The question about multi vitamin use is more about understanding what it means to be taking one, and do you really need it? Americans spend over $21 Billion dollars a year on dietary supplements. There are literally dozens and dozens of vitamin manufacturers, and what many people don’t realize is that it is up to the individual manufacturer to make sure that their supplements are safe, effective and that the label is truthful and not misleading.
Do You KNOW what’s really in your supplement???
We rely on the vitamin company to provide a high quality product. The manufacturers rely on a “certificate of analysis” to confirm that the raw ingredients are safe and effective. The certificate comes directly from the supplier of the raw materials. There is currently no requirement to perform an independent third party verification to validate that the raw materials in the supplements are what they say they are, or in the stated amounts as indicated on the label.
In addition, manufacturing supplements is a very complex process. The slightest oversight, human error, or cost cutting practice can lead to a substandard product which may turn out to be dangerous.
Chances are if you are choosing a supplement on price alone, which is typical at a chain drugstore or large discount mart, there’s a good chance that the supplement has not been verified through a rigorous quality control process. It is also likely that it will be made from primarily synthetic ingredients.
Understand that the meaning of the word supplement is to do just that…be supplemental to the diet. No supplement should take the place of a high quality, unprocessed whole food diet.
Doing your Homework
If you are going to invest in a supplement of any kind do your homework, and ask the right questions. You cannot assume that the vitamin manufacturer has your best interest at heart.
There are many high quality manufacturers around and you want to make sure that the company you choose follows the ISO guidelines, is in full compliance with current NSF Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and adheres to pharmaceutical grade quality standards. NSF International is an independent, not-for-profit organization. This recognized body of audit and inspection is one of the most comprehensive and quality-driven initiatives in the nutrition industry.
Steps to finding a good quality supplement:
Find one that is made from all natural, non-synthetic, whole food ingredients. A high quality supplement will be free from allergens and additives.
Be sure that the manufacturer is obtaining the best quality raw ingredients. Manufacturers that are ISO 9000, ISO 9001 or NSF certified are good starting points.
There’s no substitute for a healthy whole food diet. However if you are looking for some added insurance an all-natural supplement may be warranted. Just be sure it’s the right one for you. You should NEVER take a supplement simply because it was recommended to you by a friend or relative. What is appropriate for one person may not be safe for another. The wrong supplement can have serious after effects.
Always check with a competent healthcare practitioner who is well educated about vitamin/mineral supplementation. The right supplement can do a world of good when used properly.
Do You KNOW what’s really in your supplement???
We rely on the vitamin company to provide a high quality product. The manufacturers rely on a “certificate of analysis” to confirm that the raw ingredients are safe and effective. The certificate comes directly from the supplier of the raw materials. There is currently no requirement to perform an independent third party verification to validate that the raw materials in the supplements are what they say they are, or in the stated amounts as indicated on the label.
In addition, manufacturing supplements is a very complex process. The slightest oversight, human error, or cost cutting practice can lead to a substandard product which may turn out to be dangerous.
Chances are if you are choosing a supplement on price alone, which is typical at a chain drugstore or large discount mart, there’s a good chance that the supplement has not been verified through a rigorous quality control process. It is also likely that it will be made from primarily synthetic ingredients.
Understand that the meaning of the word supplement is to do just that…be supplemental to the diet. No supplement should take the place of a high quality, unprocessed whole food diet.
Doing your Homework
If you are going to invest in a supplement of any kind do your homework, and ask the right questions. You cannot assume that the vitamin manufacturer has your best interest at heart.
There are many high quality manufacturers around and you want to make sure that the company you choose follows the ISO guidelines, is in full compliance with current NSF Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and adheres to pharmaceutical grade quality standards. NSF International is an independent, not-for-profit organization. This recognized body of audit and inspection is one of the most comprehensive and quality-driven initiatives in the nutrition industry.
Steps to finding a good quality supplement:
Find one that is made from all natural, non-synthetic, whole food ingredients. A high quality supplement will be free from allergens and additives.
Be sure that the manufacturer is obtaining the best quality raw ingredients. Manufacturers that are ISO 9000, ISO 9001 or NSF certified are good starting points.
There’s no substitute for a healthy whole food diet. However if you are looking for some added insurance an all-natural supplement may be warranted. Just be sure it’s the right one for you. You should NEVER take a supplement simply because it was recommended to you by a friend or relative. What is appropriate for one person may not be safe for another. The wrong supplement can have serious after effects.
Always check with a competent healthcare practitioner who is well educated about vitamin/mineral supplementation. The right supplement can do a world of good when used properly.
