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Dietary Supplements' Regulation: Are We Doing Enough to Protect the Children? A Narrative Review

Jelena Jovičić-Bata1, Nataša Milošević1, Neda Gavarić1

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.

Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 28, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Regulatory inconsistencies in the European Union and Serbia pose risks to pediatric dietary supplements (DS). Addressing these gaps is crucial for ensuring children

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Regulatory Science
  • Pediatric Nutrition

Background:

  • High prevalence of pediatric dietary supplement (DS) use necessitates stringent regulation.
  • Current regulatory frameworks in the EU and Serbia exhibit inconsistencies, potentially compromising pediatric DS safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate regulatory and practical issues concerning the definition, labeling, advertising, and use of pediatric DS in the EU and Serbia.
  • To identify inconsistencies and gaps in legal and policy frameworks impacting pediatric DS safety.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive review of legal and policy frameworks in the EU and Serbia.
  • Analysis of peer-reviewed literature on pediatric DS definition, labeling, and advertising.
  • Assessment of marketing practices and their impact on consumer safety.

Main Results:

  • Identified five critical regulatory concerns: unclear product definition, lack of uniform composition standards, safety risks from ambiguous standards and age cut-offs, misuse of labels/unfair advertising, and limited healthcare provider involvement.
  • Highlighted the absence of age-appropriate reference values for pediatric DS.

Conclusions:

  • Regulating pediatric DS is complex due to population diversity.
  • Regulatory systems require adaptability to scientific advancements and market changes to prioritize children's health and safety.
  • Swift resolution of inconsistencies is essential for effective pediatric DS oversight.
Abstract

Keywords:
European UnionSerbiachildrenhealth claimsregulationsupplements

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