BEWARE: Counterfeit Supplements, Over-the-Counter AND Online: 7 Reasons Why Using Pharmaceutical Grade Supplements Are Better
An investigation by the New York attorney general’s office uncovered a massive herbal-supplement scam. As part their investigation, 78 bottles of the leading brands of herbal supplements from a dozen Walmart, Target, Walgreens and GNC locations across New York State were analyzed using DNA bar coding, a type of genetic fingerprinting that the agency has used to root out labeling fraud in the seafood industry. The tests found so many supplements with no DNA from the herbs on their labels but plenty of DNA from unlisted ingredients, which could be detrimental for people with certain health conditions.
If that isn’t enough, even fake dietary supplements are being sold on Amazon. Click here for the story. It’s not Amazon’s fault. As you know, unscrupulous people sell many knock-off products, including sunglasses, clothes, purses….even supplements. These unscrupulous people steal a reputable pharmaceutical-grade supplement label, fill a capsule with unknown ingredients and you are duped! The worse thing about it is your health is at risk. The pharmaceutical grade supplement brands that I use independently test their products for purity, quality, bioavailablity and effectiveness, and they are third-party certified. Even though the pharmaceutical-grade supplement companies employ full-time people to police the internet and shut down unscrupulous knock-offs, another one pops up. It’s BUYER BEWARE out there!
According to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended, Section 201(g)(1), the term drug is defined as an “article intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.” Technically, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, herbs, or homeopathic remedies are not classified as drugs and can easily reach consumers without accountability or oversight. However, these substances can actually have significant effects on physiology and must be used rationally. Use of nutritional supplements may be safely recommended for patients alone or already using pharmaceutical medications (drugs), but some potentially harmful interactions may occur. For this reason, it is important to understand exactly what is in your supplements, herbs and other over-the-counter products.
Unlike the over-the-counter (OTC) and online brands, there are many reputable pharmaceutical-grade supplement manufactures who have considerable research and predictable results behind their products. Quality is determined by considering: 1) the quality of science behind the product; 2) the quality of the ingredients themselves; 3) the quality of the manufacturing process, and 4) the synergism among product components. While these supplements may come at a higher financial cost than those found on the shelves of pharmacies or health food stores, the value must also include assurance of their purity, quality, bioavailablility (ability to be properly absorbed and utilized by the body), and effectiveness.
When you purchase from our dispensary, you are guaranteed the highest quality product.
In summary, click here for the 7 reasons why pharmaceutical-grade supplements are superior to over-the-counter products. Don’t be deceived!