Don’t Be Scammed by Supplements: Beware of These 6 Red Flags

by Dr. Jen Caudle

In a world increasingly obsessed with health and wellness, the dietary supplement industry has grown exponentially. From vitamins and minerals to exotic herbal extracts and trendy superfoods, the market is flooded with products promising everything from improved energy to miracle cures. However, with this growth comes an increased risk of falling victim to misleading claims and deceptive marketing tactics. Here’s how to protect yourself and make informed choices about dietary supplements.

1. Understand the Supplement Landscape

The supplement industry is largely unregulated compared to pharmaceuticals. This means companies can make bold claims about their products without rigorous oversight. Medicines must be approved by the FDA before they can be sold or marketed, but supplements do not require this approval & rigorous oversight.

According to the FDA, "dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. FDA is the federal agency that oversees both supplements and medicines, but FDA regulations for dietary supplements are different from those for prescription or over-the-counter medicines."

The FDA does not approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness or their labeling before they are sold to the public. Consequently, the responsibility to evaluate their worth often falls on the consumer.

2. Beware of Overhyped Claims

Be skeptical of products that promise miraculous results or cure-all solutions. Terms like "breakthrough," "miracle," "guaranteed," or "scientifically proven" are often red flags. Many of these claims are not backed by solid scientific evidence. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

3. Verify the Source

Be cautious with companies that lack transparency about their manufacturing processes.

Several independent organizations offer quality testing and allow products that pass tests to display a seal of quality assurance that indicates the product was properly manufactured, contains the ingredients listed on the label, and does not contain harmful levels of contaminants. (Keep in mind that the seals don't guarantee that a product is safe or effective.)

Organizations that offer quality testing include:

ConsumerLab

NSF International

U.S. Pharmacopeia

4. Supplements Are Not Always Safe

Before adding any supplement to your regimen, consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications. Some supplements can interact with medications or cause side effects. A 2015 study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that about 23,000 people wind up in the emergency room each year due to adverse events caused by dietary supplements.

Also, more is not always better, as some supplements become toxic at high doses. A healthcare provider can help you determine if a supplement is appropriate for you and recommend alternatives if necessary.

Finally, remember that "natural" doesn't necessarily mean "safe."

5. Be Cautious About Cost

Higher prices don't necessarily mean a better product Remember this.

6. If You Have a Reaction to a Supplement, Do This

If you think that you have had a bad reaction to a dietary supplement, contact your doctor, as they may report your experience to FDA. You may also submit a report directly to FDA by calling 800-FDA-1088 or completing an online form

Conclusion

Finally, remember that supplements can be important for some people, but they are not a panacea. By being vigilant and informed, you can avoid falling prey to scams and make choices that benefit your health. Please talk to your doctor about all supplements you're taking or thinking about taking and remember that a healthy diet and lifestyle are the foundation of good health.

I hope this is helpful,

Dr. Jen

Dr. Jen Caudle is a board-certified Family Physician, Associate Professor at Rowan University,  tv health expert, and video creator. I invite you to subscribe to my Meditation Channel on YouTube.  Also, follow me on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.