Introduction
When it comes to taking supplements, it’s important to make sure you’re getting the best quality ingredients. Low quality ingredients can be ineffective and even dangerous. But how can you tell if your supplements have low quality ingredients? In this article, we’ll discuss how to identify low quality ingredients in supplements and what to look for when choosing a supplement. We’ll also provide tips on how to make sure you’re getting the best quality ingredients in your supplements. By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge you need to make sure you’re getting the best quality supplements.
How to Tell if Your Supplements Have “Low Quality” Ingredients
When it comes to supplements, it’s important to know what you’re putting into your body. Unfortunately, not all supplements are created equal, and some contain low-quality ingredients that can be potentially harmful. Here’s how to tell if your supplements have low-quality ingredients.
Check the Label
The first step in determining the quality of your supplements is to check the label. Look for the active ingredients and make sure they are listed in the correct amounts. Also, check to see if the supplement contains any fillers or artificial ingredients. If so, it’s likely a low-quality supplement.
Research the Manufacturer
Another way to tell if your supplements have low-quality ingredients is to research the manufacturer. Look for reviews from other customers and see what they have to say about the product. Also, check to see if the manufacturer is certified by a third-party organization, such as the US Pharmacopeia or NSF International. This will ensure that the supplement is made with high-quality ingredients.
Look for Natural Ingredients
When it comes to supplements, natural ingredients are always the best choice. Look for supplements that contain natural ingredients such as herbs, vitamins, and minerals. These ingredients are more likely to be of higher quality and are less likely to contain any fillers or artificial ingredients.
Avoid Low-Cost Supplements
Finally, it’s important to avoid low-cost supplements. These supplements are often made with low-quality ingredients and may not be as effective as more expensive supplements. It’s better to invest in a higher-quality supplement that will provide the desired results.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your supplements are made with high-quality ingredients. This will help you get the most out of your supplements and ensure that you are getting the nutrients you need.
With so many supplements available, it can be difficult to know which ones have quality ingredients and which are a waste of money. The FDA regulates dietary supplements under different regulations than those for foods and drugs, and can only take action against a supplement after it is already on the market. “It’s recommended to always talk with your doctor before taking any sort of supplement,” says internal medicine specialist Ronan Factora, MD. “Unregulated supplements can pose a serious risk if taken with other medicine, in excessive amounts or taken for an unconfirmed medical problem.” Here are five supplement ‘red flags’ to be aware of. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Third party testing—such as by NSF or the US Pharmacopeia (USP) Dietary Supplement Verification Program—means the ingredients in a supplement have been vigorously checked. Here are the three components of the NSF dietary supplements certification program:
- “Label claim review to certify that what’s on the label is in the bottle”
- “Toxicology review to certify product formulation (we don’t test for efficacy)”
- “Contaminant review to ensure the product contains no undeclared ingredients or unacceptable levels of contaminants”
NSF has a specific certification for sports supplements, recognized by a host of sports organizations including the NFL, MLB, PGA, and more. “Sometimes, risky or dangerous ingredients are even listed right on the label or identified by a confusing name,” says the US Anti-Doping Agency. “If athletes choose to use supplements despite these known risks, USADA has always recommended that athletes use only dietary supplements that have been certified by a third-party program that tests for substances prohibited in sport. USADA currently recognizes NSF Certified for Sport® as the program best suited for athletes to reduce the risk from supplements.”
“If you buy imported products marketed as ‘dietary supplements’ and nonprescription drug products from ethnic or international stores, flea markets, swap meets or online, watch out,” warns the FDA. “Health fraud scams abound. Health scammers often target advertising to people who prefer to shop at nontraditional places, especially those who have limited English proficiency and limited access to health care services and information.”
The FDA has warned against buying supplements marketed with variations of the names “Artri” or “Ortiga”, saying they contain serious drugs not listed on the label. “FDA has received adverse event reports, including of liver toxicity and death, associated with the use of Artri King products, since the agency issued its first warning about an Artri Ajo King product on January 5, 2022,” the agency says in a consumer warning.
If a supplement is not recommended by a medical professional, be very careful and err on the side of caution. “The problem of adulterated dietary supplements is unlikely to go away anytime soon,” says Robert H. Shmerling, MD. “But I am hopeful that the FDA will take a more active role on this issue and help protect consumers from dietary supplements that may contain hidden ingredients. In the meantime, if you can’t be sure what’s in a supplement, you may be risking your health even as you’re trying to improve it. The safest thing may be to stick with the tried and true (and tested). Ask your doctor and pharmacist if you have questions. But don’t be surprised if they say little more than ‘buyer beware.’” And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.
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