Do Your Own Research Before Buying Supplements
The growing interest in supplement sales suggests that consumers are taking a more active role in their health. While this in itself would be a good thing, supplement companies and investors appear to be using the opportunity to increase profits while taking advantage of the industry’s lax regulations.
Some companies rely on powerful marketing and vague labels to make a supplement appear trustworthy. Others conduct minimal testing and release products with unverified potency claims, missing ingredients, heavy metals, or banned substances. Either way, these practices make it difficult for consumers to determine which supplements truly align with their health goals.
If you desire more control over your health, you must learn how to spot misleading claims and questionable formulas. This article is here to help you do just that.
The Industry Is Not Strictly Regulated
Supplements are not regulated the same way as prescription drugs. Companies are responsible for making sure their products are safe and accurately labeled, but they do not need FDA approval before selling them [1]. In fact, supplements can go straight to market without any testing or verification from an outside authority.
The FDA will step in if a product is found to be unsafe or if a company makes false claims, but this usually happens only after problems have been reported [2]. Manufacturers largely police themselves, and it’s up to you – the consumer – to validate a manufacturer’s quality process.
Company Ownership Can Be Difficult to Track
Investment firms and large conglomerates buy and sell supplement companies based on market trends and profitability, not necessarily because they have a genuine interest in health & wellness [3]. A small brand that started with strong values can quietly change hands, and priorities may shift with the new ownership.
Ownership may be even more difficult to track for companies that operate entirely online – it’s not unheard of for one to use multiple brand names and websites as a way to circumvent regulations [2]. They can change a label or launch a new storefront overnight, making it difficult for consumers or authorities to hold them accountable.
Marketing Can Be Misleading
Certain words show up again and again in supplement marketing because they make products sound safe and effective. But reassuring terms can be surprisingly empty promises, as they are not all reviewed and approved by the FDA or the FTC (Federal Trade Commission).
“Clean” has no legal definition in the supplement world. Without a clear standard, it’s up to each company to decide what “clean” means, and that leaves a lot of room for interpretation.
“Natural” suggests a product is wholesome and straight from nature. However, it says nothing about the quality, safety, or efficacy of a product’s natural ingredients.
“Doctor-formulated” can be especially persuasive. It may sound official, but the claim does not require any clinical studies, surveys, or endorsements from a medical doctor.
“Clinically studied” suggests that a product has been verified in scientific studies. However, it doesn’t tell you the outcome of those studies. Therefore, it cannot guarantee results.
Influencer marketing can add to the illusion of credibility. A familiar face on social media may seem like proof that a product works, but these partnerships are often paid promotions, not scientific validation.
How to Do Your Own Research When Shopping for Supplements
With so many products competing for your attention, shopping for supplements can feel overwhelming. A few simple habits can help you cut through the noise:
Read the Full List of Ingredients
Marketing language on labels is designed to catch your eye, but the fine print tells a different story.
- Look for unwanted additives, fillers, or forms of nutrients that may not be well absorbed.
- If the label has a potency claim (like 1000mg per dose), consider contacting the company and asking for test results that verify the claim.
Check for Third-Party Certifications
Seals from independent testing organizations can give you added confidence that a product has been verified for quality, purity, and potency. While no system is perfect, these certifications are a good sign that a brand is serious about meeting higher standards.
- USDA Organic – Confirms the product and manufacturing practices meet national organic standards, including being free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
- Non-GMO – Ensures that the product is made without genetically modified organisms.
- Kosher – Indicates that the product meets kosher dietary standards and has been produced under supervision to ensure compliance.
- USP (U.S. Pharmacopeia) Verified – Confirms the product contains the ingredients listed on the label, in the declared potency, and is free from harmful contaminants.
Research the Company and Manufacturer
Brands that are transparent about their practices are often the ones that prioritize quality.
- Look for transparency – Does the company share details about where they source ingredients, how they test for quality, and who manufactures their products?
- Dig into ownership – Find out if the brand is independently owned or part of a larger corporation. This can give you insight into their values and quality standards.
- Prioritize longevity – Choose brands that have been around for a while with a solid track record. Longevity can be a sign of consistent quality and customer trust.
Contact the Company Directly
A reputable company will respond openly and be willing to provide clear answers.
- Ask about testing – Find out if they test for purity, potency, and contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and microbes.
- Request proof – Reputable brands should be willing to share certificates of analysis (COAs) or details about third-party testing.
- Gauge their transparency – Pay attention to how they respond. Clear, prompt, and thorough answers are a good sign of a company that stands behind its products.
Your Health Deserves Pure Transparency
Doing your own research when shopping for supplements is a powerful habit that helps you protect your well-being. By asking questions, reading labels carefully, and choosing brands that are transparent and accountable, you take control of what goes into your body – and ultimately take control of your health.
You deserve to know exactly what you’re putting into your body, where it comes from, and how it’s made. If you have questions, ask us. Our Customer Success Team is here to give you real answers. No runarounds. No vague claims. Just Pure Transparency. (Se habla Español).
References (4)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 21 Feb. 2024, www.fda.gov/food/information-consumers-using-dietary-supplements/questions-and-answers-dietary-supplements.
- Office of the Commissioner. “Caution: Bodybuilding Products Can Be Risky.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2019, www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/caution-bodybuilding-products-can-be-risky.
- cbriggs@capstoneheadwaters.com. “Vitamins and Supplements Market Update.” Capstone Partners, 3 Oct. 2023, www.capstonepartners.com/insights/article-vitamins-and-supplements-market-update/.
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Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
