Prof. Dr. Nilgün Tekkeşin from Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine (English) Medical Biochemistry Department drew attention to what should be considered when choosing food supplements.
10 tips for choosing high-quality food supplements!
Prof. Dr. Nilgün Tekkeşin stated that it is very important to know how to choose quality products in a market where food 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 with too many ingredients.
Check product labels!
Stating that checking dietary supplement labels is an important step to ensure that quality products are consumed, Prof. Dr. Nilgün Tekkeşin said, “By taking the time to read and understand this information, you can make more informed choices and safely optimize your results. Active ingredients on food supplement labels should be clearly defined with precise dosages. Look for certifications such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), organic, or GMO-free. Always check the expiration date to ensure the product is still effective and safe to consume.”
Choose reputable brands!
Prof. Dr. Nilgün Tekkeşin said that brands that have been in the market for a long time generally have a proven track record of quality and reliability, and added, “Choosing reputable brands for your dietary supplements is an important step to guarantee the quality, safety, and effectiveness of the products you consume. By preferring quality-oriented, transparent, and established brands, you maximize your chances of achieving the best results.”
Consult reliable sources!
Prof. Dr. Nilgün Tekkeşin noted that when seeking information about dietary supplements, it is essential to rely on trustworthy sources to make informed decisions, and continued:
“Reputable health websites are another valuable source of information. Refer to the websites of major health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or National Institutes of Health (NIH).”
Prioritize natural ingredients!
“Natural ingredients are generally better absorbed by the body, which means you can benefit more effectively from their advantages. 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 colorings, sweeteners, and preservatives can cause negative health effects. Prefer products with a ‘No Additives’ label.”
Verify quality certificates and labels!
Emphasizing that it is necessary to check quality certificates and labels to ensure safe and effective products are consumed when choosing dietary supplements, Prof. Dr. Nilgün Tekkeşin stated the following:
“Some certifications and quality labels you should look for in dietary supplements include: GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices): This certification guarantees that products are manufactured according to strict quality control, purity, and consistency standards. GMP-certified facilities follow strict protocols to prevent contamination and ensure product efficacy. ISO 9001, ISO 22000: These international quality management standards ensure that the company complies with high quality management and control standards throughout the production process. NSF International: This certification indicates that the product has been tested and certified as free from contaminants and contains the ingredients listed in the amounts stated 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…
Prof. Dr. Nilgün Tekkeşin also pointed out the importance of consulting a healthcare professional before adding new food supplements to one's diet, stating, “A doctor or nutritionist can provide personalized and safe recommendations to optimize your results. You can trust the supplements you take, knowing that they are tailored to your specific needs. Consulting 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 determine your body's specific needs, advise on appropriate dosages, and help 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. Dr. Nilgün Tekkeşin said, “Reading reviews and testimonials from other consumers is an important step in evaluating the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements. By looking for reviews on independent and reliable sites and critically analyzing them, you can obtain valuable information to make informed choices.”
Compare prices!
Prof. Dr. Nilgün Tekkeşin also stated that when choosing dietary supplements, comparing prices is an important step to ensure you get the best value for your money, saying, “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…
Expressing that while dietary supplements can offer many health benefits, it is important to be cautious of misleading claims, Prof. Dr. Nilgün Tekkeşin stated, “Products claiming to offer miraculous results should be approached with skepticism. Some signs of misleading claims are promises of rapid improvement, specific treatment claims, and exaggerated marketing language. Phrases like ‘miracle,’ ‘revolutionary,’ or ‘secret cure’ are often indicators of exaggerated marketing. Look for products with clear and realistic descriptions.”
Avoid supplements with too many ingredients!
Medical Biochemistry Specialist Prof. Dr. Nilgün Tekkeşin added that when choosing dietary supplements, it is generally better to avoid products with a long list of ingredients.
