There are countless vitamin manufacturers across the United States. You'll find them in the form of pills, capsules, liquids, and powders. They are packaged in boxes, bottles, pill packs, and pouches. With such an overwhelming variety, choosing the right brand can seem impossible. So, what sets one brand apart from another?
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The Food and Drug Administration does not review dietary supplements before they hit the market, leaving limited oversight on their safety and effectiveness. Moreover, it's often unclear whether vitamins actually contain the ingredients they claim to, and research has shown significant discrepancies between what's in the pill and what's stated on the packaging.
As a result, determining the best option isn’t straightforward. “You can’t just glance at a bottle and its price tag and conclude, ‘This is poor quality because it’s inexpensive,’” explained Mahtab Jafari, a professor at the University of California, Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Still, there are certain factors to consider when looking for a quality vitamin. Here's what you should keep in mind:
What exactly makes a vitamin expensive?
According to Ebne Rafi, a clinical pharmacy specialist at University Hospitals in Ohio, there’s often little difference between a budget-friendly vitamin and a pricier one. Prices can fluctuate based on the type of supplement, its ingredients, and the health condition it’s intended to address. Aesthetic factors like fancy packaging might also influence the cost. (Who hasn’t been drawn in by an elegant glass bottle?)
“Much like brand-name versus generic prescription medications, affordable and high-end vitamins often market the same supplement,” Rafi noted.
There’s still a lot that scientists don’t fully understand about supplementation. For instance, it’s unclear how various formulations affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, or how natural ingredients compare to synthetic ones. “We don’t really have the studies,” Jafari pointed out.
That said, certain factors contribute to a better-quality vitamin. For instance, you’ll want to choose products made with premium ingredients and avoid those loaded with fillers, like soybean oil, or contaminants, such as pesticides or heavy metals (think mercury or lead).
Reputable brands ― such as Theralogix and Nature Made ― often provide detailed information on their websites about ingredient sourcing and their manufacturing processes.
It’s also crucial that the vitamin contains the proper dosage. Too low a dose might not deliver the desired effect, while an excessively high dose can lead to severe health issues.
“There have been numerous cases of liver damage caused by supplements that either have excessive vitamin doses or include other harmful ingredients,” Rafi explained.
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Ultimately, though, a higher price tag doesn’t guarantee better quality. “A more expensive supplement doesn’t necessarily equate to higher quality,” Jafari emphasized.
How can you tell if a vitamin is of high quality?
Consulting with a doctor, pharmacist, or dietitian is crucial before starting any vitamin regimen. Certain deficiencies and health conditions, such as pregnancy, heart disease, and diabetes, may necessitate supplementation. However, for those who are otherwise healthy and consume a balanced diet, vitamins may not be necessary, according to Jafari. A healthcare provider can assess whether you need a supplement and recommend specific brands.
The most reliable way to confirm if a vitamin is legitimate is by checking if it’s been reviewed by a third-party testing company. “In my opinion, a high-quality vitamin would be one that has undergone independent third-party quality assurance testing and contains minimal fillers,” Rafi explained.
It takes considerable time and money for manufacturers to have their products tested by third-party companies like US Pharmacopeia (USP), National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), or ConsumerLab.com. These companies verify that the product contains the ingredients and dosages listed on the label.
“For a dietary supplement company earning millions annually, this is the bare minimum they can do to demonstrate to consumers that they prioritize quality,” Jafari emphasized.
Therefore, look for a USP or NSF certification badge on the packaging label. Jafari also suggested visiting the FDA’s website to see if the manufacturer has ever received a seizure letter or injunction. If they have, it’s probably best to opt for a different product.
Lastly, conduct your own research. Explore scientific studies on the nutrients you’re interested in, review the manufacturer’s website, and consult with a healthcare professional when in doubt. There’s a lot of misinformation in the supplement industry, but with due diligence, you can find products that are rigorously tested and trusted by many.
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