Dear Pharmacist: Shop for high-quality supplements

Dear Pharmacist: Are there certain ways to shop and ensure that I buy high-quality supplements? --J.J. Boynton Beach, Florida

Yes. Here’s some advice that can help you make better selections:
Check for artificial colors — Dyes and Lakes are unnecessary additives to make supplements prettier but many are coal tar derived. Because there is no benefit obtained from artificial colors, I think they should be avoided. The Food and Drug Administration allows colors because they say they pose no risk when used properly, but I think that depends on who you ask.

Some colors like tartrazine (a.k.a. FD&C Yellow 5 or E102) can trigger allergies in people; skin rashes, hives, migraines, nasal congestion, asthma, anxiety, depression or diarrhea. Some colors are are suspected in hyperactivity (ADHD) and DNA damage (think cancer). Colors are frequently used in medications to help distinguish tablets, but less frequently used in supplements.

Check for allergy-causing ingredients- I think it’s nice when a maker takes special care to avoid the items that many are sensitive to. Try to avoid wheat, gluten, dairy, corn, soy and sugar. There are many additives, some natural ones too, that can trigger problems. Download a free brochure called “Food Additives” from www.FoodAdditives.org.

Check for bizarre or unnecessary additives- Like high fructose corn syrup, carmine (red bug colorant), or shellac. The insidious thing here is that you can’t always tell what’s actually “added” because it’s done during manufacturing.

Did You Know?
If you’re suffering with itchy watery eyes, conjunctivitis or seasonal eye allergies, try Zaditor eye drops. It used to be prescription, but it’s sold OTC now and it’s strong.