What is the best possible way to verify claims a manufacturer makes about a supplement's safety and effectiveness?
Verifying Supplement Claims
Verifying Claims Made by a Manufacturer
Factors to Consider
When Assessing a Supplement
When assessing a supplement, consider several factors including: - Scientific understanding and known effects of the supplement - Evidence of the supplement's claimed performance - Potential interactions with food or medication - Necessity for health - Affordability - Safety and purity from contaminants Endorsements from healthcare professionals and positive consumer reviews can provide insight, but they should not replace rigorous scientific research. Similarly, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) often checks factual claims about product performance, which offers a degree of consumer protection. Yet, consumers are advised to practice 'Caveat emptor'âlet the buyer bewareâand perform their own due diligence. It is important to think critically and verify information from various sourcesâespecially with supplements where there is less regulatory oversight compared to pharmaceuticals.