If you are about to try supplements for your fitness goals, you must know about your sources. Here are tips on how to buy supplements online safely.
If you’re considering starting a supplement regime, you aren’t alone. About 77% of Americans report regularly consuming a dietary supplement.
Taking supplements can provide your body with the vitamins and minerals that your body needs but isn’t getting from your diet. But before you decide to buy supplements online, there are a few things you need to know.
This guide will help beginners safely buy supplements online.
1. Know What You Need
Before you decide to take any supplements, you need to know what you’re deficient in. Without knowing, you risk taking too much of a single vitamin.
There are serious health risks with taking too much of specific vitamins. To ensure you intake the right amount of each vitamin, you should have screening done to know your current health status.
2. Talk to Your Doctor
Before you decide to take any supplements, you should consult with your doctor. The doctor will talk with you about your lifestyle and diet. This will influence what you’re deficient in.
The doctor will also consider your health goals and family history. Then they will check your current medications to confirm that they won’t have any adverse reactions. They will use all of this information to advise you on the best types of supplements to take for your specific goals, such as the best supplements for you hair and skin.
3. Read the Labels
Beware of promises that are too good to be true. You should avoid these supplements. Turn the bottle around and read the ingredients on the back.
It’s also helpful to look for certifications from reputable organizations.
- NSF International
- Unites States Pharmacopeia
- Consumerlab.com
When reading the ingredients, look for supplements that only provide the one you need. The extra ingredients may seem like a good idea, but the more ingredients, the higher the risk for adverse side effects.
4. Buy Reputable Brands
Before you buy a supplement, do some research on the brand selling it. Check for recalls, warnings, and alerts from the FDA. Any brand that has a history of these issues is one you want to avoid.
It can help to read online customer reviews of popular supplement brands to get an idea for their reputation.
5. Buy From a Safe Site
Avoid websites that tout claims that are too good to be true. Avoid sites that make impossible guarantees, such as guaranteeing that you’ll lose a lot of weight.
Look for websites that are transparent about the ingredients in the supplements they sell. Reputable sites will give you references to the claims they make. These references should be from reliable and verifiable sources.
Time to Buy Supplements Online
Now that you have these five tips, you’re ready to buy supplements online. By taking your time and doing your research, you’ll be able to stay safe and only buy high-quality supplements. This will ensure you improve your health and not put yourself at risk from questionable products.
Browse our other articles on health and fitness to help you get in the best shape of your life.
