How do we choose the 100-200 products on our recommended list among thousands of professional products? Dr. Maurer has been committed to selecting products that have a higher than normal commitment to quality. As the use of dietary supplements has become more widespread, as raw materials are being sourced from all over the world, as world wide agricultural pollution increases, and as many new inexperienced commercial companies are entering the raw materials market, product quality and product safety issues have escalated.

Some of what I look for in a company is
(1) Certified to manufacture with "GMP - Good Manufacturing Practices", or
(2) Uses European guidelines and other international health agency guidelines for product quality and safety, including safety standards for dioxins, PCB's, heavy metals, potentially toxic constituents of herbs, as well as standards for potency and quality. I want to see
(3) Independent lab tests to confirm the potency of nutrients and herbs, and
(4) FDA and FTC guidelines for product labeling and advertising.

This scrutiny might mean some products will be discontinued or switched over time but we know this is a small price to pay for quality assurance. We do not simply recommend products from one or two manufacturers. By putting the patient's needs first, we must evaluate each product for strict quality, safety and effectiveness and choose accordingly.

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