Better Nutrition August 2017

Q: How can I make sure that I’m buying a
quality supplement?
Dr. Low Dog: Stick with reputable brands manufactured
in the U.S. Most of the really disturbing news
about “supplements” is not about vitamins, minerals,
or common nutritional supplements, which generally
contain what they claim on their labels. Steer clear of
herbal products coming out of China and India that have
been found on numerous occasions to be adulterated
with undeclared prescription drugs, as well as high
levels of lead, mercury, and/or arsenic.
Also, look for third-party seals such as The United
States Pharmacopeia, a scientific nonprofit organization
that sets standards for the identity, strength, quality, and
purity of dietary supplements manufactured, distributed,
and consumed worldwide; NSF International, an independent
organization of scientists and public health
experts that sets standards for supplements and tests
and certifies them; and Consumer Labs, a private company
that tests numerous branded products and allows
companies that pass its quality tests to use its seal.
Q: How do I know if a manufacturer’s claims
about a supplement are accurate?
Dr. Low Dog: The Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) has strict rules about what companies can
say about supplements. Manufacturers can claim that a
supplement supports general well-being or the normal
structure or function of the human body. For instance,
such statements as “Calcium builds strong bones” or
“Antioxidants maintain cell integrity” are permitted.
However, labels (and advertisements) cannot claim that
a supplement treats or cures diseases. So, while there
are randomized controlled trials that demonstrate that
the herb St. John’s wort is effective for the treatment of
depression, for example, a manufacturer cannot say this
on the label. Instead, the label would have to say something
like, “St. John’s wort supports a healthy mood.”
Q: It seems like recommended supplement
dosages range everywhere from minimum daily
values to mega-doses. How do I know what’s
right for me?
Dr. Low Dog: Figuring out how much of a certain supplement
you should take is important, regardless of the manufacturer’s
recommendations. When it comes to vitamins
and minerals, we have a pretty good idea about how much
is needed to prevent disease. Most of us, however, would
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