The supplement marketplace is challenged by the existence of low quality products. This is to put it kindly. Here are some of the issues that have a powerful and negative effect for manufacturers and consumers.
Here are some of the ways consumers are deceived:
- Products are mislabeled.
- Listed ingredients are missing or not the stated potency.
- Products are adulterated with unlisted ingredients.
- Products contain low potency and/or low quality ingredients.
- Product has illegal medical claims.
- Product is a knockoff or counterfeit.
- Company is not GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) Certified.
- Company is not transparent and you cannot contact them.
Here are some ways to dig deeper:
- Is there a history of human use? Some products have been used for centuries.
- Are there current scientific and clinical studies on the nutrient in general?
- What do the studies reveal about benefits and dosage?
- Is the specific nutrient clinically studied, trademarked and branded?
- Are there studies on the branded raw material found at PubMed.com or Scholar.Google.com?
- Can you contact the company for more information?
- Does the company embrace transparency?
- Does the company have any awards, certifications or recognition from others within the industry?