Supplement products range from simple vitamins to complex blends of herbs and nutrients; their sales reach billions.
These supplements, known as “dietary ingredients,” fall under different laws than prescription or over-the-counter medicines; their laws cannot claim to treat, prevent or cure diseases.
Third-Party Testing
Testing helps manufacturers ensure their products comply with product label claims and quality standards. Consumer safety tests include screening incoming raw materials for microbial contaminants, heavy metals, pesticides and any potential allergens such as caffeine. Supplements containing different levels of nutrients require different testing methodologies that include verifying per-serving amounts or looking out for potential allergens (i.e. caffeine).
Third-party laboratories can evaluate the consistency and potency of dietary supplements to help meet health goals. They also check for mislabeling or falsely claimed contents to help avoid product recalls.
Consumers seeking peace of mind should prioritize supplement brands that utilize third-party testing for peace of mind and confidence in the effectiveness of the products they use. Aside from independent evaluation, reputable brands commit to transparency by offering verified supplements. In addition, advanced technologies like blockchain may increase accuracy while decreasing costs while simultaneously producing higher quality results.
Labeling
Dietary supplements may not be subject to as stringent regulation as food or pharmaceutical products, but they still need labeling. When shopping for dietary supplements, seek those using a Nutrition Facts Panel similar to what’s found on food products – this will enable consumers to make data-driven choices.
The Supplement Facts Panel should contain information such as its identity, ingredients list, net quantity (total weight or volume), serving size and proprietary blend ingredients that don’t disclose exact quantities – though this shouldn’t deter consumers.
Supplement Details Panels must provide additional details, such as company contact info and ingredient names; any potential hazards should also be listed; errors such as missing required hairlines or font sizes/contrast may erode consumer trust and make meeting FDA label clarity requirements difficult. Professional label printing tools like QuickLabel QL-120X printers can streamline this process while helping reduce costly errors.
Safety
While FDA does not conduct exhaustive tests on every dietary supplement on the market, they monitor products for contaminants and ensure manufacturers follow good manufacturing practices. They also keep an eye out for reported adverse health events linked to supplements. If you experience a negative reaction after taking one of them, inform both your doctor and report it directly to FDA.
EU legislation governs which vitamins and minerals may be included in supplements as well as tolerable upper intake levels for these substances. Companies must notify the European Commission if they intend to include any nutrient source not on its approved list in their products.
In the United States, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act prohibits FDA from regulating dietary supplements as drugs and does not require them to undergo the same approval processes as medications. Regardless, it’s still important to inform your physician of any supplements you are taking as these may interact with other medications that you are already taking or have adverse side effects that could aggravate certain health conditions or illnesses.
Choosing the Right Supplement Brand
No matter your choice of supplement, these tips can help make the supplement marketplace less intimidating. Look for third-party testing by organizations such as NSF International, ConsumerLab, US Pharmacopeia or UL. Be wary of products containing ingredients to improve appearance, flavor or texture – such as those containing allergens such as gluten which could trigger allergic reactions in certain individuals.
Be wary of claims that a supplement has been clinically tested or scientifically researched; such tests and trials may only apply to medications; not all supplements undergo these processes (or even do trials). Furthermore, products from companies with multiple name changes might indicate they’re struggling in the market – check CRN’s Be LabelWise database to stay informed. Finally, discuss any questions or interest about supplements with your healthcare provider (doctor, registered dietitian, nurse practitioner or pharmacist) so they can help identify which may be most appropriate choices for you.
