 29, at SupplySide West to mark the 30th anniversary of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA).

Experts in the dietary supplement industry reflected on DSHEA and also laid out their respective wish lists for the next few years.

The session — “After 30 years of DSHEA, the question is: What now?” —started with a deep dive into the story of DSHEA’s founding, through a documentary film produced by the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), and a speech from former U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa). Harkin is among a select group of lawmakers credited for getting DSHEA passed into law in 1994.

Following remarks from the former U.S. senator, FDA’s Cara Welch, Ph.D., shared insights into how the agency is dealing with the explosion of the global supplement trade, and she announced a forthcoming plan to help improve inspections and provide pre-market visibility. Welch oversees the Office of Dietary Supplement Programs (ODSP).

‘It’s a more complex marketplace’

Like others who spoke during the education and networking event, Welch was adamant that the dietary supplement market in 2024 is night and day from what it was in 1994 — both in scale and complexity.

“Regardless of what the exact numbers are, there’s massive growth in this industry,” the FDA official said. “This absolutely comes through in the growth of this marketplace, in the sales of the marketplace, the number of products, the breadth of the products. But it’s also a more complex marketplace. It’s a global supply chain with the internet as a retail and distribution channel. And the products look quite different. They’re more diverse, they are precisely formulated, and they’re often with novel ingredients or complex mixtures.”

In the face of this onslaught, Welch said one of the major goals of DSHEA — maintaining consumers’ freedom to support their personal health through natural products — has been realized.

“Absolutely, we are ensuring consumer access to products,” she said. “But do we know that FDA has what we need to adequately protect consumers?”

‘We’re not really able to connect the dots’

After walking the audience through FDA’s current regulatory capabilities under DSHEA, Welch pointed out some of the agency’s limitations and pain points. The biggest one: the onslaught of products that enter the marketplace with little FDA involvement or awareness.

“We’re relying on post-market surveillance,” Welch observed. “There is virtually no barrier to entering the marketplace. I know that there’s a lot of regulatory responsibilities that firms are keeping track of. There’s a lot that goes into putting a product on the market. But when I say this virtually no barrier, I’m really talking about virtually no communication with FDA.”

She explained this creates a situation in which the agency simply can’t obtain an adequate, accurate picture of what is on the marketplace at any given time. For several years, FDA has advocated for legislation to require that dietary supplement products are listed with the agency.

“We have a lot of dots of information out there, but how do we make sure those dots are connected? How do we make sure we have the full picture of what a product is?” Welch asked. “Have the ingredients been properly notified [to FDA]? Are they pre-DSHEA ingredients? Are they safe? Who manufactures the product? Where are they being manufactured? Have we inspected the facility? A lot of these pieces of information are scattered about, and the way the system is set up, we’re not really able to connect those dots.”

‘More agile, with more training opportunities’

So how is FDA planning to gain more pre-market visibility? Welch mentioned FDA’s proposal for mandatory product listing, which she laid out in an article she authored for SupplySide Supplement Journal (then known as Natural Products Insider) in 2023.

But she spent more time discussing the impending launch of an FDA training program that would allow for public-private partnerships between FDA, local authorities and the supplement industry itself.

“It’s an opportunity for FDA training program educational systems to be integrated with private training systems that are already out there,” Welch explained. “Our audit programs within the supplement industry could play a part in education for federal investigators, state investigators, state and local investigators. But also, FDA’s training systems could tie in with the training auditors, dietary supplement companies, really, anyone who’s involved in supplements.”

Welch said she was hopeful that a recent reorganization at FDA should allow the agency to “staff up and educate and train up our inspectors.” But a public-private partnership would put more eyeballs at every stage of production, allowing the agency to do more with limited resources.

“What we really want to do is train everyone,” she said. “This will allow faster training of investigators because we’ll be more agile with more training opportunities. But also all of our stakeholders will be able to get the exact same training competency that our internal investigators get. This is something that we can do to benefit the industry, and it’s something that I’m really looking forward to.”

After 30 years of DSHEA, Welch said the agency remains ready and willing to face the new challenges of a 21st-century supplement market.

“There’s a lot we can do,” the FDA official said, “and a lot we will continue to do.”

Taking too much vitamin D in supplement form can lead to vitamin D toxicity, a rare but potentially dangerous condition. This vitamin D overdose shows up as higher calcium levels in the blood or hypercalcemia. Symptoms may include digestion problems, increased urination, fatigue, confusion, bone pain, and high blood pressure.

Vitamin D toxicity is more common in people with certain medical conditions, such as granulomatous disorders, spina bifida, lymphomas, and dysregulated vitamin D metabolism.

Most Common Symptoms of Too Much Vitamin D 

Excessive effects of vitamin D can lead to higher calcium levels in the blood—a condition called hypercalcemia. It is often diagnosed at an early stage during routine blood work.

Most people with hypercalcemia will not have symptoms. However, symptoms can occur in people who have taken high doses of vitamin D for a long time or in someone who has taken an extremely high dose over a short time.

Symptoms caused by high calcium levels can vary, depending on the cause and how long levels have been elevated. Symptoms may include:

• Digestive troubles—nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, and constipation 
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination 
• Muscle weakness or twitches 
• Fatigue or feeling extremely tired 
• Confusion
• Bone pain 
• Bone loss or fragile bones that might be prone to breakage
• High blood pressure

Higher doses may cause more severe side effects, mainly a weekly 20,000 to 50,000 international unit (IU) dosing, the highest prescribed dose. However, long-term supplementation of vitamin D3 in doses ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 IU appears safe when taken correctly. 

Higher doses are typically prescribed to people whose bodies do not adequately process vitamin D due to some health conditions. Such conditions include asthma, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, rickets, and tuberculosis. The higher dose is often prescribed to correct or prevent deficiency. 

Rare Symptoms From Vitamin D Supplements

The daily recommended dose for children ages 1 to 18 and adults is 600 IU. The numbers are less for babies and higher for adults over age 70. Healthcare providers might prescribe higher or lower doses based on specific health concerns. 

Supplementing with vitamin D can lead to side effects. It can also lead to longer-term but rare problems. Such rare effects include:

• Abnormal heart rhythms: High calcium levels in the blood can interrupt electrical heart activity and contractions, leading to changes in heart rate patterns.
• Kidney troubles: This includes kidney stones, kidney damage, and kidney failure.
• Calcification (hardening): High blood calcium levels can lead to calcium deposits in the kidneys, heart, arteries, and other tissues.

If you take high doses of vitamin D and experience symptoms of hypercalcemia, let your healthcare provider know. They can request blood work to check your vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus levels. A phosphorus test helps determine if you have kidney damage.

Healthcare providers consider vitamin D levels low if a person has 20 nanograms (ng) of vitamin D per milliliter (mL) of blood or lower. If levels rise above 50 ng/mL, you might experience adverse effects.

Risks of Vitamin D Deficiency

Some people are at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency (insufficient vitamin D). They include:

• Those who cannot get outdoors (because they are frail or homebound)
• People living in care facilities (such as a skilled nursing facility) or correctional facilities
• Those who wear clothing that covers their skin when they are outdoors
• People with dark skin tones
• People whose bodies do not adequately process vitamin D due to a health condition, such as chronic kidney disease or liver disease

Researchers suspect people with dark skin tones get less vitamin D because the higher level of melanin in darker skin limits the rate of skin synthesis. This is when the top layer of your skin (epidermis) activates (synthesizes) vitamin D when exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

People in the above-listed groups can benefit from vitamin D supplementation throughout the year and not just in the winter months, when there is less sun exposure.

Vitamin D Overdose and Medical Conditions

Vitamin D toxicity is rare, even in people who take supplements. For symptoms of toxicity to present, you would need to take significant doses over a long period. Even so, research suggests that with the increasing use of vitamin D treatments, incidents of toxicity have become more frequent.

Many of the causes of vitamin D toxicity are inappropriate prescribing, not taking vitamin D as prescribed, and the use of high-dose and unlicensed preparations. Many cases are preventable with appropriate use, proper formulation, and avoidance of unlicensed products. 

Vitamin D toxicity is more common in people who have certain medical conditions. This includes people with:

In people with dysregulated vitamin D metabolism, vitamin D intake raises the concentration of vitamin D in the body, leading to toxicity.

Complications 

Altered Mental State

Hypercalcemia related to vitamin D toxicity might alter a person’s mental state. Symptoms of an induced mental state related to vitamin D-induced hypercalcemia include confusion, depression, and psychosis. In rare cases, a coma might occur.

One study examined the case of a 64-year-old man who accidentally took 200,000 IU of vitamin D because he did not understand the medication instructions. He showed an altered mental state and other severe hypercalcemia symptoms.

The man was agitated and confused for the first 10 days of his hospital stay, but symptoms started to improve as his calcium levels dropped. It took 18 days for his calcium levels to get back to normal.

Kidney Problems

Vitamin D toxicity can lead to a kidney injury or kidney failure. Too much vitamin D causes high calcium levels, leading to water loss from too much urination and kidney calcification.

Hypercalcemia can also lead to blood vessel constriction and decreased kidney function. It might cause severe complications in people who have existing kidney disease, such as anemia (reduced blood cells), bone weakness, and severe swelling from fluid retention. 

Vitamin D Flush: Hype or Helpful?

The term “vitamin D flush” refers to removing excess vitamin D from the body. While there is no quick way to do this, the first step is to stop taking vitamin D and calcium supplements.

The management of vitamin D toxicity has three stages. The first of these is stabilization and supportive therapies, which might include intubation, intravenous fluids, and intensive care for people with extremely high vitamin D and calcium levels.

Additional measures include correcting hypercalcemia using loop diuretics, bisphosphonates, glucocorticoids, or calcitonin (bone hormone drug), and renal replacement therapies if the kidneys have been affected. 

When to See a Healthcare Provider 

If you are taking vitamin D supplements or a prescribed higher dose and start to experience signs of hypercalcemia, let your healthcare provider know. They will request blood work to check vitamin D and calcium levels. Depending on those results, they may reduce your vitamin D dosing or have you stop taking supplements altogether.

Taking vitamin D in high-dose supplements is never a good idea without checking with a healthcare provider. Discuss supplementation with a healthcare provider to ensure you are taking appropriate doses.

Summary  

While it is rare, vitamin D toxicity can occur, manifesting as hypercalcemia. Common signs of hypercalcemia include digestive problems, fatigue, appetite loss, frequent urination, high blood pressure, and heart abnormalities. Complications of hypercalcemia include an altered mental state and kidney problems. 

Vitamin D toxicity is more common in people who have medical conditions where it is necessary to prescribe higher supplement doses. To reduce your risk, avoid high doses and do not start taking supplements without approval from a healthcare provider.

If you are on a higher dose prescribed by a healthcare provider, you should report side effects and get your blood work tested regularly. 

Collagen supplements are marketed as a solution to reduce signs of aging and to boost hair, skin, nail, and joint health. While some research supports these claims, the evidence is still limited and often comes from studies funded by the supplement industry.

Consuming between 2.5 grams to 10 grams of collagen per day is considered safe, according to multiple studies. However, given the vast array of collagen products, it can be challenging to determine which ones are effective.

Collagen is an important protein naturally found in connective tissues, bones, muscles, and cartilage. Factors such as aging, diet, smoking, lack of sleep, and sun exposure can reduce collagen production, causing the skin to wrinkle.

Teo Soleymani, MD, FAAD, FACMS, a double-board certified dermatologic surgeon and assistant clinical professor at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, told Verywell that collagen supplements have a “net benefit in improving skin, hair, and nail health.”

“I don’t think massive quantities are needed because most of us end up eating a relatively balanced diet,” said Soleymani.

What to Look for in a Collagen Supplement

There are almost 30 types of collagen, but types I-V are the most common. Supplement labels sometimes highlight types I and III for skin and muscle health or type II for joint health.

Ginger Hultin, MS, RDN, an integrative registered dietitian nutritionist who hosts “The Good Clean Nutrition Podcast,” told Verywell in an email it’s best to look for a supplement that contains multiple types of collagen.

Collagen supplements mainly come from animal sources, such as chicken, porcine (pig), bovine (cow), and marine (seafood) sources. Food allergies or dietary restrictions related to kosher, halal, vegan, or vegetarian dietary patterns might dictate which supplement is best for you.

Reports have raised concerns about deforestation and violence against Indigenous people related to bovine collagen production. Alternative options, such as plant-based and vegan collagen products, are available. However, these products don’t contain actual collagen but rather precursors like vitamin C that help the body produce its own collagen, Hultin explained.

“Be a label sleuth to determine exactly what’s in your collagen—is it true collagen, is it collagen precursors, and are they adding anything in the supplement?” Hultin said.

Some supplements are marketed as “hydrolyzed collagen” or “collagen peptides,” which are smaller fragments of collagen protein. According to Soleymani, hydrolyzed collagen is often more expensive, but it may be easier for the body to absorb. For people who experience gas or bloating from collagen supplements, hydrolyzed collagen might be a beneficial alternative.

How Can You Verify the Ingredients in a Collagen Supplement?

Many people take collagen supplements without experiencing any negative side effects. However, there are concerns about the presence of heavy metals in some collagen supplements.

Unlike drugs, dietary supplements are not pre-approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or efficacy before they enter the market.

To make sure the supplements actually contain what’s listed on the label, you can look for products with third-party verification from organizations like USP, ConsumerLabs, or NSF.

However, most collagen supplements lack third-party verification and transparency about ingredients found in the products, Rajani Katta MD, a board-certified dermatologist and a clinical faculty member at the Baylor College of Medicine

“If you’re getting your collagen from seafood sources, how do you know that that seafood is not high in heavy metals like mercury? That lack of transparency is major,” Katta told Verywell.

Which Form of Collagen Should You Try?

Collagen supplements come in various forms, including powders, gummies, liquids, and capsules. However, it’s unclear which form is the most effective or how much dosage is needed to see benefits.

“In terms of skin health and joint health, there really isn’t a known amount that you should consume,” Soleymani said. “I don’t think realistically your body can absorb much beyond 20 to 30 grams at a time.”

To get the most out of a collagen supplement, look for products that contain additional skin-supporting ingredients such as elastin, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C.

“When picking a supplement, you want to look for good manufacturing practices with those labels,” Soleymani said. “And then you want to look for one that has a multi-targeted approach, so other ingredients in there that will really optimize skin health, not just collagen.”

Traveling can be a rewarding and adventurous experience, whether you’re taking a road trip, hopping on a flight, or even camping in the great outdoors. But no matter where your journey takes you, one thing remains constant: the desire for a comforting cup of tea.
For tea lovers, finding the perfect brew to enjoy while traveling is just as important as packing the right gear. The right tea can provide a calming break, boost energy, or even help you stay hydrated while you’re on the go.

In this article, we’ll explore the best teas for travelers, including a special look at green tea and why it should be a staple in your travel kit. Whether you prefer herbal, caffeinated, or fruity blends, these teas are perfect for your next adventure.

1. Green tea: A travel essential
Green tea is a traveler’s best friend for several reasons. Not only is it a healthy and versatile beverage, but it also provides a gentle caffeine boost that helps maintain energy levels without causing jitters. The antioxidants in green tea, such as catechins, can also support your immune system, which is particularly beneficial when traveling and being exposed to new environments.

Green tea comes in various forms, including loose leaf, tea bags, and even travel-friendly instant green tea powders. This flexibility makes it easy to pack and prepare on the go. For convenience, consider bringing pre-portioned tea bags or matcha powder, which you can easily mix with hot or cold water. Matcha, a powdered form of green tea, is especially handy because it dissolves completely in water and needs no steeping or brewing time.

If you’re looking to enjoy high-quality green tea, check out the selection available at ClubMagicHour.com. Their curated collection of green teas features a variety of flavors and blends. These teas are perfect for travel because they not only taste great but also offer wellness benefits that can help you feel your best on the road.

2. Herbal teas: Relax and unwind anywhere
For those who prefer caffeine-free options, herbal teas are the way to go. Herbal teas are made from a variety of plants, flowers, fruits, and spices, making them an ideal choice for travelers who want to relax and enjoy a flavorful beverage without the buzz. Popular herbal options like chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos are known for their calming properties, making them perfect for winding down at the end of a long day of travel.

Peppermint tea is great for soothing digestion, which can be helpful if you’ve been eating unfamiliar foods while on your trip. Chamomile tea can promote better sleep, making it an ideal choice for overnight travel or jet lag recovery. If you want something a little more exotic, hibiscus tea offers a tart, fruity flavor and is rich in vitamin C, which supports immune health.

Pre-packaged herbal tea bags are easy to pack in your travel bag, but you can also bring loose-leaf blends and a travel infuser.

Additionally, you can enjoy herbal teas both hot and cold, making them versatile for various climates and travel scenarios.

3. Black tea: A bold energy boost
If you’re someone who needs a stronger caffeine kick to get through long travel days, black tea is an excellent choice. With a higher caffeine content than green tea, black tea can provide a bigger energy boost, which is perfect for early morning departures or long road trips. Popular varieties of black tea include Earl Grey and English Breakfast.

To make things easier on the go, consider packing individually wrapped black tea bags that you can brew with hot water from a thermos or a hotel kettle. Black tea also pairs well with milk and sugar, allowing you to customize your cup just like you would at home. Some travelers even bring a small container of powdered milk or single-serving creamers.

For something different, try cold-brewing black tea by steeping it in cold water for several hours. This method results in a smooth, refreshing drink that’s perfect for warm-weather travel.

4. Chai: Spice up your travel routine
Chai tea, a spiced blend typically made with black tea, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and other spices, is perfect for travelers who crave something bold and flavorful. The warming spices in chai can be particularly comforting on chilly days or during high-altitude travel. Plus, the combination of black tea and spices can provide a revitalizing energy boost.

You can find chai tea in various formats, including traditional loose leaf, tea bags, and even instant chai mixes that come pre-blended with milk powder. For the most authentic experience, bring a travel-friendly thermos where you can prepare chai using hot water or milk. If you prefer cold beverages, iced chai lattes are also a delicious and invigorating option.

5. Fruit-infused teas: Hydration with a burst of flavor
Staying hydrated is essential while traveling, and fruit-infused teas can help make drinking water more enjoyable. These teas are typically made with dried fruits, herbs, and sometimes even flowers, offering a burst of natural flavor that can encourage you to drink more fluids. They’re especially good for warm destinations or outdoor activities where staying hydrated is crucial.

Fruit-infused teas, such as peach, berry, or citrus blends, can be brewed hot or cold, making them great for any travel situation. Some fruit teas also contain natural electrolytes, which can help replenish minerals lost through sweat.

For a travel-friendly option, pack a few tea bags or use an infusion bottle to steep loose leaf fruit tea in cold water.

6. Instant tea powders: The ultimate convenience
These teas are available in various flavors, including green tea, black tea, chai, and even herbal blends. Instant tea powders dissolve quickly in water, making them perfect for situations where you don’t have access to hot water or brewing equipment.

Travelers who enjoy matcha will appreciate the convenience of instant matcha powders, which offer all the benefits of traditional matcha with none of the fuss. For a caffeine-free option, look for instant herbal tea powders that you can mix with cold or hot water for a quick and refreshing drink.

Packing tips for traveling with tea
To ensure a seamless tea-drinking experience while traveling, consider the following packing tips:

• Use tea sachets or pre-portioned bags – These are easy to pack and make brewing tea simple.
• Bring a travel mug or thermos – A good-quality thermos will keep your tea hot (or cold) for hours.
• Pack a small infuser or travel tea set – For loose leaf tea enthusiasts, a portable infuser can make a big difference.
• Don’t forget sweeteners or flavor enhancers – If you like adding honey, sugar, or lemon to your tea, pack small travel-sized containers.

Conclusion
No matter where your travels take you, the right tea can make your journey more enjoyable and comforting. With a little preparation, you can bring your favorite teas along for the ride and savor the flavors of home, even when you’re far away. For high-quality teas perfect for travel, explore the diverse selection available at Magic Hour. Their green tea collection, in particular, offers options that are both delicious and beneficial for wellness on the road.