
Experts project the value of the global dietary supplements to reach $210.3 billion in 2026. They also claim the multivitamin supplement sector to be the most popular.
Multivitamins, after all, can be helpful for those with nutritional deficiencies. In the US, this applies to almost a third of consumers. These folks are at risk of anemia or being deficient in at least one vitamin.
If you’re one of those individuals, you may be considering buying supplements online. To help you find and pick the right ones, keep in mind the tips we’ve listed in this guide.
Seek Your Doctor’s Advice First
In the US, vitamin supplements fall in a certain category of food, not medications. This is the law, as codified by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. By law, dietary supplements are safe until proven otherwise.
However, it’s also the DSHEA that led to a lack of regulations on supplements. For one, they don’t go through the same testing procedures as medications. Supplement manufacturers don’t have to test new supplements in clinical trials, either.
For those reasons, supplements can contain more than just vitamins and minerals. They may have other active ingredients that can cause side effects. They may also interfere with other medications taken by consumers.
For example, vitamin E can interact with blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin. Taking them together can heighten a person’s risk of bleeding.
So, before buying vitamins online, talk to your doctor first. Your physician will let you know which supplements are safe for you to take with your other meds. Even if you’re not taking any, your doc’s advice can help you avoid ingredients that can cause side effects.
Always Check the Product’s Ingredient List
Some supplements, such as these multivitamins by Vitabiotics, highlight ingredients on the packaging. Some labels state upfront they contain vitamin B, while others emphasize iron or zinc.
Those are only the featured ingredients, but they contain a lot more. Studies found that supplements can contain at least 12 to 18 nutritional components. Many of these may be beneficial, but you may not need the rest at all.
So, always take the time to review all the ingredients before buying vitamins. Go for products that contain nutrients you’re at risk of being deficient on. One example is iron, which experts say accounts for about half of all cases of anemia in the world.
Other common nutritional deficiencies include vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, iodine, and calcium.
Stay Updated on Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Advisories
When shopping online for supplements, look up health warnings and product recalls. While the FDA doesn’t test dietary supplements, it has the power to pull them out of the market. This happens to products that have caused harm or pose a significant risk to consumers.
So, for your safety, be sure to always check FDA advisories before buying supplements. This way, you can avoid buying products that may cause you or your family potential harm.
Only Buy Safe Multivitamin Supplement Products
Always keep in mind that the FDA doesn’t regulate multivitamin supplement products. That’s why it’s best to talk to your doctor first and to research products before spending money on them. Review the ingredients and check advisories to stay safe when taking supplements.
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