Reading nutrition labels when shopping for cosmetics, personal care products and food items is something we have become quite accustomed to… but what about supplements? Most of us have jumped on board with the idea that we need to take supplements to improve our health, but do we really know what we are buying?
With over 29,000 nutritional supplements on the market these days, choosing the right ones has become increasingly difficult. The truth is not all supplements are created equal. Just as there are varying grades of meat and varying quality in canned and boxed foods, there is a wide range of quality in supplements. In fact, some supplements may even be harmful to the body rather than beneficial. Reading labels and understanding a bit about how supplements are made is key.
In the market for a nutritional supplement? Don’t assume that by popping a healthy pill, you’re automatically doing your body good. Take a moment to browse through this list of things to watch out for when reading those labels…
TCM Take Away: Finding the right supplement brand is not easy, but great ones do in fact exist. A few of our favorites ones include Premier Research Labs, Dragon Herbs, and Pure Encapsulations.
Top 13 Things to Avoid in Supplements
Tablets
Tablets are made using high pressure and heat to compress the ingredients. This manufacturing process damages the nutrients of the supplement, greatly lowering its health benefits. Toxic glues and flowing agents are then applied, which may pose health risks to the consumer long-term. In addition, tablets are extremely hard to break down and digest, making them barely therapeutic.
Gelatin
Vegans beware: Gelatin is made from animal by-products. These include animal tendons, skin and boiled bones. Some of the animals where these by-products come from are horses, cows, fish and pigs. Most gelatin capsules have been colored with artificial dyes as well. Artificial dyes (colors) have been shown in research to cause poor concentration and anxiety.
Magnesium Stearate
Magnesium stearate is an inexpensive lubricating agent used in production. Research shows it may be immune compromising, suppressing T-cell functioning. It may also be a potential allergen and slow the absorption of nutrients.
Silicon Dioxide
Silicon dioxide is a cheap flowing and anti-caking agent. It is also known as common sand.
Natural Flavors
Natural flavors is a term that can legally contain natural occurring “glutamate” bi-products such as MSG (monosodium glutamate). MSG is a well-known neurotoxin that overexcites your cells to the point of severe damage or death. Excitotoxins can cause nerve disorders resulting in a myriad of diseases from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, to migraines, fatigue and depression.
Corn Starch
Corn starch is almost always derived from GMO (genetically modified) corn. It may invoke allergic responses.
Stearic Acid
Stearic acid is primarily derived from the rendered fat of farm and domestic animals. It may suppress the immune system by suppressing T-cell functioning.
Titanium Dioxide
Titanium dioxide has been classified as a possible carcinogen to humans. It has the potential to cause cell damage, genotoxicity, inflammation and a weakened immune response.
Artifical Colors (Yellow 6 Lake, Red 40 Lake)
Artificial colors are now known through research to exacerbate hyperactivity and lack of focus, including conditions such as ADD and ADHD.
Hydrogenated Palm Oil
The process of hydrogenating an oil turns the oil into a trans-fatty acid. This process damages the fats, causing them to become rancid. Trans fats act as free radicals in the body, damaging cells, leading to heart disease, cancer and weight gain.
BHT
BHT (butylated hydroxyanisole) has been shown to be toxic to the liver, thyroid, kidney, lungs, and may affect blood coagulation. BHT has also shown to promote tumor growth.
Talc
Talc, also known as magnesium silicate, is an anti-caking agent. It has the potential to be a carcinogen.
Maltodextrin
Maltodextrin is a starch sweetener that is most always made from GMO (genetically modified) corn.
Well now that this list has made me want to trash every supplement I have, do you have suggestions on what to look for/take? Particularly for a prenatal, as that is the only thing I take daily.
Hi Lillie, click through our recommendation for Pure Encapsulations. They have a PreNatal that we think you will like.
Sources?
While I agree with everything you posted, I don’t think its necessary to completely steer clear of supplements in tablet form. A couple companies right off the bat Mega Food and Kind Organics both use a heat free tableting system that is absolutely free of synthetic binders and fillers. Look for supplements containing whole organic foods- You may have to spend a couple extra bucks and find your local health food store but it will totally be worth it:)
I agree with Lillie, can you come up with a nice list of companies that are good for you and cruelty free? 🙂
Hi Hanna, we just added a few of our favorites. Enjoy!
Absolutely! We just added a few of our favorite companies. Each have a large supplement line so we are sure you can find what you are looking for through them.
I read labels religiously & was disgusted to find soy as one of the first 3 ingredients in a bottle of cranberry tablets.