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What Every Supplement User Should Know About Quality
© IMAGES COURTESY OF NEW ROOTS HERBAL
What Every Supplement User Should Know About Quality
As clinical research proves the benefits of traditional plants and herbs and new nutraceuticals are being discovered, natural products have become more appealing. This growth has poised the natural supplement industry to hit expected revenues of $20.2 billion (CAD) in Canada by 2030.
Sadly, where there is opportunity, there may be temptations to cut corners. Consumers may not be aware of grey zones within regulations and may not realize that companies are guided by different interests; supplements are not created equal. The onus falls on consumers to do their research.
New Roots Herbal has turned this challenge into an opportunity to stand out where other brands fall short. For 40 years, this Canadian company has staked its reputation on rigorous testing and transparency, building a legacy of unmatched quality.
FAMILY-OWNED, ROOTED IN TRUST
As a young man, founder Peter Wilkes was distraught by his ailing mother’s unmet health needs. He was convinced there was a better way to wellness. His belief that natural products can improve health paved the way for him to enter the supplement industry.
In 1985, he founded New Roots Herbal on a simple principle: produce the best natural supplements possible and prioritize consumer health above all else. Proudly family-owned and operated ever since, they have remained steadfast in this commitment, free from the pressures of dividend payouts or shareholder interests.
GUIDED BY YOUR HEALTH NEEDS
Today, more than ever, New Roots Herbal’s consumer-centric approach listens to customer needs and monitors evolving health issues. Collaborating with naturopathic doctors and other health professionals, they develop products that address real-world needs. Their regulatory team scrutinizes clinical studies from around the globe to ensure products are firmly grounded in scientific research and are effective for today’s health needs.
EXPERTISE BUILT ON INTEGRITY
Crafting high-quality supplements requires more than ethically sourced ingredients. It requires an in-depth understanding of the science behind their strength. For instance, New Roots Herbal insists on validated beta-glucan content
when sourcing medicinal mushrooms. And they don’t compromise on delivery methods proven to provide health benefits. They continue to invest in gastric protective enteric coating for probiotics so consumers get the expected benefits. Their impressive roster of over 400 products spans immune support, healthy aging, stress reduction, cardiovascular health, digestion and more. These premium products are sold only through natural health food stores, where staff is trained to assist with your needs.
MEASURABLE QUALITY IN LOCAL MANUFACTURING
New Roots Herbal continuously invests in its state-of-the-art production facility in Western Québec. This is a rarity, as many “Canadian” brands outsource their production to other countries.
Their on-site manufacturing allows for proper adherence to GMP guidelines and additional testing at numerous stages of production. Their combined team of 19 quality assurance and quality-control professionals have one mutual goal: ensuring finished products consistently meet the highest standards of excellence. Explore their on-site facilities at newrootsherbal.com/manufacturing
INCOMPLETE REGULATIONS
Per Health Canada, products sold in Canada must be licensed with a natural product number (NPN) and undergo basic testing. However, the federal agency doesn’t mandate using certified laboratories or specific quality standards. Any testing laboratory with a business number may be used, regardless of equipment, testing methods, or personnel qualifications. This lack of oversight can translate into less effective, contaminated, or unsafe supplements, potentially putting consumers’ health at risk. It underscores the importance of choosing supplements from a reputable company that prioritizes rigorous quality testing with proper certifications.
SETTING THE BAR FOR TESTING AND TRANSPARENCY
At the core of New Roots Herbal’s testing is an autonomous onsite ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory.
This independently managed 8,000-square-foot facility employs 15 scientists to conduct in-depth testing throughout the production cycle. Certified reporting allows New Roots Herbal to ensure their supplements meet their stringent purity, potency, and quality standards.
ISO is more than a logo. Industry accreditation requires extensive investments of both time and financial resources. It explains why so few laboratories in Canada boast this status. ISO/IEC 17025-accreditation is a genuine badge of honour for a testing laboratory. It represents validated testing methods performed on verified state-of-the-art equipment by competent scientists. ISO-accredited facilities are subject to annual audits, where failure to adhere to international benchmarks can lead to discreditation. ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is the only undisputable oversight for testing laboratories. Companies enlisting their services and conforming to their certified reports can truly stand behind their products, and consumers can trust their quality. Take a tour of the lab at newrootsherbal.com/laboratory
LEADING THE FUTURE OF NATURAL HEALTH
As demand for natural and holistic wellness grows, trends will come and go. New Roots Herbal remains steadfast in providing consumers with reliable, quality supplements, empowering individuals to confidently take control of their health, as they have for the past four decades.
Learn more at NewRootsHerbal.com
