Vitamins are organic compounds used by our bodies in small amounts for various metabolic processes. Diet is generally the best source of vitamins; supplements may supplement this intake when necessary, though excessive use could potentially be harmful.
Some vitamins can be harmful if taken in excess, but most of us can obtain our daily recommended amount from food sources.
Look for Third-Party Testing
Third-party testing occurs when an independent organization evaluates a vitamin supplement and attests to its quality, providing assurance that it contains what is listed on its label, is free from contaminants, and performs as intended.
This is particularly essential in an industry where supplement mislabeling and false potency claims can be commonplace, and empowers customers to select supplements which support their specific health goals.
When reviewing supplements, look for third-party testing and ensure its results are readily accessible to consumers as an indicator that their manufacturer values transparency and customer safety. Companies which undergo third-party testing build trust with consumers while increasing brand reputation. They can also avoid potential problems or recalls by meeting strict quality standards such as identity testing, strength/potency testing and purity analyses at various manufacturing stages – which ensures per serving nutrient amounts match those claimed on nutrition labels.
Look for Certification
Supplements don’t receive the same oversight as prescription or over-the-counter drugs, making third-party certification even more essential. Look for supplements tested and verified by an established, independent third-party organization such as ConsumerLab or U.S. Pharmacopeia.
Check for bottles marked USP Verified to indicate that it has met stringent quality assurance standards set forth by an independent third-party organization, guaranteeing that what appears on its label corresponds with what actually contains in each batch and that its consistency has been maintained from batch to batch.
Looking for supplements with an ingredient list that clearly lists water-soluble vitamins, minerals and proprietary blends can be difficult. Proprietary blends are mixtures created by manufacturers which may make it hard to tell exactly how much of each ingredient there is in one serving. Athletes should look for products certified by NSF Certified for Sport which conduct tests for over 270 banned substances from athletic organizations to guarantee they contain no undeclared drugs or performance enhancers.
Look for Brands Labeled with the U.S. Pharmacopeia
USP has long been recognized as a pioneer in setting and upholding quality standards for medicines. Their United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary (USP-NF) serves as a recognized reference point for medications, their packaging and labelling in the U.S. as well as being implemented into laws in many other countries worldwide.
Today, USP is a scientific nonprofit organisation committed to building trust in the supply of safe and quality medicine. Additionally, USP has implemented quality standards and verification processes for dietary supplements so consumers can make more informed choices when buying them. When you see “USP Verified” listed as part of its description on a product label, this indicates it meets rigorous testing and evaluation criteria set by this mark and helps guarantee what’s listed is actually in the bottle.
Look for Sugar-Free Options
Vitamins and minerals can be found in many different foods, but many people take supplements in order to add extra vitamins and minerals into their diet, or replace any deficiencies they have. When selecting supplements it’s essential that they don’t contain added sugars, additives, preservatives, artificial colors/flavors/binders/fillers etc – look out for any that contain these components and stay clear from those that do!
Consuming supplements that contain added sugars may contribute to unhealthy habits and increase the risk of weight gain and diabetes, while leading to dental issues like cavities. As such, it’s best to find sugar-free gummy vitamins or other dietary supplements with similar nutritional value as whole foods.
Viridian Nutrition offers an ethical selection of multivitamins, gummy vitamins and cold medicines that are all sugar-free. This includes B12 for aiding DNA synthesis and cell division; Vitamin C which aids iron absorption while supporting immunity; and Zinc which promotes bone health, boosts immunity function and regulates blood calcium levels.
