11 Qualities to Look For Before Purchasing Any Supplements

Did you know that around one billion people have low levels of vitamin D in their blood? If you need to get a supplement, we can help.

In this guide, we’ll go over how to find a high-quality supplement and what things to avoid.

Want to learn more? Keep reading.

1. Table of Contents

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   Consider Why You Need the Supplement

People take dietary supplements, so they get enough of a specific nutrient. There are times when you need a particular supplement to treat a health issue.

For example, you might need to take more vitamin D in the winter months or get an iron supplement for anemia.

Your doctor can discuss how much you should take and will suggest brands. If you’re worried about a health issue and are thinking about a supplement, talk to your doctor first.

2. Read the Label With Care

You want to spend time reading the label on a supplement. Supplement manufacturers will have to follow specific rules about health claims.

Yet, don’t believe a statement about a supplement right away. You’ll want to research it beforehand.

Review the supplement ingredients. This way, you’ll know more about the supplement and its intended effects. Also, you’ll want to learn more about the manufacturer and research the company.

3. Check the Expiration Date

When you pick up a supplement, make sure you read the expiration date on the label. The expiration date will reveal how long the item has been on the shelf. Don’t buy the product if the expiration date is close.

4. Does the Company Test Each Batch?

You’ll want to look for a company that takes pride in testing batches for purity and safety.

Some products will get formulated with attention to detail and integrity. Not all companies get held to the same standard.

Some companies will skip batch testing. Instead, pre-selected batches will get tested. This will reduce overhead costs, but the quality is difficult to ensure.

Before you buy a supplement, research the methods the company uses to test its products. This way, you can feel confident about your purchase.

5. Third-Party Lab Tests

When reading labels, look for a certification from an organization like NSF International.

The certificate reveals the company submitted their products to get certified and tested by an independent organization. The third-party lab tested the products for contents, quality, and potency.

The NSF product certification will show the product got tested for harmful levels of contaminants.

Also, the ingredients listed are the actual ingredients in the supplement. No other additives were added unless listed in the ingredients section.

6. Does the Supplement Line up With Your Needs?

Are you a vegan or vegetarian? Make sure you check that you find a vegan or vegetarian supplement.

Sometimes, the capsules for supplements are animal-based. Read the ingredients list. This way, you can make sure you found a vegan or vegetarian supplement.

Some vitamins have a higher strength compared to others. You might assume that the higher dose is better. Yet, your physical needs will dictate how much you need.

If you choose a low dose, you’ll have room to boost your intake when you need it. You won’t end up taking large doses that could interfere with other medications.

7. Avoid Supplements With Extra Ingredients

If you want a bottle of vitamin C, you might find it challenging to find the right supplement when you go to the store.

You might see a bottle that says vitamin C with immune-supporting herbs. Another bottle might have another addition.

The extra ingredients might seem helpful at first. Yet, extra ingredients could increase the chances you’ll experience unwanted side effects. Get the vitamin on its own.

8. Pick a Reputable Brand

You’ll know a brand is reputable if the brand’s been around for a long time. They have managed to stand out from the competition and offer a decent product.

If you’re at a health food store, consider asking someone for advice. Do you tend to shop at a big box store or grocery store? You’ll have to shop for the supplement on your own.

9. Check Out the Company’s Website

You’ll want to look for the supplement’s company website. Avoid cheap sites, and look for official supplement company sites.

Look for sites that provide sound evidence with references. Make sure there’s easy access to contact information. If you ever needed to file a complaint or ask a question, you’ll know how to get in touch.

10. Avoid the Supplement if It Sounds Too Good

Marketing claims are often deceptive. If the packaging reveals all the benefits of the supplement, be wary. Research online to verify the claims.

The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission monitor supplement manufacturers. They make sure the supplements get labeled accurately and contain factual claims.

11. Look for a Transparent Company

You want to find a supplement from a company that’s honest and transparent.

Look for a company that provides detailed information. Read about the farmers or the farm growing the ingredients. You’ll also want to look for ingredient traceability.

Companies committed to being transparent will add details on the packaging.

Keep searching until you find a reputable company. Professionals order supplements from Researched Nutritionals and can feel confident about the supplement.

Now You Know More About How to Choose a Supplement

We hope this guide on buying supplements was helpful. Research the company beforehand, and read the ingredients label with care.

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