The Importance of Transparency in the Supplement Industry
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The supplement industry in the U.S. continues to grow, but it faces a significant challenge: a lack of transparency. Unlike prescription drugs, supplements are not subject to strict pre-market approval from the FDA. This leaves consumers unsure about the safety, effectiveness, and contents of the supplements they purchase. Transparency, especially through third-party testing and clear labeling, is essential to address these concerns.
Why Transparency Matters
Supplements do not have to go through the same rigorous testing as pharmaceutical drugs. The FDA can take action after unsafe supplements are found on the market, but it doesn't approve supplements before they are sold. This lack of oversight makes it easy for unsafe products to slip through the cracks. Transparency from supplement manufacturers is critical in providing consumers with accurate information about what they’re buying.
Lack of Regulation and Unsafe Products
Supplements can be contaminated with harmful substances, or the ingredients listed on the label may not be accurate. According to a JAMA study, more than 750 supplements sold between 2007 and 2016 contained unlisted pharmaceutical drugs that could cause serious health risks. Without transparency, consumers may ingest harmful substances without knowing it.
Many supplements also have inaccurate labeling. A 2015 investigation by the New York Attorney General's Office found that several products contained none of the herbs listed on their labels. Instead, they contained cheap fillers like rice powder and wheat. This misrepresentation is dangerous and misleading.
Third-Party Testing: Ensuring Transparency
Third-party testing is the most reliable way to ensure transparency in the supplement industry. Independent laboratories verify that supplements contain what the label claims and are free from contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides. Consumers should choose products from companies that conduct third-party testing and make the results available.
Neogenesis is committed to third-party testing for all supplements. By making the test results available upon request, Neogenesis provides consumers with full transparency about product safety and ingredient accuracy.
Clear Labeling: What It Should Include
Labels should clearly list ingredients, dosages, and potential allergens. However, many supplements use proprietary blends, which prevent consumers from knowing the exact amounts of each ingredient. Misleading labels can lead to improper dosing and unexpected health risks.
Consumers deserve honest labeling so they can make informed decisions. Neogenesis takes transparency seriously, ensuring that labels reflect exactly what is in the product without hidden ingredients or contaminants.
Consumer Trust Through Transparency
Transparency builds consumer trust. According to a survey by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), 71% of supplement users believe that transparency in ingredient sourcing and quality is important. By disclosing third-party testing results and providing accurate labeling, supplement companies can earn and maintain trust.
At Neogenesis, we recognize the importance of transparency in building trust. We ensure our supplements meet the highest standards for quality and safety, giving our customers confidence in the products they choose.
A Public Health Concern
Lack of transparency is a public health concern. Unsafe supplements can cause a range of health issues, from mild side effects to serious complications. Contaminants like lead, mercury, and bacteria are often found in untested supplements and can be especially harmful to children, pregnant women, and people with underlying health conditions.
Healthcare professionals also struggle to advise patients when supplement labeling is unclear or misleading. With transparent testing and clear labels, doctors can make better recommendations based on accurate information.
Neogenesis: A Commitment to Transparency
Neogenesis sets a higher standard in the supplement industry by ensuring all products are tested by independent third-party laboratories. These tests check for contaminants, potency, and purity, and the results are available upon request. This approach provides our customers with the transparency they need to make informed choices.
Transparency is critical for consumer safety in the supplement industry. Without clear labeling and third-party testing, consumers face significant risks, including contamination and mislabeling. Neogenesis is committed to providing full transparency by conducting third-party testing and offering clear, honest information about every product.
Sources:
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements - https://ods.od.nih.gov/
- JAMA Study on Contaminated Supplements - https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2706496
- Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) Supplement User Survey - https://www.crnusa.org/resources/crn-consumer-survey-dietary-supplements