With so many products and prices out there, purchasing supplements can be tricky. You want good quality without throwing your money down the drain. I’m in the same boat when I purchase my own supplements. Here are 4 reasons why it's important to purchase supplements from a reputable source.
FDA Unregulated – the FDA (food and drug administration) doesn’t test supplements for safety or efficacy before they hit the market. The FDA regulates all things dietary, but supplements fall under a category of constraints placed by the Dietary Supplement Heath and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. Instead, the FDA has a system where people can report adverse events for products currently on the market. Sadly, this makes consumers the guinea pigs and watchdogs. That means that you need a way to know which companies and products you can trust.
Testing is NOT Mandatory – what?! The only way supplement companies can assure their products are safe and effective is to do third-party testing….which is not required before going on the shelf. This is crazy to me, which is why the only supplements I house are companies that utilize third-party testing of raw materials and final products. The best way to know if a product has been tested is to look for a certification seal or talk with the manufacturer.
Effects of Storage and Distribution – it’s important to remember that the way the product is manufactured and packaged affects the quality. For example, some supplements are sensitive to heat or light and when exposed can decrease the potency. Even if you purchase the exact perfect product, if it was inappropriately handled or came from an unreliable distributor, you could be throwing away money.
No Standards – lastly, it can be tempting for manufacturers to skimp on the potency of ingredients or buy the cheapest raw ingredients. The highest quality products are formulated by teams of clinicians and researchers who have reviewed the scientific evidence. You can learn how companies formulate their products by contacting their representatives. I’ve done this for you through my FullScript medicinary; I do the research so that you don’t have to.
Bottom line is that I want you to utilize safe and effective supplements. The best way to do that is to purchase products from a trusted manufacturer. I often tell people, you are welcome to buy them from my medicinary or take the name of the company and search for them on your own. I appreciate your business and most importantly want you to be healthy.
Inspired by Emerson Ecologics Wellevate