The supplement industry is experiencing tremendous growth, and amidst all the excitement, it’s important to remember what supplements truly are: potent substances that can significantly influence your health, yet they don’t undergo the same rigorous regulations as pharmaceuticals. Instead, they are overseen more like food products. One critical element that is often missing from both supplements and medications is the systems science of personalized analysis. Within this segment, we shed light on a documentary that dates back at least six years, focusing on the supplement industry.

The video piece fails to acknowledge an important aspect, which is that countries with healthier populations like Japan can serve as ideal benchmarks to determine the optimal blood and tissue levels required to prevent people from resorting to drugs, "vaccines" and other unnecessary medical procedures. The fact remains Japan's medical establishment also largely does not acknowledge or test the myriad of cellular nurtitional biomarkers so this is not claiming that Japan is some kind of Utopia.

The word "science" is repeatedly emphasized without acknowledging the existence of two distinct branches: systems science and reductionist science. This continuous repetition of the term "science" has caused individuals to develop conflicting perspectives. While they harbor a deep mistrust towards the medical establishment, they believe there are no alternative options beyond individuals in white lab coats identifying themselves as doctors and scientists. Unfortunately, they fail to recognize the significant disparity between the various branches of science we previously mentioned.

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Please be aware that this is my critique, and I strive to largely discredit the so-called "scientific evidence" presented by the Fifth Estate and their supposed experts in their efforts to undermine well-established scientific principles. It is quite disrespectful for them to label Dr. Linus Pauling -- a two-time Nobel Prize winner -- as a discredited scientist, while conveniently ignoring the flaws in a system that primarily focuses on symptom management and treats human beings as mere products on an assembly line. It is disheartening to see that very few substantial advancements have been made in the field of reductionist science, which has a profound impact on every aspect of human biology and life, over the course of more than a century. Furthermore, it is worth noting how our dietary choices, as well as the substances we absorb, ranging from toxins to beneficial nutrients, significantly influence our dental, mental, and physical well-being.

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The Fifth Estate: Vitamins & Supplements: Magic Pills

We transcribed the video below and made comments on each snippet in the video

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Tonight on the Fifth Estate, they arrive brimming with assurances. I can assure you that this will revolutionize your reality within a span of three to five days. Herbs, minerals, vitamins - three out of four Canadians consume them. Right here, I present to you our liposomal D abettor, alongside our potent antioxidant, bacopa. This industry is valued at a staggering 1.4 billion dollars, encompassing a wide range of players from large pharmaceutical companies to small, family-owned businesses. However, the question remains: what exactly is contained within these bottles? It is disheartening to discover that the product I purchase, believe in, and invest a significant amount of money in, may not even contain what it claims to. Could this be a joke? Are we potentially consuming excessive amounts of vitamins? We cannot assume that more is always better. In fact, it could be detrimental to our health, increasing the risk of cancer and heart disease. Unfortunately, few individuals are aware of the risks they are taking.

I am Jillian Finley, and this is the Fifth Estate. In the fields outside of Wealth, Ontario, Steven New Master, a botanist at the University of Guelph, is embarking on a mission. As part of an international team, he is collecting and categorizing nature, creating a DNA library for future reference. For New Master, this endeavor is a labor of love, as he firmly believes in the healing power of nature. Personally, I purchase and utilize natural health products. I have faith in them, as they have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My family also relies on them, and we have witnessed firsthand their efficacy in treating various ailments. It is ironic that New Master's study would shake the very industry that produces these products. In 2012, New Master and his team randomly selected 44 herbal supplements available in Canada and the United States. They then compared the contents of these products to the DNA in their extensive database. The results were astonishing. Approximately 60% of the products contained ingredients that were not listed on their labels. Even more shocking, one in three products turned out to be outright counterfeits. This revelation took me by surprise. Most of these counterfeits involved complete substitutions, where the product listed on the label did not match the DNA found, instead containing mere fillers like alfalfa.

The product was advertised as a specific item, but it was not present in the bottle nor on the label. As a consumer, this was frustrating because I spent a lot of money on a product that I believed in and cared about. Similarly, another case in Long Island involved contamination that harmed people. The woman behind the vitamin business, Candice Tripp, started making them by hand in her kitchen in the 80s. Although she did not have a background in pharmacology or medicine, she spent most of her time in medical libraries at Stony Brook and was self-taught. Her ex-husband, a chemist and chiropractor, developed the vitamin formulations for her company, Purity First. Despite humble beginnings, the company grew into a successful enterprise, selling their products online, in retail stores, and through alternative healthcare providers.

The vitamins from purity first were initially thought to be the ideal choice for anyone seeking pure and effective supplements. Mr. Grasso, an early customer, incorporated these vitamins into his daily routine in his pursuit of better health. He experienced positive results, feeling great and maintaining an active lifestyle through most of 2012. However, things took a turn for the worse in the later months of that year when he began experiencing unusual and unexplained back pain that soon became debilitating.

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To his surprise, Mr. Grasso started hearing similar stories from other purity first customers who were facing their own health issues. One customer shared how her daughter, an honor student and swim team member, had been expelled from school due to her sudden aggressive behavior. Another woman lost her position in a choir because her voice had changed dramatically. Yet another individual described having bleeding scales on their head, making it impossible for them to go to work. The common factor among all these cases was the purity first be 50 vitamins they had been taking.

Did They Obtain Individualized Help?

The chances are these individuals obtained these supplements as "word of mouth" without obtaining individualized systems consultations from a recognized practitioner. I used to be in the same boat where I was told about some supplement being sold by relatives or recommended to buy from a health food store without any evidence -- not even an approximation -- that I needed it.

Further investigation revealed that these vitamins were contaminated with anabolic steroids. As more customers became aware of this alarming discovery, they sought legal representation. Chris Mara was among the lawyers who took on these cases, and the stories they heard were truly horrifying. One client, a young woman, experienced excessive hair growth, including the development of a mustache and beard. Another condition called clitoral megali, which involves the enlargement of the female sexual organs to resemble a male configuration, was reported. For men who ingested these contaminated vitamins, they developed a condition known as gynecomastia, resulting in the growth of male breasts.

The consequences of consuming these tainted vitamins were severe and far-reaching. It is crucial that such incidents are thoroughly investigated to prevent any further harm to unsuspecting consumers.

Steroidal Hormones Found In Supplements? Attempts To Discredit Supplements Industry

The origin of the steroids found in the bottles was not a mystery. Purity First had outsourced production to a manufacturing company called Mira Health Products, which was previously located here. It was discovered that Mira Health Products produced more than just vitamins. Candace Tripps' current husband, Joe Cuellar, confirmed this with Mira zona. When I called Mike and asked what could have happened, he mentioned that he was making male enhancement pills. He suggested that if any steroids were found, it could be due to insufficient cleaning of the mixer. Some vitamins were manufactured here, and the FDA recently issued a recall after steroids were discovered. It was revealed that Premera had a history of manufacturing violations, leading the US Food and Drug Administration to eventually shut the company down in Farmingdale. As for Purity First, the FDA demanded a recall of the vitamins, but it took nearly six months to execute. This incident highlighted the lack of oversight in an industry that has a significant impact on many people. I became very concerned and realized that the entire industry needs to undergo changes to ensure our safety. It's not just Purity First that poses a risk, but also other companies that can put anything into these bottles and seal them without proper regulation. When we return, we will explore the potential harm and risks associated with supplements. It is important to consider how much is too much and the potential dangers they can pose, such as an increased risk of cancer and heart disease.

I believe that there is a lack of awareness among many individuals regarding the risks associated with the consumption of natural health products in Canada. Currently, there are over 27,000 licensed natural health products available for sale, ranging from pharmacies to health food stores and even international chains like GNC, which operates 200 stores across the country with plans for expansion. These products are often promoted as essential for good health, and we are constantly bombarded with advice on how supplements can improve our well-being. However, it is important to consider the scientific evidence that warns us about the potential harm these products may actually cause.

Lack & Inability To Recommend Individualized Help By "Nutrition Stores"

When people enter a dietary supplement or vitamin store, they often assume that everything available is completely safe. However, Dr. Paul Offit, an infectious disease specialist and best-selling author, questions whether we are taking too many supplements, starting with vitamins. While vitamins are necessary for our survival, the key question is whether we are already obtaining enough of them through our regular diet. According to Dr. Offit, the answer to this question is generally yes. In fact, studies have shown that taking mega doses of certain vitamins can actually be detrimental to our health, increasing the risk of cancer and heart disease.

It is crucial for individuals to be aware of what constitutes excessive supplement intake. One way to determine this is by considering the satiety level of our stomachs. Our stomachs have a limited capacity for a reason, and exceeding this capacity can have negative consequences. Dr. Offit provides an example using vitamin C, where the amount of vitamin C in a single tablet is equivalent to the vitamin C content of seven to eight whole cantaloupes. This highlights the potential for excessive intake and the need for an individualized approach rather than what the video recommends of a "moderated" one.

Risk Of "Supplements" Versus Ubiquitous MD Prescribed Drugs

In conclusion, it is important for people to understand the potential risks associated with the consumption of natural health products and supplements. While they may be marketed as beneficial for our health, it is crucial to consider the scientific evidence and exercise caution. An individualized approach -- not a "balanced" or "moderated" -- is necessary to find out what your body needs and doesn't.

Measurements not accurate

They go on to claim that 1000 mg Vitamin C per day is "too much," but they neglect to mention the fact that we are all individuals and our optimal daily requirements often vary wildly per person. They also do not mention our our food industry has, since the 1950s, been denaturing our food supply mainly for expediency of shipping food before it is fully ripened and ready to be consumed. They also do not mention one good way to determine how much of a substance we need, such as vitamin C, an also be compared to animals. Goats, for instance, produce up to 250 grams or more per day under stress, while humans need it for this and other purposes, yet our livers lost the ability to produce it thousands of years ago. Now if we don't obtain enough of it we develop conditions such as scurvy of the mouth. It also significantly contributes to development of sub-clinical and clinical conditions of connective tissue disorders such as cardiovascular disease. They neglect to mention blood tests are simply snapshots in time and are not a systems method to gauge levels of much of anything over time.

It is not recommended to consume eight cantaloupes as it can be dangerous and goes against the natural intention. Instead, one can find vitamin E naturally in almonds, but consuming a large amount of almonds, around 1670, is required to get the same amount of vitamin E as in a capsule containing a thousand international units. However, scientific studies have shown that taking too much vitamin E can be harmful, especially for men, as it increases the risk of prostate cancer. In a regulated world, vitamin E should have a blackbox warning that clearly states the risks associated with consuming large quantities of it. While antioxidants like vitamins E and C are known to be beneficial, taking excessive amounts of them can be harmful. The scientific community has reached a consensus on this, and it is important to spread this message to the public. In fact, an editorial published in the annals of internal medicine in 2013 argued that supplementing the diet of well-nourished adults with most mineral or vitamin supplements has no clear benefit and might even be harmful.

Blood Levels Of Vitamin D Not The Most Accurate

Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is one of the top-selling vitamins out there and is promoted by many, including family doctors and TV personalities like Dr. Mehmet Oz. However, while Health Canada and US authorities recommend adults get 600 international units a day, some are pushing much higher doses, such as 5,000 IU's daily. In fact, a Canadian website recommended I take 10,000 international units a day, which is 16 times what Health Canada recommends. Pure North's Energy, a nonprofit enterprise, believes that increasing our levels of vitamin D can improve Canadians' health and tests blood levels to ensure safety. While Health Canada and the US Institute of Medicine have rejected an Alberta study that Pure North disagrees with, nutritional scientist Samantha Kimball argues that Health Canada's recommendations are based on assumptions that don't apply to our population, given high rates of obesity, digestive issues, and chronic disease.

I understand that you used our vitamin D calculator on our website and received a recommendation of 10,000 international units. We base our recommendations on the best available evidence, which demonstrates that this level is safe and necessary to reach an optimal blood level. While we did not take your blood level, we believe that this recommendation is appropriate for Canadians in the winter who are not already taking supplements. It is important to note that everyone responds differently to vitamin D, but we stand by our recommendation based on the evidence.

They stick to singular thinking

What they do not mention is that Vitamin D requires other co-factors, mainly Vitamin K2, to make sure the body efficiently uses the Vitamin D to prevent problems such as excess deposits of calcium around the body. They stick to singular supplements in obvious attempts to scare people.

Dr. Joanne Manson, a researcher at Brigham and Women's Hospital, has conducted an extensive vitamin D study by collecting blood samples from 25,000 individuals. This study, one of the largest in the world, aims to compare disease rates between those who take vitamin D supplements and those who do not. While the final results will not be available for another two years, Dr. Manson has already expressed concerns about the excessive intake of vitamin D. The Institute of Medicine has also recommended avoiding daily doses exceeding 4,000 IU's, as it may lead to adverse events such as calcium in the urine, kidney stones, vascular calcification, and soft tissue calcification. Interestingly, recent studies have shown a U-shaped curve, indicating that both high and low blood levels of vitamin D are associated with higher risks of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Therefore, it is important not to assume that more is necessarily better. Additionally, fish oil, which contains omega-3s, is widely used as a supplement in North America and is believed by many to be essential for good health.

Essential Fatty Acids Neglected By Many

DHA omega-3 is of utmost importance. Adam Ismael, the executive director of one of the world's largest fish oil trade associations, acknowledges the abundant evidence supporting its benefits. These benefits include reducing blood pressure, lowering the risk of coronary death, reducing triglyceride levels, and regulating heart rate. However, the scientific understanding of fish oil is complex. The product in question consists of two capsules, approved by the FDA and commonly sold as a supplement. Upon inspection, Preston Mason, a researcher from Harvard University, notes a slight fishy smell, which is expected. Fish oil is delicate and extracted as a by-product from oily fish such as anchovies. During the extraction process, the oil is exposed to oxygen, and even a small amount of oxygen can cause the oil to spoil. Another example of fish oil supplement is presented, but unfortunately, it emits a strong, unpleasant fishy odor, indicating that it has gone bad. The issue with oxidized fish oil goes beyond its odor. Oxidized oil contains oxidized lipids, which are essential components of cells. Scientists have long recognized that oxidized lipids can be harmful, triggering inflammatory responses within our bodies, particularly in our cells. Ingesting oxidized lipids can lead to inflammatory changes that contribute to cardiovascular disease. The exact point at which oxidized lipids become dangerous is still unknown. However, studies over the years have shown that many omega-3 supplements contain high levels of oxidized lipids. In 2002, the industry established a voluntary maximum oxidation standard, yet a recent study in New Zealand revealed that 83 percent of fish oil supplements failed to meet this standard.

Upon discovering a significant number of products with high oxidation levels, we decided to purchase and test 47 products from the New Zealand market. Regrettably, we found that around 20% of these products did not meet our standards. While this is concerning for consumers, improving the quality of fish oil may not address the larger issue of omega-3 supplements not living up to their claims of preventing disease. Dr. Andrew Gray's research on fish oil suggests that there is no compelling evidence that taking fish oil protects against heart attacks. Despite this, the fish oil industry continues to promote the benefits of their products, but the evidence they provide is not conclusive and does not support their claims.

Essential Fatty Acids For Singular Heart Disease Paradigm

I believe what you are observing are the abstracts, but I have brought the studies with me to provide you with the actual data from the full papers. However, the conclusions drawn from these studies remain the same. These papers examine large areas of cardiovascular disease, and it is difficult to argue against the importance of omega-3s for heart function. It is possible that consuming omega-3s through natural sources like fish may be beneficial, but the same cannot be said for supplements. Despite the fact that omega-3s are natural and essential for normal cell and body function, their clinical benefits still need to be proven through strong clinical trials. There is a lot of noise and promotion surrounding these supplements, but we still require scientific evidence to validate these hypotheses. In light of the lack of scientific evidence for many supplements, it is puzzling why regulators are so eager to approve them. This suggests that they may be aware of the low quality of these products. The popularity of dietary supplements in North America grew in the 80s, as people sought better health and alternatives to the traditional medical system. Science took a backseat, and the industry was ready to capitalize on this trend. In Canada, natural health products were regulated as food, with no testing requirements or need for manufacturers to prove safety or effectiveness. However, when people started getting sick, the government faced pressure to take action. This led to a battle between manufacturers and believers on one side, and scientists and regulators on the other, with the latter responsible for protecting public health. This battle first emerged in Washington at the turn of the century, when snake oil salesmen made false promises about their potions.

Attempts By Corrupt & Biased Govern-ment To "Regulate"

In the early 1990s, David Kessler arrived at the US Food and Drug Administration with a promise to implement stricter regulations for supplements. He demanded that manufacturers provide evidence to support their health claims. This proposal caused quite a stir in the industry. Kessler, who had previously tackled challenging regulatory issues such as tobacco, found that dietary supplements posed an even greater challenge. The industry quickly realized that meeting the requirement of significant scientific agreement would be difficult, if not impossible, for them to make any claims. With billions of dollars at stake, they launched an unprecedented lobbying campaign. This campaign, portrayed by the industry as an attack on personal freedom, was both dramatic and effective. It garnered more public attention than even the Vietnam War, with millions of letters flooding Congress. Ultimately, this lobbying effort led to the passing of a bill, known as the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which established standards for dietary supplements. However, this victory was a triumph for the industry, as it did not require them to prove the safety or effectiveness of their products before they could be sold in the United States. A few years later, a similar battle unfolded in Canada, as the industry and its advocates opposed Health Canada's plan to regulate natural health products more strictly, holding them to the same scientific standards as prescription drugs.

Public Backlash Over Govern-ment Attempts To Control Consumer Choice

Dr. Stuart MacLeod served on a Health Canada advisory board that proposed the implementation of a single standard of evidence. The board recommended against endorsing any products that did not meet this standard, particularly focusing on the efficacy standards derived from randomized controlled trials. However, there was significant opposition in the United States, driven by concerns over control and financial interests. It is perplexing that, despite centuries of successful use of herbs and plants worldwide, the government now seeks to restrict individuals' ability to make decisions about their own health and that of their families. The public expressed their discontent through letters and petitions, ultimately leading to a successful campaign. Health Minister Alan Rock eventually reconsidered his stance, recognizing the importance of respecting and allowing Canadians the freedom to choose natural health products. The government should not excessively interfere in people's lives, but in Canada, there would still be regulations in place. Canadian manufacturers would be required to provide evidence to support health claims and adhere to good manufacturing practices. This agreement is regarded by the industry as a means to reassure consumers, as Health Canada has established one of the most robust regulatory frameworks globally

Chiropractic: Long History Of Misleading Claims

In an interesting, if not deliberate attempt to discredit, they quote a vague source about a Chiropractor formulating supplements. The chiropractic industry was one of the reasons I became apathetic and watched relatives and friends speak about it in a religious fashion. I don't blame them because back then, and maybe even now, they were misleading people by claiming that adjusting someone's spine can alleviate almost all illness without mentioning lifestyle and individual biochemistry.

Helen Lond is currently leading the Canadian Health Food Association. Before a product is released for sale, it is essential to provide evidence that the product is effective and contains high-quality ingredients. It should deliver on its promises as stated on the packaging. However, determining what constitutes as proof can be a complex matter. In 2001, Wayne Friesen from Winnipeg ventured into the supplement manufacturing industry. Presently, his company, Innotech, offers 16 different products. Their most popular item is a vitamin powder called Cardio Flex, which is essentially an amino acid formula. By incorporating this powder into your daily routine, you can enhance your intake of essential amino acids like lysine. However, for optimal results, it is crucial to ensure adequate levels of vitamin C. Therefore, our product contains three different types of vitamin C. Now, you may wonder who formulated this product. We collaborated with a chiropractor and thoroughly examined the formula. We carefully considered what ingredients to include and how to make it taste good. You may question the expertise of a chiropractor in the field of cardiovascular health. However, it is worth noting that many chiropractors believe in the Linus Pauling theory, which emphasizes the importance of certain nutrients that are often lacking in the Western diet.

Theories Vs. Models: Not Many Know The Difference

Below you will read Fifth Estate's attempts to call Dr. Pauling's ground-breaking findings as "discredited." For one they do not mention that all of Dr. Pauling's work is what established modern-day chemistry and especially the modern-day medical establishment. They also do not differentiate between reductionist and systems science but this is not surprising because this is yet another example of an over-simplified media piece that is ubiquitious in today's world of a grade 5 reading level audience.

Linus Pauling, a renowned figure in the field of science, achieved great recognition as a recipient of two Nobel Prizes in chemistry and peace. However, he gained even more prominence for his assertions regarding the potential benefits of high doses of vitamin C, which he claimed could cure a wide range of ailments from the common cold to cancer. Dr. Paul Offit, a respected authority, has famously criticized Pauling, labeling him as arguably the world's greatest quack. It was during the late 1960s and early 1970s that Pauling made these statements, leading to a surge in the popularity of mega vitamins, where people began consuming significantly higher amounts of vitamins than the recommended daily intake. At that time, there were some scientific indications supporting Pauling's claims, but subsequent studies conducted in the early 1970s contradicted his theories. Over the years, numerous studies have consistently refuted Pauling's assertions. Despite this, even after four decades, it remains challenging to convince believers otherwise. Main Friesen, for instance, sells a product based on Pauling's ideas, which has received approval from Health Canada.

Vitamin C Discredited?

Does anyone know the human body lost its ability to produce its own Vitamin C also called Ascorbic Acid? Probably not. They also do not mention why Fifth Estate states they think it has been discredited. They also do not mention that Vitamin C is only one of the myriad of nutrients in varying combinations and concentrations the human body needs on a daily basis. They also show a clip that subtly mocks this singular substance in a clip saying "Vitamin C, you know in oranges?" as if it were some kind of tame substance which it is not because the human body does not produce it and we need a relatively large amount of it per day that we cannot obtain in our nutrient-depleted foods, as well as our relatively poor gut health.

Dr. Linus Pauling's scientific work on vitamin C and disease prevention has been discredited by the scientific community for many years now. While there was some press on this topic with medical doctors, the natural health industry embraced it in the early days of regulation. However, Health Canada proceeded cautiously, rejecting more applications than they approved, which created a backlog. Under political pressure and with an industry anxious to get the system moving again, Health Canada went on a cross-country tour in 2012 to hear from the industry directly. During these sessions, Michael Cruz of the watchdog group bad science watch attended and kept the handouts. The slides revealed that Health Canada was aware of problems, such as 40 percent of complaints received being about natural health products, with 40 percent of those being about quality, including contamination and purposeful adulteration. This suggests that Health Canada knows that low-quality products are getting to market, yet the solution seems to be to trust the industry even more, with the license holder being responsible for ensuring quality from any claims.

Health Canada: Weak?

Here they claim that Health Canada accepted evidence that is considered weak in regards to supplement approvals. Why do they not mention how corrupt this agency has become over the last 40 years? One example is Dr. Shiv Chopra was a scientist for this agency and he was fired for whistle-blowing regarding Health Canada's attempts to introduce bovine growth hormone into the milk supply. He later sued the agency and won.

Health Canada has acknowledged that it accepted evidence that was considered weak in order to expedite and streamline the approval process. This decision was made to address the concerns raised by industry professionals who believed that the existing timeline was too long. As a result, product approvals can now be obtained in as little as 10 days. However, it is important to note that there are still measures in place to ensure the safety and quality of these products. Health Canada retains the right to conduct spot inspections, although it currently only has 10 inspectors for an industry that has grown significantly with nearly 800 license holders. This balance between efficiency and regulatory oversight is crucial in meeting the demands of manufacturers while safeguarding public health.

Wayne Friesen asserts that Health Canada has conducted an inspection of his factory, and no one has ever suggested that his product, cardio flex, has caused any harm. However, considering its association with discredited vitamin-c science, one may question the basis on which it was approved. Health Canada informs us that cardio flex's ingredients meet established standards for promoting cardiovascular health and overall well-being. Despite this, the price of $49 per jar and the tax claims for cardio flex seem to exceed reasonable expectations. Upon reviewing some of your marketing materials, it appears that you make several claims about the product, such as lowering cholesterol, increasing energy, reducing high blood pressure, improving HDL cholesterol levels, alleviating chest pains, enhancing circulation, and making one feel younger. I am curious to know what evidence you have to support these assertions. While these are not necessarily claims made by you, they are reported by your customers who have used the product over the past 12 to 13 years. My intention is to understand if any scientific research has been conducted, either by you or others, to substantiate these claims made in your marketing. It seems that you are about to embark on a study, but as of now, no such research has been conducted. Therefore, how can you be certain of the product's effectiveness?

Health Canada: History Of Corruption

We have repeatedly requested an interview with Health Canada to discuss the effectiveness of our product and address any concerns, but they have consistently refused. This raises questions about the weaknesses of the Canadian regulatory system and whether it is any better than the unregulated system in the US. Despite having regulations on paper, they are not being enforced in practice, as evidenced by our shocking findings of asparagus DNA in rice and other products. Our liposomal D and bacopa supplements are essential nutrients for older individuals, but the concerns about contamination, adulteration, and fraud in the supplement industry are very real. The 2013 study by Guelph University's Stephen New Master found that 60% of tested products had unauthorized ingredients and one in three were fake. This information is crucial and the public deserves to be informed.

After the study was published in a scientific journal, it gained attention not only from the public but also from the New York Times and New York's Attorney General. In December, my office conducted its own tests on store-brand herbal supplements purchased from various locations in New York State. The results were even more alarming than expected. Only 21 percent of the tested products contained DNA evidence of the listed ingredients. We discovered DNA from asparagus, houseplants, rice, and other substances, but not the actual product listed on the label. This revelation exposed a massive fraud within the multi-billion dollar herbal supplement industry. In response, Eric Schneiderman, the Attorney General, ordered retailers to cease selling the questionable products. Seeking political support, he rallied 14 states attorneys general to urge the US Congress and the FDA to take decisive action on supplement regulation. Surprisingly, Health Canada, the equivalent regulatory body in Canada, has shown little concern about the issue. Despite the study being published in a reputable scientific journal, Steve New Master, the researcher, has not received any communication from Health Canada. He remains eager to collaborate with them and is uncertain how this aligns with their objectives and how they can contribute to moving the technology forward.

We inquired with Health Canada regarding their response to the new masters work, particularly in light of the actions taken by the Americans. In their written reply, Health Canada stated that they did review the study. However, they determined that no action was necessary because new master did not provide a comprehensive list of all the ingredients and brands he tested. This raises concerns about the industry, as one in three products tested were found to be counterfeit. Are Canadian health food associations not worried about this?

Unbiased Testing Framework Needed

Helen Long, on the other hand, believes it is crucial to acknowledge the various testing methods available. While she is not a scientist and cannot speak to the specifics of the testing, she emphasizes the importance of considering different approaches. She is not suggesting that the DNA barcoding method used in this study should be universally accepted, as Health Canada has not yet approved it. However, she highlights that some industry players are starting to embrace it. For instance, GNC, a prominent supplement retailer, has agreed to incorporate DNA barcoding into their processes. Walmart has also expressed interest, and Nature's Way, one of North America's largest manufacturers, has formed a partnership with scientists at Guelph to prioritize quality.

Travis Moore's role as a VP at Nature's Way has been a game-changer for the company. Working with Dr. New Master has allowed for extensive testing of their herbal dietary ingredients for identity, which could potentially lead to supplement makers being able to test ingredients all the way back to the source. While this is a step in the right direction, the question still remains about the efficacy of these products. The approval number given by Health Canada for natural health products may not necessarily guarantee their safety and effectiveness, leading to consumers being misled by profit-focused manufacturers. Despite this, the allure of a quick fix remains strong, and it is up to individuals to make informed decisions about their health.