Women's Health     Healthy Kids     Teen Health     Health Guide    

Buyer Beware: 'Ironing Out' the facts on vitamins and supplements



Know what to look for before purchasing

Know what to look for before purchasing vitamins and supplements

The supplement industry is booming, with more than four in five Americans taking vitamins or supplements, according to a recent Harris Poll on behalf of the American Osteopathic Association. Despite their popularity, the FDA doesn’t test the effectiveness, safety or quality of supplements or their ingredients.

To help you navigate this largely unregulated industry, NovaFerrum, a leading manufacturer of iron supplements for children and adults whose products have been clinically proven safe, effective and well tolerated, offers the following primer:
  • Good sourcing. Where it comes from is almost as important as what’s in it. Manufacturers can cut corners by working with lower-quality global suppliers or operating in places that require little oversight. Look for products sourced and manufactured in the United States, such as NovaFerrum.
  • Proper dosage. There is wide variation in the amount of active ingredients in each supplement. Some iron supplements, for example, contain only slightly more iron than a glass of tap water. Make sure you get what you’re paying for. On the other hand, taking too high a dosage can be dangerous. Know the Tolerable Upper Intake Level or UL (the maximum amount you can ingest without negative side effects) of each supplement you take.
  • Truthful product claims. Don’t be fooled by product claims not backed by third parties. The “certified gluten-free” symbol on food packaging means stringent steps were followed to prevent gluten cross-contamination and that the food has been independently tested by a third party. Similarly, many products are listed as vegan, kosher and halal, but smart consumers know to look for those that are vegan-verified and Etimad Halal or Kosher certified.
  • The right ingredients. While organic is a good thing when you buy vegetables, when it comes to products that require a shelf-life, this might not be the best approach. Some popular “all-natural” supplements have been recalled due to bacterial contamination. Without some level of preservative, harmful bacteria can grow in liquid supplements and make users seriously ill.
  • Trustworthy brands. The supplement industry has experienced a number of lawsuits and recalls for issues related to ineffectiveness and adverse reactions. Do your homework.
  • Science-backed products. Don’t trust your family’s health to a formula cooked up in a kitchen sink. Seek scientifically proven solutions based on years of pharmaceutical and health care experience and recommended by licensed medical professionals. Choose only supplements that have voluntarily undergone full-scale, multi-year clinical trials to prove that they’re safe, effective and well-tolerated.
  • Easy ingestion. Look for infant and children’s products that actually taste good enough that they’ll take them. The pediatric drops and chewable tablets from NovaFerrum, for example, come in flavors like chocolate and raspberry grape. Also, when it comes to iron supplements, stick with formulations that reduce iron-related gastrointestinal side effects often experienced by people of all ages.
  • Doctor-approved solutions. What you put into your body impacts your health in myriad ways, so choosing a supplement is essentially making a medical decision. Don’t rely on slick advertising. Always get your doctor’s counsel.
For more information on NovaFerrum, its iron supplements or its clinical trial, visit novaferrum.com.

“Whether you’re taking supplements for athletic performance, to fill nutritional gaps or to boost wellness, it’s essential to make smart choices,” says Patrick Monsivais, CEO of NovaFerrum. “The good news is that with a little research, you can determine which are effective and made from high-quality ingredients, and which are a waste of money or, worse, potentially harmful.”

(StatePoint) 

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Zinkevych / iStock via Getty Images Plus


Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • 4 ways to promote positive maternal mental health

    It's important to take good care of yourself

    The joys of raising and nurturing a baby are practically endless for new parents, yet there remain challenges to overcome. While it may be natural to focus attention and energy on caring for a new baby, it’s equally important for mothers to maintain their own mental health. read more »
  • Foot and ankle safety tips for the summer months

    7 facts you need to know

    From the beach to the backyard, taking care of your feet and ankles in summer is essential. read more »
  • Donate plasma to save lives this summer

    It's a meaningful way to give back to your community

    Plasma donation is an impactful, meaningful way to give back to your community this summer. By donating plasma, you can help people like Machelle Pecoraro. read more »
  • Reinvigorate your plant collection

    Annual Master Gardener Program Great Plant Swap and Sale

    The Annual Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County’s (CCEUC) Master Gardener “Great Plant Swap & Sale” Returns on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at the Forsyth Park Pavilion, 157 Lucas Avenue in Kingston. The proceeds benefit the Dominic Parise Master Gardener Scholarship. read more »
  • 5 garage safety tips

    Make sure everything is secure and functioning properly

    When you throw open the windows, you’ll likely be spending more time with the garage door open, too. Make access to your outdoor equipment safer with these tips to get your garage ready for the warmer months. read more »
  • 7 vegetables to grow easily in your home garden

    All you need is a little time and effort

    Growing fresh, healthy vegetables at home may not be as hard as it sounds. Novice gardeners just need good dirt, easy plants to grow, lots of sunshine and the right amount of water. read more »
  • 7 budget-friendly gardening hacks

    Tricks to help you create a cost-effective garden

    Gardening can be a simple way to beautify your yard, relieve stress and save money on your grocery bill, but like any hobby, you can get carried away buying necessary equipment. read more »
  • 2023 I Love My Parks Day Events

    Volunteer with your family to clean up a local state park

    I Love My Park Day is an annual event that brings together thousands of volunteers to enhance and celebrate New York's amazing parkland. read more »
  • Spinach and artichoke stuffed mushroom caps

    Simple, easy and delicious

    Bringing an element of elegance to your holiday celebration is easy when you start with party-pleasing ingredients, and great tasting food often starts with dairy. read more »
  • Parmesan crusted chicken

    Super easy to make

    Not only is this Parmesan Crusted Chicken dish delicious, it is super simple to make. read more »