because its not like everyone can cut open the pill and determine whats inside..couldnt the vitamin companies easily rip us off. especially the cheaper ones?
2007-07-24 03:10:39 · 8 answers · asked by deejay 3 in Health ➔ Alternative Medicine
oh is there really any vitamin pill that is good out there? should i even borther taking vitamins or buying them?
2007-07-24 03:13:40 · update #1
Your concern is valid. Prescription medications must meet stringent manufacturing techniques. They must demonstrate purity and potency. They are closely regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (which I admit is a flawed and troubled organization - but it is all we have and it is better than no regulation). There is no oversight of non-prescription drugs, vitamins, herbal preparations and so on. I advise my patients as some have advised you to buy from a reputable company. Unfortunately, there is no really good way to determine if a particular manufacturer is 'reputable'. When it comes to prescription drugs I strongly favor the least expensive due to the Food and Drug Administration oversight. When it comes to nonprescription drugs, vitamins, herbal preparations and so I recommend brand names. Then you ask what is a brand name and again there are problems in defining this. Centrum and One-A-Day are examples of 'brand name' vitamins. GNC products for vitamins and herbal preparations I would consider a 'brand'. Another question is do we really need vitamins. Given the wealth of the United States and the tremendous quantities of food available to us the answer should be no. A judicious diet contains all of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that we need. Unfortunately, in the US most people consume a relatively 'poor' diet and I do recommend vitamins and minerals. What dose of vitamins and minerals you wonder. One-A-Day implies that someone has determined that one daily provides for all of your needs. The Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA values) are badly in need of revision. They were established when our diet was home prepared (not processed) food, fruits, and vegetables. For someone eating a tradional or typical diet by today's standards I recommend 2 multi-vitamins daily. Given a person's health risks and over-all health status I sometimes recommend individual items in addition to the above. For example, all pregnant women should take 1 mg of folic acid daily. Caveat emptor - buyer beware: you typically get what you pay for.
2007-07-24 05:00:33 · answer #1 · answered by john e russo md facm faafp 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the first answer. I have been wondering the same thing as well.
I guess the only way to be sure would be to take a sample to a lab (if you know a chemist or pharmacist) and have it tested.
Otherwise, the second person is right. Buy from reputable companies, and maybe look up reviews/information on something like Consumer Reports and see what non-biased experts have to say.
2007-07-24 10:19:19 · answer #2 · answered by johnpnj 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make sure you are purchasing your supplements from a company with a serious quality control and if you are purchasing natural, herbal supplements you can read up on some of the various herbs to find out which herbs naturally supply the body with various vitamins and nutrients.
2007-07-24 13:20:46 · answer #3 · answered by momsherbs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look for a company that has an established history with the GMP system (it stands for Good Manufacturing Practices... it's basically the organization that all supplement companies have to answer to for quality) and has a high rating.
Swanson Health Products is one of the few companies that is able to achieve and maintain an A rating with the GMP, which is the highest rating that they offer, so the quality will be the highest possible.
2007-07-24 10:54:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Simply look at the side of the bottle and see what company has tested the vitamins and research them buy from reputable companies. Never buy the cheapest stuff. We don't get nearly enough vitamins in our diets, especially processed foods
2007-07-24 10:48:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Buy from reputable company. They have their reputation at stake so its highly doubtful that they'd risk their popularity. As far as "should you" take them.....Umm it'd be better to get your minerals and vitamins out of whole food. But they're not going to hurt you and it will make up for any vitamins not recieved from foods so go for it.
2007-07-24 10:16:17 · answer #6 · answered by triq033 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to a really good supplement store and ask for vitamins w/ whole foods in them. "Perfect food" is a good one.
2007-07-24 12:05:04 · answer #7 · answered by Kaliko 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You know I think exactly the same thing sometimes!
2007-07-24 10:13:17 · answer #8 · answered by brigdib 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋