A great number of individuals all over the world take supplements to support their health and prevent nutritional deficiencies. There has been a growing concern that most ingredients used in making supplements are imported from China. Given the flaws poked on quality control processes in China, there has to be a growing number for consumers using supplements.
The predicament has forced supplement organizations to declare that their products are free from china-based ingredients. This is in a bid to maintain their clientele and if possible, gain more.
Does this mean that no China no worries? I am afraid this notion is flawed as it would be impossible to create vitamin and mineral supplements without key ingredients from China. Here are some sentiments why without China it may be difficult to manufacture supplements:
Ingredients
About 90% of vitamin C comes from China. Chances that are your affordable multivitamin contains vitamin C from China is high. Yes, vitamin C can be procured from somewhere else but it would cost three times more. Supplement ingredients from China are cheap giving the ideal condition for supplement organizations to make more.
It is also difficult to find known manufactures of biotin folic acid outside China. It may be found in another country but it is originally procured from China then triturated to form powder before it is manufactured.
Market Optics
China corners the market on ingredients accounting for 60% of ingredients sold to the US in 2011. The country has the advantage of cost. Subsequent nutrients like vitamin A, B, D, and E are also cheap. Therefore, procuring all of them from China is still an advantage. The nutrients are available in other countries but cost more.
The Emerging Issue
The trending topic right now is the coronavirus. There are great reasons to be concerned as coronavirus is a new strain of the virus with no cure and high fatalities. The disease’s origin is Wuhan in China. As discussed above, China plays a greater role in the manufacture of supplements as it is the main supplier of supplement ingredients.
With coronavirus symptoms causing panic all over the world, and some other legitimate cases popping up in areas around the world, is it still safe to consider importing supplement ingredients from China?
Well, it is important to understand how the deadly virus spreads. The virus spreads when an infected person sneezes or coughs. At least this is a common way. It has also been noted that the virus can spread through infected surfaces. When an infected person touches a surface with their fluids then a healthy person can contract the virus by touching the surface.
Do you think this is a condition that would warrant importing countries to stop the importation of supplement ingredients? There is no need to stop the importation but need to be cautious. This means more scrutiny on the consignments through disinfecting and monitoring measures.
There may be some panic which may cause a shortage in supplements, therefore, you are advised to stock up to cater for shortfalls during the panic period.