One of the reasons why our small team came together was that we are strong believers that natures remedies are so vast and powerful, and it should always be the first step before modern medicine.
However, we were alarmed and shocked at the amount of ‘other’ ingredients that went into so called natural supplements, some well-known brands were very much guilty of this and are often investing their money in their brand rather than the actual products ingredients.
This weekend over a nice cup of herbal tea, your favourite Supers meet and really discussed what we want you to know about common additives and what you can do to avoid them.
Common Additives you may want to avoid:
1. Artificial Colorants
Artificial colours are approved by the FDA and are particularly popular in children’s vitamins. However, there is no healthy reason that anyone really needs to be consuming it especially given the fact that some have been linked to ADHD and immune system problems.
2. Titanium Dioxide
If you evert seen tablets that are extremely white, they probably have Titanium dioxide which is often used as a colorant to give supplements and cosmetics that colour. However, studies have linked it to immune system problems, inflammation, DNA damage and kidney toxicity.
3. BHT
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (quite a mouthful) is a preservative used in a range of products to improve the shelf-life of fat-based products. It is an antioxidant which prevents the breakdown of fats. Though it’s use is controversial, it has been linked to liver toxicity and some forms of cancer.
4. Magnesium Silicate
Magnesium Silicate is talc (as in baby powder) and it’s used as an anti-caking agent in powder supplements. Studies have linked it to stomach cancer and lung inflammation.
5. Magnesium Stearate / Stearic Acid
Magnesium stearate is made from a combination of magnesium and stearic acid. Stearic acid is found naturally in vegetable and animal fats. It is used as a lubricant or “flow agent” for manufacturing supplements.
6. Sodium Benzoate
You should always be aware of anything containing benzene as it has been linked to various cancers. Sodium benzoate can form benzene if it’s taken with ascorbic acid. Sodium benzoate has the potential to damage cells and DNA.
What to look out for when you buy a supplement?
Whether you’re buying online on or in a store, the amount of information you receive from supplements can be overwhelming, so we just have a tips to look out for when you do buy your supplements;
Purchase Natural and Vegan where possible
Anything in a propyl or ethyl group is likely highly synthesized and therefore best to avoid.
Less is more; less ingredients there are, the better it probably is.
Capsules (rather than tablets) are less likely to contain harmful ingredients.
Communicate! Any respected supplement company will be happy to answer your questions (we love getting feedback, questions from our customers)
Be extra careful when buying “cheap” products online – I love a bargain but when it comes to health there cannot really be a cheap alternative – if its unusually inexpensive, it probably means it just has lot less of the active ingredient that you actually need and more cheap binders.
Hoping you will have an idea of what to look out for and take that little extra time in reading the labels when shopping for supplements.
“The Greatest Enemy of Knowledge is not Ignorance, It is the Illusion of Knowledge”
Stephen Hawking
