How to Find Quality Diabetic Supplements

I end my blog posts with a disclaimer that includes a warning regarding supplements. It notes that the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements but treats them like foods and not medication. This can cause concern, especially if you are taking supplements to help manage your diabetes. With this in mind, how can you find quality supplements?

FDA and Supplements

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the FDA’s regulations for supplements differ from those for prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. Below are the key points from the NIH regarding the FDA’s role in monitoring supplements (https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/WYNTK-Consumer/).

• It is the responsibility of supplement manufacturers to have proof that their products are safe and that any claims made on the label are accurate and not misleading. However, companies are not required to provide this safety evidence to the FDA prior to the product’s marketing as long as it doesn’t contain a “new dietary ingredient” (one introduced after October 15, 1994).
• Manufacturers may include health claims on the labels of dietary supplements. Manufacturers can claim, for instance, that a supplement promotes health like immunity or heart health. The claims must include the disclaimer, “This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”
• The FDA has established good manufacturing practices (GMPs) that companies must follow to help ensure the identity, potency, and safety of dietary supplements and their ingredients. These GMPs can lessen the possibility of product contamination and improper packing and labeling. They can also prevent adding the wrong ingredient (or too much or too little of the correct ingredient).
• Several independent organizations offer quality testing and display a seal of quality assurance that certifies supplements are manufactured correctly, contain the ingredients listed on the label, and do not contain unsafe levels of contaminants. However, the seals do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of a product.
• The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements has a form, ”My Dietary Supplement and Medicine Record” that you can print and fill out. You can share the form with your healthcare providers.

FDA Inspected or GMP-Complaint Facility

Another thing to keep in mind is some manufacturers state a product is made in an FDA-inspected or a GMP-compliant facility. This means the FDA may certify that the facility complies with GMP standards, but the FDA doesn’t test or verify the products themselves.

Third-Party Testing

So, how can you ensure the quality of a supplement? You should look for brands that have been third-party certified. This means the third-party tester was not involved in the production or sale of the supplement and provided an unbiased review. They will test that the supplement contains what’s on the label and isn’t contaminated. While they will test that a supplement is safe for consumption, they do not test if the product will work.

Third-Party Testers:

• Banned Substance Control Group (BSCG)
• ConsumerLab
• Eurofins
• Informed Sport
• International Fish Oil Standards Program (IFOS)
• LabDoor
• NSF
• TGA
• UL
• USP (U.S. Pharmacopeia)

In addition, some manufacturers provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA). This is a document that verifies that a product is analytically tested and meets the specifications of safety and quality.

Supplement Brands that Use Third-Party Testing

This is not a complete list but includes many popular supplement brands that use third-party testing. If you use other brands, check the bottle label and website to verify if they are third-party tested.

Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

Supplement labels also list food allergy warnings if they contain (or are free of) gluten, soy, egg, and dairy. You can also look for supplements that are USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, kosher, vegan, vegetarian, and Parve.

Caution with Supplements

Remember that supplements do just that, they supplement but don’t replace a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Unlike prescription and OTC drugs, supplements do not list interactions, side effects, and toxicity.

Finally, tell your healthcare provider about the supplements you are taking. The supplements may interact with the medications you are currently taking. Your doctor can also help you decide if the supplements are right for you.

Conclusion

Knowing the FDA does not monitor supplements like prescription or over-the-counter drugs can be worrisome, especially if you use them to manage your diabetes. However, you can look for brands that use third-party testing to ensure the quality and purity of their products. Third-party testing verifies that a supplement is manufactured correctly, contains the listed ingredients at the strength shown, and is not contaminated. However, third-party testing does not guarantee a supplement will be effective. You will also need to do independent research on side effects, interactions, and toxicity.

Diabetic News

The premiere of “The Human Trial” was in New York on June 23, and the documentary will play in select theaters and virtual cinemas across the country.

“The Human Trial” is about a biotechnology company in San Diego, ViaCyte, whose researchers believe insulin-making stem cells can be implanted in patients. The film is also about the patients with diabetes who put themselves forward as test subjects.

For more information, see https://www.thehumantrial.com/

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