Since not all dietary supplements and nutritional products are the same, it helps to compare the ingredients, quality, quantity, cost and effectiveness of competing products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements as foods; therefore, be careful about the products you use. Paying attention to the Nutrition Facts label is one way to get more information so that you can make informed choices. According to MayoClinic.com, reading labels helps you to compare similar products.
Step 1
Check product labels for a list of ingredients. Make sure that a product contains no substances that can cause potentially adverse effects even in later years. Some ingredients such as lead, which is found in certain nutritional supplements, is in such minimal amounts that it can take up to 20 years for toxic levels to accumulate in the body.
Step 2
Look to see if the product label for a dietary supplement includes a health or nutrient content claim. A health claim must describe how a food or an ingredient it contains reduces the risk of a disease. Nutrient content claims give details about the amount of a nutrient in a product. According to the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements, labels for nutritional products must include a disclaimer stating that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Step 3
Inspect package labels carefully. The FDA requires that certain information be included on the label of a dietary supplement. In addition to the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor, the supplement facts panel must include information such as serving size, list of dietary and nondietary ingredients, the scientific names of any botanicals and percent of Daily Value.
Step 4
Research the health benefits and safety of a product. Consult with your physician or a nutritionist before taking any dietary supplements. This is especially critical if you are taking medications, are pregnant or nursing or are being treated for a health condition.
Step 5
Inquire about potential side effects, including interactions with certain medications. The FDA recommends contacting the manufacturer directly for more information. Consider products offered by companies that are easy to contact by phone or email. If you have particular concerns about a product, ask about clinical trials, individual case reports and laboratory studies.
Step 6
Read product reviews. Libraries and Web-based resources offer a number of credible sources of information (see Resources). Customer satisfaction surveys are another means to give consumers an opportunity to offer feedback about a product. Some manufacturers and merchants even ask customers to rate products they have purchased.
Step 7
Compare the prices for several similar products. If you want to buy a product that is inexpensive yet provides healthful benefits, look to get the best value for your money in both quality and quantity. You should also check to see if a product offers a money-back guarantee. Manufacturers who confidently stand by their products usually offer a longer guarantee, often 120 days or more.
Tips and Warnings
- Manufacturers of dietary supplements are not required to provide the FDA with substantial evidence that a product is safe or effective. Although a product's Nutrition Facts label must not be misleading, once a dietary supplement goes on the market, it is the responsibility of the FDA to prove that it is unsafe.
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