Currently, the market for health supplements and vitamins has expanded due to consumers’ increased awareness for health care. But how can we be sure of the vitamins’ quality and their effectiveness as claimed?
Types of Vitamins and Supplements
Vitamins or supplements in the market can be classified into 2 types:
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Food Grade, which uses the same quality control criteria as food
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Pharmaceutical Grade / Medical Grade, which uses the same quality control criteria as medications.
Food Grade Vitamins
Food Grade Vitamins are products commonly found in the market. The production process for these vitamins does not have to be regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, and it is not necessary to disclose all the ingredients in the product. This increases the risk of chemical contamination (Chemical Contamination), such as heavy metals, food coloring, some types of starch and sugar, or other chemicals. Importantly, consumers may not even know about the contamination due to food regulations not requiring the disclosure of all ingredients on the label. Additionally, the quality of raw materials (Raw Material) for food grade vitamins is not clearly defined.
Therefore, the nutrients received may not match what is specified on the label (Discrepancy), such as with Food Grade Vitamin C 500 mg, where the body may not actually absorb 500 mg of vitamin C or may not absorb it at all, and it is excreted in its original form. There is also a risk of being exposed to other chemicals, which could potentially harm health.
Pharmaceutical Grade Vitamins
Pharmaceutical Grade or Medical Grade Vitamins have a production process with higher quality control. Standards for the quality and source of the vitamin must be set, with no chemical contamination. The quality of vitamins that the body receives, their absorption, and their effect must meet the same standards as medications (High Bio – Availability). The amount of vitamins listed on the label must be complete, accurate, and reliable (Reliability).
This grade of vitamin is of much higher quality and effectiveness than food grade vitamins, but they may be harder to find in the market and cost more than other types. If a vitamin is of pharmaceutical grade, it will be indicated on the product label.
Therefore, reading and researching information about vitamins before deciding to buy is very important for consumers. Choosing vitamins should not be based solely on price; one should also consider the quality (Quality) and reliable effectiveness. The most expensive vitamins are those that do not benefit health, are not absorbed by the body (Poor Absorption), or come with the adverse bonus of toxicity (Heavy Metal Toxicity), because in addition to the money spent to purchase and consume them, one must also pay for the health detriments incurred.
