How to find a bad supplement – articles
“I do not trust additions; they are not regulated. I'm going to get what I need from food.
I heard these statements from countless people who first went on a journey of health and fitness. Based on the overall reputation of the add-ons industry, I can appreciate the initial feelings. Although the ideas of optimal nutrient adequacy from our current diet and the alleged lack of regulation are myths.1-4 Our diet is not as dense as it used to be (most of us do not consume nearly as many products as we should have), and the FDA (and the FTC, for that matter) really plays a role in regulating industry and its claims.
However, dirty laundry in the nutritional supplement industry seems endless. Back in 2015, the lid was removed from several recognizable brands and companies when it was discovered that the products lacked the main ingredients on the labels. Earlier this year, the consumer protection group, the Clean Label project, identified pollutants in several general brands. Earlier this week, headlines twisted because of a just-published study that revealed hidden and potentially dangerous ingredients (for example, pharmaceuticals), found with some weight loss, increased sexual activity and muscle building supplements that were not indicated on the label . This is sad and scary, but not surprising, since these particular categories of supplements have been in negative focus for quite some time.5-7
In general, it is easy to understand why there is healthy skepticism.
However, the most unpleasant thing is that companies with bad apples with shadow ingredients and production cuts due to the health of their customers eventually pollute the wider perception of the industry, despite the fact that arecompanies such as Life Time, which give priority to the health and safety of customers, above all. Widespread confusion and distrust is why Life Time decided more than two decades ago that there should be full control over the formulation, choice of ingredients, production and final testing of what is offered to our members. Thanks to carefully selected partners and strict quality control standards, we offer the same products that we use for ourselves and for our families.
As a result, our customers consistently report remarkable improvements in their health, body composition, vitality, bowel function, laboratory work, and performance, when the right quality supplements are combined with healthy food and exercise strategies.
While it may seem overwhelming, here are a few control points to use as a screening for the first pass to screen out the bad guys when it comes to what you include in your daily life. If you see one of the following: run. This is a sign that the manufacturer pays the utmost attention to its profit over your health.
one. Cyanocobalamin: A cheap form of vitamin B12.
You may have to dig through the nutrition label and ingredients when searching for this name. As suggested, this form of vitamin B12 is cost-effective for the manufacturer, but is not an active, natural form of the nutrient. To use a cobalamin group from the form of cyanocobalamin, our liver must first remove (and eliminate) the cyanide molecule and replace it with a methyl group – an additional step that comes with some unnecessary toxic potential. Associated with heart health, mood and energy levels, make sure that your supplement contains methyl cobalamin vitamin B12. Although it is more expensive, it is worth it when it is more efficient and adds less stress to your liver.
2 Folic acid: Surprise, it is synthetic.
Most people may think of folic acid as an irreversible nutrient needed during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. Our food safety laws require dozens of products to add this synthetic form of folate, but this does not make it “healthy” or means that it is useful for everyone. Many are surprised to learn that folic acidis synthetic and different from natural folate we require for normal physiological development and functioning. Regardless of whether you are pregnant, folate is necessary for cardiovascular health, DNA synthesis and the prevention of certain types of anemia. Like the vitamin B12 situation described above, this is the key to reviewing the ingredients and fact labels to check the form of folate found in your supplements. Instead of folic acid, choose supplements that contain a methylated folic form, often referred to as glucosamine 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid or 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. This form is easily used by our cells (it does not need to be transformed so that it can be used) and is less likely to mask vitamin B12 deficiency, accumulate to higher than optimal levels in the bloodstream, or interfere with medications.eight And, of course, if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy, be sure to work with your doctor to make sure that you are taking the correct forms and amount of folate.
3 Zinc oxide, copper oxide, manganese sulfate.
For better absorption and utilization, minerals often must be wrapped with amino acids (protein blocks). When they have this type of wrapping, they are called “chelated” (pronounced key).
Low quality additives often have “oxide” forms of zinc and copper, as well as the sulfate form of manganese.9Chelate versions usually have a “chelate” or “bisglycinate” listed in the ingredients and on the label. When supplements contain bisglycinate, note: it takes up a lot of physical space, so you will probably take several capsules.
four. Artificial sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame-potassium), artificial flavors, carrageenan, FD & C colors and dyes.
When it comes to colors, flavors and sweeteners, the goal becomes as natural as possible. From the extension line right up to the food offered at Life Café, this is a topic that is not negotiable at Life Time, and for good reason. In fact, the FDA recently announced that it will "list" seven artificial flavors that are currently allowed as food additives, among new evidence that compounds can cause cancer in animals.
Some evidence points to a possible negative effect of artificial sweeteners on intestinal health.ten Other studies show that with our fourfold increase in consumption over the past 50 years, artificial flavors may contribute to ADHD and behavioral problems, and artificial colors and dyes may even have some carcinogenic activity.11-14 Carrageenan, sometimes used in inferior products to improve the texture of powders and liquids, was tied to rheumatologic and intestinal inflammation and inflammatory bowel disease.15, 16
When using powder-based additives, better options usually use natural flavors and colors and are usually sweetened with stevia (sometimes with a gram or two sugars to compensate for any bitterness) or the fruits of the monk, but not unchanged.
five. Tablets and resins.
The method of delivery of this supplement has a significant impact on whether the ingredients will be used by your body or just be in the form of expensive waste. Tablets are often compressed and glued together with binders, making it difficult to destroy them in the GI tract. Gummies, while an ingenious marketing strategy, have limited space and cannot physically contain therapeutic amounts of certain vitamins and minerals, and they almost always contain a lot of added sugar or artificial sweeteners or colors.
Powders, gels and capsules (which are filled with powders) tend to break down more easily, freeing up the contents so that they can be better absorbed. While they are not as funny as poorly vital, ineffective candies, they use your money and effort much better.
6 Outlandish, comprehensive claims.
Listen: when it comes to supplements, there is no cure. For any company where you miss the basics, instead of being obsessed with exotic tincture, distant island berries, herbs and mushrooms that you need to take three times a day, your “pointless meter” should go.
It is so important to first focus on supporting the functioning of your body so that it alreadymust have and recognize: trace elements (vitamins and minerals), omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and good bacteria to begin with. If it’s a given, focus on healthy options that make your life easier, for example, high-quality protein powder, which is quickly shaken with organic berries and almond oil when you run out of the room, and do not click on the drive for processing and the inflammatory processed breakfast meal. Finally, use targeted nutrients or botanicals based on your individual goals, symptoms, lab work, and health condition with the help of a qualified doctor. If you need help setting priorities, check out the Beginner's Guide to Applications.
I hope this has given you a solid basis for navigating the rich and sometimes tangled world of add-ons. At Life Time, we firmly believe that you deserve the absolute best deals with consistent, uncompromising quality. If you have questions about how to get started or want to discuss an individual plan for your approach to nutrition, contact one of our online nutrition coaches or email us anytime at [email protected]
In the field of health,
Samantha McKinney – Life Life Labs Testing Program Manager
This article is not intended to treat or prevent diseases, nor is it a substitute for medical treatment and an alternative to medical advice. The use of recommendations in this and other articles depends on the choice and risk to the reader.
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