Dietary supplements provide a convenient way of getting the beneficial nutrients that may be missing in your diet and can also provide a wide variety of other unique health benefits. But how do you know that what is claimed on the label is truly what’s inside the capsule? Furthermore, how do you know that your supplement is pure and safe? As you may know, the FDA does not verify supplement labels for accuracy before a product is released to the public. This is one reason why the supplement marketplace is filled with products of varying quality.

To make sure that you are purchasing products that meet your high standards for quality it is important to seek out dietary supplement brands that are open, honest, and that practice “authentic” transparency. After all, you can only make an educated purchasing decision if you are given all the information you need to make that decision. As a consumer, you have the right to hold supplement brands accountable for the things they do that impact your health.

So what does authentic transparency look like in action? Below is a checklist of standards to consider and tools you can use to hold supplement companies accountable for their claims and make sure that you are receiving an authentic product that is pure and safe.

• Is every lot independently tested by accredited third-party laboratories to ensure it meets quality specifications for identity, purity, strength, and composition?
• Is a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis made readily available that summarizes third-party test results (e.g. allergens, heavy metals, etc.)?
• What established specification limits are used for potential contaminants (e.g. microbial contaminants, aflatoxins, residual solvents, pesticides, heavy metals)?
• Have the ingredients been vetted by independent certifying organizations (e.g. USDA organic, Non-GMO Project, Ko Kosher, Vegan Action, TRU-ID®) to provide objective evidence of the sustainability and overall quality of the product?
• What “other ingredients” does the product contain? Is it free of chemical additives including non-functional fillers, binders, disintegrants, and coating agents?
• Is the “country of origin” provided for each of the ingredients?
• How is the product packaged – non-toxic, recyclable glass bottles or plastic?

We invite you to stop by our Wellness department and check out one of the dietary supplement brands we carry that gets a “GOLD” star for transparency. NutriGold is a family-owned company that goes above and beyond what is required by current GMPs to independently verify that their raw materials and finished products meet industry-defining quality and purity standards. In fact, depending on the complexity of the testing involved, they sometimes have quality testing results from as many as 4 or 5 different labs for each lot of product. In the spirit of authentic transparency, these test results are summarized in Certificates of Analysis, which they make freely available on their website along with a detailed list of other important product attributes.

Quite simply, NutriGold empowers customers to make informed purchasing decisions for their health. From the pure, certified sustainable marine oils in their omega-3 products to the mindfully sourced organic, non-GMO ingredients in their plant-based multivitamins, NutriGold is powered by integrity and is in business for you. Find NutriGold products at your local Mother’s.

+These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or cure a medical condition or as a substitute for a professional medical opinion. It is always recommended to consult a licensed pharmacist or your healthcare provider before beginning supplementation.