The United States has reached an all-time high when it comes to how many Americans take supplements on a daily basis, according to the 2019 Council for Responsible Nutrition Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements. That speaks to the fact that 77% of adults in America take dietary supplements.
Consumers today are demanding more from supplement companies, being mindful of sourcing, purity, and quality as many supplement companies flood the market to keep up with demands. Purity is a differentiating factor and it’s not just limited to the raw materials and where products are sourced. One also has to pay close attention to extraction methods-- in other words, how is the product created and what solvents and ingredients are utilized in producing the final product.
Even if a product totes the highest standards in purity and quality on its label, you should look closer at the potential for impurities due to chemicals utilized in the extraction method. This is actually a main concern with the FDA recently, as these residual chemicals may pose health risks with long term exposure.
On the watch list are solvents such as hexane, acetone and ethyl acetate, ingredients that are commonly used to dry clean clothing and remove nail polish! Should they be in your supplements? Consumers are beginning to ask the right questions and uncover the underbelly of the supplement industry by looking beyond the label for greater transparency.
A darling extraction method in the supplement industry is CO2 extraction, which utilizes carbon dioxide at a specific temperature and pressure to extract active ingredients from raw materials without the use of harsh chemicals. It’s environmentally conscious as well, being that the CO2 used in this process is not emitted into the atmosphere. Both our Vegan D3+K2 and Vegan ADK utilize this CO2 extraction process.
Although the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has recently established guidelines for the use of residual solvents inclusive of toxicity hierarchy noted by class (Class 1 being the most toxic solvents), there are currently no regulatory requirements in order to meet certain standards when it comes to the use of these solvents, requiring health-conscious consumers to ask supplement companies deeper questions regarding extraction methods utilized in the creation of their products.
Our BioActive B12’s methylcobalamin contains a patented form of B12, MecobalActive. We have carefully chosen this patented ingredient not only for its quality and purity but also because of its health-smart and environmentally conscious extraction method. Many methylcobalamin extraction processes include the use of methyl iodide or dimethylsulfate, which are classified carcinogens as well as toxic to the environment. Instead, the Spain-based company and creator of MecobalActive, Healthtech BioActives, uses dimethyl carbonate for extraction, which is non-toxic and harmless to the environment.
Aside from its purity and sustainability profile, MecobalActive is a market leader for its evidence-based potency, stability and bioavailability.
With so many options in the supplement industry available to customers, it’s important to do your research and be an informed consumer. Ask the right questions and go deeper than the label for understanding the company’s mission, sourcing, certifications and third party testing. Add their extraction method to your list! Taking charge of your health requires some research and investigative work prior to proper supplementation.
Meticulous ingredient selection, potency, purity, manufacturer certifications (cGMP, FDA Inspected), patented ingredients, independent third-party analysis, China-free sourcing and clinical studies; these are but a few of the measures Pure TheraPro Rx® requires to ensure the consistent quality and effectiveness of our formulas. This is what customers worldwide expect from us. All Pure TheraPro Rx brand supplements are 100% made in the USA and exclusively sold through our managed channels.
Have additional questions for us? Give us a call or contact us.
Sources:
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/12/09/1958087/0/en/MecobalActive-Provides-Sustainable-Solution-for-Vitamin-B12-Supplements-to-Reduce-Pollution-Impact-on-Earth.html
https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/botanical-ingredients-extraction-methods
https://www.ahpa.org/