By Dr. Leah Hollon, ND, MPH

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August 3, 2018

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The supplement industry in the United States is one of the fastest growing in the world. This can make buying supplements more complicated than we would like.

Here are the top ten tips to for buying high quality supplements that help you out:

1. Make sure the front and back labels match. Seems incredibly simple, and yet can be easily overlooked. You will come across supplements on occasion where the information on the front says something quite different from what is on the back. Don’t get caught with something you didn’t intend to buy!
2. Keep the ‘other ingredients’ listed on the label to a minimum. Limit the amount of artificial flavors, artificial colorings, preservatives, and additives in your supplement to ensure you’re getting the maximum benefit of the herb.
3. Check for allergens. Read all the ingredients to be sure something wasn’t added that your body might not agree with. Better supplement labels will provide specific allergens that are absent from the item. For example, “This product contains no soy, no dairy, no gluten.”
4. Note the expiration date on the container to be sure you’re not being sold an ineffective supplement. The lot number and manufacturing or expiration date should be clearly visible on the container. If a supplement is lacking this information, you’ll want to steer clear. Without it, there’s no way to ensure quality control.
5. Read the directions and dosage. Find out how much you’re getting per serving to determine the best deal on the shelf. Believe it or not, it is not required for directions to be on supplements. So it’s better to stick to the ones with them, as they ensure better safety than those that don’t.
6. Be sure the manufacturer’s aren’t padding the label with ‘fluff’ you don’t need: ingredients that serve no therapeutic purpose, proprietary blends that disguise the exact quantity of the supplements used, and using differing units of measurement to make the supplement seem stronger than they are.
7. Understand the herb you’re seeking, to know its proper usage and how it is best utilized for a supplement. Supplements can come as teas, tinctures, or capsules. some use just the root or leaves, while others use the whole plant. Know the best form for your herb before you buy.
8. Figure out if any of the information on the supplement label is misleading or even false. Any supplement that claims to cure an ailment is unacceptable. 20% of supplements were providing false claims about their products in 2012. Don’t get suckered in by a catchy phrase if you know it’s not true.
9. Know what the FDA accepts regarding herbal supplement labels. The following are three basic types of claims that are legally permitted on a supplement bottle:With these ten tips, you’ll ensure you enjoy a more effective supplement experience.

1. 1. Nutrient content claims to characterize the level of vitamins and minerals in the product (eg, “a good source of Vitamin C,” or “high in antioxidants”)
   2. Structure/function claims to describe the basic benefits of the product on a particular structure or function in the body (eg, “helps support healthy joints,” “maintain strong bones”)
   3. FDA-approved health claims or qualified health claims that describe the relationship between a substance and reduced risk of a disease (such as calcium and vitamin D in relation to osteoporosis).
      Source: Council for Responsible Nutrition (“Roadmap for Retailers: Safely Navigating What You Say About Dietary Supplements

     10. ”Ask your naturopathic doctor! An ND will be able to guide you in the best direction for all your herbal supplement needs.

If you prefer the guidance of a medical practitioner, contact our office at (804) 977-2634 to learn how we use supplements to support you on your journey to good health.

About the Author:

Richmond Native and Naturopathic Dr. Leah Hollon is the Co-Owner of Richmond Natural Medicine. She received her B.S. and MPH from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a graduate of National College of Natural Medicine where she received her Naturopathic Medical Degree. Her areas of focus include Autoimmune, Hormones, MTHFR Gene Mutation and Naturopathic Cancer Support. Please check our Book An Appointment for more information about booking an appointment.