Addressing activities related to food supplements in European pharmacists’ codes of ethics: textual analysis and proposals for ethical standards

Establishing ethical standards for all pharmacists' activities related to food supplements would stimulate discussion, reflection, the evolution of their codes of ethics and practices, and professional development. The standards we proposed could serve as a starting point for developing national and international policies, using the motivational power of ethics. The commitment of professional associations of pharmacists, food companies, and competent health authorities to adopt ethical policies in all activities related to food supplements would make an important contribution to respecting patients' rights in using them.