Our beautiful blue planet is also protected by supplement manufacturers. You can reduce carbon footprint and have a positive impact on the planet by choosing eco-friendly supplements.

Environmentally friendly supplements: why should you choose them?

Environmental concerns have taken on greater importance due to global warming, the loss of natural resources, and the extinction of certain species (1-2). All business sectors will need to take new initiatives to respond effectively to tomorrow's challenges as current economic and social models appear incompatible with a stable environment.

Accordingly, some companies have decided to transition to a more eco-friendly formulation, offering new, "greener", versions. Among the measures that have been suggested are limiting the consumption of animal products, prioritising short supply chains, and switching to organic and sustainable agriculture practices.

Using sustainable fishing techniques as a source of supplements

There's an endless supply of resources in the sea, right? Actually no, not really. A number of practices threaten the natural regeneration of marine ecosystems, such as overfishing and bottom trawling. To preserve our marine resources, sustainable fishing has been implemented. Fishermen are encouraged to select more selectively, respect the season and use only methods that do not damage aquatic ecosystems. Exactly the type of initiative ecology-oriented supplements aims to promote!

How might this be demonstrated? Omega-3 supplements that contain Omega-3. Oily fish is the principal source of marine omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Quotas and strict specifications can be strictly adhered to by using sustainable fishing methods. Thus, supplements made with certified fish oils, such as Super Omega 3, help maintain the integrity of marine habitats.

Calamus, a marine genus that generates high biomass of energy, is a smart alternative to sardines and mackerel. The zooplankton species is harvested from Arctic Sea waters as part of the Scandinavian bioeconomic strategy. A product called Arctic Plankton oil makes use of the oil as an essential ingredient in omega-3 supplementation (which is evidenced by its heart-healthy attributes).

The monounsaturated fatty acid, palmitoleic acid (omega-7) is relatively uncommon in both animal and plant kingdoms because it is a rare fatty acid. In addition to anchovies and macadamia nuts, palmitoleic acid is also found in sea buckthorn berries. Choosing to prioritise sustainable and ideal wild fishing (as with the fish extract Provincial® used in marketing Palmitoleic Acid) is a smart ecological choice.

The supplement is made from plant sources (100% vegan)

On a larger scale, the massive use of animal products has a negative environmental impact. In French agriculture, for instance, 75% of greenhouse gas emissions are the result of the livestock industry. In many countries, deforestation is also an issue: forests are cleared to create new grazing areas or to cultivate grain for livestock feed.

A growing number of supplement suppliers are creating vegan formulations, giving pride of place to plant-based substances (such as CDP Choline, Cran-Max®, and Triple C).

Do supplements containing vitamin D come from animal sources? Not good enough! It has been found that vegan formulations of vitamin D3 can now be found on the shelves even though vitamin D3 products normally rely on cod liver oil or lanolin from sheep wool. Animals are left alone in some manufacturers who rely on non-GMO marine algae (such as Vegan D3) instead.

Several suppliers go even further and are re-evaluating harvesting methods. It is possible for species to regenerate if the stems and roots of a plant are preserved. Devil's claw was collected by members of the Khwe tribe using traditional methods to make the supplement Super Harpagophytum, a controlled, sustainable harvest. We want to remind you that this plant is well-known for having the ability to assist with digestive and appetite health.

Supplements that are organic and locally sourced

In organic farming, which aims to protect both bio-diversity and human health, pesticides, chemicals, GMOs, and other practices have no place. In the same way that growing numbers of us are choosing organic products (such as organic moringa leaf), so many organic supplements are now part of the trend as well.

Short supply chains are a priority for locavores (those who eat food that is grown locally). 'Locally-produced' supplements reduce their environmental impact while supporting regional economies by reducing their impact on transportation, eliminating the middleman, and re-establishing the social link.

Produced with sustainable methods

Palm oil isn't to be forgotten either. As demand continues to grow, palm trees are being grown in South-East Asia and Africa on a daily basis on thousands of acres of forest. Orangutan, deprived so brutally of their natural habitat, are at risk of extinction as a result of this domino effect, which threatens local flora and fauna.

A bioactive fatty acid-derived primarily from palm oil, P.E.A. supplements have contributed to maintaining this painful situation. The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certifies that this oil meets specific criteria (grown in accordance with the criteria laid out by RSPO). Fortunately, some supplement manufacturers choose to use sustainable palm oil - such as P.E.A, which contains RSPO-certified oil.