ODS provides these links as a service to our users. ODS is not responsible for the information at the linked sites and does not endorse any products or services found there. The ODS cannot ensure the privacy or security of information you provide to the linked sites. All ODS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not represent endorsement by or an official position of the ODS or any other Federal agency. Advice on treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician or trained health care practitioner who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
For a list of questions you should consider as you look for health information online, see How to Evaluate Health Information on the Internet.
For information about linking to ODS's Web site or requesting a link on this site, see our Linking Policy.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
HHS is the United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.
- The Safety Reporting Portal
The Safety Reporting Portal allows manufacturers, healthcare professionals, consumers, and others to report serious problems (adverse events) that they believe may be associated with a dietary supplement, food, drug, or similar product. These reports, along with follow-up investigations, can help to identify important safety concerns.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
The AHRQ is an agency within the DHHS that supports research designed to improve the outcomes and quality of health care, reduce its costs, address patient safety and medical errors, and broaden access to effective services. The site provides the results of evidence-based reviews, including the safety and efficacy of some dietary supplements.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC is an agency within HHS. The Web site provides publications, travelers' health information, statistics, and training, employment, and other information.
National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)
This organization within the CDC gathers and analyzes statistical information about the health and nutritional status of Americans. The information, including results of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey is used to monitor trends in health status, identify health disparities within the population, and inform public policies and programs.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The FDA, an agency within HHS, is responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of foods, drugs, and cosmetics in the United States. This site provides information organized by type of product and includes product specific safety alerts and recalls. The following two FDA sites cover different aspects of dietary supplement regulation:
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP)
ODPHP, an office within HHS, assists with the development and coordination of a wide range of national disease prevention and health promotion initiatives and programs.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
The USDA and HHS establish and publish a set of nutrition guidelines for Americans every five years. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are based on nutrition research and serve as the statutorily mandated basis for Federal nutrition education activities.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC is a government agency whose purpose is to protect businesses and consumers from fraud. The site includes information consumers can use to educate themselves about the deceptive or fraudulent marketing activities.
- Diet, Health and Fitness
This section of the FTC Web site provides specific information for consumers concerning health topics, from weight-loss regimens to the use of dietary supplements in children.
US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
The mission of the USDA is to enhance the quality of life for the American people by supporting the production of agriculture. The following USDA Web sites provide information on nutrition.
- Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP)
The CNPP is an agency of the USDA's Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services. CNPP develops and promotes science-based dietary guidance for consumers and professionals. The CNPP site provides information on nutrition research, education, and promotion programs.
- National Agricultural Library (NAL)
The web site for the USDA library, links to agricultural information, services and programs, publications, events, and news including human health and nutrition.
- Nutrition.gov
This USDA site provides easy access to the best food and nutrition information from across the federal government. It serves as a gateway to reliable information on nutrition, healthy eating, physical activity, and food safety for consumers, educators and health professionals.
- Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC)
FNIC, a unit within NAL, collects and disseminates information about food and human nutrition programs and educational resources.
- Food Survey Research Group (FSRG)
This USDA group monitors the diets and nutrition knowledge of Americans in order to create or modify nutrition programs and public policy. The site contains information collected from a wide variety of surveys and includes rates of consumption of individual nutrients or of entire food groups.