All dietary supplements are not created equal. Although there are many good companies and safe products in the industry, there are also manufacturers who cut corners in quality control and may even disregard industry standards of purity and truth in labeling. Now that genetically modified organisms are in the food supply, even more caution is needed when choosing products for self or family. Choosing organic non GMO supplements is one way to find the best nutritional aids.
The term 'organic' means that no artificial ingredients are included in a product. It also prohibits the use of genetically modified ingredients. Independent organizations and the governments of many nations award the certification to manufacturers who meet stringent requirements. The certifying agencies conduct test on products in a random manner to ensure compliance.
The giants in the mainstream food industry spend millions to prevent having to list genetically modified ingredients on the labels of their products. There have been efforts to weaken organic standards to include these altered foods. Grassroots opposition to lowering the standards has succeeded so far in stopping the change. Concerned consumers should ask elected officials to prevent standards from being lowered.
Most manufacturers who do not use genetically modified raw materials in their supplement line will proudly display this information on their labels. Many supplement companies take their responsibility to consumers very seriously and pledge to provide clean, safe products. Others, however, have defrauded their customers and even issued some products that caused illness. One example of this was recalled and temporarily suspended tryptophan, an amino acid. The problem turned out to be not with the active ingredient but with a filler used by a single company.
Supplements are designed to provide nutrients that are either hard to get in sufficient quantities or may be missing from foods. Trace minerals are lacking in many soils, for instance, and many people don't eat enough fish, nuts, or healthy oils to get their essential fatty acids. The category includes vitamins, minerals, fibers, bio-identical hormones, amino acids, herbals, and more. Products are regulated mainly by the industry, although all manufacturers must operate within certain guidelines.
Many formulas do contain genetically modified ingredients, and many consumers are not bothered by this. Those who are can choose to buy only organic products or ones with a GMO-free label. There are other benefits to organic products, as well. They contain no artificial ingredients like colors or preservatives, are generally of very high quality, and come from companies dedicated to natural healing and health.
Substandard products give a false sense of security to consumers. Research has shown that some expensive tablets and capsules are really a waste of money, since they are not utilized by the body. With additional concerns about impure components or formulas that do not provide the listed amount of nutrients, it makes sense to patronize only the best manufacturers. Many of the largest and most reputable companies conduct their own research and have their products monitored by independent testing agencies.
Consumers may feel helpless when it comes to evaluating supplement companies. There are industry ratings and independent evaluations that rate companies and provide this information for consumers. However, choosing organic and non-GMO is one way of feeling good about health and personal care products. These assurances eliminate most of the concerns consumers have about chemicals or unnatural ingredients.
The term 'organic' means that no artificial ingredients are included in a product. It also prohibits the use of genetically modified ingredients. Independent organizations and the governments of many nations award the certification to manufacturers who meet stringent requirements. The certifying agencies conduct test on products in a random manner to ensure compliance.
The giants in the mainstream food industry spend millions to prevent having to list genetically modified ingredients on the labels of their products. There have been efforts to weaken organic standards to include these altered foods. Grassroots opposition to lowering the standards has succeeded so far in stopping the change. Concerned consumers should ask elected officials to prevent standards from being lowered.
Most manufacturers who do not use genetically modified raw materials in their supplement line will proudly display this information on their labels. Many supplement companies take their responsibility to consumers very seriously and pledge to provide clean, safe products. Others, however, have defrauded their customers and even issued some products that caused illness. One example of this was recalled and temporarily suspended tryptophan, an amino acid. The problem turned out to be not with the active ingredient but with a filler used by a single company.
Supplements are designed to provide nutrients that are either hard to get in sufficient quantities or may be missing from foods. Trace minerals are lacking in many soils, for instance, and many people don't eat enough fish, nuts, or healthy oils to get their essential fatty acids. The category includes vitamins, minerals, fibers, bio-identical hormones, amino acids, herbals, and more. Products are regulated mainly by the industry, although all manufacturers must operate within certain guidelines.
Many formulas do contain genetically modified ingredients, and many consumers are not bothered by this. Those who are can choose to buy only organic products or ones with a GMO-free label. There are other benefits to organic products, as well. They contain no artificial ingredients like colors or preservatives, are generally of very high quality, and come from companies dedicated to natural healing and health.
Substandard products give a false sense of security to consumers. Research has shown that some expensive tablets and capsules are really a waste of money, since they are not utilized by the body. With additional concerns about impure components or formulas that do not provide the listed amount of nutrients, it makes sense to patronize only the best manufacturers. Many of the largest and most reputable companies conduct their own research and have their products monitored by independent testing agencies.
Consumers may feel helpless when it comes to evaluating supplement companies. There are industry ratings and independent evaluations that rate companies and provide this information for consumers. However, choosing organic and non-GMO is one way of feeling good about health and personal care products. These assurances eliminate most of the concerns consumers have about chemicals or unnatural ingredients.