Do you know how to determine if a dietary supplement is a high-quality product? Most people don’t. Often, I hear clients say, “I took ‘xyz’ supplement and it didn’t work.” Then I ask, “Was it a high-quality supplement?” The response is usually, “How would I know if it was or not?” Gooden Healthy Nutrition can help you answer that question and determine the best quality dietary and herbal supplements for your needs.
Most dietary and herbal supplements are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), although not as strictly as medications or over-the-counter drugs. Given the limited FDA regulation, there are a large number of companies selling inexpensive supplements that are filled with contaminants, fillers and allergens. This creates a host of complications for individuals trying to find the right quality supplement. This article will help guide you in your search for safe, high-quality, and effective nutritional supplement products.
When choosing supplements, here are some factors you should consider:
Products should be free of fillers (wheat, corn, or starches), preservatives, binders, lactose, coloring agents, shellacs and other allergens.
Products should be backed by current scientific research to support using the active ingredients for the claim(s) they make regarding health benefits.
Products should include a disclaimer if the product is not FDA approved
Manufacturers should indicate use of supplement standards from an outside certifying body or third-party analysis for independent verification of active ingredients and contaminants. There are independent third-party testing and certification agencies like USP and NSF International who work with supplement companies to certify that these products contain what is on the label, and do not contain harmful ingredients.
Products should be in a form that is easily absorbed and utilized by the human body.
The Bottom Line
Based on these factors, it is wise to take the time to evaluate supplement companies and the quality of their products before make a purchase. If all this seems a little overwhelming, please free to contact us. We are here to help you determine the best quality nutritional supplements to address your individual needs.