Kirkland Signature Vitamin C is a high potency, nutritional supplement. In addition to Vitamin C, the product also contains a citrus complex of bioflavonoids, which may assist in the body’s absorption of Vitamin C, and rose hips, which are a natural source of Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is one of the safest and most effective nutrients, experts say. Though it may not be the cure for the common cold, the benefits of vitamin C may include protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling. The tolerable upper intake level (or the maximum amount you can take in a day that likely won’t cause harm) is 2000 mg a day for adults. A recent study published in Seminars in Preventive and Alternative Medicine that looked at over 100 studies over 10 years revealed a growing list of possible benefits of vitamin C.
“Vitamin C has received a great deal of attention, and with good reason. Higher blood levels of vitamin C may be the ideal nutrition marker for overall health,” says study researcher Mark Moyad, MD, MPH, of the University of Michigan. The more we study vitamin C, the better our understanding of how diverse it is in protecting our health, from cardiovascular, cancer, stroke, eye health [and] immunity to living longer.
Not all vitamin C supplements are created equal. To better ensure quality and safety, choose supplements that have been tested and certified by an independent certifying body, such as the U.S. Pharmacopeia, Consumer. Lab, or NSF International.
Also, be aware that there are different types of vitamin C, including L-ascorbic acid (typically derived from corn) and others that combine ascorbic acid with minerals (such as sodium or calcium), citrus bioflavonoids, or rose hips. None is considered better or more effective than the other for dietary use. SEE: Why Older Americans Are ‘Hooked’ on Vitamins and Supplements
How To Spot Fake Kirkland Vitamin C
Dietary supplements are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, or DSHEA, which classifies dietary supplements as a special category of food.
Under DSHEA, supplement manufacturers and distributors are responsible for substantiating the quality and the safety of the dietary ingredients they use. They are responsible for ensuring that product labeling meets all the requirements. However, dietary supplement manufacturers are not required to get FDA approval before producing or selling dietary supplements, nor are they required to demonstrate clinical efficacy as required for drug products.
Here are a few things you can do to avoid buying fake Kirkland Vitamin C, and buy. One of them is a verification seal by the 200-year-old US Pharmacopeia, or USP. Also, when shopping online check who’s selling the product. On Amazon, for instance, the seller’s name is listed after the name of the product you’re looking to purchase.
Unlike medications, supplements aren’t subject to rigorous testing and federal regulations. But a few organizations, including USP, try to fill that gap by testing and verifying products.
The best way for consumers to protect themselves is to ensure that they’re purchasing a quality supplement that has a verified mark like USP. And that’s really important given the size and diversity of the products and ingredients and the rapid pace with which new dietary supplements are introduced into the market.
It’s also advisable for consumers to purchase the supplements from reputable outlets, whether it’s a retail store or the Internet. Because if you’re dealing with a reputable retailer, they’re going to be taking the necessary precautions to ensure that the products that they’re selling on their shelves are of good quality.
And use your common sense. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Just don’t take things at face value. Always double check using supplement authenticating website for a listing of products that are approved to carry the USP mark.
Remember, there’s no low barrier of entry into the marketplace for supplements, unlike drugs. There are products out there that claim to be dietary supplements but are NOT. SEE: How To Spot Fake Kirkland Vitamin E
