Supplements And The Supplement Industry

 

Supplements can seem overwhelming if you don't know what to do. Wellnessbeing There are many brands available and new products constantly being released. It is nearly impossible to keep up with all the products available. Supplement industry workers tend to be specialists in specific areas such as vitamins/minerals and sports supplements.

It can be difficult to understand supplements because there are many opinions. There are many opinions on supplements. Some people believe that everyone should take different types of supplements while others think all supplements are useless. The truth lies somewhere between, as with many other issues. While there are many great products out there, not all of them are worth your money. Some have positive effects, while others aren't worth it.

The marketing strategies companies employ to advertise their products in magazines is perhaps the most confusing factor in supplement confusion. Numerous magazines covering health and fitness are published by the same companies as their products. Some articles even promote their products. It was fascinating to me that people have different opinions about certain brands depending on the magazines they are reading. I used to work in supplement shops.

Supplement marketing uses scientific research as a way to increase credibility for products. However, this information is often not presented honestly and in a straightforward manner. Many times, studies that are poor quality, funded by supplement companies, produce results that can be refuted in many studies or have no connection to the products being sold have failed. The only way to determine if claims and studies are true is to read and find the original research. This would prove difficult for even industry professionals. Supplement companies know this and expect people to not verify their claims.

Companies often quote scientific research to try and make their products seem better. This tactic is used by both well-respected and poorly-respected companies to market their products. Good companies use quality ingredients and label information to market their products. This is what makes the difference between good and poor companies. Supplement companies that are not trustworthy may claim lower ingredients or may not contain all of the ingredients listed on the labels.

Because the industry of supplements isn't regulated by government, companies often make questionable claims about ingredients or lie about their amounts. Although the products themselves are not subject to regulation, regulations govern what information may be included on labels. Companies are prohibited from making claims that their products prevent or cure diseases. They must instead make "structure/function” claims.

Structure/function claims are something similar to a label for calcium supplements stating "calcium is essential for strong bones." It isn't necessary for the label to say "This supplement prevents osteoporosis." Supplements that refer to osteoporosis should also state, "This supplement does not diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Because government regulations state that no drug may make any claims regarding preventing or treating disease, these statements must be made.

This can sometimes lead to confusion. Your doctor might tell you that calcium supplements are necessary to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. However, when you buy them, you will likely find out it does not prevent other diseases (such as osteoporosis). It is absurd to believe that good quality calcium supplements can't prevent osteoporosis. However, government regulations, and especially the drug industry want people to believe that only medications are capable of treating or preventing medical issues.

A product that states it's a "dietary supplements" is another common label requirement. People mistakenly believe that dietary supplements are for weight loss or dieting. It simply means that the product isn't a whole food. It is used to differentiate between food, which is regulated under the FDA, and foods that aren't.

People have come to believe that supplementation is a fraud because of these messages and regulations from government and drug companies. Many of these claims are false, including those that claim you can take this pill to have great health and a healthy body, without having to change your diet or exercise. There is enough scientific evidence to prove that supplements are beneficial for your overall health, so people who aren't opposed to them are less likely to be against supplements.

Personal note: I've been using supplements since I was a child, but I now take significantly less than 10 years ago. While I think most people could benefit from one to two supplements, there are many who use too many. Supplements are intended to supplement your diet, to help you get the nutrients that you need, and not replace healthy eating habits.

Although supplements are often used to make it easier, such as meal replacements or protein powders, they don't have the same benefits as eating well-balanced, healthy meals. It is crucial to set realistic expectations regarding the effects of a supplement before you decide whether to purchase it. Then, evaluate if they are worthwhile. Although this may seem difficult, I'll be sharing more information on supplements in the future.