In addition to checking the ingredients and safety of a supplement, it’s essential to look for quality and certification seals. Avoid products that are too cheap or expired. Makers of supplements are required to follow good manufacturing practices. However, the FDA doesn’t verify that they do. It’s also best to avoid products that make unfounded health claims or promise unrealistic results.
Ingredients
When choosing supplements, looking at the ASEA Review and the ingredients is essential. Many supplements contain more than one ingredient, so it’s worth looking at the complete list of active and inactive ingredients on the label (supplement facts panel). Avoid supplement brands that use a proprietary blend, which doesn’t allow companies to include specific ingredient amounts on the label. This can lead to contamination and may not work well for people with allergies. You should also choose organic and non-GMO supplements, as GMOs may cause health issues for humans and animals. Look for products that display a seal from the Non-GMO Project, which verifies that the product doesn’t contain any genetically modified ingredients. The most important thing to consider when selecting a supplement is whether it’s high-quality. If the supplement uses low-quality ingredients, such as a synthetic form of vitamin C, that’s not good for your body and won’t be as effective.
Safety
Supplements aren’t regulated as strictly as drugs, so paying attention to labeling is essential. Look for products that say “organic” or “non-GMO,” as these ingredients are more likely to be grown in nutrient-rich soil. You can also find vegan or gluten-free supplements, which may be beneficial if you have dietary restrictions. Look for third-party certifications such as USP and NSF to help identify high-quality supplements. These organizations set rigorous standards and often require that manufacturers provide a Certificate of Analysis for each product, which can be found on the label or the company website. Avoid purchasing supplements that contain allergens, such as dairy, gluten, or peanuts. These ingredients may be processed in the same facilities as other foods, which could lead to cross-contamination. Also, be wary of supplements that claim to be free from allergens because there’s no oversight to verify these claims.
Claims
When buying supplements, beware of bogus claims that may be made. The Food and Drug Administration regulates product labels, while the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulates advertisements and direct marketing materials. Claims, including testimonials, product names, research citations, and endorsements, can be expressed or implied. A legitimate claim should contain references to randomized, controlled clinical trials. Supplement manufacturers can make structure/function claims, which refer to maintaining a specific body function or physiological process. However, they may not suggest that the dietary supplement treats or prevents a disease.
Price
As with any product, price is essential when selecting health supplements. However, a high price tag only sometimes guarantees a higher quality supplement. A high-quality brand will have a good reputation and may have its products tested by third-party organizations to verify its integrity and potency. These organizations usually display their certification seals on the product label. Look for links to randomized, multi-center, third-party, double-anonymized, placebo-controlled human clinical studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Avoid sloppy research and unpublished studies from private individuals. You also want to look for the best form of an ingredient. For example, triglyceride forms of omega-3s are better for your body to absorb than cheaper ethyl esters. Also, avoid supplements that are stored in hot or humid conditions.
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