Get Vitamin Protected This Fall

By Cassie Johnson

Germs will join our students as they go back to school this month. A plethora of bacteria-carrying viruses including strep, influenza, stomach bugs, colds, and COVID-19 will surround schools like great whites around chum on Shark Week! All kidding aside, it’s a good time to protect yourself and your family by boosting your immunity with quality vitamins.

According to maxliving.com, 92% of Americans are deficient in at least one essential vitamin or mineral. Nearly 80% are deficient in vitamin D while over 99% are deficient in essential omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamins are not regulated like prescription medicine. It’s important to know what to look for on the label. There may be unfamiliar terms such as certified, GMO or vegan, or organic. Take a closer look to ensure your purchase fits your needs.

A Certified Family Herbalist is the most beneficial person to help you find quality vitamins and the correct dosage.

“An herbalist needs to know all of your health conditions. Anything from diabetes to high cholesterol can make a difference in supplements that are safe for you. For example, tumeric is used for arthritis, but it can lower iron. If you struggle with anemia, another anti-inflammatory would be healthier. Omega-3s are encouraged for heart health, but some filler oils in the vitamin can be harmful. In that case, fish oils can have the opposite effect by raising your cholesterol and hurting your heart,” Geoff Speed, Certified Family Herbalist and owner of The Golden Carrot in Paducah.

Look For the Certification

The FDA does not need to approve vitamins. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease. Rest assured that good, quality vitamins are safe products to take regardless of FDA approval. There are a couple of certifications to look for on labels. NSF (National Sanitation Foundation International) is an independent third-party organization that verifies the purity and safety of each batch of supplements. USP (United States Pharmacopoeia) assures purity and potency. One key factor is that USP certifies that the product contains each ingredient listed on the label and has been made according to FDA Good Manufacturing Practices. The USDA certifies organic products including vitamins.

What’s on the Label?

GMO stands for genetically modified organism and they are often used to help create vitamins. Using genetic engineering, the DNA of the organism is altered to make it more resistant to viruses. Vitamins A, B-2, B-12, vitamin C, and vitamin D may have unlisted GMOs, so look for a GMO-free certification.

Vitamins labeled vegan are made without any animal byproducts. Watch for hidden byproducts like gelatin or beeswax.

“Most all soft gel capsules contain gelatin, which is an animal byproduct. To find a true vegan form, look for HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) or veggie soft gels which are made with tapioca starch, glycerin, and purified water,” Speed advises.

Find the Fillers

Fillers ensure the size of the supplement is filled correctly and keep it stable. There are good fillers such as cellulose, olive oil, and stearic acid. Bad fillers include magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, simethicone, or starch.

“Some people are allergic to the lower quality fillers. If you have gluten or dairy sensitivities, it’s an extra important step to know what fillers are binding your vitamins together,” said Speed.

Do Your Research

You can Google anything, but remember not all information is accurate. Visit sites such as bluebonnetnutrition.com or gardenoflife. com. Find a Certified Family Herbalist you are comfortable with to help you find the right products that will safely boost your immune system and keep your family healthy. 