The Risks of Glyphosate — And Why We're A Glyphosate Tested Company

To truly understand the gravity of glyphosate's impact on our health, we need to look into its mechanism of action and corresponding implications for human biology.

Now, let's examine why this disruption in protein synthesis is also a matter of concern for human health. Our gut microbiota consists of a complex community of microorganisms that aid in digestion, produce essential vitamins, and play an important role in regulating our immune system. These microorganisms also rely on the shikimate pathway, the same biochemical pathway present in plants.

When glyphosate disrupts this pathway in our gut microbiota, it can lead to an imbalance in the composition of our microbiome, potentially contributing to digestive disorders, weakened immunity, and other health issues (5).

Additionally, glyphosate's interference with the shikimate pathway has been associated with the depletion of certain amino acids in the body. Amino acids like tryptophan are precursors for the synthesis of important neurotransmitters, including serotonin (6). Serotonin is often referred to as the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter because it plays a key role in regulating mood, sleep, and overall mental well-being (7). Any disruption in the production of serotonin due to glyphosate-induced amino acid depletion may contribute to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Furthermore, glyphosate has been shown to have chelating properties, meaning it can bind to essential minerals, like manganese, and disrupt their absorption in the gut (8). Manganese is crucial for various biochemical processes in the body, including bone formation, blood clotting, and metabolism. Glyphosate's interference with manganese absorption could have far-reaching implications for our overall health.

In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a division of the World Health Organization, classified glyphosate as a "probable human carcinogen" (9). This classification is based on a growing body of evidence suggesting a link between glyphosate exposure and an increased risk of cancer, particularly Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Since then, the debate over glyphosate's carcinogenic potential has intensified. There are now numerous studies linking glyphosate to the development of various cancers, including in children (10).

When considering vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements, it is important to recognize that these industries lack FDA regulation, which translates to a lack of mandatory third-party testing. Unless you're sourcing your supplements from a reputable company committed to rigorous third-party testing, meticulous sourcing, and stringent manufacturing processes, there's no way to be sure of a supplement’s precise contents. This is especially significant with herbal supplements as they often involve highly concentrated forms of herbs, and you may inadvertently be consuming the cumulative amount of herbicide sprayed across all of a supplement’s herbs.

At Dr. Green Life, it is our mission to provide ethically sourced, high quality products to families wanting to live life the way nature intended. As such, we do not use plants sprayed with glyphosate in our formulations. The accumulating evidence surrounding glyphosate's potential risks strengthens our company’s resolve in its commitment to careful sourcing and extensive third-party testing.

We extensively test each of our raw ingredients and finished products for glyphosate and, in doing so, have come to the realization that it is no longer possible for products to be 100% glyphosate-free due to the extent of environmental contamination in our modern world. For example, glyphosate has contaminated our water supply. A recent survey found glyphosate in 66 of the 70 US rivers and streams sampled, and its breakdown product, AMPA, in even more (12). Another study revealed that 41% percent of samples collected from several US groundwater sources that supply public drinking water are contaminated with glyphosate (13). Glyphosate has been detected in over 80% of US urine samples taken from populations of various ages (14). As such, the goal for each of us should be to minimize glyphosate exposure as much as possible.

Due to our company’s commitment to careful sourcing and extensive glyphosate testing, we provide products with glyphosate levels well below those deemed acceptable by the EPA & corresponding government regulations. In an effort to provide full transparency, test results are posted publicly on our website.

• For more on our Company & Mission, see Our Story.

At Dr. Green Life, a Glyphosate Tested Company, we prioritize your well-being and the integrity of our products through stringent testing and ethical sourcing practices. Your health is our utmost priority, and we stand firm in our mission to provide high-quality solutions for you and your family. As such, 100% of the ingredients that come into our manufacturing facility are third-party tested for glyphosate. Further, we test each formulation and finished product prior to shipping to ensure that it remains pure, potent, and stable.

• For more information on how we test our products, click on the Third-Party Test Results tab found on any of our product pages.

The risks associated with glyphosate are substantial, prompting concern within health-conscious communities and on the international stage. Many countries have recognized these risks and have either banned or significantly restricted glyphosate usage. Unfortunately, the United States has not yet taken such decisive action with over 280 million pounds of glyphosate being applied to our soil annually, which has led to widespread environmental contamination.

Understanding glyphosate’s mechanism of action reveals how it can adversely impact our health. By disrupting the shikimate pathway in both plants and gut microbiota, glyphosate not only threatens the environment but also our well-being. Its interference with amino acid synthesis, including tryptophan, raises concerns about mood disorders, while its chelating properties may disrupt essential mineral absorption, potentially affecting overall health. 

Moreover, the mounting evidence linking glyphosate to cancer, particularly in children, reinforces the urgency of addressing its risks. Glyphosate's presence in many supplements and skincare products is an area of concern that further underscores the importance of responsible sourcing and rigorous third-party testing.