We’ve all taken vitamin supplements and other pills at some point; it can be very difficult to get the vitamins we need in our everyday meals.
Still, do we really know what’s in these supplements?
Titanium Dioxide
Titanium dioxide is commonly found in paint, cosmetics, sunscreen, and paper, but it has no nutritional value for us, and the only purpose it serves is to whiten products.
Though it is FDA approved, it can be blamed for side effects like allergies, autoimmune disorders, and stomach cancer, amongst other things.
In the form of dust, it has been classified as possibly carcinogenic.
It is used in our vitamins to create a clean, white appearance, and in some vitamin supplements, it can be labeled underneath the fine print, almost as if the company is hiding it.
It serves no purpose other than to whiten supplements, so why is it there?
Magnesium Silicate
Magnesium silicate, also known as talc, is the same substance that was once used in deodorants, but now it can be found in supplements as a filler and anti-caking agent. Why do companies use it? Because it’s cheap.
Its composition has been compared to asbestos, and it has been found to cause lung problems when inhaled.
It’s often contaminated with asbestos in the process of mining, and it is suspected to cause problems when ingested by consumers.
Currently, it’s not considered food grade by the FDA, but it is still found in supplements today.
Hydrogenated Oil
Hydrogenated oils are used to help keep foods fresher for longer.
The process of hydrogenation is where manufacturers add hydrogen to a liquid fat, and this, in turn, transforms it into a solid fat at room temperature.
Hydrogenated oils are a type of trans fats, which are bad for us.
We are supposed to keep our consumption of trans fats as low as possible because it increases our risk of developing heart diseases and other health problems.
Unfortunately, hydrogenated oils are a cheap filler, which is why the FDA allows the ingredients in our vitamin supplements.
Food Coloring
These food colorings are all approved by the FDA:
- FD&C Blue No. 1
- FD&C Blue No. 2
- FD&C Green No. 3
- FD&C Red No. 3
- FD&C Red No. 40
- FD&C Yellow No. 5
- FD&C Yellow No. 6
The question is, why do we need food coloring in our vitamins? Do we really care what color vitamins we take?
The answer, of course, is no, but companies add different food coloring to our vitamin supplements anyway.
There have been links to some of these food coloring and hyperactivity in children, and there are growing concerns that the food coloring in our vitamins is meant to cover up that the vitamins themselves have been exposed to air, moisture, or poor storage conditions.
Artificial Flavoring
The artificial flavoring in our vitamin supplements is actually high fructose corn syrup, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, flavor enhancers, and other necessary ingredients.
High fructose corn syrup has been linked to diabetes, along with hypertension among kids and weight gain.
Lead, Mercury, and PCBs
An unfortunate truth about our environment is that many of our oceans and water sources have been polluted with Industrial Waste like lead, mercury, and PBCs, which are harmful to both humans and Wildlife alike.
Fish caught sometimes carry these harmful chemicals, which can then transfer into the fish oil supplements and other supplements that they are used in.
If you are taking fish oil supplements, read the label carefully and find a good brand that offers supplements that use only the highest quality ingredients.
Sodium Benzoate
A widely used synthetic additive, sodium benzoate is used to extend product shelf life and stability – it acts as a preservative.
Within vitamin supplements, it makes the tablets smooth and transparent. However, sodium benzoate can react with vitamin c.
When it does, it can convert to benzene, which is a known carcinogen.
Along with other conditions, like the length of storage and the exposure to heat, the likelihood of sodium benzoate converting to benzene is higher.
This is obviously negative to the consumer’s health.
Not only that, but research findings have indicated that sodium benzoate has increased the risk of cellular damage and DNA mutation following exposure to the ingredient.
What to Do
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to ensure the safety of your vitamin supplements.
- Take supplements that are tested for heavy metal contamination.
- Read the labels, especially the other ingredients list.
Try vitamin patches. They are a healthier and safer way to get your daily dose of vitamins.