Why You Should Pay More Attention To The Additives Used In Your Supplements

People take supplements to improve or optimize their health.  So what happens when you look at the label, and the ingredient list is filled with unrecognizable additives? 

The truth is that not all supplements are created equal, and many consumers aren't aware of the differences in quality.  Some supplement companies use unnecessary additives during the manufacturing process, for example, to improve the product's appearance.  Other times, ingredients are included simply because they are inexpensive and allow the brand to save money.

Many of us read food labels to help us make healthier choices. It's just as important to do this with your supplements.  Some of the additives used in supplements may impact people who may be sensitive due to allergies or intolerances. 

Here are the additives to look for on your supplement label and why you'll never find them in a Pure Encapsulations® product.

1.     Titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide may be used as a filler or colouring agent to improve a tablet’s appearance. It makes the supplement white to avoid any off-putting colours. It's also used to whiten products like paint, makeup, and sunscreen.

While it is still a common additive used in supplements, it is important to know that the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) has recently concluded that that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe when used as a food additive.  

These concerns as so compelling that using titanium dioxide as an additive in food is already forbidden in France and is about to be banned in Europe in a few months (from the time of this article), citing evidence that it just isn't worth the health risks.[1] [2]  Yet, it's still allowed in food and supplements in many global health markets. Therefore try to be vigilant especially when buying your supplements online.

2.     Magnesium stearate. Magnesium stearate is a flow agent, which means it's added to a product to keep it from sticking to equipment during the manufacturing process.  It is also used as an additive (anti-caking agent) as it  keeps the ingredients from sticking together inside the capsule. When used as a processing aid, a supplement manufacturer will add it to speed up production. Magnesium stearate is made up of stearic acid, a type of saturated fat, and magnesium. 

While the health risks of magnesium stearate may not be concerning for the general public, it does add unnecessary ingredients with no nutritional value to the final product. Some scientists suggest there is a lack of research on the impact of long-term cumulative exposure on human health, so more research is needed.[3]

3.     Coatings and shellacs. Another additive used for appearance, coatings, make your capsules look or taste better if the active ingredients are bitter.  It also is added to time-release products to help them withstand the digestive process.[4] Coatings also play a technological role too as they help protect against light for some sensitive actives like Vitamin C.

Shellac, in particular, is used to make your pill look shiny and is authorized to be used as a food additive in Europe.  Further, other coatings and finishes added to supplements for appearance-sake can be made up of chemicals that are known endocrine disruptors, including plastics, phthalates, and surfactants. 

4.     Artificial coloring. Many are familiar with artificial colors in processed foods, but they are also added to supplements.  Supplement companies will often add them to help consumers connect to a product or make up for color lost in processing.  For example, since many associate vitamin C with the color orange, a manufacturer may invest in artificial coloring to match this association. Further, these additives are entirely unrelated to the product's effectiveness, so adding them is unnecessary.

5.     Artificial flavors and sweeteners are added to improve the taste or mask the bitterness of supplements, sweeteners are used in sugar-free foods. They are much sweeter than regular sugar without calories, so they carry an appeal for supplements manufacturers who want to avoid sugar in their products.

6.     Chemical preservatives. Preservatives are added to food and supplements to extend shelf-life and prevent microbial growth. The list of approved added chemical preservatives is long, but some of the most common are benzoates.  Those with food or chemical sensitivities can be especially vulnerable to these additives, even if they are generally considered "safe”, so avoiding preservatives in your food and your supplements makes sense.

7.     Hydrogenated oils. Hydrogenated oils, or trans fats, are sometimes added to products as a filler or to extend shelf-life. It's well-accepted that consuming high amounts of hydrogenated oils may affect our health and that is the reason why trans-fats are restricted to certain conditions of use when used in foods. 

The main concerns with hydrogenated oils are related to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular problems.[5]

8.     GMOs. Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are defined as a product that has had its genetic material (DNA) altered.[6]  They have often been developed to withstand excessive pesticide use, so they are heavily sprayed. 

Soy and corn are some of the most common GMOs in the food supply and may also be used in supplements. It's estimated that more than 82% of soy grown worldwide is genetically modified.[7]  Many scientists are concerned with long-term safety, and many European countries have already banned GMOs.[8]

How to keep additives safely out of your supplements

Choosing supplements without these ingredients is important for people with sensitivites trying to better their health. 

View our entire portfolio of products that are FREE FROM unnecessary additives and many common allergens HERE.

Caitlin Beale, MS, RDN is a registered dietitian and freelance health writer. She has a master's degree in nutrition and over ten years of experience as a registered dietitian. You can learn more about Caitlin Beale, MS, RDN at www.caitlinbealewellness.com. 

⁺The views expressed in this article are those of the authors. They do not reflect the opinions or views of Pure Encapsulations®.