HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS…NOT
SIZING UP!
Q. I just read where 6
out of 10 herbal supplements tested did not have the amount or potency that is
listed on the bottle? Aren’t vitamins
and herbs regulated by the FDA? How are
we supposed to know what we’re really getting?
Carolyn S.
A. I really don’t mean to sound like a
know-it-all…but the results of these ingredient / potency tests didn't surprise me a bit. For years I’ve been preaching
the benefits to “Guaranteed” or “Standardized” potencies. Any time you purchase an herbal supplement
that does not have these words on the front label then it’s a crap
shoot. You really don’t know what you’re
getting. That capsule may weigh
500 mg. but that does not mean that there is 500 mg. of the desired substance
in each capsule. Some companies may be
using the ground up stems and leaves of the desired plant and not the actual
root that is supposed to be used. Either
way, you don’t know what you’re actually paying for. When buying any herbal supplements ALWAYS,
ALWAYS, ALWAYS look for the words GUARANTEED Potency or STANDARDIZED Potency
somewhere on the front or back label.
You may pay a bit more but it is worth it.
Yes…unlike what you hear
in the media…vitamins and herbs (aka the Natural Food Industry) is regulated by
the FDA. Just not the same as the drug
industry. To name a few, all supplement
manufacturers have to submit structure / function studies to the FDA. They also have to prove that the ingredients
they use are GRAS (generally recognized as safe). They must also submit to numerous “blind”
spot inspections every year. As in any
industry there are black sheep manufacturers that search for every cut corner
and loophole. By the same token there
are many grade A, class act supplement manufacturers that put out excellent
products. Talk to your health food store
to teach you who to trust.
AMV
*Health Disclaimer: This
information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational
and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute
for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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