China says quality control is responsibility of importers

In response to concerns about the safety of drug and supplement ingredients produced in China, Chinese authorities said earlier this year that it is the responsibility of importers to ascertain the quality of the product. In March, after a firestorm of controversy about a tainted batch of the blood thinner heparin that was linked to a number of deaths, China's drug agency softened its stance, saying it would require tighter controls on production of the drug.

The heparin debacle comes on the heels of tainted pet food from China in 2007, which caused renal failure and death of hundreds of American pets. Lack of proper oversight and a boom in production in China have contributed to the problem, which is not limited to heparin and pet food.

In the past year, the FDA has rejected seafood from China because of too many antibiotic residues and carcinogens. In 2007, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission issued over 100 recalls of Chinese-manufactured products. Products of concern included toys with lead paint, defective tires (linked to two road fatalities), jewelry, chocolate, and toothpaste.

With a single exception, all Transfer Point's ingredients are manufactured in the United States following rigorous quality control procedures. All formulas are manufactured according to Good Manufacturing Practices and are produced in ISO-9000 certified facilities. The only exception is Vitamin C, which is unavailable in the United States.Transfer Point works closely with its Japanese manufacturer to ensure the safety and quality of the Vitamin C.

Astaxanthin may aid in weight loss

A recent study in the journal Biochemical & Biophysical Research Communications A study involving mice showed increased fat burning when astaxanthin consumption was combined with exercise, as compared with exercise alone. suggests that astaxanthin, a carotenoid known for its applications in vision support and as an all-purpose antioxidant, may also have applications as a weight loss aid.

Studies have not yet been performed in humans, but with Americans continually looking for weight loss support, such studies are likely not far behind. Transfer Point's AstaCran® formula includes 4 mg of astaxanthin. While AstaCran® is primarily used for antioxidant support, Transfer Point's formulators will be watching these new developments with interest in order to bring customers cutting-edge nutritional support.