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Pharmaceutical Grade: What Does It Mean?

We have heard a lot about Pharmaceutical Grade quality lately.

Different Grades:
There are basically three different grades of raw materials used in products. They are:

Pharmaceutical Grade - meets pharmaceutical standards
Food Grade - meets standards set for human consumption
Feed Grade - meets standards set for animal consumption

The difference between them is basically one of quality and purity. In technical terms, no substance is 100% pure, for there are always other substances added to various products. The difference between the grades is basically one of how much of these other substances are present in the product.

There are several criteria by which pharmaceutical grade is judged. They must be in excess of 99% purity with no binders, fillers, excipients, dyes, or unknown substances.

United States Pharmacopeia (USP)

The USP provides assurance to the consumer, as well as those involved in manufacturing and processing, that the quality and purity of the raw materials utilized are of pharmaceutical grade. Consequently, the USP is guaranteeing a certain standard of excellence - a standard found at selective stores and physicians offices. In you're not sure what you are buying, ask for the facts.