Supplement Safety: Finding the Right Supplements for You

 

The supplement industry is a billion-dollar industry and growing! Most adults and children in the US take at least one vitamin or dietary supplement. Unfortunately, it can often feel like the wild wild west in the supplement industry. Here is what you need to know

1. Supplement Regulation

Although the FDA does play a significant role in the food and drug production, when it comes to supplements there is very little monitoring and testing for safety and efficacy. Here is the reality:

  • Federal laws do not require the manufacturer to prove to the FDA that the claims about the product are accurate.

  • Federal law does not require dietary supplements to be proven safe in accordance with the FDA BEFORE they are available for purchase on the market.

  • The FDA’s role in supplement regulation is to act after the supplement is on the market if it poses a significant risk of harm.

  • The supplement company must report to the FDA if any adverse effects are reported.

  • The FDA monitors the reports of serious adverse events caused from dietary supplement.

2. 3rd Party testing

Third party testing is a certification granted by in independent company that has reviewed the manufacturing processes of a product and determined that the product meets the standard for safety and quality. This meaning what’s on the label is in the product. Some well-known testing companies are NSF, Informed Choice and USP to name a few. For products to receive this stamp of approval or certification they must go through the rigorous expensive testing process. Supplements that have been 3rd party tested can put you at ease in making an educated decision for several reasons. To take it a step further NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Sport are the two certifications that are strongly supported by the NFL, PGA, MLB, NHL, and CFL. These stamps approve that the supplement does not contain unsafe levels of contaminants or prohibited substances that would endanger athletes and their eligibility.

3. Beware Buyer

There are no supplements that are 100% guaranteed safe, there is always going to be some risk. Here are a few red flags to avoid when reading the label and choosing a supplement:

  • “Natural” does not mean it is safe or effective, be cautious.

  • Watch out for crazy claims ex: melts fat, 10X more energy, clinically proven etc these are misleading and can be dangerous.

  • Some supplements may be safe and effective but can cause adverse effects if combine with certain foods or medications, talk to your primary care physician, dietitian, or pharmacist.

  • More doesn’t always mean better. The highest dose product does not guarantee its more powerful or will work better, dose matters.

  • “Proprietary blends” in the supplement facts are a way for companies to refrain from disclosing the types and amounts of ingredients in a product.

The reality is the supplement industry isn’t well regulated, and talking to a dietitian or medical professional before taking any supplements will keep you on the safer side of the chaotic industry.

Sources:

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/fda-101-dietary-supplements

 
Fitness, NutritionRachel Pfister