Daily Archives: June 24, 2020

The path for foods and beverages can be addressed later, argued CRN president and CEO Steve Mister, a position that did not sit well with some CBD-infused beverage brands that say both categories can safely be accommodated using current regulatory frameworks.

Our petition does not mention foods and beverages one way or the other, Mister told FoodNavigator-USA.

If you look at the report FDA filed in Congress back in March,it was clear that it had significant concerns around foods and beverages as opposed to supplements [read more about this here].

We felt it was more important to start the path by getting dietary supplements recognized and then well deal with food later. Were not ignoring the issue, but we think FDA has the data to deal with supplements now and get recognized very quickly, and then well deal with food.

While he acknowledged that citizens petitions can languish in the FDAs in-tray for years,* Mister said thispetitionwas designed to put a stake in the ground.

The legislative prong is the much more prominent piece of what were doing right now, but often when we talk to people on Capitol Hill, they say, have you really engaged with the agency?

CRN agrees with the FDA that CBD products should be safe, manufactured in a manner that ensures product quality, and marketed without the use of unauthorized disease claims, stressed Mister.

But these goals can easily be accomplished by permitting them to be sold legally as supplements and as such, making them subject to existing safety requirements governing such products, he said.

As such, each unique manufacturer of a CBD-containing ingredient would be required to file its own new dietary ingredient notification (NDIN) proving product safety; products would have to be manufactured using good manufacturing practices (GMPs) in FDA-registered facilities; firms would have to follow adverse event reporting requirements, and products would have to be labeled in compliance with FDA regulations.

Congress and industry have repeatedly requested that FDA use this authority to allow CBD to be a legal ingredient in dietary supplements, consistent with the intent of Congress in legalizing hemp. If ever there was an appropriate time for FDA to use this authority, the time is now.

Steve Mister, president & CEO, CRN

A safe level of CBD does not need to be predetermined before a rulemaking process can commence, as the regulatory framework already exists to ensure the safety of supplements through existing statutory provisions and regulations, added Mister, noting that regulatory bodies in other countries have already set daily upper dose limits.

By not acting to create a regulatory framework for CBD in dietary supplements, FDA is, in effect, creating a sweeping monopoly over CBD for drug use. This is not what Congress intended.

The CRN's petition(which only covers hemp-plant-derived ingredients and not CBD produced via other means such as microbial fermentation or synthetic cannabinoids) urges the FDA to do three things:

(1) Establish a regulation under which hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) may be legally marketed as a dietary ingredient, spelling out that an 'exclusionary' provision in the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act that says ingredients cant be marketed in foods/supplements if they were first investigated as a drug does not apply to CBD.

(2) Clarify when a hemp-derived substance is subject to the exclusionary provision. To date, the FDA has not spelled out what it actually means by CBD, said Mister, which means its possible that broad/full spectrum are already legitimate dietary ingredients if the article the FDA describes as 'CBD' is the kind of highly purified CBD isolate used in drug trials.

Developing guidance distinguishing CBD isolate from other forms, would immediately allow companies to market non-isolate forms of CBD products in compliance with all FDA requirements, including by submitting new dietary ingredient notifications," said Mister."Currently it is unclear if a company were to submit such an NDI notification for a hemp-extract product, whether the notification would be rejected because the agency has not yet considered this definitional issue.

That said, he stressed, the CRNwould like to have all CBD products [ie. broad/full spectrum extracts and isolates]recognized as dietary supplements.

(3) Enforce existing dietary supplement regulations with respect to CBD-containing products being marketed as dietary supplements.

The longer the agency waits to act, said Mister, the more complicated and uncontrollable the space can become.

Numerous states are already moving to protect their own citizens with state-based requirements and restrictions that further encumber the likelihood of a single, federally uniform CBD marketplace, while a growing number of consumer class-action lawsuits being brought against CBD manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, further muddy the legal status of CBD.

FDA has ample safety data in front of it to act; the agency must act quickly so it can effectively remove unsafe or illegal products and ingredients from the market and protect consumers and responsible companies in the space.

In a June 17letter to lawmakers,however, theConsumer Federation of America, Consumer Reports, the Public Health Institute, and the Center for Science in the Public Interest argued that pushing the FDA to act on CBD before it has adequate data, or bypassing the agency altogether by pushing Congress to come up with a legislative work-around would be a huge mistake.

"Apolitical decision to legislatively override a careful and scientific evaluation of CBD safety would create terrible precedent."

While the CRN is not saying CBD shouldn't be regulated, in fact quite the opposite says Mister, the CSPI et al claim that existing frameworks are "broken" and inadequate when it comes to introducing new ingredients to foods and supplements via the GRAS or NDI process.

Right now, the FDA says CBD cannot be added to foods or supplements as it was first investigated as a drug, although FDA commissioner Dr Stephen Hahn also conceded it would be a fools gameto try and shut down the market, a situation many brands claim has left themstuck between a rock and a hard place.

Jonathan Miller, general counsel for the industry-backed US Hemp Roundtable,(which counts among its members beverage brands such as Recess and VYBES and supplement brands including Charlottes Web and CV Sciences) said: "We havent had a chance to fully digest the petition but we certainly support CRNs end goal - to force FDA to recognize and regulate CBD as soon as possible."

He added: Right now theres a cloud hanging over the industry. Our hope is that Congress will step in and require the FDA to act immediately.

The simplest way forward right now would be to add wording to an upcoming appropriations bill that would clear a path forward for CBD in supplements and foods/beverages and spell out that brands must comply with existing regulatory frameworks, he said.

If we wait for a formal rulemaking and comment process, he claimed, We could have 2-3 years of more bankruptcies and class action lawsuits and struggling farmers and products that dont meet regulatory standards on the market. Its one of the few bipartisan issues out there. Mitch McConnell is deeply committed to do whats best for Kentucky hemp farmers, so if he thinks this is something that can be done hell find the right vehicle.

Meanwhile, ensuring beverages/foods are permitted along with supplements is critically important for many US Hemp Roundtable members, he said, noting that the market for supplements alone is limited: Prices for hemp have plummeted because of this reduced demand. As an industry we strongly believe that CBD is safe both in supplements and foods.

Right now big food companies are on the sidelines with CBD because they know that if the FDA [and/or plaintiffs attorneys] comes after anyone, theyll come after the big guys. And big box stores are not willing to sell these products, so as a result, youve seen hemp prices plummet.

Ben Witte, founder and CEO of hemp-infused beverage brand Recess,said many people prefer to enjoy CBD via beverages, which he said make it easy to track daily consumption as each can/bottle spells out how much CBD they contain on the front of pack, whereas it can be hard to know how much CBD youre getting if youre using a dropper.

Arguments from some supplement brands that CBD belongs in tinctures and capsules but not in beverages or foods were "a bit self-serving," he claimed. "The supplement industry is very loud, and the big CPG industry is on the sidelines, and not actively lobbying in the same way as the supplement companies, but this [allowing hemp extracts in beverages and foods as well as supplements]is one of the easiest things you could do to stimulate the economy.

"Hemp farmers need beverages[to be permitted as a delivery vehicle for CBD]in order for hemp to become a viable crop for them. The market just for oils and tinctures is not big enough. The farmers feel like we're only 50% of the way there, and everyone recognizes that the status quo is not sustainable. And it's not because the demand isn't there."

While CV Sciences has argued that food/supplement companies should avoid the use of isolated cannabinoids and leave them to pharmaceutical companies, Jonathan Eppers, founder and CEO ofVYBES,a beverage brand infused with 25mg of water soluble CBD isolate, said there was no reason that isolates should be pharma-only.

Many beverage companies prefer to use isolates because they can make it easier to ensure a consistent product, and don't present as many sensory/taste challenges as full/broad spectrum hemp extracts that contain terpenes and other components, added Eppers.

"You know exactly what you're getting when you consume our beverages," added Eppers, who has seen a significant boost in direct to consumer sales after reducing prices, offering smaller packs (six instead of 12 bottles), and offering free same-day delivery in select markets to drive trial.

His comments were echoed by Justin Singer, CEO atCaliper Foods,which is using 20mg of water-soluble CBD isolate in his drink mixes.

Arguing that isolates belong in drugs, while full- or broad-spectrum hemp extracts belong in foods/supplements is"like arguing that penicillin on its own should be illegal, but penicillin plus three other antibiotics that we dont know much about should be legal," he told us in a recent interview."It doesnt make any sense.

"Hemp extracts still contain CBD. The fact that they also contain other things doesnt make them safer. Isolates can be characterized and analyzed and you know whats in there, whereas the full spectrum stuff, you dont know whats in there, and if youre not looking for it, you dont find it.

*The FDA is required to respond to citizens petitions within 180 days. However, a response often takes the form of simply acknowledging receipt, and the agency is not required to respond with more substantive action within a given timeframe.

More here:

CRN files petition proposing way forward for CBD supplements; leaves foods/beverages to be dealt with 'later' - FoodNavigator-USA.com

This article discusses recent updates on US trade policy issues in the dietary supplement industry. It focuses on the trading relationship between the US and its largest trading partners, including China, and analyzes the ongoing effects of current trade policies on companies that produce, buy, and sell dietary supplements. The authors discuss tools available to US companies to reduce financial liability when trade policies are evolving at a rapid pace.IntroductionUS trade policy has been anything but quiet in recent years. The current administration is focused on trade as a central component of its economic policy and has relied on trade tools and policies that had been dormant for decades. The administration describes its approach as making fundamental changes to US trade policy to benefit US companies and workers including reshoring supply chains, encouraging US companies to reduce their business in China, and ensuring that there is significant capacity to produce articles that touch on national security, including medicines, steel, and aluminum.1In the last two years, these trade tools have included the application of tariffs on imports of numerous Chinese goods under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, an updated United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement that replaces the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement between the three countries, and a phase one trade agreement between the US and China.2 The administrations 2020 trade agenda promises more changes to US trade policies, including increased enforcement of trade laws and agreements; potential new trade agreements with the United Kingdom, European Union (EU), and Japan; and further negotiations with China for an anticipated phase two trade agreement. For US companies, a rapidly evolving trade landscape could be a double-edged sword in that it presents novel opportunities for companies in the US and abroad but also creates a degree of uncertainty that must be taken into account.The US-China trade relationshipThe relationship between the US and China is currently center stage in trade policy. After years of negotiations on various trade frictions, the two countries announced a phase one trade agreement in January 2020 that creates new obligations by China regarding patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and pharmaceutical-related intellectual property and enhances enforcement against counterfeit goods.3 The Phase One Agreement also contains important implications for US companies doing business in China because it prohibits China from pressuring US companies to turn over their technologies as a condition of market access, business advantages, or any licensing approvals.4 This deal will have wide-reaching effects for US and Chinese companies and it lays the groundwork for a phase two deal in the future.Ongoing negotiations between the US and China will have long-lasting effects for dietary supplement companies that import Chinese goods or export to China. For example, 80% of the raw material ingredients used to produce US manufactured vitamins and dietary supplements originate in China.5 Chapter 3 of the Phase One Agreement is devoted to trade in food and agricultural products, and requires China to create a regulatory process that will facilitate US exports to China of various agricultural products, including certain dietary supplements.6 The Phase One Agreement also increases market access opportunities in China for certain US dietary products, such as fish oil. China committed to increasing imports of US goods over the next two years by at least $200 billion, from the 2017 baseline value. The list of products China committed to import as part of that increased value includes essential oils, various types of seeds (oil, flax, sunflower, colza), spices (cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, saffron, turmeric, and others), natural gums and resins, vegetable saps and extracts, and other extracts and concentrates.7 This creates new opportunities for US companies that export these products to have more predictable and reliable supply chains to sell to Chinas growing market.Tariffs on US imports of Chinese goods, and retaliatory tariffs imposed by the China government on imports of US goods, remain largely in place, even though the two countries reached the Phase One Agreement. This includes 25% tariffs on US imports of certain essential oils, fish oils, numerous acids, salts, and compounds from China classified under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule Chapter 29 (Organic Chemical).8 Likewise, US companies that export dietary supplements to China face various retaliatory tariffs. In response to US tariffs, China has placed tariffs ranging from 5%-25% on thousands of US products, including animal and fish oils; certain extracts; various chemicals used in vitamins, food, and medicine; medicinal capsules; and plants used in medicines.9 The extent to which the US industry relies on raw materials from China has been a source of concern for US companies. For example, the Natural Product Association testified at a June 2019 hearing held by the Office of the US Trade Representative to address challenges faced by small- and medium-sized US companies that source from China.10 On the whole, the tariffs remain in place at this time, even though several companies have sought and received product-specific exclusions from them.11The duration of these tariffs remains uncertain. During negotiations for the Phase One Agreement, Chinese officials lobbied to have US duties on Chinese imports lifted, but the US agreed to reduce tariffs on a specific tranche of goods only.12 Negotiations for a phase two agreement were expected to continue immediately after the Phase One Agreement was signed, but the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant delay in talks until further notice. A phase two agreement is expected to cover a range of issues, including the Chinese governments provision of subsidies to domestic industries, intellectual property violations and enforcement of those violations, and forced technology transfer as a condition for access to Chinas market.Tariffs on imports from the EUA separate set of tariffs, stemming from the long-standing World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute between the US and the EU, affects US companies doing business in an EU member country. The dispute stems from the EUs provision of subsidies to aircraft manufacturer Airbus and has, for years, been the source of tariffs on US goods imported into the EU and EU goods imported into the US.Most recently, the US issued a new set of tariffs on EU imports after a WTO panel determined in October 2019 that the US was entitled to impose countermeasures against the EU for subsidies provided to Airbus.13 Although the WTO panel determined that the Airbus subsidies caused lost sales and revenues to the US aircraft industry, its ruling does not limit the US to imposing countermeasures (e.g., tariffs) to any particular industry or product. In previous years, the US has imposed duties on EU imports on a rotating, or so-called carrousel, basis, whereby products were subject to duties for a certain period and then removed from the tariff list. In April 2019, the US proposed applying additional duties to a range of EU imports, including various essential oils (orange, lemon, grapefruit, peppermint, eucalyptus, and others), concentrates of essential oils, and resinoids.14 Ultimately, and after much input from the industry including comments submitted by the Council for Responsible Nutrition explaining that many US companies source key raw ingredients from the EU15 none of those items were included on the final list of Section 301 duties for EU imports that is currently in effect.16 The duties went into effect on 18 October 2019, and will remain in effect until further notice.17Country of origin and marking issues for importsAs companies evaluate their supply chains in the midst of this new trade landscape, one option available to any US company is to confirm the country of origin of products it imports from overseas. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is experiencing an enormous uptick in requests for country-of-origin rulings from US companies. For decades, companies have requested country-of-origin determinations for imported products made of component parts from various countries or processed in a third country before entering the US. The country of origin of an imported product is more relevant than ever today because of the varying tariff levels that apply to imports depending on product and country. Since the Section 301 duties applicable to most Chinese imports went into effect in 2018, CBP has issued hundreds of country-of-origin rulings to advise companies whether their imported products are subject to tariffs. The correct classification of imports is crucial to businesses for financial and liability purposes.For example, if fish oil capsules are made of fish oil that is sourced and processed in Peru and is then shipped to China, where the fish oil is placed in capsules, should those fish oil capsules be labeled as a product of Peru or China when they are imported to the US? CBP answered that question in August 2019 and determined that the fish oil capsules should be marked with Peru as the country of origin.18 In its ruling, CBP explained that the fish oil retains its chemical and physical properties throughout the production process and is merely put into the capsules for dosage in China. For that reason, no substantial transformation of the fish oil occurs in China, and Peru remains the country of origin of the final product. CBP has confirmed in other rulings that the country from which the fish oil is sourced is the country of origin for fish oil capsules, even if the encapsulation process occurs in a third country before the product is imported into the US.19CBP has concluded that a substantial transformation occurs in cases where the processing performed in a third country, or in the US prior to sale, is more involved or complicated. For example, in 2018, CBP considered the country of origin for three different multivitamins.20 In 2018, CBP considered the country of origin for three different multivitamins.20 The multivitamins contained raw material ingredients from numerous countries, including China, India, Spain, Malaysia, Brazil, and the US. The raw materials were all imported into the US, where they were processed into multivitamins at a production facility in Michigan. CBP found that the combining and mixing of the raw materials in the US was substantial because each of the raw materials loses its original identity when combined to create a new finished product, the multivitamins. The multivitamins were, therefore, a product of the US. In another 2019 ruling, however, CBP found that a vitamin product whose active ingredient was sourced in Switzerland, imported to India to be mixed with inactive ingredients, then imported into the US, had Switzerland as the country of origin.21 CBP continues to process hundreds of country-of-origin requests as companies evaluate how to optimize the competitiveness of their production process and supply chain given the current trade climate.ConclusionWhere does this leave US companies? The industry has been vocal about the impact of current trade policies on dietary supplement companies. The dust has settled in certain respects, in that companies understand the impact of tariffs that have now been in place for a couple of years, but there are likely to be further changes ahead. Once the US emerges from dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, companies can expect trade to return to being a top priority. US-China trade negotiations will continue, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will be implemented, and new trade agreements will be negotiated all of which will require successful companies to understand the applicable rules and how to structure their operations within those rules to maximize the ability to compete.AbbreviationsCBP, Customs and Border Protection; EU, European Union; HTS, harmonized tariff schedule; USTR, US Trade Representative; WTO, World Trade Organization.References

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Update on trade issues affecting the dietary supplement industry - Regulatory Focus

The pet nutrition market is undergoing a shift that mirrors recent trends in the human market. As more consumers become conscious of their own diets, they are also increasingly asking questions about what theyre feeding their pets and searching for ingredients on par with what they would consume themselves. Data from Nielsen indicate that in 2018, American consumers spent $33 million on pet food that contains human-grade ingredients.1 Meanwhile, the U.S. pet supplement market reached a value of $636 million in 2018, according to Packaged Facts.2

Pet owners are scrutinizing pet products more closely. Whether theyre looking for a dietary remedy for a condition, responding to a pets allergy, or simply seeking out more nutritious pet food, consumers are judging pet foods and pet supplements on nutritional content, functional benefits, composition and filler, and even packaging. As demand for healthier pet products continues to grow, formulators are expanding their product lines with clean-label and functional ingredients that pet owners can feel good about buying. Here are some of the ways that formulators are changing their products to appeal to health-conscious pet owners.

Curcumin Increasingly Popular for Joint Health

Functional benefits are driving the pet health market, and one of the most popular functions that consumers seek out is anti-inflammation activity for joint health. Joint pain is among the most common health problems that pets face. One cross-sectional observational study of radiographic images from 100 cats found that 91% of cats suffer from a degenerative joint disease, such as osteoarthritis, in at least one joint. The study also found that while there is a strong correlation between age and prevalence of osteoarthritis, even young cats are susceptible to the disease.3

Leisha Jenkins, marketing associate for Verdure Sciences (Noblesville, IN), says that joint health and motor function support are some of the functions driving interest in turmeric and curcumin products for animal health. Jenkins says that joint health is increasingly becoming a top concern for the equine market. Larger animals like horses tend to be more prone to joint problems, Jenkins notes, and also require larger doses. The equine market is seeking solutions for inflammation and joint health because of the propensity of joint injuries and joint issues in horses, Jenkins says.

She continues: For large animals like horses, price per dose becomes a concern for added functional ingredients, which is why her companys curcumin, Longvida, offers a dose that is attractive and manageable for owners. There may be a significant opportunity in the equine market for an added ingredient that specifically targets issues like lameness, joint health, and inflammation.

Curcumins performance in clinical trials is fueling its rise in popularity for joint health applications. One 2012 animal study on 18 kennel dogs examined the effects of curcumin and NSAIDs on the genetic expression of peripheral white blood cells in cases of osteoarthritis. The dogs were divided into two randomly assigned groups of dogs with osteoarthritis (n=6 and n=6) and one group of healthy dogs (n=6). The osteoarthritis groups were given either a twice-daily 4 mg/kg dose of curcumin, or a 5 mg/kg/day dose of the NSAID firocoxib, for 20 days. The control group did not receive any drug or supplement. Blood samples on all three groups were taken at baseline and after 20 days.

The study authors found that curcumin and firocoxib had similar effects on gene markers for osteoarthritis. However, curcumin specifically targeted the interleukin-18 pathway, while firocoxib did not. The study authors concluded that this different mechanism of action makes curcumin an effective complementary remedy.4 The curcumin ingredient used in this study is a curcumin phytosome ingredient called CurcuVET from supplier Indena S.p.A. (Milan, Italy).

Verdures Jenkins says that curcumin is being incorporated in several pet formulations, and formulators are increasingly targeting functional ingredients toward specific health applications. Branded ingredients in particular, she says, are becoming popular among finished-product formulators. Incorporating branded ingredients into a product is another way to offer consumers an additional layer of confidence, she says. Branded ingredients offer a layer of consistency and quality to support clean, reliable ingredients.

Specialty Formulations Target Working & Competitive Animals

One emerging extension of the pet health market that is driving significant innovation is the professional animal market. Competitive animals like racehorses, as well as working animals like search and rescue dogs, have specific nutritional needs beyond those of house pets. Clinical data is showing that there may be benefits in tailoring specialty formulations to these kinds of animals.

One 2017 animal trial followed 16 search and rescue dogs for three months. The dogs were fed a high-protein, energy-dense diet according to each dogs nutritional requirements based on body condition, body weight, and training activity. However, the dogs were randomly assigned to receive a diet that was either high (n=8) or low (n=8) in EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, chondroitin sulphate, and glucosamine. All of the dogs were given hematology and clinical chemistry blood analysis tests, as well as lameness and joint pain evaluations, at baseline and once every 30 days. After three months, the dogs in the high-supplementation diet group showed higher values of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and PCV/hematocrit relative to those on the low-supplementation diet. The study authors concluded that a high-supplementation diet may increase energy production during exercise and therefore improve dog performance during search and rescue tasks.5

Michael Crabtree, ND, director of scientific affairs for Bioenergy Life Science (BLS; Ham Lake, MN), says that protein-based fortification and supplementation is an effective means of improving diet for animals that struggle to meet their daily dietary requirements. Food manufacturers often think in terms of vitamin fortification, which involves adding nutrients back in after processing, he says. But what isnt usually discussed is the impoverishment of the energy content of food after processing. Adding high-energy molecules like D-ribose, vitamin B3, electrolytes, or CoQ10 provides a distinct advantage.

Crabtree says that energy and protein fortification could be an effective and budget-conscious way to ensure that high-activity animals meet their daily nutritional intake requirements. His colleague, Vice President of Sales Marianne McDonagh, adds that functional ingredients like Bioenergys branded D-ribose are continuing to expand into the animal market for this exact reason. BLS entered the equine performance market years ago, and we saw a lot of racehorse owners using Bioenergy Ribose for performance, recovery, and endurance. The success of that market prompted us to invest more research into animal nutrition, and last year we announced our decision to enter the pet nutrition market and help dogs, cats, and other animals around the world.

Grain-Free Fiber to Support Digestion

Pet foods are increasingly diversifying their functional claims, with specific SKUs now tailored for specific purposes. Sandra Perryman, director of quality, food safety, and co-manufacturing for pet food company I and love and you (Boulder, CO), says that there is a growing demand for customized pet food formulations that support particular life stages, breeds, or aspects of health.

Foods that resonate with consumers contain ingredients that serve a purpose, Perryman says. For example, miscanthus grass is an alternative fiber source that is showing promise for digestive health support in dogs and cats. Miscanthus grass could serve as a substitute for cellulose or beet pulp in formulations.

Perryman says that consumers are also seeking out pet food products that contain real meat, are grain-free, and consist of raw ingredients. Real meat, she says, provides essential nutrients and amino acids for dogs and cats that are often difficult to find from other sources. She notes that grain-free cat food is an essential requirement, as cats are obligate carnivores. For dogs, though, grain-free food is ideal for a dog with a grain allergy or intolerance. As for raw foods, consumers are looking for trustworthy brands that take the proper precautions.

Many raw pet foods can be risky due to a higher risk of illness from salmonella, Perryman says. Our Stir & Boom product uses meat that is considered to be raw, but undergoes a proprietary high-pressure pasteurization process designed to reduce the risk of salmonella contamination.

Pet Owners Go Online for Human-Quality Ingredients

While pet supplement usage is growing, pet owners are increasingly treating pet food as a first line of defense against various pet ailments. Functional ingredients are showing up in products with preventative, maintenance, and treatment claims for specific areas of pet health. Patrick Luchsinger, marketing manager, nutrition and pet food, for Ingredion (Westchester, IL), says that manufacturers are seeing an explosion in online sales. There has been huge growth in online pet food sales, both on websites like Amazon as well as pet-specific shopping sites. Pet owners are using the Internet to become more informed on pet care, including how the latest ingredients can meet their pets changing health and wellness needs.

Luchsinger points to the humanization of pets as a strong driving force behind consumers buying habits. Consumers are increasingly perceiving their pets to be members of their family, he says, and are consequently including their pets in their lifestyle choices. As many consumers consider themselves to be parents to their pets, they are feeding their pets high-quality food with clean-label ingredients like pea protein. Human eating trends like clean eating and non-GMO are consistently trickling over into pet foods, as pet parents want their pets diets to match their own diets.

Pet Ingredients Offer Opportunities for Brands

Consumers now view pets as members of their families. As pet parents seek out natural, clean-label nutritional products for themselves, they will also look for those same trends in their pets food and supplements. Formulators and finished-product brands can capitalize on this trend by creating and marketing specialty products with human-quality ingredients, zero fillers, and specific, research-validated functional claims.

Sidebar: Digestion & Immune Health Are Top Consumer Concerns

Patrick Luchsinger, marketing manager, nutrition and pet food, for Ingredion (Westchester, IL), says that the top functional concerns for pet owners include healthy digestion and immune health. Consumers, he says, are actively seeking out products like Ingredions branded Fortifeed, a short-chain fructooligosaccharide (scFOS) and prebiotic soluble fiber designed to boost digestive health.

Sidebar: Algorithms Lead to Smarter Formulations

Data and tech are now enabling brands to create custom pet health formulations. Direct-to-consumer brand Goodboy (Atlanta, GA), for instance, uses a computer algorithm to formulate customized functional supplements according to breed, age, gender, and weight.

Sidebar: Sustainability Initiatives in Pet Supplements

Some pet health brands are moving toward sustainable packaging materials. Late last year, PureForm Pet Health Supplements (Chilliwack, BC, Canada) introduced the pet health industrys first biodegradable canister and compostable shipping packaging.6

Excerpt from:

Pet nutrition's transformation: Pet food and supplements are getting healthier - Nutritional Outlook

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Heres our process.

Zinc is an essential micronutrient thats needed for numerous functions in your body. Its also important for a strong immune system and helps keep your skin, eyes, and heart healthy (1, 2, 3, 4).

While there are many food sources of zinc, including meat and shellfish, some people may be at a higher risk of not getting enough zinc in their diets (5).

For example, those with inadequate access to food, pregnant or breastfeeding women, vegetarians and vegans, people with gastrointestinal disorders, and individuals taking certain medications like diuretics and anticonvulsants may benefit from a zinc supplement (5, 6, 7).

The zinc supplements in this review are all manufactured by reputable companies that follow Good Manufacturing Processes (GMP), use high quality ingredients, and test for purity and quality.

Here are the 10 best zinc supplements to help you meet your nutritional needs.

Price: $

Thorne Research is a supplement company that has its own dedicated scientists, labs, and research facilities for nutrition supplements.

All of their products are made in a lab that meets regulations and standards set by NSF International and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which is a regulatory body in Australia thats responsible for assessing the safety of supplements.

Furthermore, their products are NSF Certified for Sport. This means that the products are tested to ensure the absence of more than 200 substances banned by many major athletic organizations.

Thorne Researchs Zinc Picolinate is one of the best zinc supplements on the market due to the companys high quality standards, purity of ingredients, and form of zinc used.

Older research suggests that zinc picolinate may be one of the easiest forms of zinc for your body to digest and absorb (8).

One tablet of this supplement provides 30 mg of zinc picolinate. For best results take one tablet per day, or as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Shop for Thorne Researchs Zinc Picolinate online.

Price: $

Chelated zinc is a type of zinc supplement that uses a chelating agent to help your body absorb zinc more easily.

While there are several chelated zinc supplements on the market, one of the best options is NOW Foods Zinc Glycinate softgels.

Each softgel contains 30 mg of zinc glycinate a form of zinc that human and animal studies suggest may be better absorbed than other types of zinc. (9, 10).

All NOW Foods supplements are certified by Underwriters Laboratories and follow GMP to ensure the quality and accuracy of their products. Additionally, these supplements tend to be more affordable than many other high quality brands.

Shop for NOW Foods Zinc Glycinate Softgels online.

Natures Way produces high quality supplements that are more affordable than many other brands on the market.

All of their supplements are manufactured in facilities that NSF has certified as meeting GMP requirements, which include a set of guidelines to ensure accuracy, quality, and purity of products.

In addition, their products are non-GMO, organic, and TRU-ID certified. TRU-ID certification is a relatively new independent testing program that uses DNA to verify the authenticity of ingredients in supplements.

For zinc products, Natures Way offers zinc chelate capsules and zinc lozenges, both of which are budget-friendly.

Price: $

These zinc chelate capsules are gluten-free and provide 30 mg per capsule.

For best results, adults and adolescents over the age of 14 should take one capsule daily with food, or as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Shop for Natures Way Zinc Chelate Tablets online.

200

Price: $

For those interested in lozenges, each of Natures Ways Zinc Lozenges provides 23 mg of zinc, as well as 100 mg of vitamin C and 20 mg of Echinacea purpurea.

Although the label suggests that adults can take up to 6 lozenges per day, this would push your daily zinc intake way over the suggested 40-mg tolerable upper intake level (UL) set for zinc (11).

Taking too much zinc can have adverse effects on your health and may interfere with the absorption of other nutrients. Its important that you check with your healthcare provider before taking high dose zinc supplements to ensure safety.

Shop for Natures Way Zinc Lozenges online.

Price: $$

While its not always obvious, some supplements can contain animal-derived ingredients, making the product unsuitable for vegans.

Some commonly used ingredients that arent vegan-friendly include digestive enzymes like lipase, caprylic acid from milk, gelatin, and magnesium stearate, which is often pork-derived.

Garden of Life is a whole-foods-based supplement brand with products that are certified organic and non-GMO verified.

Their Vitamin Code Raw Zinc is a good option for vegans, as its third-party tested to ensure the product is vegan, as well as gluten-free.

In addition to providing 30 mg of plant-based zinc, each serving also contains vitamin C, a raw organic fruit and vegetable blend, and live probiotics and enzymes to support healthy digestion.

Its recommended that adults take one serving of 2 capsules per day with or without meals. For those who have difficulty swallowing pills, the capsules can also be opened to pour the contents into a glass of water or other beverage.

Shop for Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Zinc online.

For those who have difficulty swallowing pills, liquid forms of zinc may be better tolerated.

Price: $$$

Metagenics is a supplement company devoted to transparency and quality. Each ingredient and supplement batch is tested for quality, and you can even access a detailed testing report for the specific supplement youre looking to buy.

As part of their quality assurance, all Metagenics supplements are USP-verified and meet NSF and Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) safety and quality regulations.

Their Zinc Drink liquid supplement contains only water and 15 mg of zinc sulfate per serving, making it free of any additives and preservatives.

For best results, take 1 teaspoon (5 mL) per day of the Zinc Drink between meals. While you can take the supplement on its own, it can also be mixed into a glass of water.

Shop for Metagenics Zinc Drink online.

Price: $$$

Peak Performance supplements are made in the United States and developed for busy athletes and professionals.

In addition to being free of major allergens, including soy, dairy, wheat, egg, shellfish, and peanuts, Peak Performances Raw Ionic Liquid Zinc is also vegan-friendly.

By running zinc through a high pressure, low heat process, the zinc particles in this liquid supplement are very small in size, which may make it easier for your body to absorb.

One full dropper provides 15 mg of zinc sulfate a form of zinc that has been shown to help prevent zinc deficiency, reduce symptoms of severe acne, and possibly help slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (6, 12).

All Peak Performance supplements undergo third-party testing for quality and accuracy. Theyre also manufactured following Food and Drug Administration (FDA), GMP, and NSF regulations and standards.

Adults should take one full dropper (1 mL) once a day on an empty stomach, or use as directed by your healthcare provider.

Shop for Peak Performance Raw Ionic Liquid Zinc online.

Price: $$

Zinc lozenges are small tablets that are meant to dissolve slowly in your mouth. Theyre typically taken for short periods to help reduce the symptoms and duration of the common cold.

In fact, one review found that consuming a dose of 8092 mg of zinc from zinc lozenges per day helped reduce the duration of the common cold by up to 33% (13).

Life Extension has been making high quality supplements for over 40 years.

In addition to being manufactured in an NSF-registered GMP facility, each product has a certificate of analysis thats available for consumers to confirm the quality and accuracy of a specific product.

Life Extensions Enhanced Zinc Lozenges contain 18.75 mg of zinc acetate a form of zinc that has been shown to shorten the duration of colds by up to 40% (13).

Adults can take 1 lozenge every 2 hours up to 8 times a day. However, its not recommended to consume these lozenges for more than 3 days in a row. Also, note that taking this supplement 8 times per day will greatly exceed the daily UL of 40 mg.

Shop for Life Extension Enhanced Zinc Lozenges online.

Price: $$

If youre looking for an organic zinc supplement, NutriGolds Zinc Gold is one of the best options out there.

Each capsule contains 15 mg of whole-foods-based zinc thats derived from an organic sprouted blend, which the supplement claims may be gentler on your stomach.

Additionally, NutritGolds supplements are certified organic by SCS Global Services, an official partner of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that sets sustainability, quality, and organic standards.

Each product is also third-party tested, as well as non-GMO and vegan certified.

Adults should take 1 capsule daily, or as directed by your healthcare provider.

Shop for NutriGold Zinc Gold online.

Price: $

If youre looking for a gluten-free zinc supplement, Pure Encapsulations is one of your best options.

The products are not only made in a facility thats NSF-registered GMP but also certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). Plus, they contain zinc picolinate to optimize digestion and absorption.

For optimal results, its recommended to take one 30-mg zinc picolinate capsule daily with food.

Shop for Pure Encapsulations Zinc online.

When choosing a zinc supplement, its important to consider the type of zinc, dosage, and supplement form.

There are several types of zinc supplements. Some, such as zinc picolinate, may be better absorbed, while zinc acetate may be more effective at shortening the duration of the common cold (8, 13).

As for dosage, the recommended daily dosage for adults is typically 1530 mg of elemental zinc per day. Elemental zinc is generally the amount listed on the label of your supplement (5, 6).

Due to potential side effects of excess zinc, its best not to exceed 40 mg per day unless under medical supervision (11).

Taking too much zinc can cause adverse side effects, such as decreased immune function, low copper levels, and reduced HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

Regarding the form, zinc supplements are available as capsules, lozenges, and liquids. For those who are unable or prefer not to swallow pills, liquid forms are likely a better option.

Before buying any supplement, its important to research high quality, trustworthy brands to ensure both safety and accuracy.

Look for supplements that are produced by reputable manufactures and free of large amounts of added ingredients like fillers, additives, and preservatives.

A good way to ensure the quality of a product is to look for ones that have been certified by a third-party company, such as NSF International or Underwriters Labs.

Zinc is an essential nutrient that you need to get enough of in your diet. However, as not everyone is able to meet their need through foods alone, supplements can help reduce the risk of a zinc deficiency.

Of course, not all supplements are created equal. Its important to look for high quality products that have been tested to ensure quality and accuracy.

If youre concerned about your zinc intake, its worth speaking with your healthcare provider to see if a zinc supplement is a good option, as well as to determine an optimal dose.

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The 10 Best Zinc Supplements of 2020 - Healthline

If theres one star that emerges from this pandemic, it might not just be Dr. Anthony Fauci, but the under-appreciated vitamin D. And while you still need to wear a mask and practice social distancing to avoid exposure to the virus, experts are recommending taking a daily dose of D to be your healthiest now.

This nutrient has been making headlines during the COVID-19 crisis since emerging research showsa link between vitamin D deficiency and the worst of COVID-19 cases.Patients with vitamin D deficiency have the worst outcomes, which hasspurredthe public to starttaking huge doses of D supplements and cause other health complications, from nausea to kidney failure, doctors warn. So how much D is the right amount, and can you get it from sunshine or do you need a daily supplement? Here is the scoop on your D needs.

Vitamin D is making headlines because your body needs it and can't get enough of it on a normal diet. Vitamin D is a hormone-like, fat-soluble vitamin responsible for regulating your bodys uptake and use of calcium, promoting bone mineralization, and supporting a healthy immune function, says Whitney English, M.S., R.D.N., dietitian, and NASM certified personal trainer in Los Angeles.

While calcium absorption is one of its biggest roles, so, too, is the role it plays in the immune system, and for that, vitamin D does two things, adds Elroy Vojdani, M.D., functional medicine pioneer and founder of Regenera Medical in Los Angeles.

First, it boosts the "innate immune system," which is your bodys built-in primary defense against bacterial infections and viruses. Secondly, it enhances the function of dendritic cells, which chomp up bacteria and viruses and present them to be added to the immune system in a processcalled adaptive immune function, which creates antibodies to new threats.

Overall, vitamin D, which is known as a signaling hormone, will boost immune function in the first line of defense and then balance the immune system overall, Vojdani says. This is one reason people with optimal vitamin D status have fewer viral and bacterial infections, English adds. It's also why those with deficiency end up in the worst position when a new virus such as COVID-19 comes along since their immune systemsgo into overdrive trying to fight it off.

Humans are designed to produce vitamin D in their bodies by absorbing sunlight. Yet whether you should seek to get unprotected sun exposure or protected sunlight (through a window) is a controversial topic, says Vojdani. Most people are safe to get unprotected sun for 10 to 20 minutes a day, which is all your body needsto get the recommended daily amount.

The Mayo Clinic recommends that adults get at least the RDA of 600 IU. However, 1,000 to 2,000 IU per day from a supplement is generally considered safe and may have benefits. More than that though, and you risk overdosing.

And while you can get vitamin D from food, theamounts in most food is inadequate to make up the recommended dose. Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D, English says. With the exception of UV-treated mushrooms and fortified plant milk, vitamin D is found in egg yolks, cheese, cod liver oil, beef liver, and fatty fish like tuna, salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel. But the amount of vitamin D in these foods is quite small and if you're following a plant-based diet, you are not eating these at all.

That leaves supplements, as the bestviable option. Vitamin D supplements are just as effective at raising blood levels of active vitamin D as food or sunshine, English says.

Given vitamin Ds impact on the immune system, it makes sense that its snagged headlines through this pandemic. Vitamin D represents an inexpensive and potentially powerful way to help balance the immune system and boost its function, and it has particular application with COVID-19, Vojdani says.

The reasons for the confusion lies in a fact that a lackof D causes the body to go into what's known as immunity overdrive:By analyzing publicly available patient data from around the globe,VadimBackman and his team at Northwesterndiscovered a correlation between vitamin D levels and cytokine stormthe hyperinflammatory condition caused by an overactive immune system that causes severe damage to the lungs and respiratory distress that can lead to death.

Observational studies seem to agree that theres a risk if you have a deficiency. Patients with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to suffer from serious cases of the illness, English says, adding that this doesnt mean that taking supplementary vitamin D when your levels are optimal will result in any added benefit. Too much vitamin D can lead to toxicity which at the extreme can lead to calcification of the heart and blood vessels.

Figuring out how to tackle your vitamin D needs starts with knowing what your vitamin D status is. Thats why you should get your vitamin D levels checked (its a simple blood test) to determine if youre getting enough D from sunlight and your diet, English says.

While theres controversy about optimal vitamin D blood levels, Vojdani believes the general population should be somewhere between 40 and 60 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Somebody with an autoimmune disease or an individual who might have problems defending against viruses should shoot for 60 to 80 ng/mL, but anything above 100 or 120 ng/mL is too high. If youre low, your doctor will most likely recommend a supplement and then recheck your levels in a few weeks.

Because vitamin D deficiency is so widespread, even in sunny spots like southern Californiait means low levels arenotdueto lack of sunlight, Vojdani says its reasonable to supplement, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we make our way to the other end of this pandemic, vitamin D3 should maintain itself as a staple supplementation for the majority of people because I dont think this is our last rodeowith a viral pandemic, he says.

English recommends choosing a supplement with a dosage in line with the RDA which is 600 to 800 IU per day and avoiding high-dose supplements of over 2000 IU. Choose D3 over D2 "Most studies show D3 is more effective at raising blood levels of calcifediol, the active form of vitamin D, Vojdani says. So look for vegan-friendly D3 derived from lichen, a type of microorganism, versus sheepskin.

So what about sunlight? Excessive sun exposure can up your risk of skin cancer, and while these experts recommend supplementation over sunlight, youll have to weigh your risks.

If youre light-skinned and have a significant family history of skin cancer, or have already had it once, you should avoid sun exposure, Vojdani says.For people with darker skin or who have a low risk for skin cancer-that doesnt mean sunning yourself is risk-free. Although obtaining vitamin D through sunshine is how the body is designed, humans are different than they used to be, he adds. People are living longer, and because skin cancer is a cumulative risk, the more you are exposed, the more your lifetime risk goes up.

No matter how you get Vitamin D, just remember that it isnt a silver bullet against experiencing complications from the COVID-19 virus. The best way to avoid COVID-19 is by following safety guidelines, especially by wearing protective face coverings and social distancing, English says.

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Here's the Right Level of Vitamin D to Protect You from COVID-19 - The Beet

Ages ago, when human had no chemicals available, all our ancestors consumed was raw, natural, and healthy. With evolution, we human contaminated our natural food and served chemicals to our bodies. Today, we face many health issues from minor to major, and all those related to our quality of food, lifestyle, and health.However, preserving the fortune of natural food was the idea to initiate this organic movement from Prorganiq that is now taking shape for the dietary supplements. With the introduction of organic dietary supplements, the demand for organic products started marching to the mainstream. People found using organic supplements as the easiest way to meet the vitamin, minerals, and protein and other nutritional requirements of their bodies and improve their health.In accordance with the research, 77% of Americans use dietary supplements to lead a healthy life. It is also found that the highest usage of dietary supplements was found between the ages of 35 to 55. With the gradual increase in demand for organic products, the emergence of brands with organic labels caused little fluster among the people. Not all brands are organic as they say, but few streamlined themselves to help people transform organically or say only through natural ingredients like Prorganiq.Prorganiq is the organic supplement provider that is contributing its best endeavors to transform the world organically and enhance the overall health of the people. Prorganiq portrays the future of organic as nourishing, strengthening, health-giving, and wholesome.Prograniq A brand you can trust to meet your nutritional requirements and enhance your healthProrganic is the brand that cares for the people who prefer a healthy lifestyle and quality of life. Its products are made from the best natural food sources across the world. The brand prioritizes health of its customers and thus ensures to put the wholesome goodness in its products.Prorganiq understands how hard it is to achieve the fitness goals people desire for especially in this world full of chemical ingredients and products with additives. Their range of specialized health supplements will help people to achieve their wellness goals. They also provide a variety of authentic sources of premium, all-natural, and cutting-edge supplements certified by the organic sources. With its endeavors in the production of the organic food supplements to their supply worldwide, Prorganiq works to support optimal wellness, and fitness now and in the future.This organic brand is envisioned to help the world in achieving the optimal health through our wide range of products that include the supplements for fat burning, thyroid support, stress relief, hair strengthening, sugar balancing, immune booster, memory booster, multi-vitamin, testosterone booster, joint pain relief, etc. From controlling your hormones to strengthening your body, Prorganiq works on enhancing the overall health and building a better body using natural herbs and remedies.Prorganic holds the pride of manufacturing all its products in India and in FSSAI registered and GMP approved facilities. On their mission to enhance the quality of health through natural ingredients, it also strives to build trust among our customers through maximum results. It provides the 60-day refund facility to its customers; in case they are skeptical about the usage and results of the products.Summing UpProrganiq products are packs of health and wellness captured in a bottle. The brand provides you only the natural ingredients you need to overcome your health issue and achieve a healthier body. Their products are easy to use, safe, and contain natural ingredients that will help your body feel the best.Prorganiq believes in providing the customers with the Growth, Performance, and Nourishment through their supplements for them to lead a healthy life.Disclaimer: The views, suggestions and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. NoForbes Indiajournalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

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Prorganiq: Transforming The World Organically - Forbes India

Results of checks at the border on food by Belgian and Swiss authorities and French controls on seafood products have revealed varying levels of non-compliance.

In Belgium, the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) inspectors were involved in controls coordinated by the police and customs. Road checks at the Dutch border between mid-April and mid-May looked at the transport and import of food, feed, and live animals.

Refrigerated trucks, vehicles transporting animals, and cars were checked. From 20 road controls and 621 vehicles, one or more violations were found in 112 vehicles.

Products and animals transported without a health certificate have been returned to the Netherlands. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) is responsible for monitoring these non-compliances.

Almost 20 percent non-compliantA total of 18 percent of vehicles checked were non-compliant in relation to food safety. This led to 112 reports and destruction of around 18 tons of seized food.

Most violations related to failure to comply with the cold or hot chain which can cause food poisoning for consumers. A lack of traceability data for transported foodstuffs such as no labeling or commercial documents was also a problem. In one vehicle, non-compliant foodstuffs were intended for a Belgian company that did not have FASFC approval.

In April, it was revealed almost 4,500 kilograms of food such as meat, fish, and cheese was confiscated by the Belgian food safety agency. In 2018, 591 roadside checks were done with an 11.5 percent rate of non-compliance and in 2019, 800 vehicles were checked with a 10 percent rate of non-compliance.

Swiss control findingsIn Switzerland, almost a quarter of 428 samples in 2019 did not comply with the law.

From official border checks on food of plant origin and everyday items, 100, or 23 percent, were challenged by food authorities compared to only 13 percent in 2018. After such a challenge, the costs of analyzes are invoiced to the establishments concerned and legal measures taken.

The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO)said the number of samples is too small to draw conclusions as to the conformity of all imported products. Samples were taken according to the risks and were targeted, which leads to higher rates of problems.

In total there were 11 campaigns. Twenty-five samples of protein powder from the United States were sampled for heavy metals, alleged minerals, and labeling with 19 found to be non-compliant. A total of 28 tests on food supplements from all nations for unauthorized substances and labeling uncovered 20 problems.

Spices from across the world were tested for Salmonella, irradiation, adulteration, and pesticides with issues in two of 36 samples. Pesticide residues on fruit and vegetables from Asia were the target in three control programs. Of 134 samples screened for around 500 residues, 29 were non-compliant but only one had levels that could pose a health risk.

In some chili samples, a high number of different residues of substances were found. In one, 35 different active substances were detected. Of these, nine exceeded the maximum residue limit.

Results on French seafood checksMeanwhile, authorities in France have published findings of controls at seafood and freshwater product sites.

In 2018, 1,546 controls were done in 1,318 establishments by the General Directorate for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) and at least one anomaly was noted in 53 percent of them compared to 47 percent in 2017. Checks led to warnings for 483 establishments and administrative action in 130 cases.

Issues involved the addition of water, the substitution of species, presence of unauthorized additives, or deficit in the measured net mass or quantity of ingredients lower than that labeled.

Hygiene monitoring of sites and foodstuffs, temperature controls, and expiry dates, were carried out during 537 visits and the non-compliance rate was 28 percent. Display of allergens was checked at 162 establishments visited with an anomaly rate of 57 percent.

Controls found some fishmongers have effective traceability but do not always correctly transmit the mandatory information on seafood to customers.

Absence or illegibility of information on the fishing area and the scientific name was frequently observed. This problem was less common but still an issue for the production method. Officials found problems with signs alongside products for sale were often due to a lack of training on all the varied information needed to be displayed by distributors at the retail stage and the frequency with which they need to be changed.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)

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Belgium and Switzerland reveal results of border checks for food - Food Safety News

Supplements: To take them or not?

It seems like every corner of the internet is overstuffed with ads for vitamins, herbal remedies, fat-loss supplements, muscle-building shakes and sleeping pills.

As someone who's worked in the health fitness industry for years, I know that much, if not most, of it is just clutter. It's charlatans and hustlers trying to make a quick buck off of your pain points. It's great marketers who know that phrases like "lightning fast weight loss" and "banish cellulite forever" sell products that may or may not be straight-up flimflam.

In the largely unregulated supplement industry, many products are ineffective, full of fillers or undisclosed ingredients. Some are downright dangerous. Who can you trust? How do you know which supplements are best for you? What products are actually effective -- and safe to take?

Our Health & Wellness newsletter puts the best products, updates and advice in your inbox.

I want to preface the rest of this article with two very important disclaimers:

First, it's impossible to cover everything you need to know about choosing safe and effective supplements in one article. If you want to learn more, you should read official information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) and the US National Library of Medicine. While I cite many primary studies in this article, you can browse the PubMed database for more information on specific supplements., their uses, benefits and risks.

Second, although I have training in nutrition, anatomy and physiology, I am not a registered dietitian nor a doctor of any sort. If you are interested in taking supplements for a particular symptom or medical condition, please, please, please consult a registered dietitian or your doctor before doing so.

Now onto what you should know about supplements before you waste your money.

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Currently, the supplement industry is largely unregulated, especially compared to the food and drug industries. The FDA still uses an act passed nearly 20 years ago -- the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) -- that only has one real stipulation: "Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded."

This means the manufacturers themselves are responsible for testing the safety and efficacy of their products, as well as for labeling their own products. The FDA can crack down on a supplement after it hits the market if it's incorrectly labeled or unsafe, but by that time, damage may already be done.

You can learn more about what's required of supplement manufacturers by reading the FDA's FAQ on dietary supplements. However, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb did announce in a February 2019 statement that he plans to implement stricter regulations, so things are definitely looking up for the supplement industry.

Nonetheless, here are a few examples of what has happened in the past because of the low-level regulation:

Personalized vitamins are better than taking whatever you find on the shelf, but you should still consult a doctor or dietitian about supplements for particular concerns.

If your diet, lifestyle, fitness routine, sleep habits and health status aren't the same as anyone else's, why would it make sense to take the same supplements as everyone else?

For some supplements, this is obvious: You probably wouldn't feel inclined to take a calorie-dense, high-protein and high-carb post-workout shake if you weren't trying to build muscle. You also probably wouldn't reach for sleep aids if you don't have trouble sleeping at night.

For other supplements, the disconnect isn't so conspicuous. Everyone needs vitamins, right?

Yes, everyone does need vitamins and minerals and other certain nutrients (here's a very helpful PDF chart from the FDA on the main nutrients, their functions and RDAs), but not everyone needs the same amount of the same nutrient.

Take vitamin B12 as an example: People who eat a vegan or vegetarian diet may benefit from supplementing with B12 because this vitamin is found primarily in animal products or fortified products. If you eat eggs, dairy products, chicken, seafood or steak, you likely don't need additional vitamin B12.

If you're interested in learning more about which vitamins you actually need, I highly recommend reading The Vitamin Solution by Dr. Romy Block and Dr. Arielle Levitan, two doctors who founded Vous Vitamin, a personalized multivitamin company.

I found this book to lay out all of the essential knowledge on vitamins, minerals and other supplements in a way that's easy to understand and can help you determine which supplements are best suited to you -- or at least open up a helpful discussion with your doctor.

Supplements will never be as good as eating whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegetables.

It's unfortunately a myth that taking vitamins and supplements can replicate a healthy diet. Just like you can't "out-exercise" a poor diet, you can't "out-supplement" one either. Vitamins can certainly help bridge the gap between what you get from your diet and what you don't, but using supplements as a way to "fix" your diet won't work.

There are so many nuances at play here. For example:

That list is far from comprehensive, but you can see that vitamins and supplements don't just magically undo poor eating habits. Scientific conclusions vary greatly -- from "we don't need vitamins at all" to "the benefits outweigh the risks" -- but the general consensus seems to be that vitamins and supplements can help prevent nutrient deficiencies in certain populations and when taken correctly and support health in conjunction with a nutritious diet.

Taking too many vitamins can result in dangerous side effects, so be careful to check the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for each vitamin you take.

One common vitamin myth is this: "If I take too many vitamins, it's fine, because my body will only keep what it needs and get rid of the rest as waste."

This is a pervasive mindset but a dangerous one. You can, in fact, overdose on vitamins. The term is "vitamin toxicity" and it can happen with any vitamin. For almost every vitamin, there is an established Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) or Adequate Intake (AI), as well as a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL).

The RDA or AI signifies an ideal daily intake while the UL indicates the high end of what's safe to consume. RDAs, AIs and ULs are all values under Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), the set of reference values assigned to foods and supplements for consumption.

Recently, experts have seen an increase in vitamin D toxicity, likely related to the touting of vitamin D's benefits on immune function, bone health and mood.

It's not just vitamins that can be toxic either: Minerals taken in high doses can be toxic, as can electrolytes, herbs and sports supplements. Zinc, for example, a mineral known and loved for its immune-boosting properties, can actually cause immunosuppression in extremely high doses.

Pre-workout supplements high in caffeine can cause abnormal heart rhythms and severe overdoses can be fatal. Potassium, a well-known electrolyte found in foods such as bananas and spinach and in sports drinks, can also cause toxicity. Called hyperkalemia, this condition can lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, nausea and, in severe cases, life-threatening heart arrhythmias.

Surpassing the UL of any vitamin, mineral, electrolyte or other supplement can cause harm, so be careful to do your research on any supplements you intend to take.

Some supplements can reduce the effectiveness of certain medications or result in side effects -- talk to your doctor about supplements if you take medications.

If you currently take prescription or over-the-counter medications regularly, you should talk with your doctor about drug-nutrient interactions.

A drug-nutrient interaction is any reaction that occurs between a vitamin, mineral, antioxidant, electrolyte or other nutrient and a medication. A drug-supplement interaction is any reaction that occurs between a supplement and a medication.

Good intentions to supplement your diet with vitamins, minerals and herbs can backfire and cause complications. Take these examples:

Supplementing smartly can optimize your health and fitness, but supplementing poorly can potentially be dangerous.

If you're generally healthy and want to take supplements for overall health, I think the best bet is to use a personalized multivitamin service, such as Vous Vitamin, Baze or Persona Nutrition. This isn't as good as going to a doctor or dietitian, but it's far better than just swiping the first multivitamin bottle you see into your cart at the grocery store.

Some of these companies have more thorough personalization processes than others, but in general, with a personalized multivitamin, you can feel confident that you're not getting too much of a specific vitamin or consuming a vitamin that may be necessary or actually harmful to you.

If you don't go that route (and even if you do), you should always (always!) look for signs that a supplement is legitimate. By legitimate, I mean it's undergone third-party testing and/or evaluation, and it is certified not to include any ingredients other than what's on the label (aka it doesn't have any shady fillers). Those signs are:

Even better yet, look for a nutrition facts label versus a supplement facts label. A nutrition facts label means the product is sold as a food product, not a supplement, which means it has been evaluated and approved by the FDA for human consumption. A whole-food supplement with a nutrition facts label, an NSF certification, a USP Verified Mark and GMP certification is the best of the best.

To avoid vitamin toxicity, check the labels of every supplement you take. If you take multiple supplements every day and also get vitamins from food, you can put yourself at risk for vitamin toxicity -- for instance, if your protein shake is fortified with vitamin B12 and your multivitamin contains 250% of the DRI for vitamin B12, you may want to alternate them or choose a different protein shake that isn't fortified.

Finally, I'll end with the same sentiments I opened with: Please consult your doctor or a registered dietitian if you're interested in taking vitamins or supplements for a specific symptom or medical condition.

Not only can supplements dangerously interact with medications you may be taking already, it's important to rule out any medical conditions that may need to be treated with prescription medication.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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Do you really need to take a vitamin? 5 things to know before you buy - CNET