The recent news about New York State implementing herbal testing on four mass market brands of dietary supplements is extremely significant for the natural products industry. Many herbal products failed the testing for multiple reasons, including the products not containing the ingredients claimed on the label, and for containing contaminants not listed on the label. As a result, the state demanded that the products be recalled and pulled off the shelves.
This historic event brings up more questions than answers because the testing method (for plant DNA) is not an appropriate test for extracts. It causes concern about why it was done in the first place and how they decided to take such putative measures without basing it on scientifically valid test methods. But the outcome also highlights major issues in the industry that finally need to be addressed. HPLC testing, although expensive, is the only definitive method for testing plant constituents. DNA and UV tests are far less accurate. Guidelines need to be created to standardize the best testing methods for each herb and each particular extract. Manufacturers need to be responsible for testing raw materials, not just relying on certificates of analysis from the supplier. Lastly, testing should be mandatory in order to identify contaminants, solvents and toxins.
Restorative Formulations has set a standard unsurpassed by any other brand of supplements by using 95% Certified Organic or wildcrafted herbs. To maintain organic certification, the only materials permitted in the extraction process are water, certified organic alcohol and carbon dioxide. By using Certified Organic herbs, we eliminated the possibility of toxic solvents finding their way in the final product. This is an expensive and time-consuming process which makes us vulnerable to supply issues, but we are deeply committed to maintaining this high standard.
We are also proud about several other important practices:
- Independent lab tests on every batch
- We use HPLC testing to monitor specific constituent markers, as opposed to UV spectrometry which is less expensive but less accurate.
- Our formulas use highly concentrated therapeutic dosages, sometimes up to 100:1
- The minimum constituent biomarkers are stated on the label
Until measures are taken to revamp industry requirements, it’s important as a physician to be familiar with the brands you are recommending to your patients, in order to “first do no harm”. Unfortunately, just because a supplement brand is considered “professional”, doesn’t necessarily mean that it follows the ideal quality control practices. There is also a common misconception that professional supplement brands use only organic herbs and organic herbal extracts. The reality is that the majority of cultivated herbs used in these products are conventionally grown, using pesticides, herbicides, and chemical solvents at various points in the manufacturing process.
When deciding which products to recommend to your patients, be sure to take time to research the manufacturer. Ask if they test raw materials, if they allow solvents, and if they are certain their products don’t contain contaminants. When you have confidence in the products you recommend, your patients will have more confidence in you.