The global supplement industry is a huge business, worth billions of dollars. Many companies want a slice of that market, and while some brands are excellent, others produce poor-quality supplements. We want to help you avoid those subpar choices. Here, we’ll share a few tips to ensure you pick only reliable and safe supplement brands. This way, your money will be well spent on something beneficial.
Stick with well-known brands that have made a name for themselves because these companies usually invest in their reputation and product quality. Some lesser-known brands don’t make their own supplements; instead, they just rebrand generic products, often offering the same quality as others using the same strategy. By choosing established brands, you are more likely to get a product that’s been thoughtfully developed.
Pay attention to where supplements are manufactured. Products made in countries with strict labeling and pharmaceutical regulations—like the US, Canada, parts of Europe, or Australia—are typically safer bets. In these regions, there are fewer issues with unsafe additives due to tighter regulations.
When looking at product reviews, focus on those from third-party sites rather than the company’s own website to get more accurate feedback. Before buying from a new brand, check for reviews on sites like TrustPilot to see if the feedback is generally positive or negative. Scrutinize the reviews to spot fake ones.
It’s important to check the ingredients list of any supplement. A reputable brand should clearly disclose all components and their quantities. Be wary of any “super-secret” ingredients, as they might not be as safe as claimed. Look for studies supporting the effectiveness of the ingredients, especially in the amounts provided in the supplement.
Since the FDA doesn’t certify supplements in the US, reputable brands will often undergo third-party testing. This ensures the supplement is safe and doesn’t contain any restricted substances. Check the credibility of the third-party testers via the brand’s website.
A good supplement brand will inform you about the purpose and benefits of each ingredient. There might not be studies on the supplement itself, but you should find evidence for individual ingredients through research.
Lastly, a reliable company will have responsive customer support. You should easily find their contact details and get assistance if needed. If a brand is hard to reach, it’s wise to steer clear of their products.
While it may seem challenging to find a trustworthy supplement brand, it’s not as difficult as it appears. Stick with established brands from countries with strict regulations, and use third-party reviews as a guide. If you see a lot of negative feedback, it’s best to avoid that company.