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Plain and simple, “potency” refers to how much of an ingredient a supplement contains. As Ferira explains, “think of ‘potency’ as a dose that carefully considers the ingredient’s daily requirements if known, or science-backed levels.”<\/p>\n
In fact, the FDA regulates the term “high-potency,” specifically, stating that products can only call themselves high-potency if they include 100% of the RDI (Reference Daily Intakes), also known as the Daily Value (%DV), for vitamins and\/or minerals in them (or more) per serving. In a multivitamin, for example, which contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, at least two-thirds of them have to have a dose of at least 100% of the RDI in order for that multi to label itself as high-potency.<\/p>\n
A quick example: If your multivitamin contains 20 ingredients, it has to provide 100% of the RDI of at least 14 of those nutrients in order to tout itself as high-potency. (Unless it wants to land in a lot of hot water, that is.) Ferira concludes, “A singular nutrient or multivitamin\/mineral supplement formula that boasts a ‘high-potency’ claim is not marketing. Instead, this special designation refers to intentionally concentrated and effective levels of nutrition.”<\/p>\n
A good reason to make sure your multivitamin is truly high-potency? Research shows that more than 30% of adults fall short on eight key nutrients when relying on food alone. About one in three people, meanwhile, is at risk of at least one true nutrient deficiency.<\/em> Basically, we’re falling really, really short on essential micronutrients, which suggests that a multivitamin with lame doses of nutrients is truly, as Ferira puts it, “weaksauce,” at helping us truly fill the gaps we face.*<\/p>\n The sad reason many multi formulas cut corners on the potency of their ingredients (nutrients and botanical phytonutrients, alike), according to Ferira: to save money or space or both. (Certain nutrients, and particularly premium sources and forms of them, can be expensive and bulky!)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n