I was shocked at your editorial on the upcoming possible supplement restrictions ("Pill prohibition" SN 1/27). It seems that you haven't done very much research on supplements and the millions of people who benefit from their use. I work at a natural foods store and experience firsthand the growing number of people who depend on supplements for relief and healing.

People with health problems ranging from tinnitus to cancer are able to achieve relief naturally instead of only relying on prescription medications, which can be too expensive for those without health insurance or prescription coverage. Supplements are not dangerous or unnecessary, and the Food and Drug Administration still has the authority to ban potentially dangerous herbal drugs.

This is an incredibly important issue for many Americans, and to take away their right to choose their dosages and supplements would be debilitating to many and would only serve to increase our country's reliance on potentially harmful synthetic and prescription medications.

Erin Ura
2003 graduate