Supplement Buyer’s Checklist

Take this list to the store to make sure you’re purchasing the best product

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by choices when you step into a health food store. Here’s a summary of what you need to keep in mind as you select your supplements:

• Read labels carefully.
• Make sure supplements contain the appropriate levels of key nutrients.
• Select the right nutrient form, i.e., natural forms of vitamin E and beta-carotene.
• Avoid products that contain artificial colors, flavors, and excessive additives and fillers.
• Buy from reputable manufacturers.
• Realize that price often has some bearing on overall quality.
• Be aware that seals of approval—or lack thereof—are not the most valid determination of a supplement’s quality.
• Consider the specific amounts of EPA and DHA when purchasing fish oil.
• Look for standardized extracts of most herbs.
• Check expiration dates—if a product doesn’t have one, don’t buy it.
• Don’t fall for marketing hype. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

More Dr. Whitaker Advice on Nutritional Support

• How to make sure you are buying the best quality nutritional supplements
• Special rules for safely selecting and using herbal supplements
• How to decide what supplements to take