Top 7 Supplement Additives to Avoid

Many of us take supplements based on recommendations for a certain vitamin they need, but are unaware of the hidden ingredients they contain. Supplement capsules, tablets, chewables and gummies often contain a chemical soup of toxins, many of which are outlawed outside the U.S. We hope this article will need to be updated in the near future as the U.S. government agencies in charge of protecting our health start responding to public demands for safer food and nutritional supplements.

Additives in supplements serve specific functions, like improving the appearance of pills, extending shelf life, or making production easier. However, they often come with risks. Here are some of the most common categories of additives and their potential downsides.

1. Fillers and Bulking Agents

Fillers make capsules or tablets look fuller. The irony is that many people dislike swallowing large pills, making this practice largely unnecessary. Common fillers include:

• Soybean Oil: Often partially hydrogenated and genetically modified unless explicitly labeled otherwise.
• Magnesium Stearate: Though magnesium itself isn't the issue, stearic acid in this compound has been linked to reduced T-cell function, which may suppress immune health.
• Titanium Dioxide: Used for whitening, this filler has been associated with intestinal inflammation and potential DNA damage.
• Corn Starch & Maltodextrin: These are commonly derived from genetically modified corn unless otherwise specified.
• Stearic Acid: Similar to magnesium stearate, it has been linked to reduced immune function.
• Citric Acid: Typically derived from GMO corn unless stated otherwise, despite being a common natural-sounding ingredient.
• Cellulose Powder: Derived from wood pulp, this substance adds bulk but no nutritional value and may contain toxic byproducts of processing.

2. Binders

Binders act as glue, holding ingredients together. While they improve pill structure, they can bring their own concerns:

• Modified Food Starch: Typically sourced from GMO corn unless otherwise labeled.
• Sucrose (table sugar): Often used in small quantities but is still unnecessary and usually GMO.
• Polyethylene Glycol: A petroleum derivative made from ethylene glycol (commonly found in antifreeze).
• Sorbitol & Xylitol: Sugar alcohols that usually don’t harm most people, but they can cause bloating in individuals sensitive to FODMAPs.

3. Anti-Caking Agents

These prevent clumping by absorbing moisture, but some can be problematic:

• Maltodextrin: Potential Health Dangers

  Maltodextrin, a common additive found in many supplements, is a highly processed white powder derived from starch. While it is often used as a filler or thickener, it can have negative effects on health. Here are five potential toxic effects associated with maltodextrin:

  1. Blood Sugar Spikes: Maltodextrin has a high glycemic index, meaning it can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. This can be particularly concerning for individuals with diabetes or those watching their blood sugar levels.
  2. Weight Gain: Due to its high carbohydrate content, maltodextrin can contribute to weight gain when consumed excessively. It provides empty calories without offering any nutritional value.
  3. Digestive Issues: Some individuals may experience digestive discomfort, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea, when consuming maltodextrin. This is especially true for those with sensitive digestive systems.
  4. Inflammation: Maltodextrin has the potential to trigger an inflammatory response in the body, which can worsen chronic inflammation and related conditions.
  5. Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, maltodextrin can cause allergic reactions in individuals who are sensitive or allergic to corn, wheat, or other grains from which it is derived.
• Tricalcium Phosphate: Small amounts may cause digestive upset in sensitive individuals.
• Sodium Ferrocyanide: Classified as toxic to the blood, lungs, and mucus membranes.
• Tricalcium Silicate: Often found in cement, and though ingestion-specific risks aren't well-documented, it's best avoided.

4. Emulsifiers

Used to combine fats and water, emulsifiers are prominent in supplements but can pose health concerns:

• Soy Lecithin: Nearly always derived from genetically modified soy unless specified otherwise.
• Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO): Bromine competes with iodine in the body, affecting thyroid function and potentially leading to hypothyroidism.
• Ammonium Phosphatides: Often made from genetically modified rapeseed oil, which isn't considered food-grade.

5. Preservatives

Preservatives extend shelf life but can introduce harmful chemicals to your system:

• Sodium Benzoate: Converts into benzene, a recognized carcinogen, especially when combined with acidic ingredients like vitamin C.
• Sulfites: Frequently trigger asthma or migraines in sensitive individuals.
• Nitrates & Nitrites: These convert into carcinogenic nitrosamines within the body.
• Citric Acid & Sodium Citrate: Often derived from GMO corn, despite their seemingly natural origin.
• Ascorbic Acid & Sodium Ascorbate (forms of vitamin C): Also commonly made from GMO corn unless labeled otherwise.

6. Artificial Colors and Flavors

Synthetic dyes and artificial flavors make products more appealing but do nothing beneficial for health. Some artificial dyes—like Yellow 5 or Red 40—have been associated with hyperactivity and allergies. The same additives banned in food in certain countries often show up in supplements.

7. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose commonly appear in flavored supplements. While some people tolerate these additives without issue, others report headaches, digestive upset, or worsened allergies. Check for these if you're sensitive.

The Bottom Line

Just as you carefully read food labels, you should scrutinize the ingredient list on your supplements. Avoid products with long lists of “inactive ingredients” that provide little value and may harm your health. Whenever possible, choose trusted brands that prioritize non-GMO, clean formulations.

Less is often more when it comes to supplements. By understanding which additives to avoid, you can make better choices for your health. And if you’re unsure, consulting with a knowledgeable healthcare provider can help fine-tune your regimen to achieve the benefits you’re looking for without unnecessary additives.