Natural Health Supplements: 5 Stores Can You Trust

Natural health supplements are not regulated by the FDA using the same standards as conventional foods and drugs and thus quality and potency can vary widely between manufacturers. Some manufacturers may use fillers and substandard ingredients, which reduce product integrity and effectiveness.

According to a 2013 study published in BioMed Central, "Although there is considerable evidence of the health benefits of herbal medicine, the industry suffers from unethical activities by some of the manufacturers, which includes false advertising, product substitution, contamination and use of fillers."

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Although consumers are vulnerable to misleading advertising and substandard manufacturing standards, they can take steps to ensure they are purchasing quality natural health supplements. The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) seal of approval indicates that a brand has met certain standards of purity and potency, as does the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) seal. Legitimate product reviews are another way to measure effectiveness and consumer satisfaction.

Here are five natural health supplement providers that consumers can trust according to the USP:

1. NatureMade: From single and multi-vitamins to CoEnzyme Q10, fish oil and melatonin, this natural health supplement company consistently meets or exceeds the USP standards for purity and onsite manufacturing auditing.

2. TruNature: According to TruNature.net, which is an affiliate marketing and sales arm for the manufacturer, TruNature is "America's number one choice when it comes to organic health supplements." Products include antioxidants, cranberry supplements, ginkgo biloba, grape seed, milk thistle and fish oil.

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3. Kirkland Signature: The Costco brand of natural health supplements has received the USP seal of approval. Members have access to high quality products including multi-vitamins and minerals, Omega-3 fish oil, glucosamine, probiotics, MSM, and Vitamin D3.

4.Schiff: This natural health supplement company has been "nourishing generations of healthy, active lives since 1936." Products include multi-vitamins and minerals, digestive aids, heart health supplements, immune support, joint health and natural sleep aids.

5. Blueberry Health Sciences: This natural health company received a top independent rating out of 1,300 vitamins for its multivitamin supplement. Other products include joint health, Omega-3 fish oil, CoQ10, and bee propolis.

This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.

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