If you are ingesting supplements to create a healthier body and mind, you need to know the facts about the supplement manufacturing process and labeling codes.

Are your supplements healthy or toxic?

Did you know that the binders, fillers, heavy metals and flow agents in your supplements are harmful? I have ongoing research to report that may shock and disappoint you. Due to the fact that supplement manufacturers for the most part are numb to the fact that additives and excipents in vitamins and minerals cause health issues, we need to go beyond reading labels and read the laws.

Labeling laws state that if a product has less than 5 ppm of heavy metals, flow agent, filler, binder (excipents); they don’t have to be disclosed on the label. Shocking but true! Moreover, just because these additives are not listed on the label doesn’t mean that the products do not contain them. Lets take a look at some of the worst ingredients in supplements today.

The facts about these egregious ingredients, which are shown to cause health problems are shocking but hopefully it will allow you to choose your supplements wisely and ask questions.

Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid And Calcium Stearate

These stearates, made by hydrogenating cottonseed or palm oil, are used throughout the supplement industry as lubricants. They are added to the raw materials in supplements so that production machinery will run at maximum speeds. These fatty substances coat every particle of the nutrients, so the particles will flow rapidly. This ensures that production schedules will meet profit targets.

Cottonseed oil has the highest content of pesticide residues of all commercial oils; cotton crops are heavily sprayed. In the hydrogenation process, the oil is subjected to high heat and pressure in the presence of a metal catalyst for several hours, creating a hydrogenated saturated fat. Hydrogenated vegetable fats contain altered molecules derived from fatty acids that may be toxic. The metal catalyst used in the hydrogenation process may also contaminate the stearates produced (see Erasmus, Fats and Oils).

While toxicity is one problem, decreased absorption is another. In a study published in the journal Pharmaceutical Technology, the percent dissolution for capsules after 20 minutes in solution went from 90% without stearates to 25% with stearates. Clearly, stearates reduced the rate the capsule dissolved by 65%! This delays the absorption of nutrients. Individuals with impaired digestion may have particular difficulty absorbing nutrients coated with stearates.

Other problems with Magnesium Stearate and Other Stearates.

Concentrated doses of stearic acid suppress the action of T-cells, a key component of the immune system. The article “Molecular basis for the immunosuppressive action of stearic acid on T cells” appeared in the journal Immunology in 1990.

Did you know that…

• Companies that manufacture and transport magnesium stearate must file a Material Safety Data Sheet with the Environmental Protection Agency because concentrated magnesium stearate is classified as a hazardous substance.
• Its uses are listed as “ammunition, dusting powder, paint and varnish drier, binder, and emulsifier.” The section “Human Health Data” states that “Inhalation may irritate the respiratory tract” and “Acute ingestion may cause gastroenteritis.”
• Under the heading “Regulatory Information,” the paper states, “This product is hazardous under the criteria of the Federal OSHA Hazard Communication Standard.” This information may be viewed at the web site: http://www.hummelcroton.com/msds/mgstear_m.html

This document is indeed confusing for consumers due to the fact that OSHA contradicts their own reporting. The above URL states the following information.

Section XI. Toxicological Information

• RTECS Number: Not Established
• Routes of Exposure: Eye contact. Ingestion. Inhalation. Skin contact.
• Toxicity Data: To the best of our knowledge, the chemical, physical, and toxicological properties have not been thoroughly investigated for Magnesium Stearate.
• Chronic Toxic Effects: This product has no known chronic effects. Repeated or prolong exposure to this compound is not known to aggravate medical conditions.
• Acute Toxic Effects: Irritating to the skin and eyes on contact. Inhalation will cause irritation to the lungs and mucus membrane. Irritation to the eyes will cause watering and redness. Reddening, scaling, and itching are characteristics of skin inflammation. Follow safe industrial hygiene practices and always wear protective equipment when handling this compound.

Immune System

Excessive ingestion of magnesium stearate adversely affects the normal functioning of T-cells, which are very important for the body’s immune responses. High amounts of magnesium stearate act as a immunosuppressor. Thus, prolonged administering of magnesium stearate at a high dosage weakens the immune system over a period of time.

Absorption Decreased

One of the reported dangers of magnesium stearate is the decreased absorption of Vitamin B2, B3, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Zinc. Researchers report that tablets without magnesium stearate have a 90 percent absorption rate, while those formatted with magnesium stearate show a 25-30 percent absorption capacity. This is the reason why, some people complain of absorption problems after taking magnesium stearate containing products. This would be very serious in a person with a health issue, as it would be compounding the problem.

Supplement manufacturers pass off magnesium stearate as a benign form of magnesium. Magnesium stearate is the magnesium salt of stearic acid, which is also used in supplements for the same purposes. The argument is made that small amounts of these substances do no harm. But do you really want them in your supplements every day? Remember, the sole purpose of using these substances is a flow agent ~ to make the machines go faster. Supplements can be made without them; it just takes more time, care, and attention to detail.

How Much Hydrogenated Lubricant Oils Are You Getting With Your Supplements?

Up to 5% of the average 1000 mg capsule or tablet is magnesium stearate. That’s 50 milligrams. Suppose you take 8 capsules or tablets a day. That’s 250 a month – or 12,500 mg of this hydrogenated oil, nearly half an ounce. That works out to about 6 ounces of hydrogenated oils a year, from just 8 pills a day. Many people take more supplements, and ingest pounds of this toxic oil we try to avoid in our diets – while directly inhibiting the utilization of the nutrients they’re supplementing!

Remember, the sole purpose of using these oils is to make the machines go faster. Supplements can be made without them – it just takes more time, care and attention to detail. Our exclusive process yields absolutely pure supplements – no lubricants, binders, flowing agents, fillers, dyes or additives of any kind – only the pure nutrients.

Remember to always consult a licensed healthcare practitioner before embarking on any treatment, it’s your health and it’s IMPORTANT. www.naturalcures.com/disclaimer

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Dr. Theresa Dale (10 Posts)

Theresa's interest in non-invasive therapies became her passion when she was diagnosed with a uterine tumor at 22 years of age. After healing herself of the tumor by herself using natural methods, she decided to dedicate her life to helping others to do the same. In 1992 She founded The Wellness Center for Research and Education, Inc. and in 1994, The California College of Natural Medicine. Theresa's mission and purpose is to empower, educate and expand awareness of mind, body, and spirit medicine using natural methods. Dr. Theresa Dale is a frequent guest of the media; past host of her own radio and cable TV show “Health Network”, featured on The Leeza Show, NBC News, Vogue, EXTRA, Kevin Trudeau Show, Robert Scott Bell Show, Gary Null and hundreds of others. She also writes articles for medical publications and consumer magazines such as Homeopathy Today, Yoga Journal and more. Since Europe is the leader in medical research and education in the area of Naturopathy, Bio-Energetic Medicine, Magnetic Fields and Homeopathy, Theresa Dale chose to complete her Naturopathic Studies in Europe as well as the U.S.A. The residential training awarded her a Naturopathic Doctor degree (1988) at Clayton University, St. Louis, Mo. Clayton University’s prestigious Board of Directions included pioneers and experts such as Linus Pauling, and many other noted authorities. Dr. Dale has been in private practice since 1980 in the areas of homeopathy, nutrition, magnetic field therapy, and emotional release technologies. Dr. Dale has invented 150 homeopathic, herbal and nutritional formulas along with a Naturopathic approach to balancing hormones which incorporates a 24 hour circadian rhythm Five Element Saliva Test, endocrine rebuilding diet, homeopathic formulas (NuFem), and meridian remedies (Neuro-Emotional Remedies). Created by Dr. Dale, “NuFem and EndoPure HRS (Hormone Rejuvenation System} is an advanced system of endocrine healing incorporating a new "clinically proven" homeopathic hormone delivery system. Theresa has also created the first line of Fibonacci Sequenced Homeopathic Medicine as well as formulas to detoxify any negative effects of vaccinations. She offers lectures and workshops to medical professionals and speaks at various conferences and expo’s. She has authored a new book "Revitalize Your Hormones" on hormone rejuvenation, offering self-help methods based on results from thousands of individuals who have healed their endocrine system using Dr. Dale’s methods. Her first book "Transform Your Emotional DNA, Understanding the Blueprint of Your Life" has helped thousands of people increase awareness, heal their body and transform their lives. Dr. Dale has also authored curriculum for the California College of Natural Medicine.