What Consumers Should Look Out For

Given the gaps in regulation, buyers need to be discerning. Here’s what to check before adding any supplement to your routine:

Transparent and specific ingredients: For example, many probiotics list only a species name—like Lactobacillus acidophilus—without specifying the exact strain. Different strains within the same species can have entirely different (or no) effects, and most unverified strains haven’t even been shown to survive stomach acid. The same broad issue appears across supplement types: botanicals may be listed simply as “ashwagandha root powder” rather than a “standardized extract 5% withanolides,” which affects potency and consistency. These are just a couple of examples of why label clarity matters across nearly every supplement category.Read more: The Gut-Brain Axis: Unlocking the Connection Between Probiotics and Mental Health
Potency that lasts: Similarly, some brands print potency at the time of manufacture, not at the end of shelf life. Nutrients like vitamin C, probiotics, and B-vitamins are particularly unstable when exposed to air or heat—so what you get months later may be half as strong. This is just one example of a broader issue: most consumers never see stability data, so choosing brands that guarantee potency through the full shelf duration is essential.
Third-party testing and COAs: Trust brands that publish batch-specific Certificates of Analysis from ISO-accredited labs verifying purity, potency, and absence of contaminants.
Reliable sourcing and manufacturing: Reputable companies disclose ingredient origins, follow GMP standards, and provide transparency around formulation and testing.
Protective packaging: Packaging isn’t just cosmetic—materials and design affect product stability. Poor-quality plastics can leach microplastics or degrade ingredients over time.
Realistic claims: Be cautious of products promising instant results or listing vague proprietary blends without quantities.
Higher internal standards: Because regulation is minimal, the most credible brands impose their own—testing every batch, publishing results, and adopting stricter international benchmarks.

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