What to know about Supplements

Introduction to Supplements

The world of supplements has expanded significantly in recent times as people are recognizing that mainstream food has become nutrient-deprived. As a result, supplements have become a popular way to support our bodies and regain a path to sustained health. However, this rapid growth has led to some corporations pursuing their own hidden agendas in the pursuit of cost-cutting measures. Many beloved supplement brands have been acquired by larger companies that compromise the products by adding fillers to the capsules or sourcing cheaper, lower-quality ingredients. Consequently, it has become challenging to determine which supplement companies can be trusted. To help you navigate this dilemma, here are some tips to consider during your research.

First, let's discuss fillers. Mass-production supplement companies are increasingly adding unnecessary and unhelpful ingredients to their products, such as hydrogenated oils, artificial coloring agents, magnesium stearate, rice flour, artificial sweeteners (maltodextrin), carrageenan, and sodium benzoate. These additives may be cost-effective for the company and extend the product's shelf life, but they can have adverse effects on health, including heart disease, increased bad cholesterol, and inflammation. Moreover, they can dilute the potency of the beneficial compounds, giving consumers a false sense of receiving more for less.

The next crucial aspect when evaluating an honest supplement company is sourcing. Many companies purchase bulk extracts from countries like China or India, where regulations may be lax or different from established standards. Consequently, the quality and safety of the end product depend on the growing conditions and handling practices of the base ingredients. For instance, when a popular herb like gotu kola is grown in polluted areas, it absorbs harmful pollutants that end up in the final product. Understanding whether a company uses an extract or pure plant, the type of extract (solvent-based or water-based), and the extraction process can significantly impact the product's effectiveness and safety. It’s always helpful to research who owns the company or at least who is backing it.

Pricing is another factor to consider. While certain products may justify higher prices due to complex processing or challenging sourcing requirements, others may be overpriced due to the presence of fillers like rice flour or magnesium stearate, which contribute little to the actual supplement's benefits. Larger companies acquiring smaller ones may cut corners to reduce costs, leading to a decline in product quality. Increased demand often results in compromises, such as using less sustainable and lower-quality farming practices. For example, monoculture farms with excessive fertilizers and depleted soils may lead to a decrease in the overall quality of the plants. Environmental factors like elevation, temperature, and humidity can also influence a plant's expression and efficacy.

By being mindful of fillers, sourcing practices, and pricing, you can make informed decisions when selecting supplement brands. Prioritize companies that are transparent about their ingredients, sourcing methods, and testing procedures to ensure that you are investing in supplements that genuinely contribute to your health and well-being. With all of these investigations in mind we have cultivated a list of suggested company’s here.

More details on the list of common fillers to watch out for and why:

Hydrogenated oils: sure this helps to increase shelf life  but over consumption of unhealthy fats can contribute to heart disease, increase in bad cholesterol, reduce the body's ability to absorb essential fatty acids, and can have significant adverse effects on the nervous system. 

Artificial coloring agents often come from toxic sources such as coal tar and can also be found in exterior/roofing paints. 

Magnesium stearate, Rice flour, Artificial sweeteners (maltodextrin), Carrageenan, a common protein emulsifier, can cause bowel stress, bloating, inflammation, etc.. 

Sodium benzoate is made from sodium hydroxide and benzoic acid which can cause stomach inflammation, fatigue, and dizziness. 

Titanium dioxide, oxide of titanium metal, can cause skin and lung irritation.

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Suggested Supplement Companies:

Banyan Botanicals (more cost effective Ayurvedic herbs)

Bulk Supplements (still need to check their extract process but the powders are kosher)

Purium 

Lost Empire Herbs (Chinese herbs)

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