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Also referred to as niacin or nicotinic acid, vitamin B3 is among the 8 major B vitamins. As with any of the other nutritional vitamins in its group, this vitaminic component performs a significant part with the conversion process of carbohydrate food directly into glucose. Without having glucose, the human body wouldn’t normally have any kind of energy to execute typical capabilities. Pores and skin, hair, eyes, liver, central nervous system and glands rely on the B complex for appropriate performance.Some great benefits of vitamin B3Niacin manages the release of stress-related bodily hormones and sex human hormones. In addition, it performs a significant part within the circulation of blood and also the diminishment of the blood cholesterol levels.Given that niacin functions towards bad cholesterol, this nourishment component is actually a main protection against coronary artery disease.During the treatments for diabetic issues, it appears that niacin setbacks the passage from diabetes type 1(non-insulin dependent) to diabetes type 2 (insulin shots dependent).For those who are afflicted by joint health conditions which include osteoarthritis, vitamin B3 appears to improve flexibility, and minimize the requirement for the administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines or even the used quantity of this kind of treatment.Vitamin B3 insufficienciesIn the current modern society it really is quite unusual to have vitaminic component B3 insufficiency due to the selection of contemporary mankind’s diet plan. Alcohol addiction will be the main cause of this kind of insufficiencies. In most cases, niacin is a nutrient that people take out of foods. During the past, serious insufficiency of vitaminic component used to result in pellagra seen as a scaly skin, looseness of the bowels and in many cases dementia. A lot of the signs and symptoms of this type of insufficiency are digestive, however only medical investigations may result in a medical diagnosis.Nutritional options for vitaminic element B3The food products having the maximum content material of vitamin B3 include things like beef kidney, beef liver, salmon, tuna, swordfish, nuts and sunflower seed products. Just about all breads and cereal products are presently prepared together with niacin. There are several foods such as eggs, red meat, chicken and milk products which contain an amino acid, tryptophan that the human body turns into this kind of vitaminic component B3.Vitamin B3 health supplementsIn the situation the physician suggests you to use a niacin health supplement, you are able to select from tablet, capsules and timed-release varieties. By using timed-released health supplements there are almost no unwanted side effects, even so, they could have a poisonous influence at the liver degree.Niacin will need to only be used under professional medical guidance especially because it might interfere with some other medicines and health supplements. You could experience a burning pain discomfort in the chest and face right after using a vitamin B3 dietary supplement. This kind of unwanted effect may be averted by using an aspirin around 30 minutes before the administration of the B3 supplement.

Vitamin B2 is critical in your body’s production of FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide) and FMN (flavin mononucleotide). Those aren’t well-known substances but they’re essential for your body to digest fat, protein and carbohydrate. Without them, you have no energy. It also maintains your metabolism and the health of your cardiovascular system and your nervous system. It’s an antioxidant protecting you from free radicals. It’s necessary for healthy skin, nails and hair. And your vision. Also, it strengthens your immune system by increasing the reproduction of neutophils and monocytes. And it activates macrophages which eat up bacteria and microbes infecting you. It may help your body manufacture red blood cells and antibodies which your immune system uses to destroy invading organisms. Signs of a Vitamin B2 deficiency include cracks and sores in the corners of the mouth, frayed or scaling lips, inflamed and purple tongue, eczema, seborrhea, flaking skin around your face, bloodshot watery eyes, nervous symptoms, muscle weakness, fatigue, depression, moodiness and irritability. Natural sources of Vitamin B2 include almonds, peanuts, organ meats, poultry, whole grains, mushrooms, lentils, soybeans, milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and spinach. Plus, your intestinal flora manufacture it. However, because it’s water soluble your body can’t store it.
Supplements of Vitamin B2 have an interesting yellow color. 25 to 100 mg daily is a good strong dose of it, but ideally you should take all the B family vitamins together. Either in one multi-vitamin or by taking brewers yeast or wheat germ. Normally any excess will just be secreted out through your urine, but taking large doses for a long time may cause itching, numbness, burning or prickling feelings. It should be be taken with the antibiotic tetracycline, anti-malarial drugs, the cancer drug doxorubicin, Parkinson’s drug selegiline and medications containing sulfa. Next, discover the easiest way to keep freeze dried food kits and making sure you have a freeze dried food storage supply in your home and car in case of emergencies. Related Articles – vitamin b2, riboflavin, b vitamin, b vitamins, b complex, Email this Article to a Friend!Receive Articles like this one direct to your email box!Subscribe for free today!

Vitamin B12 belongs to the group of vitamin B complex. One of the many sources of vitamin B12 are meat and dairy products. Vitamin B12 is also found in eggs, poultry, meat, shellfish, milk and dairy products. Also, fermented soy products and seaweeds are considered to contain a good amount of vitamin B12. However, the vegetarian sources of vitamin B12 are unreliable, and hence people following a strict vegetarian diet often suffer from vitamin deficiency. Vitamin B12 side effects can occur if natural sources or supplements of vitamin B12 are over or under consumed. Many times people experience some allergic reactions to vitamin B12 injections as well.

Vitamin B12 Side Effects
Given below are the various vitamin B12 side effects, related to deficiencies, overdose, and reactions to injections of vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Side Effects
The symptoms and diseases related to vitamin B12 deficiency are:
Nutritional deficiencies of vitamin B12, iron and folic acid cause canker sores
The deficiencies also lead to diarrhea and anemia
Deficiencies of vitamin B12 causes neurological abnormalities like ataxia and coma
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms also include depression, numbness or tingling sensation in the toes or fingers
Appetite loss, weight loss
Sore tongue, mouth and throat
Bleeding gums
Frequently occurring headaches, lightheaded feeling
Weakness
Dementia
Abnormal heartbeats, weak pulse
Vitamin B12 Overdose Side Effects
The overdose side effects cases of vitamin B12 are rare, as it is a water soluble vitamin. However, when it gets stored in the body, there are certain overdose dangers of vitamin B12, which are as follows:
The kidneys of person not functioning properly, can be a sign of vitamin B12 overdose
A person can also experience symptoms like giddy feeling and headache, due to overdose
Abnormal functioning of the heart, is also a side effect of vitamin B12
A person can also get tingling sensation in the extremities
Excessive intake of this vitamin leads to vitamin B12 toxicity, and there is a high possibility of it transgressing into cancer
When vitamin B12 is given to people suffering from anemia, the overdose can lead to leukemia
A person who has vitamin B12 overdose, and is consuming a diet which is high in cholesterol, has chances of stomach and esophagus cancer
Vitamin B12 Injection Side Effects
Here, are the common symptoms of vitamin B12 injection side effects:
Pain and warm feeling, at the body part where the person received the injection
Feeling of nausea
Headache
Pains in the joint
Upset stomach
Mild diarrhea
People who suffer from vitamin B12 deficiencies are given these injections. These injections are painful as they are injected in a muscle. Mentioned above are the common side effects of the vitamin B12 overdose, and if the symptoms become severe, seek medical attention.

Recommended Dosage for Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is an important vitamin required by the body, and to avoid deficiency or overdose side effects, one needs to take it in the recommended dosage:

Age Group
Dosage (micrograms per day)
0 – 6 months
0.4

7 – 12 months
0.5

1 – 3 years
0.9

4 – 8 years
1.2

9 – 13 years
1.8

14 years and older
2.4

Source: The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine

This was all about the various vitamin B12 side effects, if you are suffering from the overdose side effects, do not discontinue the intake of vitamin B12. Instead, consult your doctor and ensure that you ingest all the required vitamins in the right dose.

Vitamin B12 shots have been a popular treatment for patients deficient in this vitamin. Very serious harmful effects of vitamin B12 deficiency can be eliminated or inverted through vitamin B12 shots. A preference for using these shots is due to poor absorption capabilities of oral doses when taken in large quantities.Many doctors recommend that people over 60 should have their vitamin B12 levels checked to see if a vitamin B12 shot is needed, since the stomachs capacity for absorption of vitamin B12 requires a highly specialized process that tends to become less effective with age. A prescription of B12 shots is like an energy boost and restored vitality dose for elderly people.Vegetarians should supplement their diet with at least 2 to 3 mcg vitamin B12 per day, and if vitamin B12 falls short of the required amount, vitamin shots are useful to attain the normal balance.Vitamin B12 shots are recommended particularly by eastern medicine quarters for neurological disorders. They have been a proven stimulant for fatigued, run down and depressed patients. Experiments demonstrate that a continuous dosage of vitamin B12 is an effective cure for people suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Vitamin B12 also aids spinal chord injuries.Some doctors are of the opinion that the most effective method of B12 replacement is through shots. Although sublingual and intranasal B12 formulations are fierce competitors, the classical school vies for this tested remedy. Moreover, patients also prefer injections to oral dosing because they think that the injections make them feel better.

Vitamin B12 injections are an effective and tested cure for patients suffering from a deficiency of the vitamin. Although there is much dispute vis-à-vis oral supplementation of cobalamin and nasal sprays, these injections are the classical, prescribed and accepted remedies for speedy recovery.Patients suffering from pernicious anemia are treated with a regular dosage of vitamin B12 injections. This is due to the fact that they are unable to absorb sufficient vitamin B12 from their dietary food sources and therefore require intramuscular injections to aid absorption. Nowadays, there are substitutes in the form of oral supplementation; however physicians generally resort to this classical treatment.Research findings show ample evidence to reveal that cobalamin injections of 1-2 mg per day can quickly correct deficiencies. It is not apparent whether smaller amounts, such as the 25 mcg or so found in multivitamins, are sufficient to cure deficiencies. Such a claim is substantiated by the fact that although oral supplementation with vitamin B12 is safe, efficient and inexpensive and most multi-vitamin pills contain 100-200 microgram of the cyanocobalamin form of B12, many multivitamins cannot be chewed, which is important for its absorption.The body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 is reduced with increasing age. Older people are often detected to have a more potent vitamin B12 deficiency, even in cases where they do not suffer from pernicious anaemia. Moreover, an intake of vitamin B12 from food sources decreases markedly with an increase in age, probably because of a lack of stomach acid. The conventional way of fixing a vitamin B12 deficiency has been through intramuscular injections. Experiments also reveal that vitamin B12 intramuscular injections are useful healers of neurological disorders such as progressive memory loss and lethargy.To maintain vitamin B12 status, the alternatives to high oral doses of cobalamin (500-1000 micrograms daily) are routine intramuscular injections at a dosage of 1 mg per month. This also helps to lower homocysteine levels in the blood, thereby reducing the probability of heart diseases and strokes.The utility of vitamin B12 is not restricted to curing deficiencies. Injections can also serve therapeutic purposes. A vitamin B12 injection acts as a stimulant for energizing the body, through cobalamin, which transmits its “anti-stress” elements to the human body. For example a recommended effective cure for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is 6-70mg dose of vitamin B12 intramuscular injection per week for 3 weeks.

Vitamin B, unlike other vitamins such as vitamin A, C, D, E and k, encompasses a group of eight water soluble vitamins that co-exist in certain food items. The eight subtypes of vitamin B are vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B9 (folic acid) and vitamin B12 (riboflavin). In medical terms, nutritional supplements containing all these eight subtypes are called vitamin B complex or simply B complex.

As we all know, the role of vitamin B is crucial for the normal functioning of the body. To mention a few, it is responsible for promoting cell growth, cell division, skin health, immune system, nervous system and also in controlling the bodily metabolic processes. Hence, it is obvious that prolonged deficiency of vitamin B leads to certain health complications. Considering this, supplements are formulated in the form of vitamin B complex tablets and injections in order to combat the risks of vitamin deficiency. Let’s discuss in brief about vitamin B complex injection and its dosage, benefits and side effects.

Vitamin B Complex Injections

The promoters of vitamin B complex injections are of the opinion that they are more effective in providing vitamin B to the body than other modes of administration (tablets and gels). According to them, the body enzymes and acids alter the molecular structure of the vitamins once they are ingested. In recent times, many weight conscious people are opting for vitamin B12 injections for weight loss. The injections are administered parenterally, mostly through intramuscularly or intravenously. They are more expensive than other B complex forms.

Vitamin B Complex Injection Dosage
Many of the doctors prescribe vitamin B complex injections for boosting the energy level and/or vitality. Nevertheless, the required dosage vary from one individual to another depending upon the age, medical history and the current health condition. Also, a particular dose of vitamin B complex injection for a particular brand contains specific amounts of different subtypes of vitamin B along with other neutralizing components. As per the requirements of the individual and the concentration of vitamins, the doctor prescribes vitamin B complex injection dosage.

Vitamin B Complex Injection Benefits
Vitamin B complex injections aid in quick and maximum absorption of the vitamins by the body cells and tissues. They are most commonly administered by athletes, children and old people, who are in the need of increased energy level to perform activities. Vitamin B complex injections are also beneficial for people who have problems in taking oral vitamin supplements. There are numerous vitamin B complex benefits and they are meant for the treatment of vitamin B deficiency, dermatitis, psoriasis, increased fatigue, neuritis, difficulty in assimilation, stomatitis, anemia, intoxication and other health conditions.

Vitamin B Complex Injection Side Effects
Though vitamin B complex injections are claimed to have certain health benefits, they are also associated with various adverse effects, particularly when used for a prolonged duration in high doses. Vitamin B complex side effects may include edema, ulcer, joint pain, dehydration, low calcium, reduced protein metabolism and at times, depression. Also, vitamin B complex injections may interfere with nutrient absorption and assimilation.

On the safer note, it is always advisable to administer vitamin B complex injections with proper medical supervision. Self delivery of these vitamin supplement injections should be strictly avoided in order to prevent the unusual side effects of vitamin B complex injections.

Vitamins are essential nutrients required by the body to carry out certain functions. Although required in smaller amounts, they perform several functions in the body. Vitamins are classified into 6 types, vitamin A, B, C, D, E and K. Among the rest, vitamin B is a complex vitamin which is further sub divided into different types like B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), and vitamin B12 (cobalamin). Vitamin B complex aids in proper functioning of several organs of the body. Let us take a look at the different vitamin B complex benefits in detail.

Benefits of Vitamin B Complex

Vitamin B complex falls in the group of water soluble vitamins that carry out different functions in the body. One of the most important functions of vitamin B complex is its use in the process of metabolism. The conversion of carbohydrates into glucose and further into energy is carried out with the help of vitamin B complex. Hence it can be said that energy production is one of the important B complex vitamin benefits. A person whose diet is deficient in vitamin B suffers from fatigue and constant feeling of lethargy due to lack of energy. Apart from that, the following are the other vitamin B complex benefits:
B complex vitamin is essential for proper digestion as it helps in protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism.
One of the other important benefits of vitamin B complex is its aid in the proper functioning of the nervous system. It plays an important role in proper functioning of the adrenal gland and also helps in production of certain hormones.
Another major vitamin B complex benefit for women is that it prevents birth defects during pregnancy. Specially, it helps in the prevention of neural tube defects in the fetus during pregnancy.
If you are wondering what are the vitamin B complex benefits for hair, then note that vitamin B complex plays an important role in cell reproduction. Therefore, it is essential to have healthy looking hair and nails.
Improving mood, memory, concentration, etc. are some of the other benefits of vitamin B complex in adults, especially in elderly people.
Vitamin B complex benefits for men and women also include its use in maintaining a healthy heart.
Deficiency of vitamin B complex can lead to skin rash, brittleness of hair and nails. It can also cause a feeling of anxiety, nervousness and depression.
Indigestion, malnourishment, fatigue, exhaustion, tingling, body aches, etc. are some of the other effects of vitamin B complex deficiency. These can be prevented by having a vitamin B complex rich diet.
Vitamin B complex is found in a variety of foodstuffs which should be included in the diet regularly. The following are the foods containing vitamin B complex: meat, chicken, liver, beef, kidney, turkey, tuna, salmon, milk, cheese, yogurt, whole grains, cereals, potatoes, bananas, lentils, nuts, chili peppers, brewer’s yeast and molasses, etc. You should include these foods in the diet in order to gain the benefits of vitamin B complex. Vitamin B complex supplements are also available in the market which can help to prevent the vitamin B complex deficiency diseases. However, it is recommended to consult a doctor before going for any vitamin supplements as overdose of it can lead to toxicity. It is also essential to know about the vitamin B complex side effects that result out of overdose of supplements.

This was a brief information on vitamin B complex benefits. As a concluding note, it can be said that, having a balanced diet everyday helps in gaining all the benefits of vitamin B complex and also keeps deficiency diseases at bay. Take care!

Vitamin B – These Water Soluble Vitamins Why Are They Good

We need to talk about what vitamin b actually does for us. We also need to know how to take them and the side affects. Is it better taken by the pill form or are water soluble vitamins the best?

Let us first find out what they do for our bodies. Most of the B-vitamins play a critical role as cofactors in cellular energy metabolism. B-vitamins are important for hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body. B vitamin deficiency can lead to fatigue and lethargy, which is why vitamin b supplements are excellent energy boosters and anti-stress formulas.

These vitamins work to promote healthy red blood cell formation, increase energy, promote normal cognitive performance, promote cardiovascular health, help maintain healthy levels of serotonin, decrease stress and improve mood. B vitamins are necessary for proper functioning of the nervous system, bone marrow and intestinal tract. These are needed to make the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, as well as producing, transporting and releasing energy from fats. Because many vegetarian diets are lacking in these they need to have them in thier diet.

We need to look at what is the best way to take them. Water soluble vitamins allow a consistent maintenance of body tissues. In order for a substance to be absorbed and used in the body’s metabolism, it must be transported in a water soluble state. This means that the body has less work to do to in obtaining maximum absorption. The water soluble vitamin allows nutrients to pass directly into the small intestine and be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. The challenge with most traditional pill and capsule supplements is that they usually have been processed with intense pressure, heat, paraffin coatings, and fillers. This “complex” nutrient form is difficult for the body to break down as it is not in the desired form the body needs. Just because a substance may be present in a compound, does not mean that it can be used. Body absorption of the desired elemental mineral from pills and capsules is often less than 10%, with cell assimilation being almost immeasurable. In addition, pills and capsules require significant digestion before any type of effective absorption can take place.

Lastly the most important issue on taking vitamin b is if there are any side effects. Whether you are taking a pill form or water soluble vitamin there can be side effects.Excessive use of anything leads to its side effects and vitamin B consumption is no different. Excessive intake of any vitamin can cause several problems. Less serious side effects may include upset stomach, headache, or an unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth. Read the label of any vitamin product you take to make sure you know what it contains. Actually vitamin B complex side effects are not too many and they cannot be even observed if the supplements are taken in the prescribed quantity. When choosing a vitamin, keep in mind that vitamins and nutritional supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA in the same way that prescription or over-the-counter medications are. Remember always read and follow the label on the bottle.

Trying to get the health word out there. I am a partner in a healthy lifestyle information site: www.Mymallshop.com

I also partner with a huge mall of stores and products, cash back items, and much more at: Amallstore .

Vitamin b – these water soluble vitamins why are they good

We need to talk about what vitamin b actually does for us. We also need to know how to take them and the side affects. Is it better taken by the pill form or are water soluble vitamins the best? Let us first find out what they do for our bodies. Most of the B-vitamins play a critical role as cofactors in cellular energy metabolism. B-vitamins are important for hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body. B vitamin deficiency can lead to fatigue and lethargy, which is why vitamin b supplements are excellent energy boosters and anti-stress formulas. These vitamins work to promote healthy red blood cell formation, increase energy, promote normal cognitive performance, promote cardiovascular health, help maintain healthy levels of serotonin, decrease stress and improve mood. B vitamins are necessary for proper functioning of the nervous system, bone marrow and intestinal tract. These are needed to make the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, as well as producing, transporting and releasing energy from fats. Because many vegetarian diets are lacking in these they need to have them in thier diet. We need to look at what is the best way to take them. Water soluble vitamins allow a consistent maintenance of body tissues. In order for a substance to be absorbed and used in the bodys metabolism, it must be transported in a water soluble state. This means that the body has less work to do to in obtaining maximum absorption. The water soluble vitamin allows nutrients to pass directly into the small intestine and be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. The challenge with most traditional pill and capsule supplements is that they usually have been processed with intense pressure, heat, paraffin coatings, and fillers. This complex nutrient form is difficult for the body to break down as it is not in the desired form the body needs. Just because a substance may be present in a compound, does not mean that it can be used. Body absorption of the desired elemental mineral from pills and capsules is often less than 10%, with cell assimilation being almost immeasurable. In addition, pills and capsules require significant digestion before any type of effective absorption can take place. Lastly the most important issue on taking vitamin b is if there are any side effects. Whether you are taking a pill form or water soluble vitamin there can be side effects.Excessive use of anything leads to its side effects and vitamin B consumption is no different. Excessive intake of any vitamin can cause several problems. Less serious side effects may include upset stomach, headache, or an unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth. Read the label of any vitamin product you take to make sure you know what it contains. Actually vitamin B complex side effects are not too many and they cannot be even observed if the supplements are taken in the prescribed quantity. When choosing a vitamin, keep in mind that vitamins and nutritional supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA in the same way that prescription or over-the-counter medications are. Remember always read and follow the label on the bottle. Trying to get the health word out there. I am a partner in a healthy lifestyle information site: Myamallshop
I also partner with a huge mall of stores and products, cash back items, We sell OPC-3 for joint pain, vitamins and much more at: Amallstore Related Articles – vitamin b, water soluble vitamins, vitamin, b vitamins, Email this Article to a Friend!Receive Articles like this one direct to your email box!Subscribe for free today!

Vitamin and Supplement Safety Six Things You Need to Know

Mary’s story is a cautionary tale about supplement safety.  Twenty years ago, Mary was a healthy, physically active woman with a successful career as a banker.  Two years later, Mary was out of a job and only able to work a few hours a week as a volunteer doing light office work.  The dramatic change in her life was due to the fact that she had become disabled from a mysterious illness caused by taking a dietary supplement called tryptophan.

L-Tryptophan is an amino acid found in a variety of foods. It’s found in turkey in high concentrations, and is partially responsible for that drowsy feeling you get after Thanksgiving dinner. Tryptophan can be taken in supplement form for such conditions as anxiety, depression, PMS, and insomnia. In 1989, an outbreak of a strange illness was traced to the supplement tryptophan. The symptoms of the illness included paralysis, neurological issues, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, memory loss, and lots of other awful symptoms.
It turns out that the illness was traced to just one manufacturer of the supplement-Showa Denko of Japan. To make a very long story short, the news on this outbreak led consumers to believe that it was due to “impurities” in the manufacturing process. The real story is that Showa Denko was the only manufacturer of tryptophan to make and market a genetically engineered form of the product. They were not required to label their product as genetically engineered, nor did they inform the consuming public of this fact.
Mary, a lovely and gentle woman, had the misfortune to be on the buying end of the Showa Denko supplement. She struggled with chronic pain and fatigue that damaged her health and it cost her both her job and her active lifestyle as a vibrant and energetic woman.
It is the rare person who does not take a vitamin or supplement of some kind. It is also the rare person who takes the time to become knowledgeable about the ingredients in the supplements that they take. We tend to think of vitamins and supplements as items that enhance our health, and with a little label reading, that can be the case.  Here are a few things you should know and check out when you’re buying supplements:
·        Quality control. Look for GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) or USP (U.S. Pharmacopoeia) on the label of vitamins and supplements. Either designation indicates that the supplement meets or exceeds U.S. regulations for manufacturing.
·        Who made it? The label should say “manufactured by” not “manufactured for”. This is a subtle difference, but “manufactured for” means that the job was farmed out to another manufacturer. This increases the possibility of cross contamination, sloppy manufacturing, or that the supplement may not be up to the exact specifications on the label.
·        Service please! There should be an 800 number that works on the label, so you can call the company and ask questions. The manufacturer should also have a good, user-friendly website that is updated regularly.
·        No gifts with purchase. You should know what “other’ ingredients, are in your supplements. That means if you’re buying Vitamin C, whatever else is in the supplement is extra. Some ingredients you probably don’t want in your supplements include food colorings, fragrances, binders in tablets, and preservatives, especially BHT and sodium benzoate, (ascorbic acid is ok).  Also, pay attention to what’s being used as fillers in capsules and tablets-lactose, dextrose, sucrose, starch, gluten, soy, and yeast.  You may not think much about what’s used as coating on the tables to seal them and make them easier to swallow, but some manufacturers use shellac and call it pharmaceutical glaze, confectioner’s glaze, or natural glaze-yuk!  A couple of lubricants used in making supplements to avoid include magnesium stereate and ascorbyl palmitate, both of which can’t be digested by your body.
·        What’s the date? Oily supplements, like Vitamins D or E and fish oils should have a date on the bottle-either the date manufactured, or an expiration date. If in doubt, use your nose. Open softgels and take a whiff. You’ll be able to smell if they’re rancid.
·        Finally, the gold standard for supplements is an independent assay of the ingredients. You can usually only determine if this is happening if you call the company and ask. An assay is a test to determine that what is in the capsule is actually what is supposed to be there with nothing else. Independent means that it was done by a lab-not the manufacturer. Also, biological testing determines what should not be in a supplement, such as contaminants and bacteria.
Believe it or not, there are a number of really good supplement companies out there that really care about what is in their products. You just have to do a little homework to find them!
 
 
Lynn Jaffee is the author of the book, Simple Steps: The Chinese Way to Better Health.  She is also a licensed acupuncturist practicing in St. Louis Park, MN.  For more articles and information, check out her blog at http://www.acupuncturetwincities.com or her website at http://acupunctureinthepark.com