What should you pay attention to when buying dietary supplements online?
Online shopping makes it possible to easily access many products, including nutritional supplements. However, it is not always easy to make the right and reliable choices on the internet, where there is a wide range of products. Therefore, what should be considered when taking nutritional supplements?
Stating that it is very important to know how to choose quality products in a market where nutritional supplements are abundant, Medical Biochemistry Specialist Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin gave 10 tips to help you make the best choices.
Pointing out the importance of consulting a healthcare professional before adding new nutritional supplements to the diet, Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin stated that "Consulting a healthcare professional before starting any new dietary supplement is an important step to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the products."
Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine (English) Department of Medical Biochemistry Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin drew attention to what should be considered when choosing nutritional supplements.
10 tips for choosing high-quality nutritional supplements!
Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin stated that it is very important to know how to choose quality products in a market where nutritional supplements are abundant, and listed 10 tips to help make the best choices as follows:
- Check product labels,
- Choose reputable brands,
- Consult reliable sources,
- Prioritize natural ingredients,
- Verify quality certificates and labels,
- Consult a healthcare professional,
- Read reviews and testimonials,
- Compare prices,
- Be wary of misleading claims,
- Avoid supplements that contain too many ingredients.
Check product labels!
Stating that checking dietary supplement labels is an important step to ensure that quality products are consumed, Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin said that "By taking the time to read and understand this information, you can make more informed choices and optimize your results safely. On dietary supplement labels, the active ingredient must be clearly identified with its exact dosages. Look for certifications such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), organic, or non-GMO. Always check the expiration date to make sure the product is still effective and safe to consume."
Choose reputable brands!
Stating that brands that have existed in the market for a long time generally have a proven history of quality and reliability, Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin said that "Choosing reputable brands for your dietary supplements is an important step to guarantee the quality, safety and effectiveness of the products you consume. By choosing quality-dependent, transparent and well-established brands, you maximize your chances of achieving the best results."
Consult reliable sources!
Noting that when looking for information about dietary supplements, it is essential to rely on reliable sources to make informed decisions, Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin continued her remarks as follows:
"Reputable health websites are another valuable source of information. Refer to the websites of major health institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the National Institutes of Health (NIH)."
Prioritize natural ingredients!
Natural ingredients are usually better absorbed by the body, which means you can enjoy their benefits more effectively. Synthetic ingredients can sometimes cause irritation or allergic reactions. Natural ingredients generally carry less risk of side effects compared to synthetic ingredients. Artificial additives such as colorants, sweeteners, and preservatives can have adverse health effects. You should prefer products with a 'No Additives' label."
Verify quality certificates and labels!
Emphasizing that when choosing dietary supplements, it is necessary to check the quality certificates and labels to ensure that safe and effective products are consumed, Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin made the following remarks:
"Here are some certifications and quality labels you should look for in dietary supplements: GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice): This certification guarantees that products are manufactured according to strict standards of quality control, purity, and consistency. GMP-certified facilities follow strict protocols to prevent contamination and guarantee product effectiveness. ISO 9001, ISO 22000: These international quality management standards ensure that the company adheres to high standards of quality management and control throughout the production process. NSF International: This certification indicates that the product has been tested and certified free of contaminants and contains ingredients listed in the quantities indicated on the label.
HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point): HACCP certification is an internationally recognized food safety management system. It ensures that all potential contamination hazards are identified and controlled at every stage of the production process. This includes preventing, eliminating or reducing biological, chemical or physical hazards to an acceptable level."
Consult a healthcare professional...
Pointing out the importance of consulting a healthcare professional before adding new nutritional supplements to the diet, Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin said that "A doctor or nutritionist can provide personalized and safe advice to optimize your results. You can trust the supplements you take because you know they are tailored to your specific needs. Consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new dietary supplement is an important step to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the products. A doctor or nutritionist can help you identify your body's specific needs, advise on proper dosages, and prevent interactions and side effects."
Read reviews and testimonials!
Explaining that consumer reviews and testimonials can be a valuable resource for evaluating the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements, Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin said that "Reading reviews and testimonials from other consumers is an important step in evaluating the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements. By searching for reviews on independent and trusted sites and critically analyzing those reviews, you can gain valuable insights to make informed choices."
Compare prices!
Stating that comparing prices when choosing dietary supplements is an important step to make sure you get the best value for your money, Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin said that "While a high price does not always mean better quality, excessively cheap products may contain lower quality ingredients. Comparing prices between different brands can help you identify products that offer the best value for money."
Be wary of misleading claims...
Stating that dietary supplements can offer many health benefits, but it is important to be careful against misleading claims, Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin said that "Products that claim to offer miraculous results should be approached with suspicion. Promises of quick recovery of some symptoms of misleading claims, claims of specific cures, are exaggerated marketing language. Phrases such as 'miracle', 'revolutionary' or 'secret remedy' are often indications of exaggerated marketing. Look for products with clear and realistic descriptions.”
Avoid supplements that contain too many ingredients!
Medical Biochemistry Specialist Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin added that when choosing dietary supplements, it is usually better to avoid products with a long list of ingredients.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)