There are so many options these days to buy supplements—online marketplaces, natural food stores, and large chain retailers. But be careful and do your homework when it comes to buying supplements. While many products are not FDA-approved, there are ways to ensure you’re getting a safe, high-quality source.

Online shopping may be convenient, but it can be risky. Counterfeit products may contain impurities, incorrect dosages, or not even include the ingredients they claim to. I’ve had patients order recommended products from third-party sellers only to find that the capsules were a different color or the label was fake. These supplements may not help—and worse, they may harm. For example, reports have shown that poor-quality curcumin may lead to liver issues. The problem may not be the supplement itself, but its quality, source, and dosage.

How to Make Sure You’re Taking Safe, Quality Supplements

  1. Know where your supplements come from: Order from your physician, the manufacturer directly, or a trusted online formulary like Fullscript. Avoid unknown sellers, warehouse stores, and foreign distributors.
  2. Check quality control standards: Look for certifications like GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), wildcrafted or organic labels, and testing for gluten, toxins, and heavy metals. Check the manufacturer’s website for transparency.
  3. Be cautious with media trends: Don’t take a supplement just because it’s trending or recommended on a podcast or by a friend. Some supplements can interact with medications. Always check with your physician and use trusted research sites like PubMed to validate health claims.
  4. Verify expiration dates: Avoid supplements that only list a manufacturing date without a clear expiration. If in doubt, contact the distributor to verify the product’s freshness.

In Summary

Know where you’re buying your supplements. Not all companies or sellers maintain the same standards. As a naturopathic physician, I only recommend supplement brands that follow strict quality and safety protocols. “Do no harm” is a core naturopathic principle, and until the supplement industry is better regulated, it’s essential to be vigilant about what you put in your body.

Investigate your supplements or consult your naturopath before taking them. If you’re taking something to improve a symptom, make sure it’s doing more good than harm.

To find out more Call Dr. Kovalik

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