Additives
Nearly
all supplements contain stearates, manufacturing
agents used as lubricants to speed up production.
Most capsules and tablets are made by "jobbers"
in mass production plants, which churn out
a multitude of formulas for various companies.
Magnesium stearate and stearic acid are lubricants
added to raw materials in supplements so that
production machinery will run at maximum speeds.
This ensures that production schedules will
meet profit targets.
Tablets
also contain potentially allergenic binders,
fillers and often coloring agents. They are
coated with shellac (listed in the ingredients
as "natural glaze") or vegetable
coating (derived from corn, to which many
people are sensitive). Potentially allergenic
fillers are used to top off capsules.
These
additives have a number of effects, including
decreased absorption. In a study published
in Pharmaceutical
Technology, the percent dissolution
for capsules after 20 minutes in solution
went from 90% without stearates to 25% with
stearates. These substances clearly effect
the dissolution and rapid absorption of nutrients.
Another problem is allergenic reaction, for
even small amounts of additives may cause
reactions in sensitive individuals. Fillers
may contain hidden lactose or other allergenic
ingredients. This is a major reason why so
many people have adverse reactions to supplements,
or fail to receive the significant benefits
pure supplements will offer. For these reasons,
I recommend that when possible, people use
additive-free supplements.
Because
the supplements industry routinely uses additives
in their products, manufacturers and distributors
always deny that the presence of these substances
is in any way detrimental. Nevertheless, it
seems to me a simple matter of common sense
that the most desirable products would not
contain non-nutrient substances that are added
solely to expedite the manufacturing process.
The
only widely available supplements that are
made without these additives are those made
by Thorne Research; they are available only
through licensed health care professionals,
and in some pharmacies. My own company, Dr.
Ron's Ultra-Pure, makes many 100% pure,
additive-free supplements. I personally use
and recommend Thorne products, my own, and
those of a number of small companies making
additive-free specialty products.
