CVS Pharmacy, a division of CVS Health, has taken significant steps to ensure the quality and safety of its vitamin and supplement offerings. Through its "Tested to Be Trusted" program, CVS aims to provide consumers with confidence in the products they purchase, both in-store and online. This initiative involves third-party testing to verify the accuracy of dietary ingredients listed on supplement facts panels and to confirm the absence of certain additives and contaminants. This article delves into the CVS approach to supplement quality, examining the details of the "Tested to Be Trusted" program, the broader context of self-care trends, and independent testing results from organizations like ConsumerLab.
CVS Pharmacy's Commitment to Quality and Transparency
In line with its purpose of helping people on their path to better health, CVS Pharmacy has made several choices to enhance consumer well-being. A significant move was the removal of tobacco products from its stores in 2014. Building on this commitment, CVS Pharmacy announced in 2017 that it would require all products with a supplement panel to undergo third-party testing and verification by the end of 2019 to be sold in its stores or on CVS.com.
Kevin Hourican, President of CVS Pharmacy, emphasized that the third-party testing requirement positions CVS Pharmacy as a trusted retailer and health partner. This allows consumers to shop for proactive wellness solutions with confidence. The "Tested to be Trusted" program is central to a new self-care campaign, highlighting the importance of proactive health management.
The "Tested to Be Trusted" Program
The "Tested to Be Trusted" program involves comprehensive third-party testing of vitamins and supplements. This testing serves two primary purposes:
Accuracy of Ingredients: The testing confirms that the dietary ingredients listed on the supplement facts panel are accurate. This ensures that consumers are getting the ingredients and dosages they expect.
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Absence of Harmful Substances: The testing verifies that the products are free from certain additives and ingredients and confirms that there are no harmful levels of certain specified contaminants in the product.
David Trosin, Interim General Manager of Dietary Supplements at NSF International, has lauded CVS Pharmacy's commitment to trust, transparency, and health through this third-party testing requirement. Contaminant reviews include microbiological and analytical testing.
Self-Care and Holistic Wellness
CVS Pharmacy's efforts align with the growing trend of self-care. The company's "Treat Yourself Well" campaign promotes the idea that self-care is a critical part of everyday health for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or income. This campaign acknowledges that self-care can take many forms and emphasizes its importance in overall well-being.
Independent Testing and ConsumerLab.com
Independent organizations like ConsumerLab.com provide valuable insights into the quality of various supplements. ConsumerLab.com conducts tests and reviews on a wide range of products, offering consumers objective information to make informed choices. ConsumerLab.com uses JavaScript to provide the best possible experience for their content.
ConsumerLab.com has identified issues with some popular supplements, including multivitamins and minerals. For example, recent tests revealed problems with nearly 30% of the multivitamin and multimineral supplements selected for testing. These findings underscore the importance of third-party testing and verification, such as that implemented by CVS Pharmacy.
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ConsumerLab.com has also conducted reviews on specific supplements, such as:
- Ginger: Identifying the best and worst ginger supplements, chews, and spices. Ginger may reduce nausea and modestly decrease pain from osteoarthritis.
- CoQ10: Noting wide variations in price, dosage, absorption, and bioavailability, which can make choosing the right product difficult.
- Probiotic Supplements and Kombuchas: Testing probiotic supplements.
- Sunscreens: Evaluating mineral and chemical sunscreens to help consumers choose the best option based on their needs.
- Dental Floss: Revealing that some brands of dental floss, including Oral-B Glide, may contain potentially toxic chemicals known as PFAS.
CVS Pharmacy: A Leader in Health and Wellness
CVS Pharmacy operates over 9,800 locations and is recognized as a leading retail pharmacy in America. It was the first national pharmacy to end the sale of tobacco, demonstrating a commitment to public health. Additionally, CVS Pharmacy is the first pharmacy in the nation to receive Community Pharmacy accreditation from URAC, a health care accreditation organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry.
CVS Pharmacy aims to reinvent pharmacy by providing accessible and personalized expertise, both in its stores and online at CVS.com.
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tags: #cvs #diet #supplements