The film makes the valid point that label DVs can be out of date. However, what is not mentioned is that even updated DVs can mislead. The biggest example applies to iron. The DV estimation uses a % iron absorption that assumes a good deal of the iron is coming from heme iron (a kind of iron found in beef, pork, chicken etc). No supplemental or fortification forms of iron come close to the % absorption of heme iron. Thus, the % DV for iron from a supplement or fortified food will be misleadingly high. Dr. Robert DiSilvestro, Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Professor Emeritus, Human Nutrition, Ohio State University
Would be good, but probably not enough room on labels for all the age and gender breaks. FYI, we have nice table of RDAs, AIs, DVs, and ULs, by age and gender, at www.consumerlab.com/rdas/
In the U.S., dietary supplements must have a Supplement Facts label (similar to a Nutrition Facts label on foods). The label must also provide the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor. As for expiration dates, see our article -- www.consumerlab.com/answers/what-is-the-difference-between-the-best-by-date-and-the-date-of-manufacture-on-supplement-labels/supplements-best-buy-expiration/
Here's the rub; individual diets very so if 2 people (1) having a peak nutrient food intake & active (2) a diet void of significant nutrition (junk food) & sedentary. Both buy the same multi vitamin. The first is getting more vitamins per day than necessary. The ladder is getting no more then what the product offers which is 100% - minus a (% unk) which the body might not process. Both will not process the vitamins equally. I doubt that a 20-40 year old who eats healthy and stays active would benefit from supplements as someone who is 60+ who's body chemical functions have declined and is not as active. Who really needs supplements? If instructions say one a day for an average person 20-40 years of age? Then should a older person of 60-80 yrs take twice that?
I am now more skeptical after you said this.. If most of the vitamin supplements have inaccurate labels then how do I buy a supplement ?? Are there some indicators which a regular consumer can use to buy a supplement which is pure ??
Hi Vira - If you are a member of ConsumerLab, you can see our results for purity and accuracy of labels for the products reviewed (tested) on our site (well over 1,000). If you are not a member and you just want to know whether a label is conforming to the new DVs or the old ones, you can contact that company and they should be able to tell you.
Some vitamins and minerals in a multivitamin are chemical derived. Others are plant/food-based. The difference, as far as I can judge based on a little research (googling it), is like black and white: plant-based - very good and digestible and 'natural'; chemical-based - not good, less digestible, not natural. However, neither your site, this video, nor your employee whom I contacted by email, appears to mention/know anything about this plant/chemical difference. Why?
Actually, we have extensive information on this topic, Nick, and the answer is not black and white -- it depends on the nutrient. See the following: www.consumerlab.com/answers/is-it-better-to-get-vitamins-from-foods-or-supplements/natural_vs_synthetic_vitamin/
So glad you are addressing this!
Thanks. Many people have no idea that this problem exists.
The film makes the valid point that label DVs can be out of date. However, what is not mentioned is that even updated DVs can mislead. The biggest example applies to iron. The DV estimation uses a % iron absorption that assumes a good deal of the iron is coming from heme iron (a kind of iron found in beef, pork, chicken etc). No supplemental or fortification forms of iron come close to the % absorption of heme iron. Thus, the % DV for iron from a supplement or fortified food will be misleadingly high.
Dr. Robert DiSilvestro, Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Professor Emeritus, Human Nutrition, Ohio State University
Thanks, good info !!
Hi doctor..your information are very helpful and i like your input.
So helpful. Love it. Thank you.
Food labels should stick to the RDA and AI values. DV values additionally are based on a percent of some ethereal daily diet which is not defined.
Would be good, but probably not enough room on labels for all the age and gender breaks. FYI, we have nice table of RDAs, AIs, DVs, and ULs, by age and gender, at www.consumerlab.com/rdas/
How can I find out what is required for a supplement label? Such as supplement facts, address of manufacturer, expiration date, etc. ? Thanks!
In the U.S., dietary supplements must have a Supplement Facts label (similar to a Nutrition Facts label on foods). The label must also provide the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor. As for expiration dates, see our article -- www.consumerlab.com/answers/what-is-the-difference-between-the-best-by-date-and-the-date-of-manufacture-on-supplement-labels/supplements-best-buy-expiration/
Here's the rub;
individual diets very so if 2 people
(1) having a peak nutrient food intake & active
(2) a diet void of significant nutrition (junk food) & sedentary.
Both buy the same multi vitamin.
The first is getting more vitamins per day than necessary.
The ladder is getting no more then what the product offers which is 100% - minus a (% unk) which the body might not process.
Both will not process the vitamins equally.
I doubt that a 20-40 year old who eats healthy and stays active would benefit from supplements as someone who is 60+ who's body chemical functions have declined and is not as active.
Who really needs supplements? If instructions say one a day for an average person 20-40 years of age?
Then should a older person of 60-80 yrs take twice that?
I am now more skeptical after you said this..
If most of the vitamin supplements have inaccurate labels then how do I buy a supplement ??
Are there some indicators which a regular consumer can use to buy a supplement which is pure ??
Hi Vira - If you are a member of ConsumerLab, you can see our results for purity and accuracy of labels for the products reviewed (tested) on our site (well over 1,000). If you are not a member and you just want to know whether a label is conforming to the new DVs or the old ones, you can contact that company and they should be able to tell you.
I just want a good brand name of vitamins.
Some vitamins and minerals in a multivitamin are chemical derived. Others are plant/food-based. The difference, as far as I can judge based on a little research (googling it), is like black and white: plant-based - very good and digestible and 'natural'; chemical-based - not good, less digestible, not natural. However, neither your site, this video, nor your employee whom I contacted by email, appears to mention/know anything about this plant/chemical difference. Why?
Actually, we have extensive information on this topic, Nick, and the answer is not black and white -- it depends on the nutrient. See the following: www.consumerlab.com/answers/is-it-better-to-get-vitamins-from-foods-or-supplements/natural_vs_synthetic_vitamin/