Monday, May 15, 2006

Comments on vitamin and mineral safety

Overall the last several years, disillusionment with Big Pharma's breaches in drug safety have drawn public scrutiny. The focus has now turned to the manufacturers of dietary supplements.

We have always said to our clients, "Would you go to a grocery store to pick out your medications? No, you would see your doctor or pharmacist. Then why would you pick out vitamins and minerals without consulting an expert?" We felt it was time to remind you of our place in assuring your safety.

Dietary Supplements are crucial for the prevention of disease, and as thousands of our clients have discovered, are also crucial in addressing day to day health issues. Alternatively, dietary supplements can create adverse health effects if not taken responsibly, especially when taken with medication.

We have, and will continue to go to great lengths to recommend only the highest quality, allergen/preservative-free, independently assayed, and heavily researched dietary supplements available.

There is good reason why we have recommended many of the same nutrients for over a decade or more. They have a track record of effectiveness, quality, and reliability that is unmatched. We scrutinize assays of the raw materials and have written guarantees from every manufacturer that all ingredients in their products are disclosed. Many of you who have been clients with us for a while know that any product that fails to meet or breaches these requirements are eliminated.

Many of you have wondered why we recommend products from over 20 different manufacturers, some that often are difficult to find?

1) For your safety. The dietary supplement industry is self-regulated, which unfortunately allows a great variance in quality and safety. We are experts in prescribing and dispensing nutrients that are safe.

2) We know that what we recommend meets label claim. The sources are easily absorbable, low allergy, and are free of contaminants, heavy metals, chemicals, and PCB’s.

3) People do not like to break a routine. It is an inconvenience to keep having to switch supplement regimens because of safety issues. We can boast that most of the products we recommend have been used successfully in our practice as far back as 1985.

Let 20 years of clinical and research experience put you at ease. We are here for you!

Bonnie and Steve

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