It’s so vital that we read each and every label—not just for supplements but also for food. What should one look for? Well, first thing to do is scan all the way to the bottom and look at the list of “other ingredients.” This is the list of additives that are required to be listed by the FDA but do not have a “pharmacological effect.” In general, if this list is longer than your list of supplement ingredients, then ignore. If it’s 5-6 other ingredients and you can’t make out their names- they’re probably not meant to be consumed. Even then, if you want to know how to know… keep reading below!
Common additives which may or may not be harmful: cellulose, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, glycerin, titanium and silicon dioxide (used to make products white- or non-colored), carnauba wax, beeswax, and ethylcellulose. These are actually on the GRAS list from the FDA—which means theyre generally “safe”. FYI, magnesium stearate and sodium benzoate are also on this safe list. However, please note that FD&C and other very toxic ingredients do not make it to this list! Also, its not necessary, nor acceptable for there to be added fructose/sucrose and such to supplements. The immuno-suppressive affect of these is more harmful than beneficial, not to mention the affect on your teeth!
The two that are potentially harmful and very common are:
* Magnesium stearate or stearic acid: Used in supplements to add a coating on powders to quicken the process in machines and capsuling. They’re hydrogenated oils that we try to avoid! 8 caps a day will provide about 6 oz of this oil into the body! Causes t-cell membrane function collapse and cell death à suppress immune function. Also may decrease absorption.
* Sodium benzoate & potassium sorbate: preservatives, mostly in liquid vitamins. It kills all live bacteria in your supplement to increase shelf life. It also means it kills everything in your intestinal tract.
