SUPPLEMENTS, CHOOSING QUALITY
By
Dr. Myles H. Bader

When choosing a supplement, it is wise to know something about the company selling the product. This can be extremely difficult, especially if you are going into a store that carries dozens of brands. If price is what you are concerned about, chances are you will only get a mediocre product.

When shopping for a supplement, be sure that the store has an employee you can talk to who has at least a degree or valid certification from a recognized school. Most employees only have a minimal level of nutrition education and most are not fully aware of how to meet your needs. They may just recommend a particular product because they have some familiarity with that product and are able to discuss it with you.

Companies, however, that only sell supplements will be able to provide you with in-depth information regarding the following manufacturing requirements for a high quality product. Remember, purchasing a discounted product will usually mean that you are giving up many of the quality steps.

Whenever possible try to obtain as much information regarding the company producing the supplements you are buying. The following information are all the factors that should be adhered to when manufacturing a supplement. See how well your company stands up to the test.

All of the following factors directly relate to the level of bioavailability of the actual nutrients your body will receive. Products with a great-looking list of nutrients may not actually provide you with them once the product is taken.

• The manufacturer should store the raw materials and bottle them away from the heat, light and high moisture areas.
• Product should be packaged immediately after manufacture. Many companies store the product before it is bottled to avoid placing a date on before they are ready to bottle that batch.
• Rotate the inventories to assure fresh product.
• Product should be manufactured in dehumidified rooms to reduce the effects of moisture.
• Product should be packaged in containers that do not affect the potency of the product.
• Utilizing the "state-of-the-art" direct compression methods reduces damage from moisture, heat, and light.
• Purchasing controls should allow raw materials to be used as soon as they arrive.
• Buying the highest quality raw materials from the finest sources.
• Laboratory testing all raw materials at regular intervals to assure potency and quality.
• Natural colors should be used to prevent light from damaging sensitive nutrients.
• Adding natural fillers and binders as needed. Isolating and granulating certain nutrients to ensure that the sizes will be uniform in relation to the overall product.
• Performing laboratory testing to ensure that the product will be broken down and the supplement released properly.
• Using containers that reduce the losses of potency by heat, light and moisture.
• Periodic laboratory testing to assure that the product retains its potency for a reasonable shelf life.
• Having independent laboratory tests performed at regular intervals.

Many products lose up to 50% of their potency after a shelf life of only 6 months.