[Information System on the Safety and Effectiveness of Health Foods and Recent Topics]

Along with an increase in self-care and self-medication practices, the use of health foods as primary and secondary methods of disease prevention has increased. Consumers are aware only of the health benefits of dietary ingredients, although the potential risks associated with most ingredients are unknown. Adverse events associated with the use of health foods have been reported, and in some cases they were due to inappropriate use such as the concomitant use of several health foods or health foods and drugs. It is important that healthcare professionals, especially pharmacists, provide reliable, evidence-based information to ensure the safe and appropriate use of dietary supplements by their patients. Thus, we constructed an online database, the "Health Foods Network (HFNet)" that compiles reports on the safety and effectiveness of health foods and their ingredients. It serves to disseminate information based on scientific research not only in Japan but also worldwide. This article provides an overview of the HFNet. Additionally, findings from our recent survey and educational interventions among college students are discussed. We hope that this article will be helpful for pharmacists and other healthcare professionals who provide consultations on the use of health foods.