Nearly 80% of American adults now take dietary supplements. Not every online supplement store you find is safe to shop from, though. Before you buy supplements for health online, it helps to have a plan.
Otherwise, you might receive the wrong supplements in the mail. Taking the wrong supplements could prove detrimental to your health. Meanwhile, you’ll fail to receive the supplements you needed in the first place.
Some illegitimate online stores even sell supplements that contain harmful fillers.
Don’t rush to start shopping online. Instead, learn how to vet your options for supplements with these easy tips. Learning how to spot a reputable online supplement store will benefit your health (and wallet) in the long run.
Start shopping online while avoiding potential scams with these tips today.
Table of Contents
Talk to Your Doctor
Before you buy supplements for health, it’s important to make sure you’re choosing the right supplements. Otherwise, taking the wrong supplements won’t help you accomplish your health goals. You might even take supplements that will have a negative interaction with the medications you take daily. You might want to consult a dietitian, too. Then, take the time to discuss your health and fitness goals.
A medical professional can help you determine which supplements you need based on your health goals.
Ask your doctor if they can run blood work during your appointment. A blood test can help you identify mineral or vitamin deficiencies. Then, your doctor can tell you exactly which supplements you need.
Otherwise, talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms.
For example, you might feel more fatigued than usual. If you’re feeling sluggish, ask your doctor if you have a vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Talk to your doctor about the health conditions that run in your family, too. If you’re at risk for a condition, they might recommend specific supplements.
You might want to discuss your diet as well. Your doctor might realize there are vitamins missing from your diet. For example, many vegans and vegetarians have a vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Once you talk to your doctor, you can find an online supplement store that offers everything you need.
Read Product Labels
Head online and search for the supplements you need. Then, make a list of online supplement stores you can choose from.
Don’t rush to start shopping yet! Instead, do your due diligence. Remember, you don’t want to purchase supplements from a scam store.
Instead, check each product’s label. Ignore any outstanding marketing claims you read. Instead, stick to the facts.
If the product makes any health claims, make sure they can back it up with studies and research.
As you look at your options for supplements, check for certifications from:
- NSF International
- ConsumerLab.com
- United States Pharmacopeia (USP)
These certifications indicate the supplements were created using proper manufacturing standards.
Make sure the name of the product matches the supplement your doctor recommended. Consider the dosage, too.
While reading each product label, check for an expiration date as well. Review the list of ingredients, too.
Research the Store
Before you buy supplements for health, it helps to research each store on your list. You can also check the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. This site can help you learn more about each brand.
Try to find a long-established online supplement store.
Otherwise, you might shop from a store that will disappear overnight. These stores tend to scam customers, then disappear before anyone can ask for a refund.
While you’re online, check for recall alert warnings from the FDA. Make sure to avoid a brand that has a lot of recalls. Otherwise, check the USP website.
The USP website has a list of participating supplement companies they trust. You can choose an online supplement store from their list.
Check the URL
Look at each company’s website while vetting your options for supplements. Their website can help you determine if it’s safe to shop from that store.
First, look for “HTTPS” in the domain name. “HTTPS” show the website has an SSL certificate. It’s safe to shop from these websites.
You should see a lock in front of the URL, too.
Otherwise, check the website’s footer. Look for a privacy policy to make sure the company won’t steal your private information.
Read Reviews
You can also learn more about each store by reading online customer reviews. Check the store’s Google My Business and BBB listings. You can also check Protein Daily or Supplement Reviews.
You can find customer reviews from consumers who were once in your shoes.
Pay attention to any complaints about scams or cheap products. Reading online customer reviews can help you make an informed decision before you shop.
Comparison Shop
Once you have a list of different stores, consider comparing supplement prices. Comparison shopping will help you find the average price.
Don’t rush to choose the cheapest online supplement store. Instead, prioritize your health. Don’t choose a cheap product from a store you can’t trust.
Instead, buy supplements for health from the best stores online. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve found products that align with your goals. You can check out this bulk water soluble thc powder to start shopping.
Know What to Avoid
While you’re online, make sure to look at the ingredients list of each product you’re considering. Check the FDA’s tainted products list, too. If a product appears on their list, shop elsewhere.
Otherwise, avoid ingredients like chromium, kava, and bitter orange.
Don’t choose products that contain ingredients that might impact your health.
Smart Shopping
Learning how to buy supplements of health online could save you valuable time and money. Keep these tips in mind before you choose an online supplement store.
Start finding options for supplements online with these tips today.
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