Supplement fillers and additives to avoid
- Barbara Kehr
- Sep 24, 2024
- 4 min read
Hidden Dangers: Top Additives in Supplements to Avoid for a Better Quality of Life.
When it comes to choosing supplements, be aware of supplement fillers and additives to avoid and the reasons why:
Titanium Dioxide: This additive is often used to whiten and brighten supplements, but it has no nutritional value and can be harmful. Studies have shown that titanium dioxide can cause inflammation and damage to the digestive system.
Magnesium Stearate: Used as a flow agent to prevent ingredients from sticking to manufacturing equipment, magnesium stearate can inhibit the absorption of nutrients. It is also linked to the suppression of immune function.
Artificial Colors: These synthetic dyes are added to make supplements more visually appealing. However, they have been associated with allergic reactions and hyperactivity, particularly in children.
Artificial Flavors: While they enhance the taste of supplements, artificial flavors can cause various health issues, including headaches and allergic reactions. They often contain chemicals that are not beneficial to your health.
Hydrogenated Oils: These oils are used as fillers and to extend the shelf life of supplements. They contain trans fats, which are known to increase the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions.
Sodium Benzoate: This preservative is used to prolong the shelf life of supplements. When combined with vitamin C, it can form benzene, a known carcinogen. It can also cause allergic reactions and hyperactivity.
Gelatin: Often used to make capsules, gelatin is derived from animal collagen. It can be problematic for vegetarians and vegans, and if sourced from low-quality animals, it may contain harmful substances.
So let’s look into some of these in more detail:
Hydrogenated oils
Here you thought you were avoiding hydrogenated fats by passing on the margarine. Did you know that your dietary supplement may also have these toxic additives? Why are they used in my supposedly high-quality supplements you ask… They’re cheap fillers. They are one of the supplement fillers and additives to avoid. People still think that bigger is better and manufacturers will use cheap fillers to give us bigger size pills…
Avoid them!
Talc
Yep you’ve got it, the same powder your grandma used as a deodorant can be found in many supplements as a cheap filler and anti-cake and agent…
Talc is considered food grade by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for consumption. This means that talc does not need to meet the food additive tolerance requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The problem here is, it can be dangerous if it’s contaminated with asbestos. Unknown carcinogens such as talc and asbestos are often found together underground so it can be contaminated with asbestos during mining.
Nice huh…. Avoid it!
Artificial colors and flavors
Artificial colors and flavors can have a number of health risks, including;
Cancer: some artificial colors like red 3, can cause cancer and animals. And even though the FDA has banned color additives that caused cancer in humans or animals, red 3 dye is still approved.
Nuro behavioral issues: some studies link, artificial colors to behavioral and development issues and children. Some of these issues are hyperactivity, in attention, and restlessness. Children with autism, and the deficit disorder may especially vulnerable.
Allergic reactions: artificial colors and flavors can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. They can also worsen asthma symptoms in certain individuals
Digestive issues Artificial colors and flavors can cause digestive issues such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Kidney congestion: regular use of products with artificial colors and flavors can lead to kidney congestion. When purchasing supplements, always look for products using natural colors and flavors, which are safer alternatives as they derived from plants or animals, while artificial flavors are created in laboratories, however, it is a good idea to check their safety, especially when administering to children
Stearates, such as magnesium stearate or calcium stearate, are commonly used in the manufacturing of supplements and vitamins as lubricants to prevent ingredients from sticking to machinery. While generally considered safe by regulatory agencies like the FDA, there has been some debate about potential risks.
Here are the concerns associated with stearates in vitamins:
Reduced Nutrient Absorption: Some claim that magnesium stearate may form a biofilm in the intestines, which could inhibit the absorption of nutrients. However, scientific evidence supporting this is limited.
Immune System Suppression: There has been speculation that stearic acid (a component of stearates) might suppress immune function by interfering with T-cell function. However, the stearic acid in supplements is metabolized quickly and studies have not conclusively shown this effect at normal intake levels.
Contamination Risks: Poor manufacturing practices could result in contamination, especially if magnesium stearate is derived from low-quality sources. This is not a direct issue with stearates themselves but more with the quality of the raw materials used.
GMO Concerns: Some stearates are derived from genetically modified (GMO) sources, which might be a concern for individuals trying to avoid GMO products.
While vitamin supplements contain small amounts of these additives, we are also exposed to them in our foods and beverages, as well as personal care products and daily lives… so the more you’re on the lookout to avoid them, the better off you would be.
By being mindful of supplement fillers and additives to avoid, you can make more informed choices about the supplements you take, ensuring they contribute positively to your health and well-being and assist you on your path to gain a better quality of life.
If you have any specific supplements in mind or other health-related questions, click on the link below.
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