The dietary supplement industry has grown greatly over the last few decades. As more consumers choose natural substances to make up dietary deficiencies and foster health, even medical doctors are recommending vitamin therapy to their clients. However, the interest in vitamins has attracted many mainstream manufacturers, as well as some fly-by-night companies, and the quality of products is uneven. Consumers who choose organic non GMO vitamins have two assurances that weed out inferior products.
An organic certification tells the consumer that the ingredients come from pure foods. In other words, none will be made in a laboratory or from foods grown by conventional means, which may include herbicides, pesticides, or other chemicals. Vitamin C, for example, can be derived from citrus fruits or other plants, or it can be made in a laboratory as ascorbic acid, which some feel is not as effective. No ingredient in an organic formula can be synthetic or artificial. Although synthetic vitamins may look the same under a microscope, they have not performed as well as natural substances in clinical trials.
The organic label precludes the use of genetically modified foods in the formula. However, most manufacturers also proudly display the information that their formula is GMO-free. Look for the industry symbol or a written statement on the label that assures none of these artificial ingredients are in the product.
It used to be that a 'natural' or 'all-natural' designation was enough, but today genetically-modified organisms, as well as other questionable ingredients, are allowed in this category of foods and supplements. Many products with 'natural' in the name or description contain traces of petroleum and other chemicals in artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Claims of safety for GMOs are not based on definitive research. A person or an animal doesn't die from eating genetically-modified corn, sugar beets, or tomatoes, but there is rising concern about the impact of GMOs on future generations. Researchers have found an increase in tumor growth and birth defects, among other disorders.
This delayed reaction was observed in bees exposed to crops treated with systemic pesticides. Adult bees feeding on such plants did not die, so manufacturers claimed them to be safe. However, the third generation of bees used to pollinate crops every year died out in what was called the 'empty hive mystery', and many commercial beekeepers lost their livelihoods.This led countries like France to ban the use of systemic pesticides. Their bee populations are recovering.
Consumers who care about health food and truly natural supplements should spend their money on quality products from manufacturers who support the integrity of the industry. Some companies care only about profits and depend more on imitation and false advertising than quality control. By buying organically-certified and GMO-free products, consumers can get the most for their money, get the health benefits they want, and support committed manufacturers.
Supplementing with high quality vitamins has been shown, by research and consumer experience, to have great benefits. Especially for those who cannot eat only fresh, organic, locally-grown foods, supplementation can make a significant difference. However, choosing certified products is the best way to ensure getting purity and the desired results.
An organic certification tells the consumer that the ingredients come from pure foods. In other words, none will be made in a laboratory or from foods grown by conventional means, which may include herbicides, pesticides, or other chemicals. Vitamin C, for example, can be derived from citrus fruits or other plants, or it can be made in a laboratory as ascorbic acid, which some feel is not as effective. No ingredient in an organic formula can be synthetic or artificial. Although synthetic vitamins may look the same under a microscope, they have not performed as well as natural substances in clinical trials.
The organic label precludes the use of genetically modified foods in the formula. However, most manufacturers also proudly display the information that their formula is GMO-free. Look for the industry symbol or a written statement on the label that assures none of these artificial ingredients are in the product.
It used to be that a 'natural' or 'all-natural' designation was enough, but today genetically-modified organisms, as well as other questionable ingredients, are allowed in this category of foods and supplements. Many products with 'natural' in the name or description contain traces of petroleum and other chemicals in artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Claims of safety for GMOs are not based on definitive research. A person or an animal doesn't die from eating genetically-modified corn, sugar beets, or tomatoes, but there is rising concern about the impact of GMOs on future generations. Researchers have found an increase in tumor growth and birth defects, among other disorders.
This delayed reaction was observed in bees exposed to crops treated with systemic pesticides. Adult bees feeding on such plants did not die, so manufacturers claimed them to be safe. However, the third generation of bees used to pollinate crops every year died out in what was called the 'empty hive mystery', and many commercial beekeepers lost their livelihoods.This led countries like France to ban the use of systemic pesticides. Their bee populations are recovering.
Consumers who care about health food and truly natural supplements should spend their money on quality products from manufacturers who support the integrity of the industry. Some companies care only about profits and depend more on imitation and false advertising than quality control. By buying organically-certified and GMO-free products, consumers can get the most for their money, get the health benefits they want, and support committed manufacturers.
Supplementing with high quality vitamins has been shown, by research and consumer experience, to have great benefits. Especially for those who cannot eat only fresh, organic, locally-grown foods, supplementation can make a significant difference. However, choosing certified products is the best way to ensure getting purity and the desired results.
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