The supplement industry is experiencing remarkable growth lately. Every day, new trending ingredients—such as magnesium, lion’s mane, creatine, and others—pop up in our social media feeds. However, it’s crucial to understand that in the U.S., there are currently no universal regulations to guarantee the safety of these products. As Dr. Dinar Sayani, an internal medicine physician at Summit Medical Group in Tennessee, explains, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate supplements or their packaging prior to public distribution. This means manufacturers can introduce products with minimal supervision. Coupled with rampant misinformation, it’s easy to feel tempted to try every supplement promoted to you online, even if they aren’t necessary.
“Consumers often opt for supplements based on influencer promotions, without considering if the suggested product truly aligns with their health needs or priorities,” notes Samantha Dieras, RD, DCN, director of ambulatory nutrition services at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. “In today’s promotional landscape, it’s common to feel overwhelmed by the notion that multiple supplements are required for health.”
Don’t panic, though. There are steps you can take to ensure your decisions are as safe as possible. Experts recommend paying attention to these three key points:
Examine the Supplement Label
It’s vital to carefully review all labels on supplements. The ingredient list is crucial, as it lays out what the supplement contains, helping you identify if it includes a particular vitamin or mineral pertinent to your health. If you have allergies, the ingredient label will also assist you in determining whether the product is safe for you.
Dr. Sayani cautions against trusting any labels that make bold assertions. If a product claims to “diagnose,” “cure,” “mitigate,” “treat,” “prevent diseases,” or insists it’s “100% safe” with “no side effects,” it’s wise to approach it with skepticism, as it likely cannot fulfill those promises.
Be Aware of Drug Interactions
Dieras points out that one of your first considerations should be whether a supplement will interact with any medications you currently take. Certain supplements can diminish the efficacy of medications. For instance, magnesium can potentially reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics. Therefore, it’s advisable to discuss any supplement you’re considering with your healthcare provider before beginning.
Opt for Third-Party Tested Products
What does it mean when a supplement is labeled as third-party tested? According to Sayani, it indicates that an impartial organization, unrelated to the manufacturer, has assessed the supplement to validate its quality and ensure safe production practices. Additionally, third-party testing organizations check for contaminants and verify that the ingredients listed are indeed what you are consuming.
