Finding Non GMO Vitamins And Supplements

By Ina Hunt


There are several reasons to choose alternative products that are truly natural, without ingredients that have been overly processed or changed in a fundamental way. In this day of genetic tinkering with the plant and even the animal world, it's more important than ever to be an informed consumer. Choosing non GMO vitamins and supplements only makes sense, at least until altered organisms have been around long enough for their effects to be fairly assessed.

So far, the 'organic' certification should mean that no genetically modified ingredients are in a product. However, this could change if forces that want to weaken the standards succeed in getting the FDA to change the rules. Those who care should make their views known to the government and should ask questions of supplement providers to be sure of their standards.

It's never wise to depend on information that's really cleverly-disguised advertising. This is why the organic certification is important. It's a third-party seal to assure consumers of a product's quality. An all-natural claim is not the same. There is a push going on to include genetically engineered ingredients in 'natural' products; it has not succeeded as yet but probably will not go away any time soon.

The best way to proceed is to know the manufacturer. There are some well-known names in the industry that people trust to be true to the ideals of providing carefully-manufactured, 'clean' products that are as natural as possible. After all, you won't find vitamin C in 1,000 milligram concentration in an orange or a rose hip. Some processing is necessary to concentrate nutrients and deliver them in usable form.

Even with certifying associations, it's still buyer beware. Many original pioneering companies in the industry have been sold. This fact may not be well-publicized, since the cachet of the brand is important to the new owners. However, the philosophy of the present ownership might not be the same. If a brand has been acquired by a major conglomerate, you need to be aware of the fact.

Look for a non-GMO designation on the label of products as another assurance of quality. More and more foods and nutritional products are carrying this seal as consumers become wary of foods with laboratory-generated modifications. As more people turn to truly natural products, manufacturers may be forced to 'clean up their act'.

Reports of research into the safety of genetic engineering are confusing for many. Industry-backed studies say these altered foods are safe. However, there's a lot of history in the food industry of unhealthy foods being touted as 'good for you.' Think of margarine, for instance. Once acclaimed as heart-healthy, it is now condemned - just as the health food people said all along.

Industry claims that genetic modification is safe are suspect because of conflict of interest and the history of the food industry using ingredients subsequently found to be harmful. Vitamin pills and other supplements that are natural are, of course, made from foods. The consumer who wants to be healthy and to live a natural life needs to shop carefully.




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