--but are regarded as supplements or "nutriceuticals" (the current term in vogue) are not regulated nearly as closely in the US as they are in many other countries.

Most vitamin/mineral preparations can still be sold "over the counter" and with much less required vetting of active ingredients than one has with prescription items. (I'm sure this individual, and probably others, would say that the special formula costitutes a trade secret.)

Thre are both good an bad aspects to this. On the one hand, we in the US have easier access to a much greater of potential helpful substnaces than people in many more regulated countries. On the other, yes, there's a good deal of "caveat emptor"--there's a lot greater chance of producers and distributors getting away with putting in useless or potentially harmful substances and not having to reveal them.

There've been a number of scandals involving supplements (especially "herbal") in the US--remember the ephedra controversies?--so one has to be very careful in this realm. Vitamins/minerals/herbs and such are still substances with chemical effects, just as drugs are, an due diligence is just as important.