What's in Your Vitamins?
In late February, four major retailers, GNC, Target, Walgreens and WalMart, pulled certain supplements off the shelf, after being subpoenaed by the New York attorney general. DNA tests had failed to detect plant materials listed on the majority of products tested, misleading consumers. Some experts debate this issue and say that vitamins and supplements are heavily regulated.
In late March major vitamin retailer, GNC, announced their agreement to institute a full sweeping of new testing procedures and other quality control methods for herbal supplements. Experts say this marked a significant step forward and other retailers should do the same to ensure consistency across the industry.
Vitamin Ingredients Challenged Before
This isn't the first time we've seen this debate around supplements. In 2011, the media debated this exact issue. The Wall Street Journal even said "Is this the end of popping vitamins?"
Critics of the industry have argued that the Food and Drug Administration does not have enough power to keep fraudulent or dangerous products from reaching store shelves. The F.D.A. is restricted by a 1994 federal law — sponsored by Senator Orrin G. Hatch, Republican of Utah, who has strong financial ties to the industry — that prevents it from subjecting supplements to the strict approval process applied to prescription drugs.
Understanding Ingredients in Vitamins
Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that benefit a particular area of the body. For example, vitamin A supports vision and bone growth, whereas vitamin E strengthens the immune system and helps repair DNA. Vitamin and mineral deficiency can impair the body’s ability to heal and protect itself.
Some experts say there is no guarantee that a vitamin or supplement will give the results it claims. But it's important to be educated about the ingredients in vitamins and supplements. If you're unsure about an ingredient, ask your doctor or research online. If you are taking prescription medication of any kind, it's imperative to consult with your physician to ensure you're aware of any side effects or interference that can happen by combining vitamins and antibiotics.
Taking vitamins does not make up for an unhealthy diet, and vitamins are an insufficient substitute for nutrients from fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. However, a general multivitamin and mineral supplement has been promoted heavily over the past two decades as a good safeguard against periodic vitamin shortfalls in your diet.
Before Taking Vitamins
- Do you really need them? What health benefits are you trying to get?
- Talk to your Doctor
- Research and educate the side effects before
- Look for the seal of approval from United States Pharmacopeial Convention, an independent, nonprofit organization of scientists that sets high standards for medicine, food ingredients and dietary supplements
- Look for brands like Nature Made, Kirkland Signature and TruNature
- Review the reports from two independent laboratories that routinely test a wide range of vitamins and supplements.