The best source of natural vitamins and minerals is from whole foods. Dietary supplements are not the same as whole foods. Whole foods have micronutrients that vitamins lack along with the essential fiber and other protective substances missing in supplements. However, if your diet does not include a wide variety of healthy foods, you may benefit from taking natural vitamin and mineral supplements.
The Natural Standard
In order for a product to bear the label "natural" it must meet certain standards. A natural vitamin or mineral supplement must be made with at least 95 percent all natural ingredients with only 5 percent approved synthetic ingredients. Natural ingredients come from or are made from renewable resources such as plants and minerals. These products cannot contain any petroleum compounds.
Natural Vitamins & Minerals
Natural vitamin and mineral supplements are available at local food stores, vitamin shops and from various health product manufacturers. Several independent organizations offer testing and if the product passes all tests, the product is allowed to display the organizations seal of approval. The Office of Dietary Supplements lists four of these organizations United States Parmacopeia, ConsumerLab.com, NSF International and the Natural Products Association. Some of these labs have approved natural product lists located on their Website, such as the Natural Products Association's Natural Products Buyers Guide.
Quality
Vitamin and mineral supplements are not regulated the same as prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Vitamin supplements do not need to be approved before being marketed. The Food and Drug Administration, FDA, regulates vitamin and mineral supplements, by establishing quality standards to ensure identity, purity, strength and composition. Basically, the FDA regulation is designed to prevent the adding of the wrong ingredient or too much or little of the ingredient. Vitamin manufacturers are allowed to make health related claims, without providing evidence to the FDA, on the label such as the supplement may address a nutrient deficiency. These claims must be followed by the disclaimer "This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."
Considerations
Natural vitamins and mineral supplements are not replacements for a balanced diet. They are intended as a supplement when other whole food sources of vitamins and minerals are not available. Many packaged foods contain ingredients found in dietary supplements. Foods such as breakfast cereals, beverages and snack bars contain dietary supplements. Taking natural vitamins supplements may add to your daily intake of these vitamins. Some vitamins, such as vitamin A, can cause side effects and health hazards if taking more than the required amount. Check with your health care provider before taking any supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.
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