According to a 2016 survey, 40 percent of Americans reported that at least some of the food they ate was organic. Most of the survey respondents chose organic foods due to health concerns, believing organically grown to be healthier than conventionally grown foods. But what about organic supplements?
With so many choices lining the shelves, it’s important to know what to look for if you are considering the switch to organic.
Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D., author of The Magnesium Miracle and The Complete Natural Medicine Guide to Women’s Health, shared that the first thing is to verify that the USDA Organic icon is on a product’s label—this certifies that the supplement contains 95 percent organic ingredients.
“Unlike synthetic supplements, which can contain chemicals that don’t occur in nature,” Dean explains, “organic supplements should be free of pesticides, insecticides and other toxic ingredients which are much healthier for the body.”
There isn’t much science to prove that organic supplements are healthier or more nutritious synthetic supplements, but whole-food based supplements from organic sources do offer a variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants versus a single nutrient that is chemically derived.
Dean pointed to a study that showed natural vitamin E was absorbed by the body twice as readily as its synthetic counterpart.
If we’re consuming more organic fruits and vegetables to decrease the risk of common chronic diseases, it stands to reason that opting for organic whole-food based supplements can offer similar benefits.
Here are a few brands that offer that sought-after USDA organic seal:
Garden of Life
Try their mykind Organics Women’s Once Daily Multi or Raw ONE Multi for Men.
Navitas Organics
Add a scoop of Immunity Daily Superfood Boost powder to your favorite juice or smoothie.
SunBiotics
Try their potent probiotic supplement with organic yacon root prebiotics.