Take a stroll down any big-box store supplement aisle or hop online to update your supplement regimen and you’re bombarded with countless different brands – all claiming to be the best. While perhaps overwhelming, it’s no doubt convenient to just run to the corner store or hop on Amazon, add a few supplements to your cart, and voila – a couple of days later your order arrives at your door.
But this convenience comes at a cost. You see, big-box retail stores and massive online retailers like Amazon are flooded with unscrupulous, low-quality, imitation supplements that can at best be a waste of your money and at worst cause more harm than good.
Today, we’re going to dive into the slippery slope of supplement regulation, the shocking ingredients (or lack of ingredients) found in Amazon and retail store supplements, and most importantly – how you can ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck and purchasing high-quality, effective, and ethical supplements. Let’s dive in.
How Is the Supplement Industry Even Regulated?
The truth is, unlike the pharmaceutical industry, the supplement industry is very loosely regulated. You see, generally, it’s up to individual supplement manufacturers to ensure their own products are safe and have accurate dosages and descriptions – meaning the supplement industry essentially operates on an honor code.1
To make matters worse, this industry is not only highly unregulated, but highly profitable – with the global dietary supplement market being valued at a whopping $151.9 billion in 2021.2 So, unfortunately, combining the potential for high profits with almost zero regulations creates the perfect scenario for unscrupulous companies and individuals to swoop in and manufacture, market, and sell supplements that may contain ingredients that are entirely different than what you signed up for.
Not really something you want to hear when it comes to the “vitamins and minerals” you’re putting in your body each day, is it? Let’s take a look at just some of the inconsistencies and flat-out fraudulent ingredients that can slip through the cracks when it comes to supplements.
What’s Really In Your Supplements?
Studies have found that some low-quality, unverified supplements may:3,4
- Be contaminated with common allergens like gluten, soy, or corn
- Contain potentially harmful contaminants or contain remnants of other drugs
- Have inaccurate and/or inconsistent dosage
- Not even contain the listed active ingredients
This leads us to one of the biggest offenders when it comes to low-quality, misleading supplements – the online retail giant Amazon.
The Problem With Amazon: Why You Should Never Buy Your Supplements From Amazon
Amazon has been making headlines lately due to surges in counterfeits, imitation merchants, and elaborate fake review scams. It seems as though this giant got too big for its britches and can’t keep these under control.
There are a couple of major issues when it comes to purchasing supplements from Amazon, which are:
Counterfeit Shops:
On Amazon, just about anyone can set up an online shop account – allowing unethical sellers to set up shop and sell knock-off supplements. Sadly enough, even “verified sellers” aren’t always reliable since they are sometimes found to be unscrupulous. These low-quality counterfeit shops can ruin the livelihoods of honest small business owners, and they are often selling second-rate supplements that contain questionable ingredients.
In a recent Forbes article, Amazon.com: The Place Where American Dreams Are Stolen By Chinese Counterfeiters, journalists found that 25 percent of Amazon’s marketplace are Chinese knockoffs – and that’s just what’s specifically coming from China.5
The pervasive problem is out of control and harming people left and right – crushing small businesses and leaving customers with unsafe imitation products.
Unregulated Storage, Shipping, and Handling:
Most things you buy online from mass retailers come from large warehouses and not from the manufacturer itself. This has huge implications for anything with an expiration date or that requires a climate-controlled environment for potency, like probiotics.
While Amazon may be convenient, ordering supplements through any of their online retailers is a gamble that could leave you with iffy products while potentially harming hardworking, honest business owners. So what’s the solution? Is it better to purchase from retail stores?
What About Buying Supplements From Retail Stores?
Now, you might be thinking if you purchase your supplements from a retail store you’ll benefit from the discrimination and protection of that store. Wouldn’t names like Walgreens, Target, and even GNC work to protect their supplement supplies so they maintain a good reputation?
Unfortunately, the issue of fake supplements is so pervasive even these stores aren’t immune from the problem. In fact, in some cases, they are part of the dilemma. In a 2015 New York State attorney general’s office report, they accused GNC, Walgreens, Target, and Walmart of selling “fraudulent and potentially dangerous” supplements. Here are a few more disturbing details from that same report:
- GNC supplements contained ingredients that were not listed on their labels. Some of which are very dangerous allergens for certain people, such as peanuts and soybean.
- A ginseng supplement from Walgreens turned out to be only rice and garlic.
- Six supplements from Target tested negative for the main ingredient they claimed – they actually contained beans, rice, peas, and carrots.
So the frustrating and unfortunate reality is, when it comes to retail stores, you cannot blindly trust them either.
So What’s the Solution to These Second-Rate Supplement Sellers?
So what’s the solution? How do we address these crooked companies that exploit consumers by selling second-rate supplements?
While the lack of regulation within the supplement industry is disturbing and alarming, we also don’t want to swing too hard in the other direction and require pharmaceutical-type regulations on supplements. Doing this would create an entirely different yet equally troublesome set of problems – creating an environment where only the companies with the deepest pockets would be able to survive in the supplement industry.
Pharmaceutical-type regulations would take power away from the small, yet quality producers that have exceptional, quality products but don’t have billions to pay for double-blind studies. And this subsequently would take power away from you and me – the consumers.
So, what’s a consumer like you supposed to do? Who can you trust and where can you confidently buy supplements from?
So, Who Should I Buy Supplements From Then?
There’s certainly no shortage of dodgy and unreliable supplement retailers in the world. But the truth is, there is also a plethora of top-notch organizations that are manufacturing and selling high-quality supplements and have your best interest as a customer and consumer in mind.
As a Functional Medicine Doctor that regularly utilizes the health-transforming power of strategic, high-quality supplements, the caliber of supplements I use and recommend is of the utmost importance. Here are a handful of supplement brands I personally trust and recommend buying from directly or via one of their trusted suppliers:
- Dr. Jill Health
- Thorne Research
- Researched Nutritionals
- Quicksilver Scientific
- Klaire Labs/SFI
- Microbiome Labs
- Pure Encapsulations
- Emerson Ecologics
- Ortho Molecular Products
- Xymogen
- Designs For Health
All of these fabulous, first-class supplements and more are available through my online retail store. We partner with these incredible organizations and receive their supplements directly from the manufacturers. Call 303-993-7910 if you have questions regarding these supplement lines. And if you’re ready to order any of these top-notch supplements via my online store, be sure to snag 10% off your first order by clicking right here.
Now let’s dive into a few tips for ensuring you’re purchasing safe, high-quality supplements.
Tips for Choosing Safe, High-Quality Supplements
If it isn’t obvious already, my number one tip for purchasing quality supplements is to avoid ordering from Amazon and big-box retail stores like Walmart, Walgreens, and GNC to name a few.
Instead, buy from trusted, professional producers (and suppliers) with the smallest supply chain possible. If you do decide to opt for a retail store, I recommend small, independent apothecaries that have an excellent reputation with knowledgeable staff (these do exist!). Some other things to look for when researching supplements include:
- Independent testing Certifications: Look for a seal of approval from respected third-party labs such as ConsumerLab, National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), or U.S. Pharmacopeia. These third-party organizations exist to protect consumers and inspect supplements and the manufacturing practices used to produce them to ensure they are adhering to high-quality standards.
- Ingredients: Look for supplements that contain minimal and pure ingredients. Avoid supplements that contain any common allergens that are often used in lower-quality products like gluten, dairy, eggs, and artificial preservatives or colors.
- A good reputation: Look for companies that have positive reviews and come recommended by educated health professionals you trust.
Being mindful and thorough about purchasing high-quality supplements from a trusted supplier is crucial if you want to reap the benefits of supplements and ensure you’re actually getting what you paid for.
Take the Time to Protect Yourself From Fake Supplements
Supplements can be a truly powerful tool when it comes to filling in nutritional gaps, mitigating imbalances, and giving your body the nutrients and support it needs to function at optimal levels. But supplements can only be a powerful tool when they actually deliver on the ingredients and quality they promise. So, while it may be slightly less convenient to get each supplement from a supplier to avoid Amazon, doesn’t taking the extra few minutes to make sure you’re getting exactly what it says on the bottle seem worth it?
When it comes to what you’re putting in your body, we know now more than ever before it’s worth it to be vigilant. This is an important step in taking control of our health and living our best, most fulfilling lives. If you’re ready to upgrade your supplement and wellness routine, be sure to check out the top-of-the-line product recommendations outlined in this article and available through my online store.
And while supplements are no doubt a powerful tool, at the end of the day, they are exactly that – a tool. Truly vibrant health, happiness, and longevity require a big-picture, whole-life approach. If you’re looking for more ways to support and enhance your well-being – physically, mentally, and spiritually – I encourage you to head over and check out all of the resources I have available on my blog, my YouTube channel, and in my upcoming book Unexpected: Finding Resilience Through Functional Medicine, Science, and Faith.
If you enjoyed this article, please be sure to share it – this information is incredibly important. The more educated and empowered we can be as a collective, the better!
Resources:
- ConsumerLab.com (nih.gov)
- Dietary Supplements Market Size Report, 2022-2030 (grandviewresearch.com)
- GAO-19-23R: Memory Supplements: Results of Testing for Selected Supplements
- Health Fraud Product Database | FDA
- Amazon.com: The Place Where American Dreams Are Stolen By Chinese Counterfeiters (forbes.com)
- New York Attorney General Targets Supplements at Major Retailers – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
This article was updated on January 3rd, 2023
115 Comments
This is concerning. I recently bought supplements from Amazon. But, even if they are from Amazon, these items are sold by certain businesses. I suppose you can learn which ones of those you can and can’t trust. I;m not surprised about WalMart. Just by instinct I would never have bought supplements from them. Do you still trust Pure Encapsulations now that it is owned by Nestlé? Even if I do, Nestlé does not deserve my money (or anyone’s), so I’ve taken that brand off my list.
I know… it is sad it has come to this! I love Amazon…Don’t get me wrong 😉 but I do think that it is best to purchase your nutritional supplements from either pharmacy, physician or health care provider or directly from the company itself.
Agree with you also love Amazon but not for supplements. The company I have used for 37 years is also having problems with people selling on Amazon when real distributors are not authorized to do that. Even though Shaklee offers a 100% money back guarantee, that is not offered if purchased via Amazon. You also have to watch products aren’t outdated. It has served us well for almost 4 decades to purchase direct. And oh by the way, Shaklee should have been near the top of your list, as the #1 Natural Nutrition Company in America. Along with quality, the science and source and formulation of ingredients in the vitamins and supplements is huge also.
I am sorry Vicki but I would not recommend my patients take supplements that contain corn and soy oil as are on the label of the first Shaklee product I reviewed.
It is understandable that you would assume all corn and soy are from genetically modified sources, but that is definitely not true in the case of Shaklee.
All their products are certified non-GMO. Yes it is possible to source these. One of the unique things about the company is the unusually rigorous testing performed on raw ingredients and on finished products, far beyond regulatory requirements. Thank you for your blog!!
Thanks for your correction, Sharon!
Non GMO is often sprayed with the same dangerous substances. Only Organic.
You never answered the question about Nestle. Are they still safe or is this quiet takeover just a giant plot to rid us of beneficial vitamins and supplements, as well?
https://drnealsmoller.com/rant/the-14-mega-corporations-that-own-your-supplement-brand/
Honestly I don’t know but the quality of Pure Encapsulations has not suffered.
Hi Dr. Jill, I notice the article was written 2018 – when was it last reviewed for accuracy since it is now 2023? Just want to be sure I’m up to date on trustworthy sources and brands. Thank you!
Yes, Mike! This was just updated and reposted 1/4/2023.
I agree with Scott Rubel,
I no longer buy Pure Encapsulations since it was bought by Nestle. Even if the supplements remain the exact same (questionable if not doubtful) I won’t buy from a company with low integrity.
Wow! Thanks for this info, I didn’t know Pure is now owned by Nestle!? :-{
yep. I would not recommend that. I hope that these brands stop doing this.
Thanks so much for this article Dr. Jill
me too! supporting local is the best way to beat the chinese fakes
How about buying from an internet retailer that buys its product directly from the distributor, such as iHerb or VitaCost?
yes, I think that is likely a good option if they control storage and watch expiration dates 😉
What are your thoughts on NOW products? I like to buy from Thorne, Pure, or Biotics, when possible, but they’re pretty expensive. I tend to use a lot of NOW products: L-Glutamin, Quercetin, Super Enzymes, HCL, and others, so I’d be curious for your opinion.
NOW brand is not considered pharmaceutical grade product line
That’s good to know as I have been buying them. Can you detail a little further why they are not considered pharm grade?
And yet it is GMP Certified.
I suffer from vertigo and my husband has a rare form of excema. We’ve been told it’s because of our immune system. Can we buy from sainsburys or Superdrug or holland and Barrett. What strength ?
forbes and ny times not fake news?
I’ve taken NOW products in the past. I was quite shocked. How about Nature’s Way?
Hi Becky, best to stick with professional grade brands.
Again, can you explain what you mean by that “professional grade brands?” Or pharm grade?
What about Swanson? I note they have different levels of admitted quality.
I am most familiar with quality of Thorne Research, Xymogen, Orthomolecular products, Pure Encapsulations, and others. Swanson would qualify as supplement grade, not professional grade
As an NP and functional nutritionist, this is why I encourage my clients to purchase directly from me….I have had seen far too many well meaning friends, colleagues, etc be duped off of Amazon supplement purchases. Thanks for posting!
So are you saying that you can buy an Ortho or Thorne product from Amazon and it might be counterfeit? I have wondered about this possibility as some of the labels are faded or a slightly different color
Check out Kirkman to add to your list kirkmangroup.com. Their products are tested for 950 environmental contaminants. Most are their brand but also sell Thorne and Nordic Naturals. Probiotics are shipped on dry ice. Would love for you to assess the green superfood powders/products out there too! You have such valuable info, thank you.
Love Kirkman Labs… great professional grade products!
Kirkman Laboratories was busted for selling fluoride drops and tablets, which have not been approved by the FDA. Any company which sells fluoride products does not care about the well-being of its customers.
https://www.fda.gov/iceci/enforcementactions/warningletters/2016/ucm483224.htm
so… which is the real problem for you? your first sentence, or second? apples n oranges.
Supplements make me ill regardless of source…manufacturer or supplier…… I do have bio toxin illness (20 years}……but I know of many who complain of feeling unwell after taking supplements…… regardless of “health” …..paradoxically Pharmaceuticals do not have the same reaction with my hypersensitive body ……
What about fullscript that u order through your doc?
Excellent option for professional products
I always go to Natural Grocers to buy supplements. Are you saying that none of them are professional grade ? How do I know what is professional grade? If they aren’t considered professional grade, does this mean there is no benefit or just partial benefit?
Hi Melanie,
Some of the products at health food stores are quality-professional grade but others are not. Best to purchase from reputable pharmacy, physician, or health care provider or a least research before buying.
Your terms are very vague. Are you saying supplements at pharmacies are professional grade vs those at my local health food store? And what is “reputable”?
Professional grade is sold through pharmacies and physicians and has been tested for purity and quality.
Sadly any of them can be a target a few years ago I did buy from pure encapsulations from I thought reputable website and it turned out to be nothing but trash and junk It did not work one bit so I backslided it said it was magnesium glycinate bottle but I can guarantee you there was no magnesium in those capsules
Pure Encapsulations from Quebec Canada sold OUT to Nestle for 2.3 billion dollars in December of 2017.
Is there a way to tell if the product that you purchased is a counterfeit?
Hi Sarah,
Unfortunately I don’t’ know of any way to tell for sure…
While there is no simple way to know, if you search online for the product + FDA that may reveal any issues the FDA has had with the product. Do the same thing for the company + FDA too.
Yes I also love Amazon and have had Amazon Prime for years. I buy most everything there including sups. Our local Health Food Stores are small and expensive. Other places online like vitacost, vitamin shoppe, iherb, etc., charge crazy prices for shipping and handling and take a good week or more to receive. I also have group of trusted companies I usually buy from on Amazon. I don’t know for sure if I’m being scammed or not. Wish there was a way to know for sure.
Hi Marci, yes! I love my Amazon Prime as well… buy all you want there just best to leave supplements to certified suppliers only and not buy on amazon.
I buy some of my supplements from Swanson, including their brand. Their prices are usually a bit lower than found elsewhere, but I have wondered about the quality.
Hi Margaret – I recommend purchasing from only professional brands.
Warmly
Dr Jill
What is your opinion on Pro Caps laboratories and Andrew Lesman? They manufacture all types of supplements. Thank you.
I have not heard of that company
I blog often and I truly thank you for your information.
This great article has truly peaked my interest. I’m going to
take a note of your blog and keep checking for new information about once per
week. I subscribed to your RSS feed too.
Hi Dr. Jill,
What are your thoughts on brands like New Chapter, Pure Synergy, and Standard Process?
Hi Jack
Most of these supplement great supplement grade products but they are not professional grade.
What is your opinion on buying supplements from Puritans Pride ?
I only recommend professional grade products. Unfortunately that is not one of them.
Great information Dr. Jill,
Most supplement companies sell directly on Amazon – so their online storefronts would be the safest place to get an authentic product from their lines. My only reservation is, how long has it been at the Amazon Warehouse and is it temperature controlled?
Disclosure: I currently am a Functional Medicine consultant for Biotics Research (43 years of professional supplements).
You should expand this article illustrating how some companies test every raw material that comes in and where their products are manufactured. Biotics Research has the only GOED and ORIVO certified fish oils in the US. Single sourced from anchovies (no mackerel or sardines) and processed close to the shipping port (Chile). Many of the companies you listed as “professional” don’t know where the fish was caught, where it was processed, how long it was in storage, or know logistically how it got to their facility. ORIVO (Norway) can genetically track the fish back to the source and randomly tests for quality and purity.
I’d love for you and your patients to try some of our Products and recommend them in your future posts. In good health.
Nootropics are natural supplements or drugs that have a beneficial effect on brain function in healthy people.Many of these can boost memory, motivation, creativity, alertness and general cognitive function. Nootropics may also reduce age-related declines in brain function.
Dr Jill, good review of this industry problem. I like the company list you provided. Those companies are on my list as well. I’ve been investigating supplements since the 90s and I agree, few are talking about this problem. Two groups supplements I often see red-flagging are
1 male performance supplements
2 weight loss supplements
Searching online for “FDA Tainted supplements” reveals a massive list of supplements the FDA has had problems with. Many of these products are in the two groups mentioned above.
I hope this helps your patients and readers.
So what are your thoughts on going through Vitamin Shoppe? Wouldn’t they get those same great professional grade products straight from the manufacturer?
No unfortunately, this is not a great source for vitamins
Do you trust all of the brands sold on Natural Partners, such as Life Extension? Thank you!
Most brands sold on Emerson and Natural Partners are quality
Thanks Jill, great article! I’m an independent consultant for Neal’s Yard Remedies organic health and beauty and our products are constantly showing up on Amazon which we don’t allow. Sadly, as you mention, there’s no guarantee who you’re actually buying from (unless you’re specifically shopping the manufacturer’s store on Amazon), and you may be getting products that are past their expiry date, with no recourse from the manufacturer. If it seems like too good a price to be true, it likely is. Thanks for opening people’s eyes to the issues w/ purchasing supplements on Amazon.
On another note, I have always been a big Thorne fan, and recently I had a practitioner tell me that she felt they’ve gone downhill recently. I’ve not had any indication of that elsewhere and see that you still recommend them, do you have any thoughts on that? Thanks Jill!
Hi Heidi
Thank you for your comments. Sadly many of the original professional brands that I have grown to trust have changed direction or ownership and not all maintain the quality they once had.
warmly
Dr Jill
Good afternoon. Do you have direct evidence that a supplement product purchased through Amazon was fake based on reliable scientific testing? You state “In a recent Forbes article, Amazon.com: The Place Where American Dreams Are Stolen By Chinese Counterfeiters, journalists found that 25 percent of Amazon’s marketplace are Chinese knockoffs – and that’s just what’s specifically coming from China.” However, this statement does not indicate that a supplement product purchased through Amazon was fake. You appear to apply this percentage to Amazon products and then assume some or all supplement products purchased through Amazon fall within this percentage. Thank you.
Yes, actually, we had a private investigator do research and our findings were shocking. Still a big ongoing issue that many consumers are unaware of… That in addition to patient complaints of receiving expired product or product altered in some way from original.
Hi! Pure is no longer safe. It was bout by some company like Hersheys? I forget which.
Pure Encapsulations is a low-quality unsafe brand since its purchase by mega-corporation Nestle. I used to take their daily multivitamins and started receiving tainted capsules that contain alarmingly discolored contents. I think you should amend this list to remove Pure Encapsulations before someone gets hurt.
Hi Alan,
I still believe that Pure Encapsulations purchased from your physician or pharmacist is a high quality brand. If you purchased the product online, or from retailer like Amazon, that is another issue as other patients have also had issues with with online purchase from third party retailers.
warmly
Dr Jill
Do you consider Juice Plus+ professional grade? Many of their products are NSF certified. Only available through direct sales. They don’t offer a wide variety of products, but what they have, they do well. Their shakes are great, and I’ve had tremendous outcomes (and my family) with the encapsulated fruits and veggies.
Hi Dr. Jill I have spent hours looking for a combo of supplements for joint pain. My son was in a car accident with a drunk driver and broke his foot. He has 4 screws. It’s been almost a year and his foot and knees and back hurt him. He’s young and in good shape but he was hit head on. Please help me What would you recommend for him and where can I buy it. I also had a neck and back fusion and knee replacement years ago and now have a lot of pain too. Please help us! I to fell ignorant of the guard Amazon and others have been putting their greed in front of human health how sad.
You might try DrHRejoint or SPM Active
Hi Jill, I’ve been ordering Pure Encapsulations product from a site called PureFormulas.com based in Miami. Is this not advisable? TIA
I recently purchased Pure Ecap. magnesium glycinate from Earth Turns.com & Amazon and received the same lot number from both. I contacted Pure and both products came from them as the lot numbers were verified. Both tasted of MOLD at $70 ea! I was told by Pure it was the capsule shell itself due to drying time and they assured me their products were not unsafe. NO THANK YOU! tHIS WAS THE 3RD TIME AND THE LAST!
Cindy, I have had an identical experience as you. I purchase a lot of Pure Encapsulations products every year, and have done so for many years, and in the last 6 months or so I’ve noticed a musty smell to their capsules. I believe that smell is due to mycotoxins in the capsule shell. I’ve written to them and been assured that there is no health concern and that the smell is due to incomplete drying which makes the issue seem benign but I don’t think it is. I now believe the majority of Pure Encapsulations products, conceivably hundreds of millions of capsules over this time period, were contaminated with mycotoxins. I just hope the amount of mycotoxin isn’t very high but the awful smell suggests otherwise. The woman at Pure Encapsulations with whom I corresponded wrote to tell me that they have severed their relationship with the capsule supplier and I’m certainly pleased to know that but I still wonder how much mycotoxin have I unknowingly consumed?
What would you say about the AIM companies products ?
I am not familiar with AIM
What about the company ASEA? I’ve been looking into their redox product
Hi Michele
There is a lot of hype around ASEA and recently a distributor contacted me to try for 30 days. I saw no major difference and not convinced because there are little scientific studies supporting their claims
warmly
Dr Jill
is mega food and also carlson good brands? what vitamin stores are good to order from to be able to choose a wide variety of brands Pure Formulas.com or like vitamin shoppe,iherb,swanson,vitacost?
Hi Teri
These are also supplement grade brands. You can find professional grade brands here if you want to know examples.
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill, Thankyou so much for your reply. I am an older woman with so many health issues Ive had severe thyroid problems and very high anxiety all of my life and had a thyroid scan done after begging and it showed that i barely had a gland left so im assuming that means i have hashimotos. Over 10yrs ago after moving into a lot of mold after a bad divorce and extreme stress i developed so many other problems…a tender growth on my head,hives and rashes chest pains dry burning eyes and skin that feels like the heat cant get out and menopause and all of the Drs ive been to put me on anti anxiety and depressants and bp pills and i have very high cholesterol. Because of the shape im in from everything (the mold) I cant barely function or have the means to go to a better Dr. I think i may have cushings also because i have a hump and lots of pain. Please help me with any advice what could help me. I plan on ordering from your site when i get some money. Thankyou Dr. Jill and God Bless
Are you familiar with biotics research? I’m curious as to your opinion on the quality. Thanks
Yes, Biotics Research is excellent and professional grade quality.
What do you think about DESIGNS FOR HEALTH?
excellent brand 😊
Are high quality supplements (like Pure Encapsulations) safe to buy on Amazon if they are “shipped from Amazon”?
Hi Shirley
I do not recommend purchasing nutritional supplements from Amazon in general as it is hard to track if they have been properly stored and untampered with.
warmly
Dr Jill
I think it’s also important to know who now owns the companies. I will no longer buy Garden of Life, Pure Encapsulations, Douglas Labs or Genestra after Nestle bought them out. There’s a reason they’re taking out good quality companies and it’s not for our health benefits.
Just asking…what are your thoughts on supplements sold by companies like Plexus? I know several friends who are taking these supplements and swear by them. Of course Plexus is a “pyramid” type marketing company. I would assume by reading your other comments that these would not be “pharmaceutical-grade” supplements. Just curious what your thoughts are. Thanks!
not a fan of any supplements with GMO soy or corn or multi-level retailers.
What do you think about Previlli – a gut health supplement manufactured by Terragenics Nutrition, Inc in Orem, UT? And, also, Vegan Probiotics with Prebiotics Capsules by the company Ora? I’m researching prebiotics and probiotics due to GI, immune, and skin issues. I came across these supplements and had never heard of them. Just wanted your opinion. Thanks – Leigh
I think you should revise your trusted list. Pure Encapsulations has been owned by Nestle for years, they also own Vital Proteins & both brands made me extremely sick that’s why I researched & learned about Nestle.
I called Thorne Research & asked them if iServe on Amazon was an authorized retailer & she said yes. So I went against my better judgment & started ordering supplements on Amazon, particularly Thorne based on your list since Thorne said iServe is authorized & once again, after switching to their brand of supplements I am so sick right now I feel poisoned & I’m trying to flush whatever is in their capsules out of my system with water, charcoal & NAC from my good old regular brands I’ve bought for years from VitaCost.
Well the reason you know that the supplement at Target contained beans rice and carrots it’s because Target tests the supplements that it carries. So does Walgreens. That’s why we are aware that the supplements don’t contain the ingredients they purport to
I think buying supplements from retail stores that have reputations to maintain and standards of integrity is the safest place to buy.
Because the contents of supplements are completely unregulated, where else could you turn?
Hi Jack,
When you purchase pharmaceutical grade supplements from licensed providers, you are purchasing high quality regulated products you can trust. There are many sources but here is one that I have personally vetted all products.
warmly
Dr Jill
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