Seemingly Harmless but Dangerous Common Supplement Ingredients

If you have ever shopped for supplements you have noticed the so-called "inactive" ingredients that are listed. Debate surrounds these chemicals, as many manufacturers justify their use based on cost effectiveness and expediency. Many of them sound rather natural, and may even be derived from natural sources. But their processing differs, and their sources can vary widely in quality, leading to a high number of contaminated substances entering the market in the form of excipients, fillers, and other additives.   

Silica (amorphous) or silicon dioxide (amorphous):  induces dose-dependent changes in ROS responsible for cytotoxicity and even modifies gene expression and the cell cycle, according to the findings of (Athinarayanan et al.,2014).

Cellulose (microcrystalline and powdered cellulose)  food additive was declared carcinogenic in 1961.

Sorbitol: Metabolizes into glucose, raises blood sugar, and can cause gastrointestinal distress, decreased absorption of B6.

Glycerin or Glycerol: can be toxic, made from GMO vegetables (corn and beet are common GMO’s), and have multiple side effects. Oral vegetable glycerin has been known to upset the stomach and result in nausea and contributes to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, called gastroenteritis.

Magnesium Stearate: New research confirms that Magnesium Stearate depresses lymphocyte counts in vivo. Researchers suggest that “it is recommended that to be on the side of safety, magnesium stearate may not be the best excipients for drugs or biopharmaceuticals destined for immonstimulation, treatment of immunocomprimised patients, or for patients suffering infectious disease…When magnesium striate must be used…perhaps concentrations below 1% should be used” (Okolo, et al., 2019).

Calcium Carbonate: Calcium supplements detached from the other minerals and co-factors that enhance its proper utilization are generally counterproductive. Studies have found that calcium alone without as much or larger proportions of magnesium, actaully can worsen osteaprosis, lead to excess calcium in the blood, and arterial calcification. 

Croscarmellose sodium: This ingredient has only been approved for use in small amounts, and has been linked to gut dybiosis, among other problems. Allergic reactions have been reported and include high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. It is used for its ability to absorb surrounding fluids, and expand to 20 times its size, which can cause intestinal blocakges. 

Sodium Benzoate: Preservative linked to DNA damage, endocrine disrution and fertility issues. 

Conclusion

While it is sometime difficult to source supplements without these common ingredients, until further research, they remain questionable enough, and in some cases proven, to be worth avoiding completely. Dr. Clark was against these additives, and per her request, all Dr. Clark Store products will continue to exclude them.