Evaluation of Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements are very popular these
days and because they are generally unregulated
by the Food and Drug Administration board, it
is not easy to know which ones work, which ones
are a waste of money--and to some extent, are
harmful for you. Evaluation of nutritional supplements
varies greatly, depending on your current health,
needs, and medical history. Below are some tips
on choosing nutritional supplements. It is still
best to consult with a physician, however, regarding
the right nutrition supplements for you (or if
you really do need them in the first place).
1. Check labels
Evaluation of nutritional supplements starts
with knowing and researching the product in question.
Check the label of the nutritional supplements
and see to it that it has all of the following:
a. The name of the herbal supplement
b. The net quantity of contents
c. The disclaimer: "This statement has not
been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure or prevent any disease."
d. A Supplement Facts panel (including serving
size, amount, and active ingredient)
e. Other ingredients whose daily values have
not been established, and
f. The name and address of manufacturer, packer,
or distributor.
For an evaluation of nutritional supplements,
check all the ingredients listed on the labels
against potentially dangerous dietary supplements
listed by the FDA, which can be viewed on their
website.
2. Look for standardized supplements
A good practice for the evaluation of nutritional
supplements is to look for a nutritional supplement
that has a "USP Dietary Supplement Verified"
seal-- indicating that the supplement has met
certain manufacturing standards for cleanliness,
uniformity, and freedom from contaminants, as
outlined by the U.S. Pharmacopeia.
Other groups that also have their own standards
of evaluation of nutritional supplements include
NSF International, Good Housekeeping, and ConsumerLab.com.
3. Buy supplements manufactured in the US or
other countries which are reputable.
Be extremely cautious and wary when buying nutritional
supplements manufactured in other countries. Some
of them have been found to contain prescription
drugs and toxic ingredients.
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