CVS Pharmacy has announced that it will only sell vitamins and supplements that have undergone safety testing by third-party organizations.
As part of its "Tested to Be Trusted" program, the retail and healthcare company said it will only carry products that have passed proper review. This is to ensure that the dietary ingredients indicated on the packaging match the actual content of the product and that no certain additives have been included.
The third-party testing requirement is CVS's latest attempt to remain a trusted option for health and holistic wellness. It is the center of the company's new campaign that focuses on the importance of self-care.
CVS Pharmacy said it is the first and the only retailer in the United States to have such a program that emphasizes the high standards for vitamins and supplements it offers to the public.
Third-Party Testing Of Vitamins And Supplements
CVS said about 1,400 vitamins and supplements from more than 150 brands have already received testing. These products fall under 11 different categories, such as for pain, digestive, diet, and nutrition.
Kevin Hourican, CVS Pharmacy president and CVS Health executive vice president, explained that the third party testing requirement helps position the company as a trusted retailer and health partner where people can confidently buy proactive wellness solutions.
"We are seeing more customers focus on self-care as part of their overall health," Hourican said.
"CVS is committed to providing access to new products and categories to empower people to practice self-care in their daily lives, especially since self-care varies based on an individual's needs."
Issues Surrounding Vitamins And Supplements
CVS Pharmacy's new testing program may help address some issues regarding the safety and effectiveness of vitamins and supplements available in the market.
In April, a new study by Tufts University suggests that certain vitamins and supplements may not provide enough benefits to keep the body healthy.
The researchers said nutrients consumed through dietary supplements are not as effective at improving the health and longevity of people as those consumed through foods.
Vitamin A, vitamin K, magnesium, zinc, and copper all helped lower the risk of early in individuals but only if they were absorbed by consuming food.
The study even linked some supplements to increased risk for health problems. People who took high calcium doses through supplements developed a 53 percent higher risk of dying from cancer compared to those who did not take supplements.
No such developments were observed in people who had excess amounts of calcium through food consumption.
Meanwhile, in September 2015, two studies questioned the ability of calcium supplements in reducing the risk of people for osteoporosis and bone fractures.
Researchers in New Zealand said they found little evidence to support recommending a daily intake of 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium for older adults. Regular calcium intake was said to produce only small reductions in total fractures among individuals.
The research team believes these benefits are outweighed by the moderate risk of minor side effects associated with supplements, ranging from constipation to more serious conditions such as cardiovascular problems.
