Bloomingdale, IL—Nearly half of respondents (48%) in a recent consumer survey commissioned by NOW (Suzy.com, October 2023) said they are looking for supplements to boost their energy levels. Respondents also cited better sleep (35%), improved stress and mood support (30%) and cardiovascular/heart health support (26%) as top wellness priorities.
Three out of four (74% ) of U.S. adults take dietary supplements, and 55% qualifying as “regular users,” according to the 2023 CRN Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements. But, as NOW noted in a press release, there are so many options on the market that finding trusted, safe and effective options is crucial. In NOW’s survey, a combined 98% of respondents cited concerns about supplement effectiveness, safety, and quality as barriers to purchase.
6 tips for finding a trusted and quality brand when purchasing supplements
- On the label or company website, look for GMP and third-party certification logos (Informed Sport, USDA Organic, etc.). NOW, for expample, has a GMP seal on their products which means they follow current Good Manufacturing Practices as established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). NOW also holds a variety of third-party seals and certifications for the quality and safety.
- Avoid supplements that make outlandish claims. As Blatner notes, supplements are not magic bullets and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Find companies that share detailed information about their quality control and product testing on their websites or other platforms. NOW conducts more than 19,000 tests per month from raw ingredients to finished products in its world class labs. All ingredients are routinely tested for identity, purity, potency, heavy metals, pesticides and agricultural chemicals, and possible pollutants, including pharmaceuticals.
- Look for brands that use some trademarked ingredients. Trademarked ingredients can support product credibility, safety and efficacy since the ingredient supplier has already done the research and can clinically validate the health and label claims, Blatner says. These ingredients are typically called out on the label or ingredient panel.
- Purchase from reliable sources. Blatner points out that purchasing directly on the manufacturer’s website can provide assurance that the product was manufactured and shipped directly from the company. Local independent natural produdcts retailers are also gatekeepers of quality. As NOW testing has revealed, some products sold on major e-tailers have quality issues. (Read more: NOW Testing of Berberine Products Purchased on Amazon and Walmart.com Reveals Serious Quality Problems From “No Name” Brands.)
- If applicable, ensure credible and qualified third-party experts stand behind the brand/product. If a brand says products were formulated by credible experts, do research to ensure they share the proof of that.
“It’s so important for people to do their research on brands before purchasing,” said Blatner. “Despite what some say about the supplement industry being unregulated, there are federal regulations and laws in place that supplement manufacturers must follow to manufacture safe products. Trusted brands meet (and often exceed) these requirements and offer full transparency to their consumers. There are several strategies shoppers can use to find trusted companies and boost their confidence in the products they purchase.”
