Supplements can help you get the nutrients you need to
maintain good health. But a new study found that many supplements advertised
online needed to contain what their Supplement Facts labels claimed.
It's essential to look for third-party certification seals
and follow the tips below when buying supplements online. They can help you
avoid products that may not be safe or effective.
Know Your Supplement Needs
When you shop for dietary supplements online, it is crucial
to have an idea of your needs. This will help you find a supplement with the
right amount of vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients. You can do this by
consulting a healthcare professional or researching non-commercial sources.
Knowing your supplement needs is important to avoid wasting money on
unnecessary products. This will help you stay away from products that are
overpriced or claim to cure a disease. It will also save you from buying
products that contain too much of a certain ingredient, which could cause
harmful side effects in certain individuals or when combined with other
substances.
Supplements should be used only when your diet does not
provide the nutrients you need. Most people who eat various fruits and
vegetables for fiber, lean meats and fish for protein, whole grains, and
low-fat dairy products do not need to take supplements. When shopping for
supplements, ensure that an independent lab has tested your product and
complies with FDA regulations regarding labeling and advertising. In addition,
look for a seal on the product that indicates it has been third-party tested or
follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). These measures will ensure that
the dietary supplement you purchase contains what is stated on the Supplement
Facts label. Finally, you can look for deals and use Vitacost coupons when
purchasing supplements online.
Look for Third-Party Certifications
The FDA doesn't regulate over-the-counter supplements, so it
can be hard to tell whether or not you're getting what you pay for. That's why
looking for third-party certifications is so important when buying supplements
online. Look for seals from independent companies like NSF International, USP,
and others. These indicate that the supplement has undergone extra testing to
ensure its safety and effectiveness. If you're concerned about contamination,
look for a supplement with a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
certification. GMPs are the standards that manufacturers must meet to ensure
that their products contain what they say they do. You can also look for a USDA
Organic or Non-GMO label to ensure the product is free of genetically modified
organisms (GMOs). High-quality, third-party-certified supplements are crucial
to maintaining your health and wellness goals. Whether you're a competitive
athlete needing sport-compliant supplements free of banned
performance-enhancing ingredients or simply looking to improve your daily diet,
consult your integrative healthcare practitioner to determine which supplements
are right for you and your unique needs.
Read the Label
Supplements are generally designed to help your body get
what it needs, whether in pill, powder, or liquid form. They may be taken to
increase depleted levels of vitamins, such as vitamin C for the common cold or
calcium and vitamin D for osteoporosis or iron
to fight anemia.
Most people trust what's on the label is what they get in
their bottle, but this is only sometimes true. For example, a recent study
found that almost half of the immune-boosting supplements purchased online did
not contain what their Supplement Facts labels said they did. That's why it's
important to do your homework and stick to trusted brands that offer lab-tested
products. Also, be wary of any website that says their supplements are
"FDA approved," this claim is meaningless because the FDA does not
approve laboratories, only manufacturers. Look for third-party certifications,
like those from the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP), to ensure that a
manufacturer has been held to high purity and safety standards. You should also
avoid supplements that make drug-like claims and promise quick results. And
steer clear of any that claim to prevent, treat or cure a specific disease, as
only some authorized health claims are allowed on nutritional supplements, such
as calcium and vitamin D for osteoporosis, folate for neural tube defects, and
stanols/sterols for heart disease.
Read Customer Reviews
It's no secret that dietary supplements aren't subject to
the same rigorous testing as pharmaceutical drugs, and claims on a label may
only sometimes be trustworthy. That's why it is so important to read reviews
before purchasing. It's also a good idea to stick with companies that offer
money-back guarantees for their products, as this indicates that they are
confident in the quality of their products.
You should also avoid products with a long list of
ingredients, as this can indicate additives and fillers. In addition, it's a
good idea to choose non-GMO, organic products without artificial ingredients.
Finally, it's a good idea to look for third-party certifications like USP to
ensure the supplement contains exactly what it says on the label. Ultimately,
the best way to determine whether or not a supplement is right for you is to
talk to your doctor or a nutritionist. They can help you decide your needs and
recommend the best supplements.
