by Autumn Drouin, ND and Tara Levy, ND
A recent report that revealed several weight-loss nutritional supplements have been reported to contain a “never-before tested ingredient” that’s closely related to amphetamines – not the plant indicated on their respective labels – according to a Harvard-led study published online this week by the journal Drug Testing and Analysis.
This is just one of the many examples that underscores how critical it is for dietary supplement companies to have comprehensive testing programs. The minimally required testing just isn’t adequate.
This report comes on the heels of the New York state attorney general’s office accusing Walmart, Target, GNC, and Walgreens of selling herbal supplements that were fraudulent and contaminated, after testing store brands of several herbal products. The agency sent cease and desist letters to each of the retailers with their findings. Details appeared in the New York Times on February 3.
Denis DeLuca, President of Biotics Research says “Now we have a situation where supplements meant to assist consumers in weight loss have been reported to contain chemicals which may potentially be detrimental. Nearly forty years after starting our company, we continue to see the value in consumers getting their supplementation directly from healthcare professionals.”