Department - Author 1
Journalism Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Journalism
Date
12-2011
Primary Advisor
Dan Eller
Abstract/Summary
Dietary supplements have grown in popularity in recent years, with multivitamins the most commonly used. As the awareness of dietary supplements continues to increase, there are more chances for consumers to misuse or misunderstand the risks of taking dietary supplements. Public relations, physicians, and pharmaceutical companies should work to educate the consumer about the uses and risks of supplements. This paper addresses the issues associated with dietary supplements, particularly in the area of weight-loss supplements. Adverse side effects are addressed, as well as how public relations can influence the outcome of pharmaceutical companies’ relationships with consumers. Public relations can help the target audiences build trust with companies, though at times marketing supplements can interfere with a healthy lifestyle. The lack of regulation on dietary supplements provides consumers with more freedom, but also leaves room for uncertainty and confusion about the science behind dietary supplements.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/joursp/29