Guidelines for Choosing Vitamin/Mineral Supplements

Unsure if the Nutritional Products You Use Are Safe and Even Effective?

I learned the hard way if I load my body with fast food, doughnuts, sodas, chips and high fat foods the end result is not a pretty picture for my body inside or out. 

Healthy and safe supplementation is an extension of the healthy food choices I make every day. I just didn’t see results unless I combined healthy food with quality supplements.  Over 40% of American’s meals are eaten outside the home and most people realize that even when they try very hard their diets simply do not fulfill their body’s need for optimal nutrition. Supplementation is necessary

Like most people, I really did not know or understand the differences between one product and the next. so I started to investigate.

These guidelines helped me cut through all the “hype” and “unfounded claims”.

Are the health and nutrient claims based on anecdotal information or scientific data?

The success and superiority of food and nutritional supplements are in the scientific approach.  All product label claims should be based on documented substantiation, not heresy, testimony, or anecdotal evidence. This is an important test of product efficacy.

1.  What published clinical studies does the company have to prove their products actually work? 

I go to the manufacturer’s website or call the toll free number often listed on the bottle and always ask to see the published research for the company's products, not generic research published about a particular type of supplement.  A company's product could be significantly different than what a generic study evaluated.

I find out how much of the company's published research is peer-reviewed.  These are like the consumer reports of the food supplement industry and what the FDA recommends consumers look for.  Many studies are done by the company's scientists or by third-parties that have been hired by the company.  This research is not held to the same standards as peer-reviewed.

2.  Are the supplements I am using safe and is what’s on the label actually in each tablet?

Safety:  Researchers at the University of Florida tested 22 calcium products. Eight were contaminated with significant amounts of lead.  Eight of 21 brands tested were found to contain high levels of pesticide.   May 2004 Consumer Reports has an article on the “Dirty Dozen” bad ingredients in nutritional supplements.

Quality Control:  I was shocked to discover that it is not uncommon for the amount in each individual tablet in a bottle of supplements to vary dramatically.  I look for a guarantee on the bottle, stating the amount on the label is the amount in each tablet or capsule.

3.  Is there balance in the formulation?

Balance is critical to a well formulated supplement.  Many nutrients do not work effectively unless in a certain balance.  For example, the B vitamin Biotin is extremely expensive.  It should offer at least 100 % of the daily value.  If it is less than 100%, that is a sign of a poorly formulated vitamin, so I read labels.

4.  Are sugars, artificial colorings or sweeteners used?

I discovered how common it is to see sugar and food coloring in children’s vitamins!   Read the labels to determine their presence.

I discovered very few brands meet these criteria. 

After extensive research, I found a vendor whose products meet all of these guidelines. 

Click here to learn how the brand in the Fuzzy Slipper packages on this website meets these criteria.