Medical Disclaimer
In an emergency
If you think you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately — 112 across the European Union and the United Kingdom, 911 in the United States and Canada, 000 in Australia, or whichever number applies where you are. Do not rely on this website.
Everything on this site is written to help you understand what research says. None of it is written to tell you what to do about your own health — that is a conversation for you and a professional who knows your history and the rules of the country you live in.
This site does not provide medical advice
The content on RoutineHealth is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it is not a substitute for the judgement of a qualified healthcare professional who knows your individual history.
We are not doctors, pharmacists, dietitians, or licensed healthcare providers in any country. Nothing on this site creates a doctor–patient relationship.
Always consult a professional
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare provider before you:
- Start, stop, or change the dose of a supplement, especially if you have an existing medical condition or are receiving treatment.
- Combine supplements with prescription or over-the-counter medications, or take several supplements together.
- Use a supplement while pregnant, trying to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or before or after surgery.
- Give a supplement to a child or use information from this site to address symptoms, a suspected deficiency, or a diagnosed condition.
Supplement doses, daily intake values, and study protocols mentioned on RoutineHealth are provided for educational purposes only. They are not personalized instructions or recommendations. Never disregard professional medical advice, delay seeking it, or change prescribed treatment because of something you have read on this site.
Where you live matters
This site is read internationally, and supplement regulations vary between countries. A product available over the counter in one country may require a prescription in another, be subject to different ingredient or dosage limits, or not be permitted for sale at all.
Melatonin is one example: it is marketed as a dietary supplement in the United States but is a prescription-only medicine in the United Kingdom. Rules governing vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients may also differ between jurisdictions.
RoutineHealth presents general information about published research and health guidance. We do not verify whether a particular product, ingredient, formulation, or dose is legally available or permitted for use in your country. Check your local regulations and consult a qualified healthcare professional practising in your jurisdiction before making personal health decisions.
How supplements are regulated, by region
Regulatory frameworks vary widely. The way a supplement is classified, assessed, labelled, and sold depends on the country and the type of product.
| Region | Who regulates | What that means in practice |
|---|---|---|
| United States | FDA, under the federal framework amended by DSHEA | Dietary supplements generally do not require FDA approval for safety or effectiveness before marketing. Manufacturers are responsible for meeting applicable safety and labelling requirements. |
| European Union | National competent authorities; EFSA provides scientific assessments | Food supplements are regulated as foods under EU and national rules. Nutrition and health claims must comply with applicable authorisation requirements. Some ingredient restrictions and maximum nutrient levels vary between member states. |
| United Kingdom | Relevant UK authorities, including the FSA and DHSC | Food supplements are generally regulated as foods. Great Britain has its own register of authorised nutrition and health claims, while EU rules continue to apply to these claims in Northern Ireland. |
| Canada | Health Canada | Natural health products require a product licence before sale. Licensed products display an NPN or, for homeopathic medicines, a DIN-HM on their labels. |
| Australia | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) | Most complementary medicines must be included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), unless exempt. Listed, assessed listed, and registered medicines undergo different levels of pre-market evaluation. |
| New Zealand | Medsafe and other relevant authorities | Dietary supplements must comply with the Dietary Supplements Regulations 1985. They generally do not undergo pre-market approval, and suppliers are responsible for compliance with applicable requirements. |
| Elsewhere | Varies by jurisdiction | Products may be regulated as foods, supplements, medicines, or other categories. Registration, permitted ingredients, claims, and dosage restrictions differ between countries. |
Where a statement on RoutineHealth refers to a specific regulator — for example, that a product has not been evaluated by the FDA — it applies to that jurisdiction only.
Official regulatory sources
About the research we cite
We draw on published scientific research, government health agencies, and academic institutions from different countries. Where possible, we provide links to the sources behind the information presented in our articles.
Scientific knowledge evolves, and findings may change as new evidence becomes available. We review and update our content responsibly, as our resources allow, but we cannot guarantee that every page reflects the latest research at the time you read it.
Where evidence is limited, mixed, or preliminary, we aim to make that clear. An article describing what a supplement has been studied for does not mean that it is proven effective, safe, or appropriate for you. Results from a particular study may not apply to other populations, formulations, or individual circumstances.
Reference intakes and recommended daily amounts may also differ between countries. Where we quote a figure, we aim to identify the relevant authority and provide the context needed to understand it.
For more information about how we select sources and describe scientific evidence, please read our Editorial Policy.
No guarantee of results
Individual responses to supplements and wellness practices vary depending on factors such as genetics, nutritional status, diet, medications, and existing health conditions.
A benefit observed in scientific research does not guarantee the same result for every person or every commercially available product. Supplements may differ in their ingredients, formulations, concentrations, and quality.
RoutineHealth makes no promise that any supplement, product, or wellness practice discussed on this site will produce a particular outcome for you.
External links
This site links to third-party websites for research, reference, and additional information. We do not control their content and cannot guarantee its accuracy, availability, or continued relevance. A link does not imply our endorsement of the website, organisation, product, or service.
Some pages may also contain affiliate links. Where applicable, we disclose these relationships separately. For details, please read our Affiliate Disclosure.
Limitation of liability
RoutineHealth provides general educational information intended to help readers understand health and wellness topics. While we aim to present information responsibly, we cannot guarantee that all content is complete, error-free, or suitable for your individual circumstances.
You are responsible for seeking appropriate professional advice before making personal health decisions. To the extent permitted by applicable law, RoutineHealth and its author disclaim liability for losses or damages arising from reliance on the general information published on this site.
Nothing in this disclaimer excludes or limits any liability or legal right that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under applicable law.
Questions
If anything on this page is unclear, or you believe we have published something inaccurate, write to us at info@routinehealth.me. We take corrections seriously and review concerns raised by readers.
Our email address is intended for questions about the site, editorial feedback, and corrections. It is not a medical consultation or emergency support service. Please do not send sensitive health information or use this contact address to request a diagnosis or treatment.
How we research and review what we publish is explained in our Editorial Policy.
This page works together with our editorial standards and our disclosure about affiliate links.
Editorial policy Affiliate disclosure