Without the safety of genetically-modified organisms being established by long-term research, many consumers are avoiding them in their food. However, they may not have considered the wisdom of choosing organic non GMO supplements as well. Many nutrients that make up vitamin and mineral formulas actually come from food; with the growing number of bio-engineered plants and animals, screening everything meant to enhance health may be helpful.
Fortunately, there's a way to feel safe, as long as the manufacturer is reputable. The term 'organic' is one used to designate an organically-produced foodstuff. Therefore, any supplement so labeled should be food-based (which means it's made entirely from materials considered edible). No product with this label can legally contain genetically-modified ingredients. There's a limited selection of certified nutritional supplements on the market.
Although there are not many producers, the ones that do offer products made from food that is organically grown and processed offer a full range of products. Consumers should not feel limited, since they should be able to get all that they need. Both single nutrients and multi-vitamin and mineral formulas are marketed.
Of course, single nutrients can be most easily checked. It's the multi-vitamins and formulas that are harder to evaluate with independent research. For this reason, concerned consumers will want to find companies on whose integrity they can rely. Third-party testing, certification, and rating is important when deciding what to purchase and take regularly. Most reputable companies will have toll-free numbers for customer contact, as well as maintaining user-friendly websites.
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.
There is another point to consider, as well. Not all companies produce their raw materials, instead obtaining them from outside sources. This makes assessing purity harder. The organic certification is not easily won, and this designation means that the producer has gone to extraordinary lengths to offer a pure, safe, and effective product line.
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.
Fortunately, there's a way to feel safe, as long as the manufacturer is reputable. The term 'organic' is one used to designate an organically-produced foodstuff. Therefore, any supplement so labeled should be food-based (which means it's made entirely from materials considered edible). No product with this label can legally contain genetically-modified ingredients. There's a limited selection of certified nutritional supplements on the market.
Although there are not many producers, the ones that do offer products made from food that is organically grown and processed offer a full range of products. Consumers should not feel limited, since they should be able to get all that they need. Both single nutrients and multi-vitamin and mineral formulas are marketed.
Of course, single nutrients can be most easily checked. It's the multi-vitamins and formulas that are harder to evaluate with independent research. For this reason, concerned consumers will want to find companies on whose integrity they can rely. Third-party testing, certification, and rating is important when deciding what to purchase and take regularly. Most reputable companies will have toll-free numbers for customer contact, as well as maintaining user-friendly websites.
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.
There is another point to consider, as well. Not all companies produce their raw materials, instead obtaining them from outside sources. This makes assessing purity harder. The organic certification is not easily won, and this designation means that the producer has gone to extraordinary lengths to offer a pure, safe, and effective product line.
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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