Health Supplements - How to Ensure You Are Getting a Quality Product
Health supplements are dietary supplement defined by Congress under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act 1994 as "a product (other that tobacco) taken by oral cavity that contains a dietary component intended to supplement the diet." These products can contain vitamins, minerals or herbs, as well as amino acids and substances such enzymes, organ tissues and glandulars. These supplements come in many forms, including capsules and tablets, soft-gels or gel-caps, powders and liquids, as well as bars. These supplements can be used to lower cholesterol, increase energy, support immune health, weight loss, muscle gain, overall well-being and other health-benefiting purposes. These products can be found in grocery stores, drugstores, national discount chains and mail-order. Sarms
The Choice
It can be difficult for consumers to choose from so many health supplements. Most health supplements promise the same benefits, and all have similar, if any, ingredients. How do you decide which one to choose? Many of these supplements make outrageous health claims, and very few have any warnings. These are some guidelines to consider when selecting a health supplement.
The Manufacturer's Credibility: Look for a manufacturer with credibility. GMP-certified companies are a good place to start. GMP certification would mean that strict manufacturing processes are in place at all stages of production.
You can verify credibility by searching the internet for company history and reputation. Is their contact information on the website? For any questions, can you speak to them by phone or live chat?
Quality: A health supplement must have the best quality possible to be effective. Because there are no quality standards for the industry of health supplements, quality can vary widely. These are some of the factors that influence quality:
Labels: Certain information must be included on the label of dietary supplements. These are the things to look for:A Supplement Facts panel which lists:
Don't let the product's price be a deciding factor. Although there are cheaper options on the market, a product made by a trusted manufacturer will be better for your health in the long-term.
Be skeptical of products that make exaggerated claims about your health. Avoid these products.
Expiration date. Because they lose their potency over time, it is important to have an expiration date on dietary supplements.
Learn as much as you can. Learn about the ingredients online. You can find reliable websites that provide accurate information about the ingredients of the product. While some ingredients are safe, others may require precautions that are not listed on the label.
Precautions: Herbal supplements can interact with medications. You should be aware that herbal supplements might not have been tested on you if you are younger than 18 years old or older than 65.
Before you take any health supplements, consult your doctor.
Physician-formulated Products: You should look for products that were physician-formulated by a respected doctor and not just certified by one.
Research and Development. Make sure to check if the company has a research & development team. This means that they have performed numerous tests and trials on the product in order to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Name of the product (including "supplement" or a statement indicating that it is a supplement).
Net quantity of contents
Name and address of the manufacturer, packer, distributor
Instructions
A disclaimer may be added in certain instances: "This statement was not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration." This product is not intended for the treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease.
Serving size, list dietary ingredients, amount per portion (by weight), percent Daily Value (%DV), if known
If the dietary ingredient in question is a botanical, please provide the scientific or common name of the plant, or the usual or common name as standardized in the reference Herbs of Commerce 2nd Edition (2000 edition), and the part of the plant used.
If the dietary ingredient in the blend is proprietary (i.e. a blend that is exclusive to the manufacturer), then the total weight of the mixture and its components, in order of weight predominance, will be the same.
You should remember that dietary supplements do not replace food. However, they can be a complement to your diet, especially if your diet is lacking the necessary nutrition.