Consumers today face a new challenge. Not only do they need to know which foods and health aids make up a healthy diet, they need to know how to get non GMO vitamins and supplements. Mainstream American farmers and food producers have enthusiastically embraced genetic modification. It's harder than ever to get truly natural, untainted foods and nutritional products. The only way to do it is to grow your own or find producers whose integrity you can rely on.
So far, the 'organic' certification should mean that no genetically modified ingredients are in a product. However, this could change if forces that want to weaken the standards succeed in getting the FDA to change the rules. Those who care should make their views known to the government and should ask questions of supplement providers to be sure of their standards.
It's never wise to depend on information that's really cleverly-disguised advertising. This is why the organic certification is important. It's a third-party seal to assure consumers of a product's quality. An all-natural claim is not the same. There is a push going on to include genetically engineered ingredients in 'natural' products; it has not succeeded as yet but probably will not go away any time soon.
The best way to proceed is to know the manufacturer. There are some well-known names in the industry that people trust to be true to the ideals of providing carefully-manufactured, 'clean' products that are as natural as possible. After all, you won't find vitamin C in 1,000 milligram concentration in an orange or a rose hip. Some processing is necessary to concentrate nutrients and deliver them in usable form.
Even knowing reputable manufacturers does not mean that you can lower your guard. Many companies that set the standard for the industry in the early days of supplements have been sold. The name might be the same, but the standards are now controlled by the new owners (subject to any agreement made when the sale was finalized). When a company is sold, consumers need to make new assessments.
Look for a non-GMO designation on the label of products as another assurance of quality. More and more foods and nutritional products are carrying this seal as consumers become wary of foods with laboratory-generated modifications. As more people turn to truly natural products, manufacturers may be forced to 'clean up their act'.
One problem is that the research has not been definitive on the subject. Although GMOs are relatively new, they've been included in foods before their safety has really been established. The fact that they may not be quick-acting poisons or instant health hazards does not mean that there are no consequences for the young, the infirm, the elderly, or for future generations. There are studies that show developmental problems in lab rats fed GMO grains, for instance.
There is a long history of safety claims made for innovative products, especially when the innovation is done for convenience of growers and manufacturers rather than to enhance the benefits. Often early concerns prove to be more accurate than the assurances of safety. At this time, many consumers choose to live without GMOs.
So far, the 'organic' certification should mean that no genetically modified ingredients are in a product. However, this could change if forces that want to weaken the standards succeed in getting the FDA to change the rules. Those who care should make their views known to the government and should ask questions of supplement providers to be sure of their standards.
It's never wise to depend on information that's really cleverly-disguised advertising. This is why the organic certification is important. It's a third-party seal to assure consumers of a product's quality. An all-natural claim is not the same. There is a push going on to include genetically engineered ingredients in 'natural' products; it has not succeeded as yet but probably will not go away any time soon.
The best way to proceed is to know the manufacturer. There are some well-known names in the industry that people trust to be true to the ideals of providing carefully-manufactured, 'clean' products that are as natural as possible. After all, you won't find vitamin C in 1,000 milligram concentration in an orange or a rose hip. Some processing is necessary to concentrate nutrients and deliver them in usable form.
Even knowing reputable manufacturers does not mean that you can lower your guard. Many companies that set the standard for the industry in the early days of supplements have been sold. The name might be the same, but the standards are now controlled by the new owners (subject to any agreement made when the sale was finalized). When a company is sold, consumers need to make new assessments.
Look for a non-GMO designation on the label of products as another assurance of quality. More and more foods and nutritional products are carrying this seal as consumers become wary of foods with laboratory-generated modifications. As more people turn to truly natural products, manufacturers may be forced to 'clean up their act'.
One problem is that the research has not been definitive on the subject. Although GMOs are relatively new, they've been included in foods before their safety has really been established. The fact that they may not be quick-acting poisons or instant health hazards does not mean that there are no consequences for the young, the infirm, the elderly, or for future generations. There are studies that show developmental problems in lab rats fed GMO grains, for instance.
There is a long history of safety claims made for innovative products, especially when the innovation is done for convenience of growers and manufacturers rather than to enhance the benefits. Often early concerns prove to be more accurate than the assurances of safety. At this time, many consumers choose to live without GMOs.
No comments :
Post a Comment