We read the claims written on the bottles and take them to be the truth. We want the claims of "revitalization", "promotes good health", "builds strong bones" etc., to be true, even though most of the time there is no scientific data supporting the claims.

When shopping for your next wellness product, such as vitamins, or nutritional supplements, consider the following guidelines:

1: What kind of information is available on the ingredient specifications, safety and quality testing?

2: Are the health and nutritional claims on the label (if any) based on anecdotal information or a scientific data?

3: Are the products backed by published clinical research studies? If so, is the data easily accessible for review? Is the research study published and if so is the study peered reviewed?

4: Does the company invest in and operate their own research and development center and a food and nutritional supplement manufacturing plant? Shaklee does!

5: Are there clinical studies on bioavailability (which means - does the nutrients in the product get absorbed into the bloodstream and how much of it is absorbed)? Is there published clinical research to prove the bioavailability of the product?

For instance a simple test of Vitamin E 200IU was tested for delivery into the bloodstream. The results were as follows:

Brand 1.015 absorbed

Brand 215.0 absorbed

Brand 310.0 absorbed

Brand 467.0 absorbed

Brand 5200 absorbed

Not so sure about your brand, then try this-Send a letter to the company producing your current vitamin or supplement as follows: "Please send me whatever scientific research data on your product. I would like to receive independent scientific studies or articles that have been published in peer reviewed journals, supporting your claims on the product. It is important to me to know that I am using a product that is safe and effective. Thank you very much." The response, if any, should be on that particular product(s) you are inquiring about, not just research on the nutrient in general.

Above are just a few tips to consider when selecting your vitamin or nutritional supplement. A vitamin is not just a vitamin, cheapest is just that, and quality determines results.