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Labeling is your first line of defense in
selecting supplements. It is in the label where the producers will tell
you as much or as little as you need to know to validate your purchase is right
for you.
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VITAMINS:
Vitamin and minerals are probably the toughest
supplement to purchase and usually success comes from trial and error.
There are very limited labeling standards for vitamins and minerals in the USA.
This is one where you usually have to know the reputation of the company and try
their products. In general, the biggest issue with these supplements is
bio-availability. Many supplements in the markets have very low
bio-availability, between 20% - 60%. Usually, to find a solid quality
vitamin and mineral supplement, you will need to go to alternative suppliers.
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Guarantees on the label are always interesting. Most companies will
guarantee freshness and 100% refund if not completely satisfied. Yet, how
would you know if your vitamins and minerals are not fresh and how do you
determine 100% satisfaction if every supplement you've ever used has only had
20% bio-availability and makes you nauseous when you take them? Companies that put great value in their supplements
will add additional guarantees such as: 100% guarantee that what is
indicated on the label is in the bottle and a guarantee of purity.
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| HERBS:
There are no labeling standards for herbal
remedies in the USA which means that sometimes we purchase something that is
different than our expectations. The most effective labeling is labeling
which follows the labeling for a standardized extract. The companies using
these labeling standards usually have implemented quality control procedures
that help ensure the consumer is buying what they expected. The label
requires three things: 1. the common name, 2. the Latin name, 3. the
amount of active ingredients from the herb.
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One common name can
cover many Latin names. Also, if the herbal products which you are using have active
ingredients, the best producers indicate the standard extract of the active
ingredient. This helps ensure what your purchasing really does have the
active ingredients needed and gives the ability to take more accurate dosages. If your
manufacturer abides by these standard labeling practices, be very impressed.
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| FISH OILS:
It is beginning to be recognized that fish
oils can have high levels of toxic chemicals and other unhealthy contaminants.
These can include: mercury, PCB's, and pesticides. The strictest
standards for fish oils comes from the International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS).
The IFOS requires that the fish oil be "cleaned" through a molecular
distillation process which has been proven to remove many of the contaminants
found in fish and the oil. If your producer uses molecular distillation,
they will indicate so on the label. Very few companies selling fish oil in
the USA use molecular distillation.
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FLAX-SEED OILS:
Flaxseed oil, like all oil, is very fragile.
Heat will transform the oil into unfavorable substances. In general, you
will want to look for cold-pressed oils and know the companies reputation
because even some companies who advertise that they cold-press their oil, will
use heat sometime during their processing to get better extraction. It is also important that the product
is in a refrigerated section to retard oxidation. Companies who take great
pride in their oil and quality, will ensure travel is by refrigeration and that
the product is displayed in refrigeration.
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