How to Spot Shady Supplements

Have you ever stood before the aisles and aisles of supplement options, absolutely lost in how much you’re supposed to supplement for your self-care? It’s overwhelming for everyone. Here are tips to look out for that will help you sort through the $h!# on the shelf to make sure you buy everything you need and nothing you don’t.

• Beware meaningless claims

  "Contains clinically tested ingredients." Just because an ingredient has been tested doesn't mean it has been clinically proven to work. If a supplement claims to have been tested in an "FDA Approved Laboratory," don't believe it. The FDA does not approve laboratories. Also "Pharmaceutical Grade" is an imaginary term for most supplement ingredients.

• Claims to treat or cure a disease

  Legally, supplements are not considered drugs and cannot claim to treat, cure, or diagnose a disease. Supplements can make more vague claims with a disclaimer that the FDA has not evaluated the claim.

• Gummy formulas

  I'm sorry. Ingredients can be less stable in gummies than in capsules and tablets, leading to faster loss of potency in gummies. Additionally, the US Pharmacopeial Convention holds gummies to looser standards than capsules and tablets.

• Going over the Upper Limit of an ingredient

  More ≠ better. Supplement labels are not required to disclose when the amount of an ingredient may pose a risk of harm, and most will not disclose this voluntarily. The Daily Value is based on the maximum requirement across the general population, but your requirement may be less.

• High prices

  Some of the best quality products are not the most expensive, and here is why. Supplement companies consistently offer me commissions as high as 55% for pushing their products. When I worked at Life Time and 24-Hour Fitness, I would have time-out meetings with management regarding my ethical refusal to sell most of their untested products.

• Uncertain certification

  Do not rely on products that simply claim to be “Quality Tested” or “Third-Party Tested” if the third party is not identified. A product has been properly tested if it is done by an independent, reputable third-party like USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab. Look for certification marks from these third-parties.

• Only sold on Amazon

  According to ConsumerLab.com, some supplements and products (typically from lesser-known brands) have been reported as counterfeit products containing only a tiny fraction of their listed ingredients. To safely buy real vitamins and supplements online, shop directly from the brand's website. Or if shopping on Amazon, make sure it is "Sold By” the actual brand or an authorized reseller of the brand.

• "Proprietary blends," "proprietary formulas," and "complexes"

  Phrases like these allow wiggle room for fillers around the expensive ingredient you are trying to attain.

  Does this mean all supplementation is terrible? Of course not. While wellness will always be filled with creative marketing, it is wise to stay educated on what you need, what is extra, and what is harmful. I am happy to assist in steering you in the right direction with a nutrition consultation today. For a new client introductory session pack, click here.

  References for more details about supplement safety.