As health-conscious people, we all want to boost our overall vitality while increasing our longevity. In many cases, we’re told we can do that with supplementing. Take this, we’re told. This is good, they say. Consider that, say others.
But how do we know what to trust?
The supplement industry is a booming one, and as is the case with any financial incentive, many companies may be cutting corners. Contamination risks are all over the place, and if you’re not careful about what you put in your body, you may find your health getting worse, not better.
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Consider, for example, lead. Many heavy metals can find their way into our capsules and powders, and lead is one of the main ones. Even small amounts of lead can have disastrous consequences over time, and this can affect all aspects of your health.
From cognitive problems to cardiovascular issues and immune system dysregulation, the consequences of tainted supplements cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, there are many ways to identify if the supplement you’re taking is lead-free, safe, and high-quality. Let’s cover the science-backed guidelines so that you can make the best-informed decisions for you and your loved ones…
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Heavy Metal Contamination Concerns
Now, you may be asking yourself how lead gets in your supplements in the first place.
What leads to all this contamination? What are the sources? How is it going undetected or unreported? Well, as it turns out, many contamination risks stem from the raw materials and manufacturing processes involved.
Consider, for example, how some herbal ingredients are obtained. Many of these ingredients may be grown in soil, or mined from sources that contain high levels of lead. Calcium supplements are notorious for this, especially when derived from bone meal or oyster shells. This sourcing often contains trace levels of lead, and even other heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, and mercury.
While small amounts of exposure to these metals may not have immediate effects, it’s the chronic use that is concerning. Over time, the metals accumulate in the body, impacting the brain, kidneys, liver, and other organs. This is why it’s vital that you know which supplements you’re purchasing, particularly the rigorous purity standards involved.
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Steps to Identify Safer Supplements
Not sure if your supplements are safe and sound? To ensure that the supplements in your cabinet are good for you, follow these steps:
1. Look for Third-Party Testing
Third-party testing means that some entity outside the supplement company tested it. After all, a supplement company could easily mislead consumers by saying they tested their product and it’s great. So, before you take anything, look for independent lab testing. Seals on the packaging will indicate this.
You can usually find seals of approval from NSF International, United States Pharmacopeia (USP), or ConsumerLab. These are important certifications that tell you your product is free from harmful contaminants.
Without third-party testing information, your supplement may be unsafe and ineffective.
2. Seek Reputable Brands
Brand recognition is key. What you want is a company that has a history of successful quality control, especially testing for heavy metals. The top brands will use high-quality materials and manufacturing processes that are tightly controlled.
Don’t hesitate to take a deep dive. Do some research on the company’s history, check out online reviews, and look to see if there have ever been any recalls or safety concerns. If you find it difficult to get information on a given company, it might be time to try another brand.
3. Know What “Natural” Means
While “natural” sounds fine and dandy, in reality, it’s a little more complicated. Even if a product contains natural ingredients from natural sources, that doesn’t mean it’s free of contamination. Whether it’s herbs like turmeric and ginseng, or calcium from bone meal, simply being “natural” does not make a product pure.
When making a purchase, look for certified organic ingredients that use heavy metal testing. These are the most likely to be contaminant-free.
4. Be Mindful of Foreign Supplements
Many foreign-made supplements that come from far away may come from places with limited quality control. This means less regulatory oversight, lower standards, and possibly more contamination. Your best bet is to buy supplements that come from countries and areas with higher standards. Consider US, Canada, and European Union-based supplementation first.
If a product does not have obvious labeling and detailed ingredients for you to read, quality control may be lacking.
5. Check Transparency Reports
So-called Certificates of Analysis (COAs) can be found on many supplement websites. These reports are great because they provide information that is detailed, transparent, and easily verifiable. A good COA will tell you everything you need to know about testing, contaminant levels, strength, and the sources of ingredients.
Can’t find such a report for a product you purchased?
Feel free to call customer service if you cannot find vital COA information. If a company is willing to go to lengths to be transparent, they’re more likely to have a trustworthy product.
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What to Know About Choosing Supplements
Remember, unlike prescription drugs, supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA to the same extent. This is why brand reputation and third-party testing are so critical.
The FDA does not test supplement products for safety, efficacy, or purity.
That comes down to you, the consumer! So make sure you do your research and find companies, brands, and supplements that adhere to best practices.
Whatever you do, always read labels carefully. Many companies may use sales gimmicks to lure in consumers. They may talk about “proprietary” processes and “natural flavoring,” which are sometimes used to disguise the true nature of the ingredients and fillers.
Not to mention, anything that claims to “cure” a condition is misleading. These excessive claims are usually a pretty clear red flag that the supplement in question is using dishonest marketing.
Also, consider reducing your intake of ingredients that are more high-risk. These include those derived from things like seaweed and shellfish. Again, look for third-party testing if you do choose to use supplements with these ingredients.
And finally, seek a healthcare professional if you’re not sure. Many registered practitioners can help you find top brands that target your precise dietary and health needs. These professionals can provide guidance for dosing and other uses, ensuring you get the most out of your supplementation routine.
By following the action items in this article, and being generally mindful, you can reduce the likelihood of contamination and be well on your way to a healthier, happier you!
