Examining the Safety and Effectiveness of Standard Process Supplements
Standard Process is a company that produces and sells nutritional supplements made from whole food and botanical ingredients. Some of their best-selling supplements include Catalyn, Calcium Lactate, and Trace Minerals-B12. But are these and other Standard Process pills worth taking? Let's take a detailed look at some of their top supplements to understand the pros, cons, safety concerns, and whether they live up to the claims.
About Standard Process
Standard Process was founded in 1929 by Dr. Royal Lee, a dentist who pioneered the concept of whole food supplements. Lee believed the best source of vitamins and minerals comes from raw, unprocessed foods rather than synthetic vitamins.
The Wisconsin-based company still follows this philosophy today, using ingredients like liver, adrenal, bone marrow, bovine brain and orchic to make what they describe as "Nutritional Yeast Flakes". The supplements are only available through health practitioners like chiropractors and nutritionists.
Catalyn
Catalyn is touted as an all-in-one daily multivitamin containing concentrated whole food sources of vitamins, minerals and cofactors. It was one of Dr. Lee's original formulas.
It aims to provide a broad spectrum of essential nutrients without mega-doses of any single vitamin or mineral. The formula includes liver, magnesium, inositol, bovine adrenal and bone marrow. It's available in tablet, capsule and chewable form.
Potential benefits include increased energy, improved immunity and vitality. But it may not be ideal for those with liver issues due to the desiccated liver content. As with any multi, check with your doctor about potential interactions.
Calcium Lactate
Calcium Lactate from Standard Process supplies this essential mineral in a highly absorbable lactate form. It's sustainably sourced from organic milk whey, rather than rock-based sources like limestone.
In addition to calcium, it provides energizing nutrients like magnesium, vitamin C and amino acids. It supports bone strength, relaxation and cardiovascular health. The lactate form may benefit those with sensitivities to other calcium supplements.
However, the dosage (325mg per tablet) is lower than most calcium supplements so you may need to take more tablets to meet daily needs. Those with kidney disease should use caution and consult a doctor first.
Trace Minerals B12
Trace Minerals B12 provides a high dose (1,000mcg) of vitamin B12 along with over 70 ionic trace minerals. It's designed to boost energy, improve immunity and help normalize body functions.
The liquid supplement is sourced from ConcenTrace ionic trace minerals and vitamin B12. Many report benefits like sustained energy, better digestion and mental clarity when taking it. But the strong taste may be unpleasant for some.
Rarely, high doses of vitamin B12 could cause side effects like itching, swelling or anxiety. Those on medication should consult a doctor before use due to potential interactions.
Livaplex
Livaplex contains a blend of desiccated bovine liver, heart, spleen, lung and kidney to support liver health and detoxification. It provides protein, iron and B-vitamins as well.
By promoting healthy liver function, it aims to boost energy, mental clarity, immunity and general wellness. However, some may wish to avoid supplements containing animal organs like liver or spleen.
There is also a risk of contamination from hormones, antibiotics or pathogens when consuming bovine organs. Those with liver disease should avoid it.
Tuna Omega-3 Oil
Sourced from the tissues of tuna, this supplement provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s EPA and DHA. It aims to support heart health, brain function and emotional wellbeing. Many report benefits for skin, joints and mental clarity.
The lemon-flavored oil provides over 500mg omega-3 per serving. However, some may prefer a plant-based omega-3 supplement over consuming fish oil.
In rare cases, high doses of fish oil may cause bleeding or interact with blood thinners. Check with your doctor before use if you take any medications.
SP Green Food
SP Green Food offers phytonutrient-rich greens like alfalfa, wheatgrass, barley and kale to boost energy, immunity and alkalinity. It also provides antioxidant fruits, probiotics and adaptogenic herbs.
Users mix the berry-flavored powder into water or smoothies as an easy way to increase vegetable intake. However, the grassy taste may be unpleasant for some. It also contains dairy-based probiotics.
While generally safe, start with small doses if not accustomed to greens powders, as digestive side effects can occur. Avoid taking near medication doses for optimal absorption.
Are Standard Process Supplements Safe?
When taken as directed, most Standard Process supplements appear relatively safe for short-term use in healthy adults. However, there are some potential safety considerations to keep in mind:
- Possible drug interactions
- Allergen contents like dairy, gluten or soy
- Hormones or contaminants from animal tissues
- High doses of certain vitamins or minerals
- Not evaluated by the FDA
To reduce risks, follow dosing instructions carefully, avoid supplements with ingredients you are allergic or intolerant to, and consult a knowledgeable practitioner before use, especially if pregnant, nursing or on medication.
The Bottom Line on Standard Process
Standard Process offers a wide array of nutritional supplements made from whole food sources. Their products aim to provide nutrients in a more natural, bioavailable form compared to synthetic vitamins.
However, the evidence is often lacking to support their proposed benefits. And some products may not be appropriate for those with certain ingredient sensitivities or health conditions.
If you are interested in trying Standard Process supplements, consult with a qualified health practitioner first to determine if they are right for your individual needs and to monitor any potential side effects.
FAQs
Are Standard Process supplements safe to take?
Most are likely safe for short-term use in healthy adults when taken as directed. But some products may not be suitable for those with certain ingredient sensitivities, health conditions, or on medication due to potential interactions.
What are the main health benefits of Standard Process supplements?
They claim to provide increased energy, improved immunity and vitality, bone and heart health support, liver detoxification, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, robust clinical evidence is lacking for many products.
Should I take Standard Process supplements under medical supervision?
It's recommended to consult a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner before beginning Standard Process supplements to ensure they are appropriate for your needs and health status.
Do Standard Process products have side effects?
When taken as directed side effects are generally mild, but may include digestive upset, allergy symptoms, or interactions with medication. High doses may cause more severe side effects in some individuals.
Are Standard Process supplements better than synthetic vitamins?
Their whole food ingredients may offer better absorption compared to synthetic vitamins for some individuals. But more research is needed to confirm if they are superior to high-quality vitamin supplements.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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