10 Dietary Supplement Myths You May Have Believed

As wellness seeking individuals, we can all agree on one thing: We only want what’s best for our bodies and overall health. But between all the emerging trends, gossip and ever-evolving research, it can be easy for us to feel confused about what is true and what is false when it comes to our health. 

Because nutrition is always the first line of defense, the team at Manna has decided to hone in on debunking the most common dietary supplement myths that stand between you and honest, optimal nutrition.

Now is the time to dive a little deeper and challenge some of these common misconceptions when it comes to the world of nutrition that we are all trying to understand a little better… 

Myth #1: Organic ingredients are more nutritious and better for you

Ah, organic foods. We have all noticed the obvious separation in the fruit and veggie section of our local grocery store. To many, it seems that buying organic is the prestige supermarket choice for “better health.” But it’s hard not to wonder whether these foods have as much of a positive impact on our health as they do on our wallet.

Health experts have long debated whether organic foods are more nutritious and a healthier option than conventional foods. And while an organic stamp of approval may have some advantages, nutritional value is pretty much the same. Here’s why…

Organic growing methods are used to ensure specific controls on chemicals and practices used to promote healthy plant growth and minimize chemical residue on foods. But the result of these regulations and practices doesn’t necessarily mean the final product is a food with a superior nutritional value, as compared to a non-organically grown food. Organically grown foods are no more or less nutritious than those grown with traditional farming methods.   

Now when it comes to supplements, ingredients are subjected to contaminant and heavy metal testing specifications which typically are much stricter than any testing done on organically grown foods. Plus, many raw materials used in supplements are “standardized” (meaning, we can guarantee a specific amount of active ingredient for a given amount of material) for active ingredients. Simply put, Manna supplements are not only tested to be free of contaminants, what we claim on the label is guaranteed to be in the product. 

Myth #2: Food-based ingredients are always superior

It’s safe to say that ingredients are required whenever a meal is being made. Without flour, sugar, baking powder and eggs, a cake could never be, well, a cake. The same goes for supplements and their formulations! Each ingredient provides its own specific function to make a supplement tasty, effective, stable and safe to consume. 

Understandably so, you may have concerns about certain ingredients and additives you find on a nutrition label because of long or unfamiliar names. This can lead to an assumption that food-based ingredients are always superior to any other additive. But keep reading to find out why this isn’t always the case. 

Whenever possible, Manna relies on food-based raw materials for all formulations. But in some cases, food-based ingredients are not compatible due to ingredient interactions or instability of unwanted compounds from the food. When a food-based ingredient isn’t a viable option, we utilize plant-sourced (algae as a source for DHA, for example) or isolated nutrients (in the case of most minerals) in our formulas.  

Myth #3: More is better 

When it comes to vitamins and supplements, more isn’t always better. Companies may formulate their products to contain large dosages of a certain nutrient in hopes that you’ll believe it will come with twice as many benefits. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, large doses could actually do more harm than good. 

First and foremost, nutrient values in supplements should always be backed by supporting scientific research. And we get it, it’s human nature to want to have a bit more “just to be safe” or to “ensure benefits.” It’s ok to give yourself a little extra cushion, but remember with some nutrients (iron and zinc, for example), too much can result in toxic and adverse health effects. 

At Manna, we don’t get caught up in a “horsepower race” with nutrients just to show more value than our competitors.  We specify nutrient values based on scientific support as well as the interaction with other ingredients which have similar actions in the body. 

This concept, known as “Appropriate Polypharmacy,” allows us to combine multiple active ingredients, in scientifically supported amounts, as compared to many competitors who use “megadoses” to show a better value. Our Liposomal Sleep Complex is a perfect example of this concept correctly applied.  

Combined with our liposomal delivery, you can be assured your body receives an optimal amount of nutrients to help you fall asleep, naturally, as compared to competitor products who base their formulations on marketing hype and outrageous (and potentially unsafe) amounts of active ingredients.  

Myth #4: Time Release tablets are better

You may or may not have heard of time-release supplements, which were designed to offer a steady dosage over the course of many hours, rather than delivering the full amount all at once. Most supplements on the market come in tablet form, with a solid core surrounded by many layers that are supposed to dissolve and enter your bloodstream at different times. But does this work the way these companies claim? Keep reading and we’ll tell you… 

Time release technology began in the pharmaceutical world to allow certain drugs  to be delivered in a sustained or time-extended manner.  Keep in mind that these drugs are intended to have specific actions in your body, and timed-release optimizes their effectiveness. Dietary supplements, on the other hand, support your body’s natural mechanisms and delaying or extending the release of the nutrient typically has no noticeable effect in your body to maximize benefits. 

And it is also important to note the exceptions where a time release supplement just wouldn’t make sense. Sleep supplements for example, like Manna’s Liposomal Sleep Complex, where you would want the effects to kick in as soon as possible.  

Myth #5: Pepper extract is the best bioavailability enhancer 

Black pepper sits on nearly every kitchen countertop in America, making it a flavor staple for all your favorite meals. And over recent years, it has even been added to a variety of supplement formulas. This is due to the common perception that black pepper is the most effective way to maximize the benefits and effectiveness of certain nutrients. So now we ask, fact or fiction? Let’s dive in… 

Black pepper extract, also known as piperine, is used in many supplements to increase bioavailability, and it has shown to be somewhat effective.  However, high doses can be irritating on the stomach, so those with sensitivities may be faced with some discomfort. 

Since piperine is used primarily in tablets and capsules, there is a physical limit to how much can be used before it crowds out room for the active ingredients. Piperine also has poor water solubility, which results in poor dissolution (ability to dissolve in the stomach) as well as poor absorption in the small intestine. 

So, it all adds up to poor bioavailability. And since piperine’s role is solely to enhance bioavailability, its poor solubility is considered one of its major limiting factors.  

With Manna on the other hand, liposomal delivery not only enhances bioavailability, but it’s also well suited for liquids and does not compete with active ingredients for space. In addition, unlike piperine, liposomal delivery doesn’t negatively affect taste or cause gastric upset. 

Myth #6: You get all the nutrients you need from food

We all are aware of the benefits of eating a diet rich in nutrients and minimal in processed foods.  The reality is most of us don’t meet these suggestions, and supplements play a valuable role in filling nutritional gaps.  Even those who do follow a well-balanced diet commonly fail to meet the suggested intakes for nonessential (but critical) nutrients.   

For example, most adults fail to consume the recommended daily amount of DHA, and it’s very difficult to consume an effective dose of curcumin from turmeric alone (not to mention the poor bioavailability).  The bottom line is supplements serve a very important purpose in one’s healthy lifestyle. 

Myth #7: Supplements are not FDA regulated

Dietary supplements are widely used and accepted in the promotion of health, wellness and longevity. Their widespread adoption has brought forward many questions that consumers have about the quality and safety of nutritional supplements. Here’s the scoop on the FDA’s role in the regulation of the dietary supplement industry.

There is a common misconception that supplements are not properly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But in fact, the FDA has strict regulations regarding dietary supplements including manufacturing guidelines, product claims and labeling specifications. 

Where the truth really lies is that these products are not technically “approved” by the FDA. This is because dietary supplements are not drugs, which the FDA defines as products used for the treatment, prevention or mitigation of diseases. In contrast, dietary supplements are considered by the FDA as an extension of your daily food intake and not as drugs or as a means to treat or prevent disease.  

But although supplements do not fall under the same microscopic scrutiny as pharmaceuticals (and rightly so since drugs are designed to have specific and often unnatural actions in the body, whereas supplements work with the body’s natural structure or functions), they are very much monitored by the FDA. 

Myth #8: Supplements can use any ingredients 

One common misconception is the dietary supplement industry can use any ingredient that hasn’t been tested or proven safe.  This simply isn’t true.  

The Dietary Supplement Health Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) outlined regulations on individual ingredients in dietary supplements. Ingredients proven to be safe and used before 1994 were “grandfathered” in as safe to use in dietary supplements. Ingredients not used in supplements before that point are considered “New Dietary Ingredients” and the manufacturer must notify the FDA and provide a lengthy list of documentation on the safety and efficacy of the ingredient. 

Many companies have submitted applications for an NDI approval, only to be rejected because it didn’t meet the FDA’s guidelines. Even existing ingredients used since or before the DSHEA act can be banned if determined to be unsafe (ephedra, for example). Finally, any ingredient that has been previously used or applied for as a drug with the FDA cannot be used as a dietary supplement ingredient.

Myth #9: Third-party certifications for purity and potency ensure product quality 

Over the past decade, consumers have demanded substantiation on product purity and potency, and third-party certifications have become a popular method for manufacturers to assure consumers that their products actually contain what is on the label as well as meeting specific purity standards.  

Third-party certifications do provide reassurance to the customer about the quality of the product (in fact, Manna’s manufacturing facility has a coveted Good Manufacturing Practices certification).  However, none of these certifications address the EFFICACY of a product. 

Theoretically, you can produce inert sugar pills and have the stamp of approval from a third-party group certifying they are made using pure ingredients and meet the dosage claims.  Although purity and potency are critical parameters, if the product doesn’t provide results, then it arguably doesn’t matter how well it’s made.

Myth #10:  All supplements are basically the same

It doesn’t take long when scouting the dizzying variety of supplements online or on the shelves of your local grocery store to see just how many products are on the market. There are countless varieties of ingredient combinations, dosages and delivery methods that one may choose from, and we know better than anyone how overwhelming it can be to pick which supplement would be best for your individual needs. 

When searching for a supplement, do your research and look for a product from a company that emphasizes science over hype and results over slick marketing.  We’re confident that you’ll turn to Manna if your supplement requirements are leading-edge science, quality, purity, efficacy and unwavering integrity. You can trust Manna supplements with your health and the health of your loved ones, because we trust them with ours! 

Final Thoughts 

No matter where you are on your wellness journey, we know the dietary supplement industry can become overwhelming at times. With ongoing research, trends and bits of information coming out every day, it’s hard to know what information you can truly trust when it comes to your health. But here at Manna, we rely on science to provide you with honest information to help you become your very own wellness guru! That way, you can confidently make the right choices for your unique self! At the end of the day, the most important thing is your health and your happiness – and we’re here to help you make that happen!