You will find supplements almost everywhere, including convenience stores, big box stores, drug stores, and grocery stores, to name a few.
These supplements can also be found in varieties such as weight loss aids, proteins, green powders, energy drinks, extracts, fatty acids, and multivitamins.
So how can you know the right supplements to buy?
Well, this isn’t easy. While the FDA often regulates products, it is upon every supplement manufacturer to supply quality and safe products. But you can still be a smart buyer with the help of the following tips:
1. Consider Dosage and Formula
More doesn’t always better, and based on supplements, it will be more sensible to choose one with a lower dosage so it can have a better chance of getting absorbed.
The simplicity of the application should also be put into consideration. For instance, taking capsules won’t be convenient for everyone, especially people with insufficiencies or digestive issues. That means buying a supplement in liquids, orals, or other topical methods will be a better option.
2. Find a Trusted Brand
By finding a reliable supplement brand, you will have a product, which has underground testing thoroughly. Plus, it will mean the product is a product from quality products and has been manufactured as per the FDA’s production standards to ascertain its safety and quality.
In addition, a supplement brand with nationally recognized stores has a lot to lose and a lot at stake. So they invest resources and time to safeguard their reputations and hard-earned money.
3. Look at the Safety of the Supplement
The FDA doesn’t regulate supplements the same way it does with drugs. This simply means that FDA doesn’t review supplements for efficacy or safety before hitting the market. This is why it is best to research and always be keen when shopping for a new product.
4. Choose Supplements Based on Age
You should always choose supplements based on your age. Every age group requires a different amount of supplement, and you shouldn’t consume less or more than what is recommended.
5. Explore the Available Options
Unfortunately, not every supplement is safe and good for you. Some have ingredients listed on the product’s label and might be very toxic to your body.
To determine whether the product is good, you must closely check the ingredients and certifications on the label. If a product has silicon dioxide, excipients, binders, toxic fillers, or magnesium stearate, this means that the manufacturer doesn’t go above and beyond when manufacturing products with safe ingredients.
6. Read Reviews
Look at the reviews on a product you want to buy. Get to know what the product is capable of doing for your body, including its claims as well as the experiences of other users.
A good supplement is always safe until you try it yourself. So research well and choose a high-quality supplement, which you may trust.
The Takeaway
It is advisable that you meet your nutritional requirements through a balanced and healthy diet. But there are some instances where you may need to take supplements. This is especially true when you have a condition causing malabsorption and nutrient deficiencies. Whichever the case, ensure you choose quality supplements with positive reviews from other users.