The Global Sourcing of Vitamin Raw Materials: A Look at the Supply Chain
The vitamin and dietary supplement industry is vast, and the raw materials that make these products possible come from all corners of the globe. As consumers become more health-conscious, the demand for high-quality, effective supplements like we sell at Alkaline for Life has led to a complex and global supply chain, with raw materials sourced from a variety of countries, each contributing unique ingredients.
China and India: The Largest Suppliers
China and India are the dominant players in the global supply chain for vitamin and supplement raw materials, accounting for around 70-80% of ingredients. China, with its massive manufacturing capacity and low labor costs, is a key source of vitamins, amino acids, and minerals, as well as herbal ingredients used in supplements. India, on the other hand, is known for its rich tradition in Ayurveda and its abundant supply of plant-based ingredients, such as turmeric and ashwagandha, which are used in both traditional and modern supplements.
While these two countries dominate, there is growing attention to diversifying sourcing to mitigate risks like supply chain disruptions and to meet increasing demand for sustainable and organic products. This has led to a rising interest in sourcing from other countries, including the United States and various regions in Europe, South America, and Africa.
Rigorous Testing for Purity, Potency, and Quality at Every Step
At Alkaline for Life, we prioritize the purity and potency of our supplements by adhering to a stringent testing model and maintaining high standards throughout the manufacturing process. All of our products are manufactured in the USA by a certified facility that holds UL GMP, NPA GMP, and FDA registration. UL GMP validates the identity, strength, quality, and traceability of each product, ensuring that every part of the supply chain and manufacturing process meets or exceeds current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). Additionally, our facility participates in UL's Retail Certification Program (RCP), which provides an annual assessment to evaluate compliance with FDA regulations and industry standards. To further ensure product integrity, our facility is NPA GMP certified, demonstrating compliance with comprehensive third-party inspections. We are also proud that our facility is registered with the FDA, having recently passed an audit with no issues or violations.
In addition to these certifications, we adhere to a strict testing policy to ensure the quality of our raw materials and final products. All raw materials are tested for purity and potency before they leave the country of origin, upon arrival in the USA, and once again after manufacturing. Finally, every batch of our products undergoes third-party testing to confirm that they meet or exceed the highest standards for quality, potency, and safety. This rigorous testing protocol gives our customers the confidence that every supplement we offer is produced with the highest care and attention to detail.
You can see our 3rd party testing reports here.