FAQs about Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional and Botanical Supplements are an important and powerful part of many individualized dietary protocols. Correcting nutrient deficiencies early on is extremely important, and proper testing and consultation is a great way to start.

Many supplements sold online are often close to their expiration date, have not been stored in a proper temperature-controlled environment, and are sold by questionable re-sellers and unqualified individuals.

For my personal use, I use the reliability and trust of Emerson Ecologics/Wellevate wholesale distributor, the leader in quality professional supplements and practitioner growth for over 35 years.  All companies distributed through Emerson Ecologics and Wellevate meet or exceed the standards of cGMPs.    

Expertise of a QUALIFIED professional is very important, otherwise you are at the mercy of the manufacturing companies, which conduct their own assessments and standardizations.

It is very important to understand some vital concepts about the supplement industry and why it is preferable to consult a QUALIFIED Nutritionist or other healthcare practitioner with an advanced degree:

• The FDA requires companies to follow current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), requiring that the manufacturing facility be clean, climate-controlled, and run with good quality-control procedures. However, this requirement is voluntary and there is no certification. 
• cGMPs have to do with how products are made—they have nothing to do with what is actually in the final product. 
• FDA regulations do NOT ensure that supplements produced by manufacturing companies are safe, that the products work or that the products are worth the cost.
• The FDA does not certify supplement-manufacturing facilities. 
• The FDA does not test dietary supplements for safety or efficacy before marketing. 
• The FDA does not standardize dosages or forms of ingredients in dietary supplements.

Many quality companies go above and beyond the requirements of cGMPs and get third-party certifications related to their manufacturing practices. 

Voluntary certifications for good manufacturing practices include NSF International and NPA (Natural Products Association). 

Vitamins and minerals can be sourced from many different places and can be provided in many different forms, often not biologically active, not well absorbed or even safe.

The form of the ingredient, the dosage of the ingredient, and the formulation of the entire product all influence whether or not a dietary supplement will be effective.  

High-quality companies rely on a team of medical experts and evidence-based science to formulate products that offer patients the greatest benefits. .

It takes time, energy, and clinical expertise to navigate the growing field of nutritional supplements. 

It took me years of study and research to understand the importance of SAFETY and THERAPEUTIC QUALITY in products. Unfortunately, low-cost, low-quality supplements with fillers, allergens, toxins, molds, adulterated herbs, pesticides, and herbicides are flooding the stores and online re-sellers. 

I encourage you to use thorough research of your own in addition to the advice from a QUALIFIED practitioner.