Russia Now Lets Doctors Prescribe Dietary Supplements Under New Rules

A survey revealed that the majority of Russian doctors are willing to officially prescribe dietary supplements (DS) as almost half of the patients ask for their advice. Most Russian doctors are ready to prescribe DS to patients. According to the doctors, currently, almost half of the patients ask for DS advice, indicating a need for regulation in this area. Moreover, around 70% of doctors themselves consume these supplements.

From September 1, new rules for dietary supplements have come into effect in Russia. In the future, doctors will be able to prescribe DS, but only those registered in the country and strictly with medical indications. This change will come into effect when Rospotrebnadzor and the Ministry of Health create a list of DS allowed for medical use, and the government sets quality criteria for DS and their raw materials.

Doctors reported that almost half of the patients ask for DS prescriptions, having learned about them from the internet or from acquaintances. Many have previously used DS and found them satisfactory, while some demand DS prescription as they 'want to treat with natural means', reports Kommersant.