Three Problems of Supplements Today
1.Most of the supplements available on the market today are
found to have poor bioavailability. To ensure that the body
benefits from the supplement, the active ingredients of the
supplements need to be absorbed into the blood stream and reach
the organs so that they can do their job. There are few ways
nutrients can get into the blood stream: injection, via the
lining of the walls of upper intestine and colon. When you
consume a supplement, it reaches the stomach and active
ingredients are released. The environment of the stomach is very
acidic (ph1.0-3.5). At this stage, majority of the active
ingredients are destroyed by the stomach acids. Some may not be
damaged but most are almost severely affected. As a result, only
about 10% of active ingredients manage the absorption process
and enter the blood stream. Some poor quality supplements may
even pass through the body with no absorption at all! Poor
bioavailability of supplements is very common issue in
supplements industry today. Unfortunately very few companies
have the know-how knowledge and technology to incorporate the
delivery technology into the supplements.
2.Many supplements are contaminated with metals, unlabeled
prescription drugs, microorganisms, or other substances. In
U.S., dietary supplements are regulated by FDA (Food and Drugs
Administration) as foods. The government is not responsible for
the safety and effectiveness of the supplements. It’s the
supplements manufacturers’ responsibility to ensure the
effectiveness, safety, potency and efficacy of the products.
Many manufacturers took for granted. Most supplements today are
produced in less than optimal environment. As a result, the
products are contaminated with leads, metals, chemicals, bugs,
and other substances. Following are just few reported cases: -
FDA warns consumers that Actra-Rx(dietary supplements for sexual
enhancement) undeclared prescription drug ingredient. - 2 out of
21 magnesium products are found to have lead in a study
conducted by independent body, Consumerlab.com. - Several
popular nutritional supplements are found to be contaminated
with steroid.
3.Many supplements have false claims and inaccurate
labels. Because dietary supplements are loosely regulated,
there is no pressure to ensure the accuracy of the labels of the
products. This means that you may be taking less, or more of the
ingredients stated on the labels. In addition, there are
products that promise to cure diseases and wide spectrum of
health problems. Most of these claims are rather questionable,
for example: - A product called “Sea Silver” said their product
have 98% bioavailability because liquid can bypass the digestive
system. As mentioned earlier, the only way for liquid to bypass
the digestive system is through injection, not drinking. -
Barefoot coral calcium supplements is said to be able to
‘neutralize’ the toxic acidity of blood. The truth is, calcium
supplements can only change the acidity of body fluids.
