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You are here: Home / Archives for supplements

Everything You Need to Know About Magnesium

Do you need more magnesium? Likely, the answer is yes. After almost 10 years working as a private practice dietitian, magnesium is my number one recommended supplement. Only recently has magnesium gotten the spotlight it deserves. 

Did you know that magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body? It acts as a cofactor or activator in more than 600 enzymatic reactions that can affect you from your nervous system all the way to your bones. Magnesium is required for DNA synthesis, reproduction, energy production, blood pressure regulation, insulin metabolism, adrenal function, nervous system transmission, bone health, and more! 

The recommended dietary allowance (RDAs) for magnesium for adult men and women is 420 mg and 320 mg per day respectively. However, more than 50% of Americans are not getting enough for many reasons. Firstly, most Americans do not consume enough magnesium rich foods such as properly prepared beans/legumes, nuts/seeds, whole grains, and leafy greens. Furthermore, soil magnesium content is declining due to modern day agricultural practices, which is leading to lower magnesium content in our produce.  Secondly, the modern day high-stress lifestyle along with high consumption of coffee and alcohol leads to rapid cellular use of magnesium. Some medications even waste magnesium, especially diuretics and birth control pills. Finally, some health conditions such as diabetes and digestive disorders can lead to magnesium depletion. 

As you can see, many factors can contribute to your unique magnesium status. Although severe magnesium deficiency is not common, mild deficiencies are and can contribute to the development of chronic health conditions. Individuals at highest risk are the elderly and those with multiple confounding factors. Common signs and symptoms of mild magnesium deficiency include constipation, fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, cramps in legs and feet, headaches or migraines, PMS, poor bone health, and more.

How can you test your magnesium status?

Unfortunately, since only less than 1% of total body magnesium is found in the serum, serum magnesium is not a good indicator of actual magnesium status, and chronic magnesium deficiency is often associated with normal serum magnesium despite deficiencies in the cell, and increased bone loss. RBC magnesium is therefore a much better indicator of current magnesium status. The optimal range for RBC magnesium is 6.0-6.5.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you wish to find your magnesium levels.

How can you improve your magnesium status via diet?

Getting adequate magnesium in the diet is a great initial approach. Magnesium rich foods also provide other essential nutrients and fiber. However, eating a ton of magnesium rich foods without proper preparation can be ineffective. Soaking and/or sprouting nuts, seeds, grains, and beans increases the bioavailability of the minerals, including magnesium. Toasting nuts and seeds helps increase bioavailability as well. 

When possible, soak your grains and beans overnight (8-12 hours), and toast or roast your nuts just before consumption. Freshly roasted nuts and seeds are best refrigerated and consumed within a week. Lightly cooked dark leafy greens are also great ways to boost your dietary magnesium intake. Below is a list of magnesium-rich foods for reference.

 

Food Item Serving Size Magnesium (mg)
Quinoa 1 cup cooked 200mg
Pumpkin seeds ¼ cup 190mg
Spinach ½ cup cooked from fresh 180mg
Oats ½ cup, dry 140mg
Buckwheat grouts ¼ cup, dry 95mg
Almonds, roasted ¼ cup 100mg
Potato 1 medium, boiled 60mg
Swiss Chard ½ cup cooked 80mg
Artichoke 1 medium, steamed 80mg
Beans (varied) ¼ cup, dry 75mg
Plantain 1 cup, boiled 40mg
Banana 1 large 40mg
Molasses 1 tablespoon 30mg
Sesame Seeds 1 tablespoon 30mg
Shrimp 3oz 30mg
Halibut 4oz 30mg

 

Can magnesium supplements be helpful?

Even for those individuals who eat a variety of magnesium rich foods, magnesium supplements can also be very helpful, especially if you have a low RBC magnesium. Ideally, it is best to take magnesium on an empty stomach as it competes with other minerals like calcium for absorption. Magnesium supplements in the form of amino acid chelates (like glycinate, citrate, or malate) are much more rapidly absorbed because they do not require stomach acid for absorption. Non-chelated forms like oxide, are not well absorbed and are mostly used for constipation relief.

It can take up to 40 weeks (~10 months) of consistent supplementation to reverse a magnesium deficiency. However, this even depends on other factors like continued use of magnesium wasters (coffee, alcohol, medications), dietary intake, malabsorption issues, and high-stress lifestyle. Therefore, the daily magnesium dose depends on the individual. Therefore, I highly recommend tracking your RBC magnesium levels to monitor improvement in magnesium status. However, in general magnesium has low toxicity in people with normal kidney function, and doses of 200 to 400mg, divided throughout the day, should be well tolerated.

Usually I recommend magnesium glycinate before bed because the amino acid glycine tends to have a calming effect for most people and can ease bedtime anxiety. Magnesium malate is a great option for morning supplementation because it is more energizing. If someone is struggling with constipation then magnesium citrate can be taken before bed to provide relief and support sleep. Magnesium lotions, oils, or Epsom salt baths can also be great ways to boost magnesium status transdermally and can be used any time of the day. If someone is sensitive to a particular kind of magnesium, it can be helpful to try a different chelated form.

By Selva Wohlgemuth, Co-op News Contributor
Selva Wohlgemuth is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and owner of Happy Belly Nutrition in Bellingham, Washington. She specializes in gut health and has an in-depth knowledge of women's health. She is an avid outdoorswoman and mother.

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Optimal Hydration

Woman athlete takes a break, drinking water from a reusable water bottle on a hot summers day

Addressing Optimal Hydration

Although everyone knows that water is essential for life, most don't understand why drinking enough water is so important. Without water, humans can only survive for a matter of days.

To prevent dehydration all land animals (us humans included) have evolved very sensitive physiological controls to maintain proper hydration by stimulating thirst. The kidneys play a key role in regulating body water, by retaining more water when inadequate fluid intake is sensed or excreting more water when water is consumed in excess. Furthermore, kidney function is optimized with an abundant water supply. If water is in short supply, this costs the body more energy and places more stress on the kidneys. When water intake is inadequate combined with a diet high in salt (think a processed, standard American diet) or toxic substances like alcohol, it is especially taxing on the kidneys.

Impacts of Dehydration on Health

Dehydration can impact our health in many ways. Short term dehydration can negatively impact physical performance as well as cognitive performance and mood. Chronic dehydration can lead to delirium, constipation, impaired kidney function, impaired heart function or blood pressure regulation, migraines, and poor skin health.

A recent study also found that chronic dehydration can age you faster! Do I have your attention now? The researchers found that individuals with a high normal serum sodium level above 142 millimoles per liter were more likely to be biologically older and have increased risk of premature death than those within 138-142 mmol/l. The results indicated that maintaining optimal hydration may indeed slow down the aging process. However, serum sodium levels in the lower range of normal, 135-137 mmol/l, is also attributed to increased mortality, either due to inadequate sodium intake or diseases causing electrolyte dysregulations.

General Recommendations

The National Academy of Medicine suggested an adequate daily intake of water to be 13 cups (104oz) for men and 9 cups (72oz) for women (10 cups if you’re pregnant and 13 cups if you’re breastfeeding). It is estimated in the USA that about 20% of water consumed comes from food, like water-rich fruit and vegetables. Therefore, the amount of water you need to drink should be around 8 cups for women and 11 cups for men.

Since body size, exercise, alcohol, medications, and temperature all impact fluid needs, it is hard to say exactly how much you need specifically. Unfortunately, studies highlight that most of us are not drinking enough. A recent research study of young college students found that only 58% of men and 48% of women studied met daily fluid recommendations in the USA. Furthermore, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 2015-2018 found that on average adults only drank 44oz (5 ½ cups) of water per day, with those aged 20-39 drinking the most (51oz/6 cups) and those >60 years of age drinking the least (36oz/4 ½ cups). Studies have shown that sensitive physiological controls decrease with age, therefore it is wise for the elderly to learn to drink habitually even when they are not experiencing thirst.

How to Monitor Optimal Hydration

Besides checking in with yourself and seeing if you are even close to meeting the general recommendations of 9 cups per day for women and 13 cups per day for men, you can get a rough estimate by monitoring your urine frequency and urine color. As most of us know, if your urine is dark, you are dehydrated. Ideally urine should be clear or pale yellow in color, like lemonade. However, a recent study found that urine frequency can also detect dehydration with good accuracy. if you are urinating less than 6x per day and feel “a little thirsty” throughout the day, then you likely have suboptimal hydration status. Furthermore, you can monitor your serum sodium trends over time on your CMP (complete metabolic panel). A normal serum sodium range is considered 135-146mmol/l, but try to aim for an optimal range between 138-142 mmol/l. If you tend to be over 142mmol/l then drink more water, if you are between 135-137, then add more salt to your diet. Ideally, use all three tracking methods (urine color, urine frequency, and serum sodium levels) to keep you optimally hydrated throughout your life.

How To Support Optimal Hydration

Consistency is key! If you are already falling significantly short from the general recommendation start slow. Aim to add in 1 cup more water each week until you meet your daily needs. Meanwhile, monitor how your health changes as you get closer to your goal. You might be surprised how many of your daily ailments improve. Otherwise, here are some of my favorite ways to boost my hydration status and make sure I am staying optimally hydrated every day.

  1. Buy a large water bottle (32oz) and fill it up 2-3 times (women twice, men three times) throughout the day with plain water. This will add up to 64oz/96oz of water, or 8 cups/11 cups. Then any other water you get through your food or other beverages will be a bonus!
  2. Keep a tall glass of water at your bedside and drink some water if you wake up in the middle of the night to pee.
  3. If you don't like plain water, try mixing it up with sparkling water, herbal teas, or even sipping on plain hot water (I personally love this).
  4. Try to meet your daily fluid goal by drinking plain water. However, if you are looking for a little sweetness my favorite lightly sweetened beverages are coconut water, grass-fed milk, sparkling water with a splash of orange juice, or kombucha.
  5. Enjoy water-rich foods often like fresh fruits and vegetables, smoothies, soups, broths, and dairy/non-dairy beverages.
  6. Reduce or limit your alcohol intake, as this increases water losses.
  7. Add Trace Mineral electrolyte drops to your water for optimal hydration!
By Selva Wohlgemuth, Co-op News Contributor
Selva Wohlgemuth is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and owner of Happy Belly Nutrition in Bellingham, Washington. She specializes in gut health and has an in-depth knowledge of women's health. She is an avid outdoorswoman and mother.

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2023 Supplement Sale

Members Save 30%

Different supplements sit on a white background including collagen, omega 3s, and mushrooms.

The Co-op’s annual supplement sale is a great way for members to start the new year with wellness, and stock up on must-haves. Our Wellness Managers picked out some of our most popular products for you.  

Probiotics 

A healthy microbiome is important for your overall health. The Co-op has a variety of Garden of Life probiotics that support your immune system and digestive health. Garden of Life’s Dr. Formulated Probiotics Once Daily is a unique formula with 30 billion CFU of beneficial probiotics made from diverse raw probiotic strains that are resistant to stomach acid and bile for daily digestive and immune system support.

Omega-3 

Omega-3 supports heart and brain health. The Nordic Naturals’ Ultimate Omega is one of the Co-op’s most sought after products. It’s made exclusively from 100% wild-caught sardines and anchovies with a fresh lemon taste. All Nordic Naturals’ fish oil products are non-GMO and third-party tested, and are Friend of the Sea (FOS) certified.

Vitamin D3 

The sun is one of the best sources for Vitamin D and the short days of Bellingham winters often leave us lacking. Vitamin D helps strengthen your immune system and promotes bone and tissue health. The Co-op’s brand of Vitamin D3 1000 IU, is vegetarian, and contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It is free from the top eight allergens.  

Immune Support  

Zand Immunity Elderberry Zinc Immunity are easy-to-eat gummies and one of the best selling immunity supports at the Co-op. This daily defense is made with European Elderberry with added zinc and vitamin C. This powerful combination plays an important role in immune system support to keep you and your whole family starting the new year strong. 

Adaptogens

Fungi Perfecti Lion’s Mane Memory Support is designed to support memory and cognition. Lion’s Mane is well-known as “The Smart Mushroom” for its support of brain health. What you might not know is that Lion’s Mane has also been shown to support nervous system health by increasing Nerve Growth Factor, as well as supporting a calm mind for a balanced mood and better sleep. Olympia, Washington based Fungi Perfecti is a family-owned business dedicated to promoting the cultivation of high-quality gourmet and medicinal mushrooms.

Lion's Mane supplement is shown next to Lion's Mane mushrooms.

Collagen 

In addition to collagen, which supports healthy hair, nails, skin, bones and joints, Vital Proteins Original Collagen Peptides powder boasts hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. These powerhouse ingredients provide glowing wellness benefits such as moisturizing skin and reducing inflammation. Vital Proteins is an industry leader in collagen powders and a Certified B Corporation.

The sale ends January 10. Shop now!

Supplements and their ingredients are spilled out on a table.

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Herbal Adaptogens for Stress Support

silver spoons with brightly colored superfood powders in them

The past few years have brought about unexpected and unprecedented change. As a consequence, it has also burdened us with significant stress: stress at the workplace, stress in relationships, stress about the future, financial stress, and burnout. For many of us stress has permeated our lives, becoming a daily and constant unwelcome companion. It is important to note that not all stress is bad. In healthy amounts, stress can be a source of motivation, it can help us endure discomfort in the short term for long term gains, it can help keep us safe by cueing us into danger. When stress becomes prolonged and overwhelming, however, it stops being beneficial and instead becomes disruptive, burdensome, and even detrimental to our health. Excessive stress can cause fatigue, disrupt our sleep, make us more irritable and on edge, and lead to or exacerbate chronic conditions like IBS, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Luckily, there is a group of herbal allies that can help us bear the weight of stress so that it does not feel so heavy. These allies are called adaptogens. Adaptogens are uniquely well suited to help our bodies adapt to stress on a physiological level. When taken regularly, adaptogens can help decrease fatigue, improve attention and endurance, and blunt the detrimental effects that chronic stress can have on our hormones, immune system, and nervous system.  

Let’s take a closer look at four common adaptogens.

Rhodiola plant pictured with root on wooden spoon

Rhodiola

Rhodiola is a short, fleshy perennial herb with a fragrant rhizome that is abundant in the Arctic and originates in Siberia and the mountains of northwest China. Just as the plant itself is able to withstand and even flourish in these harsh habitats, rhodiola as an adaptogen helps to increase endurance, combat fatigue, and enhance physical and mental performance. It is ideal for those who are experiencing prolonged periods of heightened stress leading to fatigue, burnout, and difficulty focusing. Think of this plant for those who are burning the candle at both ends, such as college students, exhausted parents, and overworked individuals. Because of its energy boosting properties, it is best taken earlier in the day.

Find rhodiola in the Co-op's wellness department here.

Astragalus roots slices in front of black tea pot

Astragalus

Astragalus is widely used in Chinese medicine as an adaptogen with cooling and calming effects. In addition to being an adaptogen, astragalus is inflammation-modulating. It does it all. Astragalus protects the kidneys and liver, supports a healthy heart, breaks down scar tissue, and fights against viral infections. It is best used on a regular basis for general stress support, especially when stress leads to frequent illness, anger and irritability, and chronic fatigue.

Find astragalus in the Co-op's wellness department here.

Ashwagandha plant, root, powder, and capsule on cutting board

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has a long history of use in the Ayurvedic medicine tradition as an herb that helps to replenish us when we feel our vitality is depleted. Not only a powerful adaptogen, ashwagandha is also anti-inflammatory and anxiety reducing. It helps to nourish and protect the brain. Ashwagandha is ideal for those experiencing stress-related insomnia, as it can help increase sleep latency times, allowing us to sleep longer and more fully. Think of this plant for when you are feeling “wired and tired,” exhausted and unable to cope with stress with excessive worry and thoughts.

Find ashwagandha in the Co-op's wellness department here.

Bacopa herb and powder in bowl

Bacopa

Bacopa is the go-to adaptogen when stress is starting to affect brain health. Bacopa crosses the blood-brain barrier and acts as a powerful antioxidant and neuroprotective agent. It helps to increase blood flow to the brain, increases GABA (an anti-anxiety neurotransmitter), and helps to repair damaged neurons. Bacopa is helpful in improving cognition, focus, memory retention, and concentration. Because of these qualities, it can be a powerful adaptogen for the aging, the overworked, and those with ADHD.

Find bacopa in the Co-op's wellness department here.

Dr. Kelley Garrison, ND

By Kelley Garrison, ND

Dr. Garrison is a licensed naturopath at Northwest Life Medicine Clinic who specializes in stress and stress-related conditions such as anxiety, panic disorder, and irritable bowel syndrome. She enjoys working with patients to find the root cause of their symptoms and helps them cultivate the resources needed to feel healthy and resilient. You can find her at nwlifemedicine.com.

HOT OFF THE PRESS| NUTRITION| WELLNESS adaptogens| herbs| naturopathic medicine| stress| supplements| wellness

A Few of Our Favorite Wellness Products

Mushroom Master Blend

From OM Mushrooms

  • Adaptogen powerhouse
  • 10 mushrooms, plus 3 adaptogens & Reishi Extract
  • The Multivitamin of Mushroom Superfood
adaptogenic mushroom blend drink mix
olive leaf oil complex supplement

Olive Leaf Complex

From Barleans

  • Clinically studied for anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties to support a healthy immune system
  • Full spectrum liquid, super antioxidant wellness solution.
  • 95mg Oleuropein per serving
  • May help support healthy immune system, cardiovascular system and blood pressure in the normal range
  • Non-GMO, kosher, sustainably sourced

Back to Balance Cleanse

From Himalaya

  • Ashwagandha has been a revered adaptogenic Ayurvedic herb for 2,000 years
  • Vegan
  • B Corp certified
cleanse herbal supplement pack

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Ask the Nutritionist: Vitamin D

by Selva Wohlgemuth, Co-op News contributor

June 2019
Selva Wohlgemuth, meal planning instructor

Selva Wohlgemuth, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

“Tell me more about vitamin D. How and where do I get enough vitamin D for general wellness?”

Many people have heard of vitamin D and understand its relationship to the sun. I often hear people say “soaking up my vitamin D” when a nice, sunny day arrives. But is it really as simple as that? Of course not. Today I will clarify what vitamin D is, why you need to make sure you are getting enough, and how to make sure you are getting what you need.

Vitamin D 101

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin with hormone-like properties that is found naturally only in a few foods and can be synthesized in the skin from the sun’s UVB rays. It is commonly known for its facilitative role in bone health by increasing calcium absorption and for its role in improving seasonal affective disorder. However, many people do not know that it also is required for proper immune function, hormone health, cellular growth and development, and blood sugar and blood pressure regulation. That’s a lot!

Many studies have found an inverse relationship between vitamin D status and autoimmune disorders, diabetes, eczema, cancer, depression, and more. The current recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is set at 400IU per day
for infants, 600IU per day for children and adults, and 800IU for the elderly.

SOURCES OF VITAMIN D

Vitamin D from the Sun

The sun doesn’t give you vitamin D3, it merely starts a process. Upon the skin’s exposure to the sun’s UVB rays, pre-vitamin D3 is converted to inactive vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). After conversion in the skin, cholecalciferol is quickly transported to the liver and then to the kidneys to be metabolized to active vitamin D3, also known as calcitriol. Therefore, if the liver or kidneys are not functioning properly, vitamin D status can be impaired.

However, the darkness of your skin, the fat deposition underneath your skin, and the coverage on your skin (including sunscreen and clothing) all play a role in if and how much pre-vitamin D3 is converted to cholecalciferol. If you have darker skin tone, are elderly (less fat under skin), wear a protective clothing layer, or apply a sunscreen greater than 10 SPF, you will have reduced or no vitamin D3 conversion.

Furthermore, above the 40th parallel north (or below the 42nd parallel south), there is inadequate UVB radiation to support vitamin D synthesis from mid-October to mid-March. Bellingham is at the 48th parallel north.

Plus, the best time for good UVB exposure is between 10 am–2 pm. If you are working an indoor job from 9 am to 5 pm, are fully clothed, and wear sunscreen on your face, then you will not synthesize any vitamin D. If you think you will get some vitamin D when sitting in a sunny spot inside, think again. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, or time of day, if you are sitting in front of a window, all UVB rays are blocked and you will not synthesize any vitamin D.

Nutritionist Tip: Get outside around noon for 15 minutes and expose your hands, arms, and face (without sunscreen) in the late spring, summer, and early fall months to synthesize about 1000IU. Then layer on the sunscreen or seek shade.

Vitamin D from Food

Vitamin D is only found naturally in very few foods including fatty fish like salmon and sardines (340IU per 3 ounces), eggs (40IU per egg), and liver (40IU per 3 ounces). Mushrooms, although advertised as a source of vitamin D, often do not provide much useable vitamin D unless the grower purposefully has exposed the mushrooms to UV light. One cup of sliced “unexposed” crimini mushrooms only provides 5IU, whereas the “exposed” provides around 400IU. Ask your grocer what kind they offer. However, there are other foods on the market that are fortified with vitamin D such as dairy and plant milks, orange juice, and some cereals, usually providing anywhere between 50-100IU per serving.

Nutritionist Tip: Enjoy fatty seafood like salmon, UV “exposed” mushrooms, and fortified milk or non-dairy milks multiple times per week for substantial food sources of vitamin D.

Vitamin D from Supplements

Vitamin D supplements can be found as vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). Vitamin D2 is synthesized via UV irradiation of yeast, whereas D3 is synthesized via UV irradiation of lanolin. However, research studies have found that vitamin D2 may not be as effective in increasing active (calcitriol) vitamin D3 serum levels. Taking supplements is essential when adequate dietary intake and proper sun exposure are lacking.

How Much to Supplement?

The optimal intake of vitamin D to support general health and well-being remains controversial. Researchers have found a U-shaped curve regarding vitamin D status, indicating that both low and high vitamin D serum levels are correlated with disease development and progression. The Linus Pauling Institute recommends that generally healthy adults supplement with 2000IU of vitamin D3 daily. Some may need more or less depending on the factors previously discussed.

More is not always better! High-dose vitamin D supplementation that is not monitored can lead to abnormally high serum calcium concentrations, which can damage the kidneys and heart. Research suggests that daily intakes of less than 10,000IU per day in healthy individuals is very unlikely to result in toxicity.

Nonetheless, it is best to test not guess! Work with a health care practitioner to check your vitamin D status 1–2 times per year to get a feel for your unique needs. Research studies suggest that a serum vitamin D concentration between 40 ng/mL and 60 ng/mL is ideal.

Nutritionist Tip: Supplement with 1000–2000IU per day and check your vitamin D levels annually to ensure a serum vitamin D between 40–60ng/mL. Make sure to check your multivitamin, as they often already contain some vitamin D.

RESOURCES FOR THE INSPIRED INDIVIDUAL

Overall, low vitamin D status can impact your health in many ways. Unfortunately, testing vitamin D status is not as routine as it should be, especially here in the Pacific Northwest. Ensuring optimal vitamin D levels year-round can help keep you feeling your best. Be an advocate for yourself and request vitamin D labs at your annual doctor visit or see the resources below for additional helpful research, testing, guidelines, and applications.

  • See www.Grassrootshealth.net for more vitamin D information and research. They also provide vitamin D testing for $65.
  • Get the free DMinder App to monitor your vitamin D status and local sun exposure.
  • See the Environmental Working Group’s “Guide to Sunscreen” for safe sunscreen products.Article References:Krause’s Food & The Nutrition Care Process, 14th Edition.
    Pages: 1071-1072.Linus Pauling Institute. Vitamin D. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-D#RDAGrassrootsHealth. Resources. https://grassrootshealth.net/documentation/

Ask the Nutritionist

Have questions? Send them to [email protected]. Selva Wohlgemuth is a registered dietitian nutritionist. Learn more about her approach to general health and well-being at her Happy Belly Nutrition website, and see her recipes and other kitchen tips at Poppies and Papayas.

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So Good, We Put Our Name on It: Co-op Supplements

by Laura Steiger, Outreach Team

vitamins omega sunflower D3 E epa dha omega 3

Co-op brand supplements offer Co-op shoppers a great deal on high-quality products, manufactured to current Good Manufacturing Practices, by a company that is committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility—just like the Co-op!

Walk down the aisles of the Co-op’s wellness departments and you’ll notice something new. Well, not exactly new but a newly redesigned label for our in-house supplements.

a newly redesigned label for our in-house supplements

Co-op brand supplements offer Co-op shoppers a great deal on high-quality products, manufactured to current Good Manufacturing Practices, by a company that is committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility—just like the Co-op!

Before we put our line of supplements on our store shelves, we searched for suppliers that could meet our high standards. Our supplement manufacturer has been owned and operated by the same family since 1924. Their 85-plus years of manufacturing experience results in consistent and safe products.

qaiWhat's more, their facility is certified organic by Quality Assurance International, a leader in organic certification, as well as third-party certified by the Natural Product Association. All manufacturing procedures and standards for cleanliness are periodically audited by the FDA. They are also a member of the Organic Trade Association.

our confidence in our supplements is reflected in the clarity and completeness of our labeling

Full disclosure labels list the details of each product’s contents. Labels disclose information about artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives in addition to gluten and common allergens.

our manufacturer is dedicated to supporting green initiatives

In line with the Co-op’s commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, our manufacturer is dedicated to supporting green initiatives. Supplements are shipped in boxes that use partially-recycled materials and recyclable crushed paper as packing material. The fully recyclable amber glass bottles are made from 35 percent recycled material, and the white plastic caps are also fully recyclable. All promotional materials also utilize post-consumer fibers.

The manufacturing facility makes use of natural skylights to save energy and provide a pleasant work environment, and all unusable computer hardware and equipment is recycled.

Each year since 2006, our manufacturer participates in donating 11 million children’s multivitamins to Vitamin Angels—the only nonprofit organization solely dedicated to providing vital nutrition to those in need internationally and domestically. Through its “Operation 20/20” campaign, they plan to eradicate childhood blindness caused by vitamin A deficiency worldwide by the year 2020. Over 30 percent of the world’s population suffers from micronutrient deficiencies. The Co-op, along with Vitamin Angels and our manufacturer, believes every person has a right to basic nutrition.

Co-op brand supplements do not include extra costs for marketing and advertising, and we pass those savings directly to our shoppers.

Co-op member-owners can save an extra 25 percent when they place an advance order for three or more of any wellness item

When searching for natural, premium supplements to promote overall wellness and global sustainability—look no further than the Co-op’s own brand.

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Shop in Bulk and Save

Shopping in bulk is a great way to reduce the carbon-footprint (and the cost) of your grocery haul, but your first foray into the bulk section can be intimidating. We want everyone to feel comfortable and capable in all parts of our store, so we've developed a handy guide to [...]
A variety of drawings of food surround the title "Listening to Our Bodies".

Listening to Our Bodies

You’ve heard of body positivity, but have you heard of intuitive eating? How about body and food neutrality? We spoke with two experts to break down some of these terms, relay a bit of advice, and help you continue your own journey to body and food acceptance. Why is this [...]

Women of the Cooperative Movement

Many medicinal herbs are easy to grow and do not require a lot of space to produce a decent harvest. Additionally, many common “weeds” have medicinal properties.

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DOWNTOWN STORE & DELI • map • 360-734-8158 • 7 am – 9 pm
meat and deli counter: 7 am – 7 pm
made-to-order counter: 7 am – 6 pm
salad/hot bar: 7 am – 6 pm

CORDATA STORE & DELI • map • 360-734-8158 • 7 am – 9 pm
meat and deli counter: 7 am – 7 pm
made-to-order counter: 7 am – 6 pm
salad/hot bar: 7 am – 7 pm

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