Is My Current Supplement Company Legal/Real?
3 WAYS TO SPOT A FAKE
Unfortunately, the most foolproof method to confirm the authenticity of your dietary supplement is through independent testing, which can be costly.
Major online platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and iHerb aren't always reliable in weeding out subpar products. Today, many supplement brands resort to using fabricated test results, reviews, and GMP certifications to promote their potentially dubious items. Furthermore, the myriad of supplement review websites that populate Google Search often lack comprehensive product analyses. Despite their proclamations of championing consumer health, several of these sites are motivated by referral earnings, which could jeopardize the integrity and safety of the supplements they vouch for.
However, there are other ways to independently evaluate the trustworthiness of dietary supplement brands without incurring costs.
We'll delve into how the following free tools can offer insights, starting with a mere glance at a product's label.
- UPC lookup link - GS1
- FDA supplement label regulations link - FDA Label
- GMP Company lookup link - FDA Database
1. UPC code lookup - If your supplement bottle has a UPC code just go to GS1 and navigate down, choose GTIN (the formal term for a UPC code). Enter the complete number into the search bar. After clicking search, the government database will swiftly provide the company's details. If you get a response saying the UPC code is invalid, it implies it's not a genuine UPC code. Steer clear of such products!
If you're unable to locate a UPC code or if the company doesn't display it on their website, you can search using the company's name.
Moreover, if the company name appears but doesn't align with the one you're investigating, it's possible that it was unlawfully duplicated and affixed to the bottle.
2. FDA supplement label regulations - Examine the right portion of your supplement bottle where the 'Supplement Facts' are displayed. This label should detail the specific name of the active ingredient, its dosage, quantity, and the full address of the company either selling the product or listed under 'manufactured for'. To view the comprehensive guidelines for dietary supplement labeling, simply click. FDA Label.
If the company's label isn't in line with FDA standards, it suggests they aren't utilizing a certified GMP. A genuine GMP would prevent a bottle from being inaccurately labeled or lacking essential information.
The above illustration accurately presents NR. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is available in two forms: standard NR and stabilized NRCL. A certified GMP, upon receiving the bulk compound, would expect the correct COA (certificate of analysis) specifying the type of NR supplied. If only "nicotinamide riboside" is mentioned without specifics, it would be marked as incorrect, and the GMP would halt the manufacturing process.
3. GMP Company Search Link - It's rare for companies to display their GMP certificate, which carries the name of the FDA-approved GMP entity. If you possess the name of the GMP, you can simply enter it into the search bar on this website: FDA Database. This will display the company's inception date, the number of inspections they've undergone, and any violations they might have.
Should your supplement company not disclose this information, consider reaching out to them via phone or email to inquire. If they decline to share or claim it's confidential, proceed with caution. A reputable company would willingly and confidently share such details with their clientele.