Kalpaev points out that within the EAEU territory, only those dietary supplements that have undergone state registration are permitted. However, there is a significant increase in the sales of dietary supplements in Kyrgyzstan, many of which have not been registered either in the KR or in other member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union. This poses a threat to the health of citizens.
The deputy reminds that until 2017, dietary supplements in the country were considered medicinal products, but after that, they were reclassified as food products.Kalpaev notes that some manufacturers and sellers continue to position their dietary supplements as medicines, misleading consumers and creating false impressions that their products can replace proper treatment. Advertisements often feature people in medical coats and with medical paraphernalia, creating an illusion of approval from medical professionals for viewers.
Furthermore, the deputy emphasizes that advertisements for dietary supplements actively use religious subtext, including words, symbols, and musical accompaniment.
This, according to him, is a subtle but effective manipulation that plays on the trust of believers, suggesting that the product is endorsed by religion or possesses special spiritual power. Additionally, advertisements use images of children, which compels parents to purchase such supplements, the safety of which for children's health has not been confirmed.Kalpaev expresses deep concern that many citizens trust advertisements. "Dietary supplements are not medicines. They do not treat, diagnose, or prevent diseases. The main threat is the replacement of necessary treatment. A person with a serious illness, believing in the advertisement, may refuse real therapy and start taking dietary supplements. As a result, there is not enough time, the disease progresses, and instead of recovery, there are missed opportunities and a threat to life," says the deputy.
Advertising of dietary supplements is prohibited if it:
- creates the illusion that biologically active additives are medicinal products and/or possess healing properties, including mentions of specific diseases or symptoms;
- uses images of medical workers or visual attributes that imitate medical activities;
- contains religious symbols or images of religious figures;
- includes images of minors or is directed specifically at them;
- refers to specific cases of healing people or improving their condition, as well as other consumer testimonials.
