Most supplements are manufactured using additives such as fillers, binders and flowing agents which provide no nutritional value whatsoever. But Why?
These chemicals are commonly added to assist the manufacturing process, helping reduce production time and enabling producers to make larger batches, without needing to change or clean machinery. Preservatives are also often added to give products a longer shelf life.
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Microcrystalline cellulose is a term for refined wood pulp, it is used as an emulsifier, an extender, and a bulking agent. It’s most commonly used when producing dietary supplements tablets and capsules, it is a quick, easy and cheap solution as a filler when dealing with products active in low doses.
Magnesium Stearate
Magnesium stearate is added to many foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. In medications and supplements, its primary purpose is help machinery in the manufacturing process. It acts as a lubricant which means you can produce larger batches of tablets without the need to stop and clean the machine.
Silicon Dioxide
Silicon dioxide, also known as silica, is a chemical compound commonly used in food supplements as an anti-caking agent or in cosmetics to prevent corrosion.
“There are over 10,000 chemical additives in processed foods and over 7,000 of those food additives are not required to be individually listed on the product labels” – NutriGold Magazine