Are supplements really that good for you?

A new study has discovered that vitamin D supplement labelling isn’t as accurate as it claims – in fact, different manufacturers showed a range in quantities with as varied as 140 percent from what was listed on the label. These discrepancies mean that the supplements you’re taking could be far higher than the dose you think you’re consuming, which could potentially lead to health problems. In a recent study, researchers found that the amount of vitamin D claimed to be in certain supplements varied considerably to what was actually found in them.

In a trial which saw randomised tests on a variety of supplements by different producers, an Oregon-based research company found that only one third of the vitamin D pills examined contained between 90 to 110 percent of the active ingredient. A total of 55 bottles, from 12 different suppliers, were tested and the results were somewhat shocking. Consumers are purchasing vitamin D supplements and believing that they are taking the dose on the label, but in reality they could be taking anything up to 140 percent more than they first thought.

The potency of vitamin D varies dramatically from brand to brand, and consuming the wrong dose for long periods of time can lead to health damage such as kidney problems. Vitamin D is important in the body for helping it to absorb calcium to boost the health of your bones and improve your general wellbeing. Further studies need to take place in order to determine the quality control level of certain suppliers. In the meantime, you can get vitamin D from your diet instead of supplements, from foods such as fortified bread or breakfast cereals, as well as enabling your body to develop it naturally from sunlight. If you’re not sure if you’re getting enough vitamin D, speak to your GP who can advise you.