Finding Organic Non GMO Supplements

By Colette Foreman


Today, many consumers prefer to avoid genetically modified foods until the research is in to show that they are safe. However, even these cautious people may not have thought of making sure they get organic non GMO supplements. Since food is one source of vitamins and minerals, and because other things than foods are genetically modified, it may be important to screen all dietary substances.

There is a short-cut to checking. The label 'organic' should mean that nothing other than organically-raised and processed ingredients are in a product. Since the 'organic' designation is used only for food, this would mean that the supplement is food-based and contains only certified food and edible herbs or other plants. Not many companies in the United States produce such products, so the choice is limited.

Although few companies produce all-organic, food-based formulas, this doesn't mean consumers can't get what they want and need. The companies that have this philosophy market a full product line, with daily multi-vitamins and more specific formulas to target such things as inflammation, joint problems, hormone deficiencies, and stress-related anxiety.

The best thing for concerned supplement users to do is to find a company that has earned the trust of the nutritional and alternative healing community. It's not hard to check out the certifying associations and the qualities superior products exhibit. Third-party testing and certification is important, as well as checking with the manufacturer themselves for answers to questions.

Of course, a GMO-free logo on the label helps, as well. Many consumer groups would like to see the opposite - GMO content - labeled, but this is not a legal requirement. Many manufacturers will have the fact that their products are free of such altered substances prominently displayed on the label to help careful consumers know their products fit their needs.

Since many companies buy their raw materials from outside sources, this makes it even harder to get assurances of complete quality control and purity. There are manufacturers who test every batch of wild-crafted herbs, for instance, or other purchased raw materials to ensure they are both pure and potent. The integrity of the manufacturer is the consumer's safe-guard, so this must be checked out thoroughly.

People may feel that the small amount of active ingredient in supplement form means that the dangers are likewise small. This may be true. However, most effective products are used for the good they will do and are not cheap. Having questionable ingredients may mean that the nutrients will not function as expected, so getting less than expected is money down the drain. Even if no harm is done, no good may be done either.

The research is not definitive yet, so no one really knows what introducing GMOs into the food supply and the environment is doing. The decline of honey bees and butterflies worries many, even though this has not been officially linked to the biochemical industry. In the meantime, consumers may want to err on the side of caution and avoid any but 100% organic supplements. Without mandatory truth in labeling, there is no other way to be certain of what is in a bottle or package.




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