Washington, D.C.—CRN opposes an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA),according to a press release,on the grounds that it could do more harm than good.

The release notes that the amendment, introduced by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), would require additional reporting systems for adverse event reports that may be associated with dietary supplements and mandate that data be included in the medical record of members of the military.

Steve Mister, president and CEO of CRN, said in the release: “We share Senator Blumenthal’s commitment to protecting Americans and reaffirm our unwavering support for the federal system of collecting reports of adverse events associated with dietary supplements, a law we helped to enact. However, we respectfully disagree with—and oppose—his amendment to the NDAA.

“The amendment is both redundant with the federal system of adverse event reporting maintained by FDA and, in other respects, undermines that system, and discourages candor with healthcare practitioners by service men and women about their supplement use. That does not enhance the safety and well-being of our soldiers and confounds the collection of serious adverse events by FDA from all supplement users, both military and civilian. CRN is poised to have discussions with Senator Blumenthal on reasonable ways to protect the military from accessing potentially harmful or illegal products. In the meantime, we oppose any legislation that increases regulatory burden and discourages the use of health products proven to be safe and beneficial.”